It seemed quite normal - the inquiry through the Bratislava International Fellowship website. I am always pleased when people “reach out” to find a place to fellowship with other believers. This inquiry was no different … someone new in town … English speaking … and looking for information on when and where we meet for worship.
As the couple entered our meeting room at the Istropolis performing arts center on Sunday, I got an immediate confirmation that they were the ones who contacted me earlier in the week. It is always great to have guests - even those “passing through” on vacation or for other reasons.
As we talked, it became very apparent that this was no “coincidence” or “chance visit”. They began to explain that there were there to pray for us - the pastors of this English-speaking church in Bratislava. And it wasn’t a “we happened to be in town …” conversation. In fact, I was nearly dumbfounded as I was drawn deeper into their explanation as to how they happened to be there.
God had spoken to this couple several weeks prior and told them to travel to Bratislava, Slovakia (having never visited either the city or the country before), to pray (in person) for the pastors of an English-speaking International church. The Lord did not reveal all of the details before they left Greece, but assured them He would identify the church and the pastors that were on His heart, once they had arrived in Bratislava. And it was BIF, and its pastors (Joy and I) whom the Lord directed them to, once they arrived.
Needless to say, we were overwhelmed at the Lord’s attention and care, and at the obedience of this couple to travel and pray, just as the Lord has instructed them. To say we were blessed and encouraged would be a huge understatement. Half an hour of prayer and laying-on of hands after service, and we were saturated with the love and affirmation our very personal God who demonstrated His love in an incredibly tangible way!
Before they could fly back to Greece the very next day, we invited and met them for dinner where we talked and laughed with a shared love and admiration for the goodness of the God we all serve! They will be friends for life - this couple - and we look forward to visiting them and their congregation in Greece!
The Lord has His eyes on all of us. Some of His love and care arrives in everyday ways. Some of it arrives in very special packages. This was one such package.
Thank you, Lord … we are so thankful for the package, and for the faithfulness of those who delivered it!