It's Easter and the World is Covered in White . . . snow joke.

     Well, it's Easter. And it's still snowing. Not gonna lie, I'm finally missing the sun and the warmth. It takes too long to get dressed in the morning. Too many layers. 

     Anyway, the Easter season has been crazy-busy, as one might imagine. The church has had services basically non-stop from Thursday night until Easter Sunday. And we've had more youth groups and schools work more than usual. I've been immersed with Easter this year, and I'm liking the constant reminder of why we're celebrating!

     Palm Sunday allowed me to see a donkey, which the church hired to walk around the church. Monday afternoon/evening we had youth groups as normal. I shared the Easter story to the group of 4-8 year olds using the Resurrection Eggs, which they LOVED! They get taught the story in school because of the Christian heritage the country has. So they helped tell the story and were so excited to open each egg and find out what was inside! Their passion was such an encouragement, which it is every week :) In our 11-14 year olds group, we acted out the story of Jesus from the Last Supper to the Resurrection. Most of the kids didn't want to participate, but a few of them got really involved and were excited to relive the story. 

Remember these? England never got this trend..  

     Tuesday I spent a couple of hours making 100+ sugar cookies for Wednesday's Easter workshop. So Wednesday we were invited into the local primary school to host an Easter workshop for 50+ 3-5 year olds and their families! After an hour making crafts and decorating biscuits (cookies) I had the opportunity to share the story of Easter again using the Resurrection Eggs. I've never been so nervous to speak in front of people! It wasn't just a group of kids this time. It was a group of kids and their parents, parents who had specifically questioned the teachers to make sure this wasn't going to be "too religious or Christian." Parents who were Muslims, Atheists...etc. The school's teachers told me that I could tell the story I believed, as long as I began and ended it with, "this is what Christians believe and celebrate at Easter." So I told the story and the kids were really involved and paid close attention. Throughout the whole story I reminded them how this was all part of God's plan, because He loved us so much, so that we could be forgiven from the wrong things we've done. Afterward I got a few "thank yous" from the parents but no negative comments directed specifically at me. One mom even stayed after everyone else had gone to tell me thank you. She said that she was a Christian too, and had just moved here (from some Slovak nation, judging by the accent) and that she was so glad people were telling this story in school! She thanked me for not being intimidated by the other parents and being able to tell the story so the kids could understand it! I'm really not sure what I said or if it got through to those kids or their parents, but I told the true story so now it's up to the Holy Spirit! 

Just the day before Easter, no big deal.

     Friday was also busy. It began bright and early with a Witness Walk through the towns. We gathered with other churches in the area to walk and sing songs of praise to Jesus. Then we had a 2nd Easter workshop for the kids at our church. More crafts. And I shared the story with the Resurrection Eggs again! We definitely got our money's worth out of them this year! I was way less nervous this time, as we already had relationships with their parents and it was in a church, so they knew what to expect. The kids really enjoyed it and we ended the workshop by singing "Jumping Up and Down, Shout Hosanna!" with the Donut Man (anyone remember him?) They LOVED that. The 90's was a simpler time.

     Last night (Good Friday) we spent the afternoon and evening with EQ, the high school aged kids. We had a Fish & Chips meal (tradition here on Good Friday) and discussed some pretty deep questions about Jesus: why He was the only one who could die for us, why God would actually want Jesus to die, why the death and resurrection are crucial in the story of Easter. 

High School aged kids wrote prayers to Jesus thanking Him for His sacrifice

     Then we asked the kids if they've ever truly committed their life to Christ and what would be holding them back. They said they had never though about it from that perspective before. They've never seen it as a commitment. And they were pretty honest about what's holding them back from giving their lives to Jesus. A couple of the girls said that they didn't want to give up their future or give up control of their lives, and one of the lads said that he didn't want to have to follow a bunch of rules and laws. It was encouraging to get to tell them my story and how there is SOOO much freedom in relinquishing control and knowing that it's not up to me to save the world. It's a great start for them to begin thinking about these things. Over the next couple of months, we have several big events that will allow us to go deeper and ask those questions again, encouraging them to take the next step in their faith. 

