Encouragement visits in many different forms. A card, a note, a text, a gift, kind words or acts, or even a smile or touch. We usually think of it as something that makes us feel good. Whether it happens in our host country or “at home,” encouragement is refreshing to receive and blesses the giver and receiver.

Recently, I was both encouraged and challenged by the tearful prayer of a young lady at a mid-week prayer gathering. Dividing into smaller groups, we had been encouraged to pray for friends and loved ones who needed to trust Christ as Savior. Every family and friend group has one or more individuals who fit into this category. Seated to my right was a young mother of Asian descent whose sister also attends our church. Their unsaved parents, divorced and living in two different Asian countries, have heard the gospel from their children many times but have so far rejected God’s truth. She wept as she prayed. As far as she knew, no believers were a part of either of their lives.

Around the circle, we approached the throne boldly, asking God to use us and others to minister to those who needed to accept God’s gift of salvation. Praying in community with other believers can be powerful. We don’t do enough of it, and when we don’t see results, it is easy to give up or let our prayers for the individual fade without even realizing our neglect. At this prayer gathering, my tears mingled with my friend's. Her fervent prayer for family members, neighbors, and coworkers convicted and encouraged me.

Encouragement is not always a warm, fuzzy feeling. Perhaps this definition is more often accurate: “To inspire with courage, spirit, or hope: to hearten.” As my heart broke for these two young ladies who longed for the salvation of their parents, I was convicted of a declining burden and prayer for the lost in my sphere of influence. Even as a global worker, I find it easy to spend more time planning and preparing than approaching His throne on behalf of others. Without a doubt, God had put this friend beside me to inspire me and bring me the determination to do better.