Fw: Forge Weekly Message (3 May 2021): The Audience

[Zoran Sulc]

Hi, I received this weekly message from a brother linked through Christian Vision for Men's ministry just after Firewall today. It seems very appropriate and encouraging following our prayer today. 

Zoran

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From: Thomas Clark <thomas...@gmail.com>
Sent: 04 May 2021 04:47
To: Thomas Clark <thomas...@gmail.com>
Subject: Forge Weekly Message (3 May 2021): The Audience

 

Bagdad, 2008. After weeks of meeting with various Iraqi government officials to realize a high-priority project from the Commanding General, I was about to meet with the Mayor of Baghdad to solicit his assistance. I had been impeded by red tape, misinformation and even disbelief by some of my Iraqi counterparts as I was charged of restoring irrigation into the Sunni lands to the southwest of Baghdad: traditionally a hotbed of anti-Coalition insurgents who were hostile to the Shiite-controlled government. 

 

Having established a good working relationship and credibility with the Mayor's Office in assisting with the restoration of Iraqi infrastructure, public utilities and services in my Brigade's sector of responsibility, I expected my audience with the Mayor to proceed swimmingly with the same professional, collaborative approach we had developed over the past few months. This time, however, my entire chain of command, to include the General, would attend so I had painstakingly captured on a bespoke 1.5 by 2-meter map my understanding of the problem and steps required to restore irrigation to the arid Sunni-controlled farmlands. Everything was written boldly in English and Arabic so that all participants could read the map while standing around it if I had to place it on the floor 

Imagine my surprise when instead of walking into the Mayor's Office, I was ushered into an enormous meeting room with an audience of over 80 people, television crews and the Mayor seated nonchalantly at an enormous desk across the room! The General insisted I use his interpreter to explain to the Mayor exactly what was needed to restore irrigation to the southern farmlands. Instead of placing the map on the floor, my interpreter and my Colonel held the map up vertically as I slowly and methodically explained how the irrigation system constructed during Saddam Hussein's era worked: water was pumped from the Tigris River, into the lakes surrounding Saddam's palace complex near the Baghdad Airport from where it flowed into the irrigation canals. Then I carefully listed both the number of projects and actions and approvals required by numerous government agencies to resuscitate the irrigation system that stopped working the day Baghdad fell.

As I spoke to the Mayor, the officials in attendance and the television cameras, I noticed that at least two camera crews had Iranian flag decals. The Iraqi Government's messaging was clear: it sought to rule fairly over all its people -- not just to benefit the Shiite majority. "Great!" I thought sarcastically, "My face will be on a TV somewhere in Tehran today!"

Unbeknownst to me, the Mayor had assembled decision-makers from every single government agency required to approve or assist our efforts. Asking if there were any questions, he asked each decision-maker to sign the necessary paperwork right then and there. When one representative baulked (someone who had provided me misinformation to thwart our efforts weeks earlier), the Mayor spoke harshly and provided that agency 24-hours to get their act together. Our project would receive the green-light and the full cooperation of the Iraqi Government only two hours later!

Whenever I think about that fruitful audience with the Mayor which sliced through bureaucracy like a hot knife through butter, I am reminded of our direct access and audience with the King of Kings through prayer. Because of Jesus, who sympathizes with our weaknesses (as he had been tempted in every way) yet was without sin, Hebrews 4:16 reminds us, "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." 

Brothers, Almighty God has the power to overcome our oppressors, open every door, and richly bless our efforts when we humble ourselves to His will for our lives. May we fully enjoy His unwarranted favor and praise Him continually as we discover and realize that which He has already foreseen and planned out for our lives! May we also encourage one another, interceding and seeking His will for the glory of His Name!

[Didi & MiMi]

Our God opens doors no man can shut! Thank you for sharing...

Our love to you both!
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Blessings,
Didi & MiMi

Forge Weekly Message (3 May 2021): The Audience

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