     Beloved, our girl's weekend is coming up in 2 weeks time. We're talking about Self-Worth and how it can only be satisfied in Jesus Christ. Please pray for the girl's hearts to be open to taking the next step on their journey with God. And pray for the leaders, they still don't seem to understand what this is all about. It's like pulling teeth, trying to get them to see the importance and necessity of keeping Christ at the center of the youth groups. Pray that they will see Christianity not just as a faith, but as a personal relationship with Jesus Christ their Savior, a relationship that needs to never stop growing! 

58 days until I'm back in Texas! See you soon!

Kingsley

Red Nose Day (Comic Relief)

     Let me introduce you to the newest edition to our youth work here in Nunthorpe. Kingsley is 9 years old and lives in Ghana. The youth group recently started sponsoring him through Compassion International. In our middle school aged group we've started a small group of students who are interested in social justice and who want to learn more about Africa and Kingsley. Last week this group came over for dinner and we talked about ways we could fundraise and support Kingsley. It was wonderful just to chat with them and get to know the younger kids outside of our youth group. Hopefully we can build on these relationships with this groups as they could become the next generation of young leaders here in Nunthorpe. It's wonderful to see how excited they are to learn about another place in the world; they are even asking about when they can go meet Kingsley! 

     Tuesday mornings are quickly become one of my favorite parts of the week. Over the past few weeks, during Lent, we host a Lent Bible Study for the church community in Nunthorpe. People from different churches and denominations gather to discuss controversial issues and look at what the Scriptures have to say about it. It's been very interesting talking with them as we have very different views on, well, basically everything. Last week we had a good discussion about Universalism and Pluralism, as we talked about the importance of sharing the Gospel with others. But obviously if they don't believe that what the Bible says is true, and that it carries hope for every human being, why would they feel the urgency to tell others? I'm not sure they understand why I'm even here. One man admitted that he found it ridiculous that some Christians claim to be "saved." He said that he can hope that on judgement day he will be saved, but he wondered why people thought they could know now that they will be saved. So I shared some verses with him (Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 8) that testify to the confidence we can have now for eternal life. Most of them weren't sure if they agreed with that claim, since they aren't even sure they can trust the Bible. 
     Please pray for the ministry in this group; although they all claim to be believers, most of them lack a growing, daily relationship with Jesus Christ. These are people who seem to be the most outspoken about their faith and recognize that there needs to be a change in Nunthorpe, and I think they have great potential for spiritual growth. After Lent, we're hoping to continue the group and study the book, Just Walk Across the Room, by Bill Hybels. I'm excited about the conversations we could have with them in the future!

Watching One Direction, supporting Comic Relief

     God has certainly humbled and encouraged me lately as I talk with people back in America. It's becoming increasingly clear how little I need to be involved in others' spiritual journeys. Sure, we are created for community and building each other up, but I've been amazed at what the Holy Spirit is doing in my family and friends' lives back home! Of course I knew this, but it's always a wonderful reminder that God doesn't need me. He can reveal things to people without me needing to be involved or giving advice or support. He's so much bigger and sovereign than I often give Him credit. And thank you God for that; He's in control and He has a much bigger perspective than I do!

     God has also been compelling me to talk to him more. I'm more than comfortable with praying for others and especially for the ministry here, but I've realized that I rarely ask God for his help and presence in the little things. So recently I've been trying to stop and pray for the small things that I often think I can handle on my own. And as His Word promises, He has done immeasurably more than I could ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20). I've been praying about my asthma and have noticed a difference in being able to breathe more easily. I've been able to go on a few short runs and I can still breathe through the cold! 
     Another thing I've been praying about is based on Luke 10. Jesus sends out the disciples to each town in pairs. He says that the need is great but that the help is few, so Jesus asks His disciples to pray for God to send out laborers to the mission field. He is sending us out as sheep among wolves. It's gonna be cray-cray. So that's what I'm praying for. I'm praying that God will call people out of their comfort zones, that He will persistently knock at the door of their hearts, and that they will answer the call and go to the need. We'll see how this one goes :)

