London, Paris, and the Danger of Becoming a “Local”

“May God be gracious to us and bless us and make His face shine upon us,

that Your way may be known on earth, Your saving power among all nations.”

— Psalm 67:1–2

It is possible to be blessed… and yet become small.

Psalm 67 reminds us that God never blesses His people for containment. His grace is not meant to circle within our walls; it is meant to radiate beyond them. The psalmist connects blessing with purpose — “that Your

way may be known on earth.” The favor of God carries forward motion. It stretches beyond comfort zones, beyond preferences, beyond what feels familiar.

Perspective determines whether we move with that purpose — or quietly shrink from it.

That reality became clear to us recently.

From February 12th through the 20th, Star and I traveled with Pastor Dennis Webb and his wife, Lydia, to London and Paris. What unfolded over those eight days was far more than sightseeing. It was fellowship. It was ministry. And for us, it was perspective.

London did not change to impress us. Paris did not adjust to our expectations. We arrived ready to see.

London welcomed us with classic February weather — cold, damp, gray, and often rainy. The wind cut through our coats; scarves and gloves became daily essentials. Paris met us with similar chill. Yet the slower pace the weather forced upon us proved to be a gift.

We stood before the Houses of Parliament. We walked past Westminster Abbey, centuries of Christian history carved in stone. We watched the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace — ceremony and precision unfolding before fascinated visitors. Later, we stood beneath the Eiffel Tower, iron stretching into a winter sky.

We paused. We lingered. We looked up.

Locals walked by without hesitation.

What felt monumental to us had become ordinary to them.

Pastor Webb later captured that contrast in a reflection that became the spiritual lens for our journey:

“The difference wasn’t in the structures — it was in the perspective.

The Word of God has not lost its wonder. We simply risk becoming too familiar.

Tourists linger. Locals hurry.

The solution is not new revelation — it is renewed attention.

Just as London and Paris did not change to impress us — we arrived ready to see — we must come to Scripture ready to behold.

‘Lord, don’t let me become a local in Your Word.’”

I concur wholeheartedly. His words framed not only what we observed externally, but what we examined internally.

But the trip was not just about landmarks — it was about people.

We had meaningful conversations with several Uber drivers. One in particular, Patrick, drove us to the train station as we departed for Paris and later transported us to Heathrow Airport as we prepared to leave London. On both occasions, conversation moved beyond small talk.

We prayed with Patrick before entering our hotel. We prayed for him before our departure. We placed in his hands a copy of Simply Jesus by N. T. Wright — a fitting gift while standing on British soil.

What began as transportation became ministry.

We also built a meaningful connection with two concierges at our hotel. Their service was exceptional. In conversation, one shared that he was preparing for Ramadan; we learned they were Muslim. That did not create distance — it created opportunity. We engaged respectfully, shared our faith naturally, and gave one of them a Daily Bread devotional.

The trip reminded us that mission is not confined to platforms or pulpits. It happens in back seats, at hotel desks, and in everyday conversations.

Sunday worship at Kingsway International Christian Centre — a vibrant Nigerian congregation in London — reinforced that truth. Different accents. Same Spirit. The Kingdom of God knows no borders.

We explored museums that stretched our sense of history. We crossed into Paris by train, a simple journey symbolizing how connected yet distinct our world remains. We shared meals filled with laughter and meaningful conversation. Fellowship deepened with every step.

The journey concluded with a significant meeting and meal with Dr. Harvey Kenyani, who traveled from Liverpool to join us. That time was ministry and vision casting. He shared about events he conducts in Liverpool and work he is doing in Germany. We discussed the possibility of Sowing Seeds of Joy coming alongside him in partnership.

Exposure, we were reminded, must lead to engagement.

Looking back, the rain, the cold, the landmarks, the prayer moments, the conversations, and the shared vision all mattered.

But what remains strongest is this:

The landmarks did not lose their beauty.

The locals simply grew accustomed.

The Word of God has not lost its power either.

The question is whether we will slow down long enough to behold it — and whether we will shine brightly enough to reflect Christ wherever we are placed.

That is what this journey planted in us.

If this reflection resonates with you — if you, too, sense the call to refuse small vision and embrace God’s global heart — we invite you to partner with us. Through Sowing Seeds of Joy, we are committed to spreading the gospel, equipping leaders, and engaging nations with the hope of Christ.

You can support this ongoing work by visiting sowingseedsofjoy.org/give. Your partnership helps ensure that the light continues to shine — not just locally, but to the ends of the earth.

Together, may we never become “local” in our faith — but remain attentive, available, and aligned with God’s mission among the nations.