Since Arrow Leadership was launched 25 years ago, “leading more to Jesus” has been central to our purpose. This special 25th anniversary article, written by Arrow leader Monica Kay, is an inspiring reminder of the importance of prayer. Who can you encourage by sharing this article?
Barnabas, Keats Island, BC
Sometimes the greatest lesson at Arrow is one you already know, but have forgotten or neglected. At my second residential, I was at Barnabas watching the bald eagles soar, preparing my heart to hear from the Lord. Dr. Dave Overholt leading our lesson on, “The Leader As Ambassador.” He began by encouraging us to be 10% more “friendly,” reminding us that we are in partnership with God and His work.
I love spending time with my neighbors, Frisbee team, and other friends. It is not always easy, as my husband and I are different from them with our faith and ministry careers. Many friends are quite closed, but I did have one British neighbour who seemed more open. I wasn’t sure where “Bridgette” was spiritually, but she seemed to accept me for who I was. I could tell her my Jesus stories – even the intense ones… Bridgette was becoming one of my dearest friends.
Shortly before coming to Barnabas, Bridgette shared that she and her family were moving back to England. Bridgette was not keen on the decision, as she never felt special there. My heart was broken, for her and for me. I carried this weight as I sat in Dave’s class. His next point was to pray fervently for others. “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ” Colossians 4:2,3. If I was honest, I had not been praying faithfully for my friends. I was present in their lives, but I had lost passion to intercede for them. I asked for forgiveness and immediately began to pray for the opportunity to tell Bridgette that she was special. I devoted myself to prayer.
When I returned home, the Lord opened a door for me to tell Bridgette that both God and I thought she was special. She was touched, and I continued to pray. The night before she left for England, Bridgette shared that I had become her closest friend. She called me an “onion peeler” who had helped her see different parts of who she was. Perhaps the Lord was mysteriously working… I tearfully said good-bye to my friend.
For the rest of the summer, each time I ran past her house I would cry out to the Lord asking Him to do the impossible. Could He please send Bridgette another Christian friend who could encourage her spiritually? I asked again and again.
In September, to my surprise, I received an email from Bridgette sharing that the very first people to befriend her family were a Vicar (pastor) and his wife. She started going to their church, and has since continued! The Lord heard my cries. Bridgette’s moving to England was a painful loss for me, but it has led her closer to Christ, and that has given me reason to celebrate. Thank you Arrow for the reminder that we are God’s partners and that prayer is powerful!
- Reflect on how and if you have been interceding for the “normal” people (not-yet Christ-followers) around you. What might prevent you from devoting yourself to prayer?
- What are 1-2 actions steps you can take this month to increase and deepen your prayers for others?
- Who is the Lord putting on your heart to pray for this season?