A voice of one calling: "In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God." -Isaiah 40:3

     These past few weeks have been tough; there's a leader in the church who's being extremely difficult in allowing our ministry to move forward. It's intense spiritual warfare. But God can do amazing things when we're up against a brick wall. So please pray for a break-through as we work with others. Although it's very discouraging at times, God works best when we are fully reliant on Him and realize there is nothing we can do. I look forward with hope and confidence that His truth will prevail! He has overcome. 

Persevere

          Sorry I haven't written in a while. Life has been crazy. I've been sick this week, and last week the kids were off school so we didn't have youth groups. The weekend before that, I went to Scotland with some of the other Gap Yearers. We made the long drive to northern Scotland in hopes of seeing the Northern Lights, but the clouds covered our view. It was still a fun trip though! 

Here's our video from the trip:

In Scotland waiting for Northern Lights

     These past few weeks have been difficult regarding youth groups and church ministry. I feel like it's been a one-step-forward-two-steps-back kind of deal. After my last blog "Truth" I've noticed so many more issues with the church and its leaders that no one is ready to address, much less fix. Besides the lack of community in the faith family, (which I wrote about early on) many of the church leaders have admitted that they don't spend time in the Word of God during the week. I'm sure this comes from the fact that they are uncertain of the Bible's absolute authority. And it makes sense, if they don't believe the Bible is true or can be trusted, why would they read it? So the problems arise because they are relying on their own opinions. Bible studies (we started a Lent course) are filled with discussion about our opinions on popular issues, not rooted in Biblical truth. Life choices are based on justifying what they think should be right, bending the rules. And because of this, there's no urgency or priority placed on ministry. No one wants to "offend" anyone with their beliefs so they just keep quiet, or talk about "safe" issues. I've been super discouraged lately, feeling like I'm getting no where.

    
      So I read Luke 18:1-8. "One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show them that they should always pray and never give up" (verse 1). He goes on to tell the story of the persistent widow who gets justice for her cause, even though she goes to the judge who neither "fears God or loves people." Her faith and persistence compelled even a self-proclaimed pagan to do the right thing. God's sovereignty and control isn't reliant on the people who are involved. Our job is to trust and obey. Such an encouragement to continue! 

     But then I read through the book of Acts. Paul and other believers preach God's gift of Jesus to everyone. But many, including God's people the Jews, reject it. So Paul, unwavering, "shakes the dust off his feet as a sign of rejection," and leaves (Acts 13:51). Even in the gospels, Jesus instructs his followers to do this as well. 

Gap Yearers in Scotland in front of Edinburgh Castle

     In Acts 16, the Holy Spirit actually prevents Paul and Silas from preaching the Word in certain towns, in order to guide them to areas that are begging and pleading for the truth. Acts 28 quotes Isaiah by saying that 

"the hearts of these people are hardened, and their ears cannot hear, and they have closed their eyes - so their eyes cannot see and their ears cannot hear and their hearts cannon understand, and they cannot turn to me and let me heal them" (verse 27). 

     So my question is, when do you persevere and when do you shake the dust off and leave? I think about William Carey and other missionaries who have stayed in a location for over 7 or 8 years before they saw one convert. And even if you don't experience extreme persecution or rejection - just a lack of interest and hardened hearts - how long do you stick with it before shaking the dust off and leaving for places where hearts are ready? 

     When I think about the countless people who still haven't heard of Jesus or experienced His story of sacrifice and love, I struggle to have motivation to remain in a town of hardened hearts. I know God has brought me here for "such a time as this" and I pray that I can be as persistant as the widow in the parable. So I ask that you pray for me to have joy and strength to continue serving where I am while God has me here. And I ask that you pray for direction for where God would have me serve in the future. I'm excited about the possibilities to again step out of my comfort zone and share His story! 

