The launch of the KBI, Part 1: The sovereignty of God; or How HE works to answer your prayers before you even know what you need to pray for.
Today's post will be the first in a series of some reflections about our last trip to Kosovo. With the duties of managing this camp and a group of 15+ volunteers, I was never able to post regular blogs as I had hoped...but, here it goes.
Saturday, 21 June.
This was the first official day of the Kosovo trip, but in reality most of the team of volunteers had already been in Europe for a while. On the Baseball side, the coaching team had already been together for a week since we worked in Hungary for a few days alongside an OM missionary using baseball as his main ministry platform. So we were comfortable. And really, that morning was the first logistical test. We had to get 19 people and 25 bags from 4 different locations in Vienna to the airport by 8:30am. No problem. One call to the taxi service and the first logistical hurdle was easily cleared.
Certainly, there were a couple of small issues; extra baggage fees, boarding pass printing issues, a couple people (all the coaches) staying too long at McDonald's eating breakfast...but those are normal. We had it, no worries.
Security was a breeze and one last cup of coffee awaited. So as we made our way to the gate there was a satisfying feeling that everything was going off without a hitch. No problems. The team members made their way to the gate and settled in for a few minutes of waiting before getting on the flight.
Except for the fact that there was one person who hadn't settled down in the comfy pleather seats.
Faisal.
Faisal was, instead, standing near the entrance to the waiting area with look of desperation on his face as the friendly airport staff lady repeatedly told him that his passport was unacceptable. Now, Faisal had traveled to Kosovo only a couple months prior with no problems.
But apparently now it was a problem.
Not good.
One of the cool things about this experience is that the support we have received from high level political leaders. So the Williams jumped on their phone and began calling the Kosovar Ambassador to Vienna, Ambassador Canaj.
No Answer.
Uh, oh.
Multiple attempts with no luck.
Not good.
So...people begin to pray in earnest (I know, it seems late in the story).
And then boarding for the flight began.
Time was running out.
At this point I was standing at the entry point with Faisal...and then I saw the Ambassador walking towards us.
Are you kidding me?!
He recognized me, we shook hands, and with a little look of surprise we both asked the inevitable question; "What are you doing here?". Turns out he was escorting the FOREIGN MINISTER of Kosovo on to this flight. So he wasn't able to answer the calls because he was a bit busy...
After a quick explanation of the problem he and the foreign minister went into action. Business cards were pulled and Faisal was allowed through.
What an answer to an unknown prayer. Faisal would not have been allowed on that flight were it not for this intervention. I simply do not believe in coincidences.
From this experience came invitations to meet with the Foreign minister (third in the power structure of Kosovo, btw) and promises of future assistance in establishing baseball in Kosovo.
Wow.
Seems like a good application of the promise and prayer found at the end Ephesians 3.
The challenges we ended up facing during that week were interesting, to say the least...and we constantly were reminded how much better God's plans are. So I leave you with this prayer for spiritual strength. This prayer becomes more and more real to me with each passing day...so be encouraged, especially by verses 20-21.
Till next time...
Saturday, 21 June.
This was the first official day of the Kosovo trip, but in reality most of the team of volunteers had already been in Europe for a while. On the Baseball side, the coaching team had already been together for a week since we worked in Hungary for a few days alongside an OM missionary using baseball as his main ministry platform. So we were comfortable. And really, that morning was the first logistical test. We had to get 19 people and 25 bags from 4 different locations in Vienna to the airport by 8:30am. No problem. One call to the taxi service and the first logistical hurdle was easily cleared.
Certainly, there were a couple of small issues; extra baggage fees, boarding pass printing issues, a couple people (all the coaches) staying too long at McDonald's eating breakfast...but those are normal. We had it, no worries.
Security was a breeze and one last cup of coffee awaited. So as we made our way to the gate there was a satisfying feeling that everything was going off without a hitch. No problems. The team members made their way to the gate and settled in for a few minutes of waiting before getting on the flight.
Except for the fact that there was one person who hadn't settled down in the comfy pleather seats.
Faisal.
Faisal was, instead, standing near the entrance to the waiting area with look of desperation on his face as the friendly airport staff lady repeatedly told him that his passport was unacceptable. Now, Faisal had traveled to Kosovo only a couple months prior with no problems.
But apparently now it was a problem.
Not good.
One of the cool things about this experience is that the support we have received from high level political leaders. So the Williams jumped on their phone and began calling the Kosovar Ambassador to Vienna, Ambassador Canaj.
No Answer.
Uh, oh.
Multiple attempts with no luck.
Not good.
So...people begin to pray in earnest (I know, it seems late in the story).
And then boarding for the flight began.
Time was running out.
At this point I was standing at the entry point with Faisal...and then I saw the Ambassador walking towards us.
Are you kidding me?!
He recognized me, we shook hands, and with a little look of surprise we both asked the inevitable question; "What are you doing here?". Turns out he was escorting the FOREIGN MINISTER of Kosovo on to this flight. So he wasn't able to answer the calls because he was a bit busy...
After a quick explanation of the problem he and the foreign minister went into action. Business cards were pulled and Faisal was allowed through.
What an answer to an unknown prayer. Faisal would not have been allowed on that flight were it not for this intervention. I simply do not believe in coincidences.
From this experience came invitations to meet with the Foreign minister (third in the power structure of Kosovo, btw) and promises of future assistance in establishing baseball in Kosovo.
Wow.
Seems like a good application of the promise and prayer found at the end Ephesians 3.
The challenges we ended up facing during that week were interesting, to say the least...and we constantly were reminded how much better God's plans are. So I leave you with this prayer for spiritual strength. This prayer becomes more and more real to me with each passing day...so be encouraged, especially by verses 20-21.
4 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Till next time...
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