It was a worship service that became indelibly etched in our minds for its resemblance to Revelation 7:9, where we glimpse "a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb."

It was the first time my wife, Linda, and I had participated in one of the 26 weekly services of the Lighthouse Church in Kuwait City.

Looking throughout the room, the faces of people from all around the globe caught our eyes. Filipino, Australian, Indian, Nigerian, Sri Lankan, Canadian, Bulgarian, American, Pakistani, and Egyptian worshippers were among those whose countries were represented that day.

As members of a large international pastoral staff, we had the privilege of being part of these people's lives for two years. Worshipping in an international setting left us with many warm memories and several unforgettable impressions.

Our first impression was that this church was a place of welcome and inclusiveness. Possibly because everyone was a distance from their homeland, each person was in need of a family. This church became that family. It became a cohesive family, blended together with members from almost fifty different nations.

Just as in our Alliance churches in Canada, we found a variety of expressions of worship in the different services in this unique church. But something that was consistent was the warmth of relationship that we had rarely seen before, as people were drawn together with a common focus on the God we worship.

The Lighthouse Church reminds me of what one person has described as a ?Velcro Church.' It draws new people into an atmosphere they find difficult to leave, but desirable to stay. This is opposite to a ?Teflon Church,' which has no ability to draw a visitor back again. We found each worship event to be welcoming and inclusive.

Another impression we came away with was that, in this church, there was a sense of captivating wonder. Each Friday (the main worship day in Kuwait) people with very diverse religious and cultural backgrounds were drawn together with excitement and anticipation of God at work to bring healing and wholeness to broken lives.

Teams of intercessors bathed each service in prayer and well-prepared worship music teams and pastors led us to an encounter with God. As we worshipped together with the nations, the eyes of our hearts were drawn beyond our differences as we focused on God in a way that filled our lives with wonder.

The third impression was that worship in this church created a witness that is far-reaching. Life in Kuwait becomes transformational for so many. Coming from all over the world to find work and a better economic life, thousands have found eternal life in God's Son as he has been lifted up in worship in an unexpected land.

These transformed people return one day, to their home nations, as worshippers with a transforming message for their families, friends and neighbours.