Waves of Blessing at the Eurasia Regional Conference

This is our last day in Albania. The Eurasia Regional Conference ended on a high note last night as the congregation sang The Blessing. We all lifted our hands and blessed one another, it was a powerful, holy moment. I could almost see the waves of the Holy Spirit rippling across the crowd. The Lord’s presence was tangible; undeniable and beautifully inclusive as nations, generations, ethnicities, and genders lifted their hands high, looked one another in the eye, and sang blessings over their beloved siblings in Christ.

It made me wonder: Do we see the Spirit more clearly when we bless one another?

I’ve blessed people with resources, spoken words of blessing over them, and even prayed silent blessings when they weren’t aware. Could those small, quiet actions accomplish more than I realize?

This past week, I saw the family of God dwelling together in unity. People from so many languages, ethnicities, and life circumstances cried, deliberated, worshiped, and learned side by side. We laughed and played together, shared countless jokes, and enjoyed more food than I can describe! We watched beautiful sunsets over the glimmering sea, sipped coffee in beachfront cafés, and shared our common vision: to make Christlike disciples in the nations.

I was deeply inspired by stories of online ministries, centers combating human trafficking, and many creative ideas to advance the Kingdom. The Spirit of the Lord was present as young and old, sons and daughters, were dreaming dreams and seeing visions. And what moved me most was that the Church didn’t silence their voices; instead, it elevated their stories to encourage us all.

Of course, it wasn’t all perfect. There were a few moments of frustration; technical glitches, translation hiccups, and the occasional complaint. There were also moments of sorrow as we listened to believers who live amid war, persecution, and food insecurity. Yet, even in those heavy moments, there was a sweet spirit of unity as believers gathered to pray, comfort one another, and discern how the Church can respond to these crises.

Today, I have a bit of a cold and this is perhaps inevitable after so many warm hugs, handshakes, and cheek kisses from brothers and sisters from around the world! But I wouldn’t have it any other way. Because today, I feel like Aaron: the oil is flowing down my head and onto my collar.

Psalm 133

1How very good and pleasant it is

when kindred live together in unity!

2 It is like the precious oil on the head,

running down upon the beard,

on the beard of Aaron,

running down over the collar of his robes.

3 It is like the dew of Hermon,

which falls on the mountains of Zion.

For there the LORD ordained His blessing—

life forevermore.