For some years I have been a financial and prayer supporter of Barnabas Aid, a group dedicated to 'bringing hope to suffering Christians'. The prayer booklet sent every two months has helped me realise that this Pilgrimage is a vast international fellowship. People from all ethnicities and nations exhibit the same heart and obedience to Jesus that I have. Walk the pilgrim way with me, and I with them (and you dear reader).

Also comes the realisation that for many it comes at dreadful cost. As they live among people and belief systems violently opposed to Jesus the hostility He experienced is heaped on them. I have included a sample of the prayer booklet to illustrate that.

How humbling to belong to such a brave people and to give support by sharing resources and prayer. And to be amazed that they pray for me while in their suffering. Concerned that I have the Spirit of glory that rests on them and not the leanness of soul which so readily accompanies comfort and plenty.

There will come a day when we will all gather around the throne of Jesus Christ and in the multitude of languages and expressions sing to Him with breathtaking music.  John in his vision of things to come saw something of this as in Revelation 7:9

'After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no-one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb...'

The great family of Pilgrims.