“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
Matthew 18:20 NIV
Gather
A sign that the pandemic restrictions were beginning to ease up was when, for the first time in two years, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities was able to hold a hybrid model meeting this past June in Regina. Mayors, councilors, and representatives from all corners of the country engaged with national party leaders, heard from noteworthy keynote speakers, and discussed policy priorities that will help local governments drive the strong and inclusive recovery Canadians deserve. Over four days, more than 2,200 participants took part in Canada’s fullest gathering of municipal leaders since 2019.
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I have a friend and colleague who leads Bible League Canada’s ministry in a country where it is illegal to share Jesus with another person. He does so anyway and has spent time in prison for doing so. There are very few Christ-followers in his country, but there are a few. When they meet it is never with more than two others – they don’t want to draw attention to themselves. I think of them often and never have I heard of a more powerful example of what Jesus said in Matthew 18:20: “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Here in Canada, we often take for granted the privilege we have to meet with other believers. But there are many around the world who understand the point Jesus was making here. They meet secretly in very small groups – sometimes only two or three at a time. And Jesus is always with them. Faithful to His promise here, these believers experience an intimacy with each other and with the Lord. Whenever you gather with other believers, in small groups or large, Jesus shows up.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley