God's Sense Of Humor: The Arab League Meetings In Baghdad

[Phil Lilley]

I wanted to share this here because I think we need some good news with all the bad going around.

First let me state for the record that I have known Carl Medearis for many years. This is the real deal- nothing made up or exaggerated. I'm sure you can google Carl's name and read quite a bit about him but I can tell you what he'd say - he's a country boy from a farm in Nebraska that loves to talk about Jesus. And look how God has used him...

Here's today's newsletter. He just returned from his trip.

http://createsend.com/t/r-8AC2073F4296EC49

God has a sense of humor. Seriously. Not joking. He’s hilarious. I mean, look at us. Look at who he chooses to use and how he goes about doing it...

Take this as an example: three months ago I got a slightly mysterious message from someone in Egypt who was supposedly the Ambassador to Palestine from the Arab League. I had never heard of him and couldn’t find out any info about him. Then I started getting messages from his assistant saying the Iraqi government wanted to pay for my attendance at the annual Arab League meeting on the Palestinian-Israeli issue.

The way I decide such things is simple - I talk to Chris. Pray. Talk to my “Core Group” (leadership team). If no one has red flags, I just say YES! So... I said Yes.

Then began a long email string of back-and-forth’s about the purpose was and what I would be doing. Would I be speaking? Why had they invited me? Etc. The obvious questions. But I got NO answers. Finally, someone from Iraq’s Foreign Ministry said that I should “submit a paper”. What kind of paper and on what topic, I asked? Still NO answer.

So... I decided to write the paper that I’d want to be presented to several hundred key Arab leaders. Something on Jesus (obviously). So I wrote a three page paper called “The Answer to Injustice according to Jesus of Nazareth". Basically saying that the way forward was divine and human forgiveness. Very controversial in such a setting. But they accepted it.

Then I asked if I could bring some friends. They said “sure.” I asked if they would get their way paid as well - Yes, was the reply. So I invited some friends. Porter Speakman (who was probably already going anyway) is the producer of the fantastic film called “With God on our Side". If you haven’t watched it, then you should go to Amazon and buy it. I also invited my good friend, Andrew Schill, who is an oil and gas attorney in Durango, Colorado and another good friend, Andy Braner, who runs the coolest youth camp on earth: www.campKivu.com, that my kids have attended for the last 7 years!

Three days before we were supposed to leave - the plane tickets came. We headed out. A real journey of faith (which, like many others started by saying "Yes”).

On the way, I got an email asking if I would “Chair” one of the meetings. I had no idea what that meant - I still didn’t even know what we were doing - but I said “yes". We got there and then the Ambassador of the Arab League asked if I’d be the Chairperson for two of the six main meetings. I said... well, you get the idea.

It was a meeting full of Arab politicians, Palestinians, Western activists and an interesting mix of journalist, foreign Ambassadors and even heads of state. And I was put in charge of leading and moderating two of the meetings. Tell me God doesn’t have a keen sense of humor. (During one of them, I even wore my slippers because my feet were hurting.)

The first night I closed with a little talk (5 minutes) on Prayer. Simply that we needed to pray for the people of the region. You would have thought I’d called for the end of the world or something based on some of the responses. The Muslim Arabs were all elated and the majority of the Westerners were furious. I mean, spit-coming-out-of-their-mouth-angry! One Western lady said, “I’m an atheist and I can’t believe you brought God into this conversation". I couldn’t resist saying two things: 1. "I didn’t bring God into it - He’s already here." 2. "If you’re an atheist, then I guess you don’t need to worry!"

The next day a similar thing happened when I closed by sharing my thoughts on Jesus’ Way - the way of forgiveness. I spoke softly and sensitively, but very clearly about Jesus. I was told that has never happened before at an Arab League meeting. I asked “Why not?” They weren’t sure...

One group of Europeans actually got up and walked out during my talk. But three mothers from Gaza came up to me afterwards in tears - two had lost their children - killed by Israeli shelling. They grabbed my hand and wouldn’t let go. “Thank you, thank you, thank you", they repeated over and over. “Finally, someone acknowledges there is a God.” The ironies here are many and profound!

The rest of the conference was full of discussions with leaders about Jesus and why I did that and what it means. Some incredible discussions. Too many to tell... and they are continuing on!

Thank you for praying for this trip! Thank you so much! The people who hosted us from Egypt (the Arab League) and Iraq (the Foreign Ministry) were wonderful. The times were rich with great food and wonderful warm conversation! We each sensed God’s sweet presence in an otherwise difficult environment. As usual, Chris was a champion back here at home - serving and working and taking care of the house and kids.

It’s hard to measure the “success” of such an endeavor. It was emotionally and physically exhausting to be sure. I didn’t give an altar call. No one “signed up". But many heard the good news that God loves and cares for them and that Jesus’ Way is The Way open for all. They just need to say Yes.

Once again, THANK YOU! Without you, we couldn’t do what we do. We are so grateful for you and thankful for your partnership.

Merry Christmas,

Carl and Chris

[junkman]

Well I thought that was a great read. And wow what a opportunity. At least seeds have been planted and God's word will not return to Him void.

[DaddyO]

Amen! Phil, thanks for sharing!

[Mitch f]

Cool stuff, thanks for sharing!