Life took an interesting turn this month as a door of opportunity opened unexpectedly.

Brief history: During the final session of our 3-day IHOP 10 Yr. Anniversary Celebration in September, Mike shared IHOP’s vision for the coming decade and beyond.

Almost as a side-note, it seemed, he “threw in” an idea that had never crossed my mind – “houses of prayer in refugee camps.” “WHAT?”

My heart lept.

When he spoke those words, it was as if a bolt of lightning went through me and I began to weep. For the next 10 minutes or so, I had a very powerful encounter with the Lord.

In the weeks to follow, I asked the Lord what the experience was about and went on a little journey to explore this idea.

The incident did and did not surprise me. God’s call to the nations has burned within my heart for decades now, and I have spent years in purposeful preparation for the work to which I have long felt drawn and called.

My little investigative journey led me to a few people on the IHOP Base who I thought might have some knowledge of houses of prayer abroad in refugee camps, but thus far my progress has been slow.

A couple of weeks ago, I mentioned my experience to Scott, my boss. His eyes widened as I spoke of my encounter with the Lord and he said, “There is someone you need to meet.”

He then directed me to Karen Dunham’s website and explained that Karen has been working in Palestinian refugee camps (along with a host of other activities in Israel) for the last number of years.  Scott and Katherine (his wife) have supported her work for years and have been to Israel with her on a number of occasions.  Karen actually spoke at IHOP in August of this year, while I was on vacation in Colorado.  I did not know she was here until I was out of the state.

To learn more about Karen’s work, Living Bread International Church and NGO, visit: www.livingbreadchurch.com

One thing led to another, and within a week I flew to Florida to meet Karen and learn more about her work in Israel, Gaza and the West Bank.  While there, she and I discussed the possibility of my assisting her with an Internship she is conducting in Israel from Jan. 8 – Feb. 8 ’10, geared toward training and equipping young men and women.

I heartily agreed to join her, pending confirmation and provision from the Lord.

The tentative Israel agenda includes: Touring and times in Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Jericho, Beersheva, Hebron and possibly Gaza, times of worship and intercession, street ministry, giving aid to and praying for refugees, training / activation workshops, etc.

Right up my alley.  

It has long been a strong desire of mine to travel to the Holy Land.

Since my return to IHOP-KC from Florida, I have been making some interesting connections and participating in a variety of events with an Israel focus (of which there are many) here on the Base.

My tentative, unfolding plan is to fly to Israel the 3rd week of December, connect there with friends of friends on this end, spend a bit of time at the Jerusalem House of Prayer for All Nations, King of Kings Congregation and Prayer Pavilion and other IHOP connection spots, get acclimated prior to serving Karen and the internship…PLUS who knows what else….  I plan to return to KC in Feb.  A total of about 8 weeks.

From November 16-19, I will be participating in a 3-day intensive held by IHOPU (our university) with a focus on Is. 19 and the Israel/Mid East connection as it relates to end times, etc.  I need to become better educated and am finding ways to do just that.

Tom Hess, founder of the Jerusalem House of Prayer for All Nations (a house of prayer, provider of prayer resources, host of convocations/conferences, and facilitators of reconciliation amongst people groups) will be one of our instructors and I am most excited to hear him for the first time.

You are most likely able to sense my excitement with this potential opportunity, yet my heart is also sober.  I know enough about the state of affairs in that region of the world to know that I want only to be there in God’s timing and for His purposes.

The safest place in the world is in the CENTER of His will!

My work on the Base with Scott is going well; 7 months already.  I enjoy our working relationship and consider it an honor to join him in the work God has for us to do in this season.

If you sense God stirring your heart to partner with me in prayer or provision for my Israel Ministry Opportunity, click PARTNER for details.

I would love to hear your news and receive your prayer requests. It is always good to hear from family and friends while I am away from so many of you.

Sending Love and Hugs!

Val