It has taken about a week for me to begin processing my recent trip to London and Ethiopia. In this season of Open Doors, it feels like the doors are opening wider and more frequently. This was my fourth trip across the Atlantic in 2024, with visits to the UK in March and July, Dubai in October, and finally the UK and Ethiopia in November. Each trip brings new challenges, new opportunities, and many new relationships.
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I was invited by Evangelist Tommy Lilja of Sweden to join him in speaking to around 150 members of Parliament in Ethiopia. I first met Tommy in Dubai, where he hosted the pastors' conference I was invited to speak at in October. Tommy carries tremendous favor in Ethiopia, and this marked his fourth year being invited to address the nation's Parliament. I was encouraged to learn that among the elected officials in Ethiopia’s Parliament, approximately 150 are believers. Their passion for worship and the gospel was truly inspiring.
My message was titled “How to Be a Prophetic Catalyst in a Political World.” I must admit, I’ve always been drawn to the political sphere, but I never imagined that the Lord would use this avenue to have me ministering to the leaders of a nation. As I prepared to travel, I repeatedly found myself praying, “Lord, I need You to speak to me; I’ve never prophesied to a nation.” To be honest, it was a bit intimidating. I wasn’t sure what this was supposed to look like. Yet, with every new door that opens in this season, the Lord provides a new measure of grace to carry the message He has placed on my heart for His people. The message remains constant, and so do the methods—it’s only the scenery that changes.
During the trip, the Lord spoke to me daily, revealing bits and pieces for the people of Ethiopia. On the final day, He woke me up at 3:30 a.m., and I spent the morning in prayer with the Father in the hotel lobby in Addis Ababa. My good friend Nick Caveness accompanied me on this journey, and he was invaluable in making travel smoother. We shared many laughs, experienced some interesting cuisine, and spoke about Jesus to nearly everyone we encountered. That said, there were a few exceptions—like the gentleman in the airport elevator line who wasn’t too impressed with me (calling me a “smart American”), or the two armed guards casually chatting outside the elevator in our hotel lobby.
Ultimately, I was able to deliver what felt like an on-time message to Ethiopia’s leadership. We prayed for the leaders, encouraged them, and prophesied over them and their families. I shared my heart for the prophetic ministry, emphasizing that we can all hear the voice of the Father. My message also touched on redemption, addressing some of the negative connotations surrounding the prophetic across Africa.
During our layover in London, Nick and I reconnected with some of my favorite people at Bless Community Church in Ealing. We spent the evening ministering to our friends and family there. Over the years, I’ve had the honor of ministering to their leadership multiple times and have developed a deep friendship with Paul and Paula McGoun, who have faithfully served on my prophetic ministry teams for the past four years. It was a blessing to spend time with them and the rest of the church community.
In summary, from coffeehouses in London to Ethiopia’s Parliament, this trip reaffirmed that He still speaks. As the holiday season approaches, I’m looking forward to much-needed rest with my family. Stacy and I have been having many conversations as we reflect on these Open Doors and prepare for what’s next. January will be a busy month, with three trips to Texas (one for a special wedding) and a joint ministry trip to Radiant Church in Jackson, Michigan. Next week we travel to Dallas with the family, to watch Stacy graduate from CFNI, where she just completed her "Biblical Studies Degree". I amazed daily at the capacity she has for her family, her friends, and Jesus!
Many blessings to all of you as you prepare for the Holiday Season!