Thursday, 22 October
READ
Acts 17:26-27
“From one man He made all the nations… and He marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. God did this so that they would seek Him and perhaps reach out for Him and find Him, though He is not far from any one of us.”
For generations, Christians have prayed, “Lord, send us to the nations.”
But what happens when the nations arrive at our doorstep?
Austria today is home to people from across the world. More than one in five residents is a foreign citizen, and in Vienna that figure rises to more than one in three. International students study alongside us. Foreign colleagues work beside us. Families from other nations live in our neighbourhoods.
And in Vienna’s 22nd district stands one of only four United Nations headquarters in the world. Around 5,000 people from more than 150 nations work within the UN organisations based here.
The nations are not simply somewhere far away.
They are here.
What if the international student who came to Austria for a degree encounters Jesus here?
What if the diplomat, UN employee, researcher, neighbour, colleague, or foreign friend who came here for work encounters a follower of Jesus who welcomes them into their home?
What if someone who arrived in Austria looking for opportunity discovers something greater—the love of Christ?
Statistics tell us that many immigrants genuinely want to belong. In Austria, 75% of surveyed immigrants said they feel a sense of belonging here.
The Church has an opportunity to make that belonging deeper.
Not merely, “Welcome to Austria.”
But:
“Welcome to our table.”
“Welcome into friendship.”
“Let me hear your story.”
“Let me tell you mine.”
Hospitality can become mission.
Friendship can become a doorway to the Gospel.
And our homes can become places where nations encounter Jesus.
We do not need to travel thousands of kilometres to begin cross-cultural mission.
Sometimes we only need to cross the street, cross the office, cross the university campus—or invite someone across our doorstep.
REFLECT
Which nation has God already placed within my reach?
Think about the international people you already know through work, university, your neighborhood, your children’s school, ministry, or everyday life.
Could God be inviting you to move from acquaintance to relationship?
PRAY
1. Lord, open our eyes to the nations around us.
Help us recognise the international people You have already placed within our everyday lives. Remove indifference, fear, and cultural barriers.
Pray: “Lord, help me see the mission field already around me.”
2. Father, let those who have made Austria their home encounter true belonging.
We pray for immigrants, international students, foreign workers, and families building lives far from familiar cultures and support networks. Surround them with meaningful relationships and genuine community.
Pray: “Father, let those who are far from home find friendship, belonging, and Your presence.”
3. Lord, move among Vienna’s international community.
We pray especially for those working within the United Nations, embassies, international organizations, universities, and global institutions. Place followers of Jesus within their lives and create opportunities for conversations about faith.
Pray: “Lord, let the nations gathered in Vienna encounter Jesus.”
4. Holy Spirit, make us courageous cross-cultural witnesses.
Give us humility to listen, wisdom to understand different cultures, and boldness to share our testimony naturally and lovingly.
Pray: “Holy Spirit, help me cross barriers with the love of Christ.”
5. Lord, make our homes places of mission.
Teach us to practise biblical hospitality. Give us open hearts, open tables, and open homes where friendships can grow, and Jesus can be made known.
Pray: “Lord, use my table, my testimony, and my life for the nations.”
THIS WEEK’S RESPONSE
Ask God to bring one international person to mind.
A colleague.
A neighbour.
A student.
A friend.
Someone from another nation whom God has already placed within your reach.
Write their name down.
Pray for them.
Then take one intentional cross-cultural step.
Invite them for coffee.
Share a meal.
Invite them into your home.
Ask about their story.
Listen to their culture and experiences.
Share your testimony when the opportunity comes.
Offer to pray for them.
Do not begin by viewing them as a project.
Begin with friendship.
Love them.
Know them.
Make room for them.
And trust the Holy Spirit to open the door.
Jesus told His disciples to “go and make disciples of all nations.”
Perhaps for some of us, the first step toward the nations is no longer boarding a plane.
Perhaps it is opening our front door.