When we arrived at the convention centre, we had our first real breakfast since arriving. Yummy! We had scones, cheese, lots of butter and jam - and also a type of bacon, scrambled eggs, potatoes, and toast.
Afterwards we headed to the first plenary session where each speaker introduced one of the five streams: prayer, church, mission, intergenerational/youth & children, media/worship. We were particularly impressed with with Carla from 24-7 Prayer International. What a fiery, passionate woman of prayer she is!
To the question: "where is the prayer movement now going?" she said, "no one person/ministry can tell you where prayer is going" She goes on to say that only God can determine that, and he will speak to us and give us each a part of the whole picture.
We do know that globally, God is moving his people to pray! The year 1984 was the mark of a new chapter with the birth of International Prayer Assembly held in Seol, Korea. At that time, national prayer networks were almost non-existent. Today, most nations of the world have an established prayer network with the two latest movements in prayer being CIP (Children in Prayer) and 24-7 Prayer International.
Each conference day there are two opportunities to take in workshops in the afternoon. We signed up for a youth track and an intergenerational track but through wise guidance from our friend and prayer warrior Cindy, and the Lord's leading, we found ourselves on the "church" track with Floyd McClung. We had both read articles he had written and were very excited to hear him in person. The title to the workshop was "New Ways to do Church - Holistic Discipleship and Transformation". He used scriptures from Luke 5:36-39 - No one puts old wine in new wineskins.... 
His teaching struck deep chord with Karen and I - we both felt grief for the present condition of the church but also passion of what it could be. So out of this place, we ask Floyd if he could take some time to pray for us. Ten minutes after the session ended, he and an African brother honored us and our country by praying and deeply encouraging us.
Later at lunch, we were having coffee outside in the beautiful sun when our friend from Chile, Raul passed by. (We first met at the airport) He is the GDOP prayer coordinator there. We called him over to sit with us and we had a great visit and prayer time.
We were on our way to the last workshop but we were again drawn away to the main hall by the sound of worship. Mike Coleman was giving a teaching on worship by video that was very powerful. Finding our destiny can only come out of intimacy and identity with the Father. ministry is simply an overflow from our "first ministry to the Lord". So glad we listened and ended up there!
We will be introducing more of our friends to you tomorrow, when we have some pictures to post. We will also be doing some mini-interviews so that people can be praying for them.
We were done a little early today at 4:30. We were very hungry as we had not had much to eat, so we thought it was a good idea to try out the cuisine we have been hearing so much about called "Malay". We headed over to a restaurant out of town - it was close to Lion's Head overlooking the city.
Wish you were here to taste some of this delicious food, especially Mike and Jerry!
Just in case you're wondering, we always have time to be silly. Someone said to us today, we have the gift of laughter!
God bless you all, and thanks for your prayers. God is answering..
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