Truth, as the Snow Falls

my road after the snow

     What is truth? How would you define it? And what things are absolute and what things could possibly have a little "wiggle room?" Can we really know if something is actually, 100% completely, without-a-doubt, true? This past week, I got in trouble with one of the church leaders/temporary vicar in the church here. As I always do before sharing a story from the Bible, I explained to my group of 4-8 year olds that the Bible is God's word. He inspired and told people what to write and it's 100% true and can be trusted. But later I was told by this church leader that I couldn't tell the kids this, because apparently it isn't true. Isn't true? 

     Sorry I'm not sorry, but if the Bible can't be trusted, what am I doing here? What are we all doing? Preaching from a word of make-believe and feel-good stories of the past? People, I'm not being a "naive, conservative, evangelical American," as some here have said. Unfortunately, this view of "taking the Bible at your own word" can be a pretty common practice in some Anglican churches. American churches are good at avoiding tough questions as we're often spoon-fed the Gospel and the Bible. But we can't take it in the complete opposite direction and ignore it! The Bible is relevant today, "living and active," Hebrews 4:12 tells us. But they say that Paul's letters and much of New Testament church doctrine can't be trusted. Excuse me? Let's look at that from another angle. We believe God is Sovereign, right? (If we don't, that's a whole other sad issue for another time) But if God is truly sovereign, would He really allow His Word to float around through the centuries with, not only a few typos - but huge theological errors such as this one, that only people with proper training and study could hope to understand? Did God pull a Brian Regan and say, "oops, I just meant it as a joke, but now they're all going out like that... oh well?" Doubt it. 

     2 Timothy 3:16 says that "all Scripture is God-breathed or inspired by God." Yes, all authority on Heaven and earth is given to Jesus, (Matthew 28:18) not Paul or any other apostle who wrote books in the New Testament. But even the four Gospels (including this verse) were written by Jesus' followers and not Jesus himself! So based on that premise, we couldn't even trust the Gospels! What's left that we can actually believe in and teach to others? 

     We're not meant to figure out God. Or understand His ways. We can't undercut the Bible just because it says things that don't make sense to us, are hard to believe, or that place boundaries and convictions in our lives. It's called #FAITH. If we only believe the part of the Bible we can understand, then we're pulling the majesty of God down to our level, a level humans can "get" so no one feels uncomfortable and we can all live happy lives of bliss in our own man-made religion. So we can worship ourselves. We can't just "pick and choose" the parts we want to believe and the parts we want to be true and then just disregard the rest! How arrogant to think we can know and understand the mind of God! 

     Needless to say, it's been a rather discouraging week but God has continuously reminded me of Matthew 10:

St Mary's Church in Nunthorpe

     "If any household or town refuses to welcome you or listen to your message, shake its dust from your feet as you leave. I tell you the truth, the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah will be better off than such a town on the judgment day. Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves. But beware! For you will be handed over to the courts and will be flogged with whips in the synagogues. You will stand trial before governors and kings because you are my followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell the rulers and other unbelievers about me. When you are arrested, don’t worry about how to respond or what to say. God will give you the right words at the right time. For it is not you who will be speaking—it will be the Spirit of your Father speaking through you." 

-Matthew 10:14-20

     This may sound a bit over-dramatic, I mean, these people are in the church. They're not really going to do anything to persecute me! And no, my safety isn't threatened. But I've been reminded this week of how Satan loves to screw things up, and loves starting inside the church. 

     I love the kids in the youth group, and I believe God will be calling many of them to Himself sometime in the future and I can't wait to see that unfold. But if this church (and other faith families around the world) aren't willing to change and actually stand for something...then man, judgment day is gonna be super rough. I know only God can melt their hearts. There's nothing I can say or no Bible verse I can throw at them to make them change their minds. Please pray for God to bring a hunger for His word and a longing for Him. Everything else is meaningless. And that's TRUTH. 

Constant Through the Trials and the Change.

