Day One: Worship and the Gathering of Nations – Rick Mandigo

The conference began today, and what an opening it was. From the very first notes of worship, our hearts were deeply moved. There is something indescribable about joining our voices with believers from across the world, different cultures, different languages, different journeys, yet united in lifting high the name of Jesus. It felt like a foretaste of heaven itself.

We found ourselves caught up in a chorus of God’s children, each heart passionately engaged, each mind fixed on our Lord and Savior. The joy of praising together was almost overwhelming, especially as we stood beside brothers and sisters for whom public worship back home is not always free or safe. To witness their courage and to hear their voices rise in song was a humbling reminder of both the cost and the beauty of following Christ. Truly, He is good. Truly, He is faithful.

One of the things that made this moment especially powerful was the way the message of God’s glory was made accessible to everyone. Translation was provided in English, Serbian, Hungarian, Macedonian, Spanish, and Bulgarian. Even in the variety of languages, the Spirit of God moved freely, reminding us that His Word transcends every boundary and that His gospel is for all people. To sit in a room and hear praise echoing across so many tongues was to experience the richness of the body of Christ in living color.

Learning Together in Fellowship

The day’s sessions were equally rich. It has been a beautiful time of fellowship, of sitting together with God’s servants and learning side by side. There was a refreshing honesty in the discussions, with leaders openly sharing both the fruit and the challenges of ministry. Themes of practical application and sustainable results kept rising to the surface, as participants leaned into both the joys and the hardships of living out God’s call.

Perhaps most moving of all was the diversity in the room. Some who have carried the Word faithfully for decades sat alongside those just stepping into ministry. Pastors of small Ugandan villages shared their wisdom while leaders from Guatemala spoke of overseeing networks of 30 or more churches. It was not a stage for comparison, but for encouragement, a reminder that no matter the scale, the calling is the same: to shepherd God’s people and proclaim His Word.

Gratitude and Prayer

We are deeply grateful for the prayers that are being lifted up back home. They are felt here in tangible ways. Please continue to pray that God strengthens not only us but every leader here, that His Spirit would renew weary hearts, give courage where there is fear, and spark fresh vision for the work ahead.

Reflection

Today was a reminder that worship and ministry are not bound by geography, culture, or language. The presence of Christ bridges every barrier and draws us into one family, one mission, one song. Hearing His name exalted in so many languages is a glimpse of what eternity holds when all nations gather before His throne.

“Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” — Philippians 2:9–11

In His Love and Service.