Pray for Wives in the Holy Land
By Becky Hunter
A narrow street lined with tiny shops selling everything from rosary beads to fresh fish housed vendors who were unrelenting in their invitations to “come in.” The mixture of odors wafting from the shops made it impossible to recognize the specific source of any. A Muslim’s call to prayer filled the air. The whole scene was surreal because we were walking up the Via Dolorosa.
Last week was my first time to be in Israel. My husband was speaking for the Back to Jerusalem conference and I was able to go along and encourage the pastors’ wives who were attending. But, as so often is the case when we encourage others, we too find encouragement. The pastoral couples we met there are ministering not only to people who work in those shops along the Via Dolorosa, the street that Jesus walked to His crucifixion, but throughout the Holy Land.
The wives, with whom I had the privilege of spending time, are passionate about Jesus. Each one prioritizes her relationship with Him and cherishes opportunities to share the Good News in the land that Jesus chose as His home away from home. Perhaps it’s their surroundings, or their heritage, or a combination of the two, but their relationships with Jesus overflow so naturally into every moment of their lives. Pastors told story after story about their wives invaluable assistance with ministry efforts.
The theme, of even the wives’ casual conversations, was not self-concern. Discussions focused on how to best accomplish the work of the Gospel; how to be effective witnesses in communities that house such incredible diversity of beliefs.
Joel and I have returned home, and these inspiring women remain in my thoughts, encouraging me to live every day in ways that have the potential to motivate others to want to know Jesus.
As always, you are in my prayers and I hope you will join me in praying for pastors’ wives everywhere. When you pray for the pastors’ wives in the Holy Land, I can assure you that you will be assisting some incredible women of God in the way that they treasure most. |