Wow, it's been a while since I blogged. Like, I haven't written since last year! 

The London Eye

Ice Bar with Lindsey and Travis

     December was such a blessing. As the youth group term came to a close, I found myself going from super-incredibly-busy-i-just-want-to-cry, to having a lot a refreshing and rejuvenating time to spend out of Nunthorpe. I went to 

London for a few days with a friend, a very welcome birthday gift from my parents. I had a wonderful time, enjoying London with all its Christmas festivities. We went ice skating, walked around Camden (my favorite part of London), and enjoyed a seasonal Winter Wonderland theme park in Hyde Park. My favorite part had to be visiting an ice bar, completely made out of ice! It was sooo cold!

Boxing Day Dip in Redcar (Alan is in black)

     On Christmas day, I spent the night with the family who hosted me when I came on a short-term trip here, two years ago. What a blessing it was to spend Christmas with my English family; I'm so thankful they were willing to expand their family for a day! On Boxing Day (December 26th) we stepped outside to the beach for the annual Boxing Day Dip to help raise money for different charities. Although Alan (my host dad) was the only one in our group willing to brave the English Channel's cold, it was fun to watch hundreds of crazy people jump in the water to help support others. 

Susan and I in Warsaw

     God also sent me on a quite unexpected journey to Warsaw, Poland for New Years. My mom's college roommate has been a missionary there for the past 16 years and invited me to visit and see what God's doing in Eastern Europe. It was such an unexpected blessing to spend a week there be able to talk with her about what being a career missionary is like. 

Our group going to see The Hobbit

    Not only did I enjoy experiencing an entirely new culture and language, I got to spend a lot of time with some Americans, and it felt like home! We spent New Years watching people set off fireworks in the streets. And a few days later we went to see The Hobbit (my 3rd time) with Polish subtitles. I got to meet some new Polish Believers, and hear their stories of coming to Christ. What an incredible adventure!

     To start off this new year, our YFC team attended the Youth for Christ staff conference in Coventry, England. It was a great opportunity to grow closer as a team, worship God through music, and get some amazing spiritual insight from some wonderful speakers from around the UK and the world. I loved getting to socialize with so many different people my age who are passionate about you and passionate about taking Christ to the nations; it was such an encouragement! I learned so much from the different Bible studies and seminars they had available: 

Tees Valley Youth for Christ 2012-2013 at YFC Conference in Coventry

1. Tell Stories. Our culture is moving from left-brain society of text and verses to right-brain society. As the church, we need to recognize that the way to reach our generation is to speak in narrative, metaphors, stories, and examples. People don't really care what you're selling, they want to hear your story and know who you are. And our we just telling the story of freedom, love, hope, and justice? Or are we proclaiming the story of Christ and Him crucified? (1 Corinthians 2:2) If we only focus on telling His story and stop getting so caught up in figuring out how do "draw people to Him" we will rely on him and trust that He will do the drawing! Which leads to the next point I learned...

2. Let the Holy Spirit Guide. Our culture is always changing, and the only constant is the Spirit and His work in our lives. The Holy Spirit should be the director of the church, and we should do our best to follow. "Mission is seeing what God is doing and joining Him there" (John Taylor). The Spirit is a reliable presence, but completely unpredictable, and He is in the business of seeing the completion of things, the urgency of it all. Move from ministry strategies and what makes sense to discerning what the Spirit is headed. That's where the real fun begins and God works in crazy ways! Be weary/cautious if you thing God is calling you to something safe or comfortable or without risk. 

3. Adolescence is slowly shifting to the range of 11-27 year olds. Wow! So youth ministry really could last until the late 20s. Our generation is so focused on friendships. Because of broken homes, we've abandoned hope in family, and we're waiting longer to be involved in serious romantic relationships, so that leaves us with friends. Watch any current-running TV show to see this. Our friends become our family, because they're the only ones we can truly trust. Because of this, and so many other issues, our style of reaching out to this group must adjust. I'm inspired and encourage to not stop at 18 years, hoping that "they've got it," but to continue pouring into people well into their 20s. God's really put this age group on my heart recently, and I feel He may be calling me to this somewhere down the road in my life. 

