Internet access has been a bit spotty and the distinct lack of time in a very full schedule have not allowed me to post like I had hoped…  The truth is I will probably be writing and posting for weeks as I decompress and process what I am witnessing here.

Yesterday evening officially began the Congress with introductions, worship, prayer and some exhortations.  As I previously mentioned, much of the initial hope and expectation for the Congress has already been met.  There is incredible peace and unity amongst brothers, both of Judah and Ephraim that have gathered from across the planet.

I have overheard and participated in dozens of discussions over the last three days that have a singleness of focus and maturity: Learning to walk at peace and let Abba work out the differences we have. In truth, He loves diversity and variety and as Frank Houtz explained, the Torah guidelines are rather general allowing His people to display broad diversity while still being obedient to letter and Spirit.

Pondering the Northern Kingdom’s apostasy, Jeroboam led them into division and “painting outside the lines” of Torah.  It is this very spirit of division that we must confess and address.  The Prodigal Son returned as a servant and sought the Father in humility and let his father handle bringing peace to the family.

This morning begins several talks/presentations followed by facilitated round table discussions.  Please pray that our Father lead us in truth and guides us as we begin to consider actionable steps toward becoming a recognizable, cohesive, peaceable people.  Al McCarn leads off with a presentation on how to build a nation and what the defining characteristics are.  Pray for me as I am a group facilitator.  I need wisdom on what issues need to be pursued and then how best to explain our thoughts and findings to the Congress.  Others groups will be doing the same and I trust they, too, would appreciate your prayers.

Another subject that has been at the forefront of discussions and will get tackled from the floor later today is ‘community.’  What does it look like to live in community and what are considerations.  We are blessed with a number of delegates who have years of experience in communities and kibbutz setups. They will be sharing and then we’ll discuss how best to begin connecting these communities and sharing what is being learned so that all can benefit.

Time to start the day, so I’ll get going, but the real work has begun and it is very exciting to see our Father bring pieces together.

Shalom!!