United Strangers

Beloved, you do faithfully whatever you do for the friends, even though they are strangers to you. 
3 John 1:1

The words Chick-fil-A—guaranteed to created hunger in a group of people at noon—echoed through the office. All but two workers laughed. The remaining, apparently clueless folks, looked for DoorDashⓇ to bring in a surprise lunch.

“It’s a song by Kanye West,” one of the hipper staff giggled. “Closed on Sunday (Chick-fil-A).” 

It just happened that some incredible visitors were at SEAPC that day. Three of them stood up and sang:

Closed on Sunday, you\’re my Chick-fil-A
Closed on Sunday, you my Chick-fil-A
Hold the selfies, put the \’Gram away
Get your family, y\’all hold hands and pray

The visitors—strangers but already friends and family in the Kingdom—were from Brazil, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Guatemala. Much later, after assorted bag lunches instead of Chick-fil-A, we gathered for prayer. Words were lifted to God in Spanish, British English, Portuguese, American English, and tongues. There were tears, the laying on of hands, and spontaneous worship. The presence of the Holy Spirit filled the house. 

So who were these strangers among us? 

Alana, a young woman from Sao Paulo, is in the States for personal time. God sent her to Pittsburgh to reconnect with friends as He leads her to new places in life. A normally very busy person, she is pulling back to listen and to hear from God as He refines her mindset. She is searching for a “world vibe” to bring “global transformation” to those who already know Jesus and to those who have yet to meet Him. 

“It is a new season for me to see His plans and purpose for my life.” Her passion is palpable. Her smile of faith lights up a room. Her tears are genuine. 

Alana asks for prayer for her family in Brazil. For the next, best steps to really live what God has planned for her. And for clarity that she can communicate the simple gospel message in Brazil. As the group surrounded and prayed for her, tears came. Prophetic words were spoken. Love flowed.

Ben lives in London but was born in Hong Kong. Twice. Jesus led him through a difficult year that, while not fun, allowed him to filter through the clutter and confusion. As with Alana, he reached a point where he began listening. “What is God saying? What is God doing?” He gave up everything. And heard nothing. Until he went to sleep one night and gave up himself. At which point, “God chose to be kind enough to answer, and I was born again in faith.”

He had a “random” thought to come to Pittsburgh after connecting with SEAPC in Israel at Friends Around the Table. Through his work, he is looking at whole systems being transformed—including changing hearts and minds. This involves, “Standing in the gap between the world we want to create and the reality before us.”

Ben asks for prayer as he prepares to move to the Philippines. That he might see those he meets as God sees them. And that he might fulfill the faith mandate that his parents instilled into him. 

Debbie is a nomad. She was born in Guatemala, lives in Arkansas, and is currently splitting her time between the two. Her heart has already taken up residence in Guatemala City, as she ministers in one of the infamous Red Zones teaching young people that their identity lies in being children of the King—not children of the gangs. 

During this period of waiting upon the Lord, she is learning and growing into the role of Director of the Center of Hope where these kids now meet weekly to hear the Word, to pray, eat, and fellowship in safety. It is not a small thing to fully serve the Lord, even as each baby step of faith propels her forward. 

Debbie appreciates prayer during this transitional period. That others will be called to take on her responsibilities in Arkansas. For the support to begin life in another nation full-time. And most important that she will clearly hear the voice of God so that she walks in His perfect will for her life—and for the lives of the precious young people she is serving in His name.

The dulcet tones of Kanye West may never again grace the SEAPC office. Chick-fil-A might not always be a viable option around the lunch table. And most days the beautiful blend of multiple languages raised in song and prayer isn’t a reality. But that’s okay.

Because the body of Christ is always united worldwide. In one Savior. One faith. And through the power of prayer. Who needs Chick-fil-A?