We are having our first international student’s retreat in our church over this coming weekend. Global ACCESS, our international ministry in our church started with a handful of people but now it has grown into a viable and expanding ministry reaching out to many nations here on the University of Michigan campus.
When our church first got started back in 1996, we had a vision of reaching the nations. Little did we know that it would be connected to the nations that were coming to UM. We have close to 122 nations that are represented here on campus. Instead of trying to raise up an American to go to some of these nations, we came to the conclusion that it would be more effective if a national was raised up and trained to go back to their nation. This approach makes sense because they do not need to learn a new language or get used to a new culture, which will make them more effective right from the beginning.
But now, the vision is evolving due to the changes in the global climate. We want to see teams made up of nationals and Americans being sent out to powerfully impact the international scene. With various skills and experiences, it is our prayer that different spheres of society (CHARGED) will be reached with the Gospel.
I am praying for a powerful visitation of the Holy Spirit at this first-ever Global ACCESS Retreat. Before the early disciples were sent out to the nations in the Book of Acts, they were anointed by the Holy Spirit. We are praying for the same visitation. We covet your prayers for this retreat.