4. One night we sung, "One Thing Remains," by Jesus Culture. A line in the song says that Jesus' love is "constant through the trials and the change." It's a great reminder because lately I've been distracted by the fact that my parents are moving to India to do full-time missions. I'm so glad they're going and couldn't be more excited for them, but I think it just hit me that their move signifies the closing of a chapter in my life. My family is transitioning to the next stage of life and I'm not a part of it. But God is constant in the midst of change. What a promise! 

   Anyway, I'm excited for what the future holds here in Nunthorpe and ready to take a step of faith by letting the Holy Spirit direct our steps!

An Unexpected Journey

     It's no secret. I love The Lord of the Rings trilogy film. Who doesn't? But The Hobbit - even better, in my opinion. I love Bilbo Baggins' story. Here's a guy who represents the average human being: living a quiet, comfortable, and somewhat uneventful life. But then Gandalf (much like the character of God) comes along. "I'm looking for someone to share in an adventure..." he says. He invites Bilbo on an incredible journey. Bilbo's life is suddenly bombarded with chaos, discomfort, but a little sense of mystery - and he gets a little curious. 
     Gandalf and the dwarves offer him the opportunity to join them on their quest. Bilbo counts the cost of such an endeavor and Gandalf tells him, "you'll have a tale or two to tell when you come back." 
     To which Bilbo responds, "can you promise that I will come back?"
     "No," Gandalf replies, "and if you do, you will not be the same." 
     Bilbo is hesitant, much like we are when God calls us to an uncomfortable journey. He actually declines the offer at first, but imagine what a boring story the Hobbit would be had he stayed at home! The story and the excitement of life begin when we step outside our door. 

Bilbo leaving his home in the Shire: "No time to talk. I'm going on an adventure!"

What an amazing opportunity God gives us to be involved in His ADVENTURE! Don't miss out! Stop just wondering what's on the other side...and GET OUT THERE! 

"Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together! To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance."

     Christmas was fun with my host parents from when I was here a few years ago. Such a blessing to get to spend the day and night with them! And I got to Skype my family at 2am on Christmas morning. YAY! And tomorrow morning I'm travelling to Poland for a week to visit my mom's college roommate and possibly learn more about Eastern European culture and human trafficking. Kind of a last minute plan, but when God invites us for an adventure, don't say "no!" :) 

     Merry Christmas and Feliz Navidad and Happy New Year to you and yours. May 2013 be a year of blessing and expected journeys! 

Taking the Backseat AKA the "be still and know" part

     FIRST CHRISTMAS SNOW! What a wonderful day-after-my-birthday present! So beautiful to wake up to a world in white and I can't wait until it snows again! Really puts you in the Christmas spirit! 
     Last week we had a Christmas dinner with all the leaders from Firecrackers (4-8 year olds). It was good to spend time and get to know them outside of youth groups. 

Firecrackers Leaders

      Last week I also hosted a girls Christmas craft and movie (Elf) night for the middle and high school-aged girls. It was fun to just hang out with them, make puppy chow and apple cider, and watch them get to know each other outside of their normal friend groups. A lady who helps with Firecrackers, Jane, took me to buy supplies for crafts and stayed for the event to help the girls with their crafts. So thankful and blessed to have her! And she made a Christmas wreath for my house! We had about 12 girls come to the event. 

Jane's Christmas Wreath

      Last Thursday I went to my first primary (elementary) school assembly. We have been asked by the school to come in for 20 minutes twice a month to talk about Bible stories, what an opportunity! We talked about creation and used funny props to tell the story of what God made on each day. The kids loved it and got really involved, listening and answering questions about the story. You gotta love 100 little kids saying "Good afternoon, Rachel" in unison, and in English accents. So precious! After we told our story and prayed for the children (imagine, praying in a public school!) we stayed and listened to them sing "Silent Night" in English, French, and German, which they've been learning for Christmas this year. It really struck me as they sang the words to a very "Christian" song that they are very open to the truth and surrounded by the truth about Christmas, yet they just don't get it. To them it's equal to the story of Santa Claus or any other fairy tale. But I am thankful that they love the idea of having us come in to share with their students, so I'll trust that God will allow the truth to prevail and continue to water the seeds we plant!

