Grateful Upon Returning From IJM's GPG

My time at IJM's Global Prayer Gathering in Washington DC from April 11-13 was an absolute blessing. I appreciated the fact that it wasn't a conference on how to pray or how to do justice. It was a time of reflection, family reunions (Gary Haugen calls all workers of IJM family members), much prayer and story sharing. It gave a face to the work done in IJM. The victims, the heroes, the bad guys, those behind the scenes, those that were young and old, black, yellow, green and white.

The time here showed me the value IJM has in prayer, in the ONE life rescued, and in the ONE life that God uses to help another. In sharing these stories with my wife, we both just broke down in tears - we could not help but imagine that these victims could be one of our own children.

I learned that we can indeed be gentle as a lamb and crafty as a serpent. I learned that there are places where power isn't just hoarded but can be shared and used for incredible good. I learned that you can be at the "top of your game" or profession and live it for the kingdom and for Jesus, and yet continue to be respected by your peers - even more so. I experienced how so many are doing such an incredible work in parallel to what IJM is doing. Amazing work! There's a fire to do what is right and it reminds me of the passion our own Justice League of young people have and that it will not go away.

I'm proud to be introduced to this ministry.

In reflection I am also so thankful in particular to Anne Chiu. After interning at IJM in the summer of 2003(?), she introduced us to IJM and provided the IJM bible study resource that rocked CYF and myself those many years ago. She was the one God used to open this door to us, and this will not be easily forgotten. Paradigms have been shifted, life ambitions altered and good but unsatisfying things replaced by purposeful, meaningful, "win-win" pursuits. Her heart for the right things has touched my heart to do the same.

Joy, Anne and Jason, thank you so much for paying (& and praying) the way for me to have this special experience.

Anne, me and Jason Yip in front of the

Lincoln Memorial during our Candlelight
Prayer Vigil

And I want to encourage all who get a chance to read this to consider joining the gathering next year. It really is worth your while to attend.