“Why NOT Now?”

As we arrived in London Heathrow on our way to Cairo back on March 2, the Administration had just
announced they wanted all Americans to evacuate the Middle East as things had escalated with all that had
been brewing in Iran.

We were faced with a decision with very little information to go on, and less than an hour to decide before
our flight from LHR to CAI left. Brian wisely said that if anyone had any reservations about going due to
safety, there would be no shame in turning back.

On the one hand we had been working closely with our Egyptian church leaders there and, at their request,
this was the best time for us to come. A number at home, after hearing the vision for a Mission Connection
Middle East (MCME) had stepped up and committed significant resources for us to go at this time, and
many were counting on us.

Some of us were receiving texts from those who knew we were on our way, strongly urging us to turn back,
even suggesting that our reckless actions are what “gives Christians a bad name.” The only question in our
minds was “what does the Lord want us to do?” So, we prayed.

While initially we had not had any sense of direction, the Lord (for me) used a number of things. The agent
at the counter of EgyptAir from Algeria enthusiastically endorsed our going through, then we realized that
while the Administration’s proclamation was strong, the actual threat level issued on the State Department’s
website, was no higher than it has been when we have travelled there in the past.

So, after praying and conferring, four of us had a sense of peace that we should continue, and one of our
team turned back, yet was still included in our meetings joining by Zoom. Some other time we will share
how much was accomplished because we listened to the Lord, in this instance, and continued.

Matthew 7:7-8 says: “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to
you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be
opened.” And on that day in March in an airport in London, five of us cried out to the Lord for His help, and
all five of us heard from the Lord.

However, some believe we should not be doing anything, in any part of that side of the world. Some might
even suggest, perhaps with good reason…”wait ‘til things cool down a bit!”

I was recently recounting our experiences with my longtime friend, Bob Blincoe, who had led Frontiers for
many years and he shared a blog post he’d written just a few days ago that so answers this question, that
with his permission, I share it here because it brings in a historical perspective, and I could never have said it
better…

https://robertblincoe.blog/20859-2/

The actual MCME event will take place in Cairo in October 2026. A number of pastors and leaders in the
greater Portland area who either work in the Middle East currently or have a burden from the Lord to be
involved in serving the Church in the Middle East will be meeting in May to discuss this opportunity.

If you are a pastor / mission leader whom God has piqued your interest for the M.E. I would encourage you to
reach out to us and let’s start a conversation.  Info@missionconnexion.global