Girls at Christmas Craft/Movie Night

     And on that note of planting seeds: the most exciting but also most difficult part of the last few weeks. Monday night we discussed the Christian film To Save a Life with the middle school-aged students. We've watched the film with them over the past 2 weeks and some walked away in tears last week because they saw it as depressing and hopeless. I've shown this film to literally hundreds of high school students in America but I've never seen this response. It's meant to be a challenging but hopeful movie! So this past week I've been trying to think of a way to convince them of the hope that can be found in Jesus because we don't have to live life on our own. I don't want them to just watch a character's story of pain and sorry, I want them to see it as a choice they can make in their own lives! 
     So Monday we broke into boy/girl groups to discuss their thoughts on the film. Even thought kids felt depressed about film, they really knew it. They knew all the details of the story which is sooo encouraging to know, and I pray that they'll remember it for a while so that God can bring things to their minds as they get older. This is so promising and I'm excited to see how God continues to grow seeds that were planted during the screening of the film. Towards the end of our discussion I was able to pray that the girls will begin to sense God's working and presence in their lives, even though they don't believe He exists - YET! I said that at some point they'll all have to answer the question "Is there more to life?" And I believe with all my heart that the only answer to that question is found in Jesus Christ. As God has clearly taught me, I can trust Him to water seeds! After our discussion, I asked if anyone would like a copy of the follow-up mp3 devotional used by the characters in the film. One of the girls in Lightning Bolts (who has only been coming for 3 weeks), a girl who is junior leader in the group (high school) and leader (a mom) all wanted copies! So excited to see what happens when I step back and let Him work!

     Another cool God moment: There's a high school-aged girl who's been pretty actively attending our Bible study. Half of the time I honestly don't think she gets a word I say. To her, everything in the Bible becomes about loving each other and just being nice. No matter how many times or different ways I explain the Gospel, she doesn't get it. So when we gave her the book Crazy Love I didn't know what to expect. However, she's been reading it like crazy...already to chapter 5 when the rest of us are on chapter 3. Monday she came to help out at youth groups and told me she had a question about the book. I assumed I would have to explain to her something pretty basic, assuming most of the ideas in the book would go over her head. I underestimated God, yet again. She asked about chapter 4 saying, "what does lukewarm mean?" So I explained it in literal terms and tried to simply share how God doesn't want us to be lukewarm. As expected, she probably listened to about half of my explanation, but then she asked "yeah, but what does it mean to be a lukewarm Christian?" I was humbled. God had patiently spoken to her through the reading and found the right time for her to "get it." She had finally connected literal life to a relationship with God. And me and my impatient and annoyed explanations didn't need to be a part of it. God just showing me who's boss. Then God threw another curve ball when she asked "well how do you avoid being a lukewarm Christian? What do you have to do?" 
     So, armed with this new excitement and the unexpected blessing of getting to see the fruit of my labor (er-God's labor) I'm going to be working with her a lot more in the coming months. I'm taking her to pick out a good teen study Bible this week and helping her learn how to hear from God on her own. I've learned to take a backseat, to stay out of what God's trying to do, and sit back and watch!

James Arthur

     P.S. Want a new Christmas movie to watch this year? Watch the film, Nativity. It's the English equivalent to The Christmas Story, Elf, or It's a Wonderful Life, whichever Christmas style your family is in to. I saw the sequel in cinemas for my birthday and it is so cute with lots of precious little children. And it gives a glimpse into the culture of England, Jesus is well-known, but just a story.

     Also, James Arthur won the British X-Factor this year, and he's from Saltburn/Middlesbrough, right where I live! So proud!