A story from DW in the Gulf
Embracing Unexpected Interruptions

Rev. Abram Bagunu • Associate Pastor
August 3, 2026

4 Minute Read

Embracing Unexpected Interruptions


“Being in this country again was not a part of *the plan*.”

“I’m *supposed* to be in the Gulf right now.” “I’m not *supposed* to be here.”

These are a few of the repeated thoughts I’ve had since the war has delayed my move to my intended destination.

I’ve been so grateful to return to the field, to be with amazing teammates, and to be back in this country; yet, I have still wrestled with this unanticipated change of location. Questioning “why” and wondering what God is doing in me and in this season of “not yet” and waiting for the next season to start.

Despite my wrestling, Jesus has shown Himself faithful and that He is still at work!

A specific testimony came from an unexpected interruption.

Much like this particular season!

Some of you may remember I came to help with the internship program here. Thank you for praying for them! They all had an incredible 5 weeks encountering God’s love and calling over their lives and over this region.

Their first weekend in country we took them to many tourist locations – around the region – so they could see the country as a whole before starting language study and team life.

After 2 long days, I was very ready to return home for a shower and sleep. But as it happened, this was the very night I met my neighbor for the first time.

I greeted the father, hoping this would just be in passing. However, he answered with the appropriate cultural response, inviting me over for tea with him and his family. So with a nudge from Jesus, I delayed my shower, dropped off my bags, and visited them.

We exchanged pleasantries, introduced ourselves, and I sat with their adult daughter, Natalie*. After about 45 minutes of chatting, we ended the visit, but not before they invited me back for a meal a few days later. I brought one of our intern girls with me when I went back, and I had no idea what these visits would open up…

After we ate, the intern needed to leave for a meeting, and Natalie* and I went for a walk around our neighborhood. We talked about life and God! We shared about our differing views on religion. I told her about the importance of Jesus and how we were all made in God’s image – both of which were strange concepts to her.

However, the most impactful moment of our time together was at the end of our walk. We rested on a park bench where Natalie* shared about some struggles she had been having with mental fog and loneliness.

I asked her if I could pray for her in that moment, and she said immediately said yes. It was a touch from the Lord that she was thirsty for!

I ended the prayer “in Jesus’ name,” and she reported feeling a lot better. Wiping away tears, she couldn’t stop hugging and thanking me.

I pray this prayer and our conversations repeat in Natalie’s* mind, and she begins to have a curiosity about Jesus and a life lived with Him.

God showed me His intentionality behind interruptions.

That it’s not about a timeline, a location, or what *should* be or *should not* be.

It’s all about Him.

Whether big interruptions or small ones, Jesus is at work.

He made this day, and He has intentions for it.

He put me here in this season, and He has intentions for it!

“This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24

Prayer Requests

  1. Natalie* - that she would become interested in Jesus!
  2. Wisdom within my witness and showing Jesus to my friends here
  3. Preparations and prayers for my upcoming move to the Gulf, I fly out mid-August!


Thank you as always for your support and prayers!

I thank the Lord for each of you, and I feel so blessed to reach this world together.

With love,

DW


(A Note from Ps. Abram: If you would like more information on this worker, reach out here from us.)

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A story from DW in the Gulf
Embracing Unexpected Interruptions “Being in this country again was not a part of *the plan*.” “I’m *supposed* to be in the Gulf right now.” “I’m not *supposed* to be here.” These are a few of the repeated thoughts I’ve had since the war has delayed my move to my intended destination. I’ve been so grateful to return to the field, to be with amazing teammates, and to be back in this country; yet, I have still wrestled with this unanticipated change of location. Questioning “why” and wondering what God is doing in me and in this season of “not yet” and waiting for the next season to start. Despite my wrestling, Jesus has shown Himself faithful and that He is still at work! A specific testimony came from an unexpected interruption. Much like this particular season! Some of you may remember I came to help with the internship program here. Thank you for praying for them! They all had an incredible 5 weeks encountering God’s love and calling over their lives and over this region. Their first weekend in country we took them to many tourist locations – around the region – so they could see the country as a whole before starting language study and team life. After 2 long days, I was very ready to return home for a shower and sleep. But as it happened, this was the very night I met my neighbor for the first time. I greeted the father, hoping this would just be in passing. However, he answered with the appropriate cultural response, inviting me over for tea with him and his family. So with a nudge from Jesus, I delayed my shower, dropped off my bags, and visited them. We exchanged pleasantries, introduced ourselves, and I sat with their adult daughter, Natalie*. After about 45 minutes of chatting, we ended the visit, but not before they invited me back for a meal a few days later. I brought one of our intern girls with me when I went back, and I had no idea what these visits would open up… After we ate, the intern needed to leave for a meeting, and Natalie* and I went for a walk around our neighborhood. We talked about life and God! We shared about our differing views on religion. I told her about the importance of Jesus and how we were all made in God’s image – both of which were strange concepts to her. However, the most impactful moment of our time together was at the end of our walk. We rested on a park bench where Natalie* shared about some struggles she had been having with mental fog and loneliness. I asked her if I could pray for her in that moment, and she said immediately said yes. It was a touch from the Lord that she was thirsty for! I ended the prayer “in Jesus’ name,” and she reported feeling a lot better. Wiping away tears, she couldn’t stop hugging and thanking me. I pray this prayer and our conversations repeat in Natalie’s* mind, and she begins to have a curiosity about Jesus and a life lived with Him. God showed me His intentionality behind interruptions. That it’s not about a timeline, a location, or what *should* be or *should not* be. It’s all about Him. Whether big interruptions or small ones, Jesus is at work. He made this day, and He has intentions for it. He put me here in this season, and He has intentions for it! “This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24 Prayer Requests Natalie* - that she would become interested in Jesus! Wisdom within my witness and showing Jesus to my friends here Preparations and prayers for my upcoming move to the Gulf, I fly out mid-August! Thank you as always for your support and prayers! I thank the Lord for each of you, and I feel so blessed to reach this world together. With love, DW (A Note from Ps. Abram: If you would like more information on this worker, reach out here from us.)

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