...even among the rebellious,

     that the LORD God

              may dwell there.

               Psalm 68. 18

(What in the world

      am I doing here?

In this hostile place,

in this barren land,

among these

       impossible people?

Bring the name

            of Jesus there.

His love and grace

      and the gospel

translated in words

             and actions.

Even now.

Even here.

Even in this.)

O dear Father God,

help us to see You

            in this place,

 and to see those around us

     with Your eyes,

not rebellious

           but desperate for You.

Help us to 

      dwell in hard places

to bring Your name there,

to bring Your Word there,

and for You

   to transform the landscape,

one life at a time,

one heart at a time,

     starting with me.