By Robbert Jan Perk, Chair of EEA HFE Prayer Network

“If we don’t know how or what to pray, it doesn’t matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That’s why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.” Rom 8:18-28 MSG.

Ora et Labora, the special balance between prayer and interactive consultation, presentation equipment and encouragement of God’s workers in the Kingdom of God. That is in one sentence, the blessed outcome and fruit of HOPE 2022. With more than 18 Networks gathered and many staff workers of the National and international EEA organisations, we had the privilege to experience and enjoy the Fellowship of the Saints from many nations and backgrounds. What a blessing of the Lord is it when brothers and sisters come together in unity and compassion.

East meets West

There were special moments when the people of Bosnia and Hercegovina, Ukraine and Russia came to the front to tell their stories of pain and despair in the last months and years. The prayers of lament were poured out in our midst, there were tears and words of comfort. We will not forget them. The Lord has made us aware that the work of reconciliation is a long process with many stages and challenges. Cooperation and commitment and cultural understanding is essential. We can learn a lot from the Mennonites and their call to do justice and peace building.

Hope-giving stories

Each evening there we heard inspiring women and men tell their stories of how they walked in the footsteps of Jesus in bringing the Good News of the Kingdom of God. Ordinary people like you and me who do the extraordinary work of God with their lives. Especially moving was the story of German Sister, who became disabled after a car accident, and has to spend the rest of her life in a wheelchair. She came in contact with many people with disabilities from Ukraine, people who are also wheelchair users. The German Sister started a help escort from the war-zone in Ukraine to safe havens in Western Europe. Her story was one of the stories that were so impressive. Making a difference is really good news of The Kingdom of God.

The kaleidoscope of God’s Kingdom in our time

It is amazing how rich and multidimensional God is at work by His Spirit in His Kingdom and how many passionate people are giving themselves in this operation hope for the world. Take a look at the network of https://hopeforeurope.org/ and you will find the overview of this broad spectrum. Often, we have a limited perspective on how we can become engaged in God’s Kingdom. Let us become more aware how many domains there are where we can spread the good news.

The blessings and fruits of Hope for Europe

The real–life fellowship of the participants after many zoom-meetings in the last years was special. The times of blessing, praying and lamenting with each other in smaller and bigger settings was deeply moving. Meeting old and new workers in God’s Kingdom was also special. The handover of the Leadership baton from Thomas Bucher to Connie Main Duarte and Jan Wessels was an impressive moment. How Jeff Fountain as founding father of the Hope For Europe movement was blessed and honoured with the Hope for Europe Award. These were all blessings and fruits of this conference. God has really answered many prayers for this event. The biggest blessing and lasting fruit is this very strong conviction that was shared in all the parts and dimensions of HOPE 2022: “Be aware that we are living in Europe in a time of transition and shakings, where God has put us as his children to be the salt and the light of kingdom, where we walk in faith and love together. Not by might or power, but by the Power of the Spirit.

To learn more about the EEA HFE Prayer Network, please visit their Facebook group or Network page.