You Sneeeaky God!

In Whitby with 3 Texans and 2 English girls

     God's been up to something this whole time! For the past 9 months God's been drawing these young people to himself and has chosen to allow me to see the fruit of my labor before I leave! What a blessing!
     The "Texans," the mission team from UMHB, were here for 10 days. And we kept them very busy. They spent the first weekend with their hosts, so Ste and I joined another group with the 2 girls we're hosting and went to Whitby for the day. We had a brilliant time hanging out with 2 of our youth group girls and their Texan.  
     Last Monday we hit the ground running with schools work all morning. Throughout the week we were able to share our testimonies in 9 different religious education classes. In England, Year 8 students (12-13 year olds) are required to take religious education and study the major world religions. The school actually asks us to come into to their classroom and share our faith with the students. A couple of Texans would share their testimonies with the class and then we would break into groups and allow the kids to ask us questions about America, Texas, Christianity, God, and anything else they could think of. We all built so many relationships with the kids and many of them came to youth groups or Christian lunch club later on in the week. 

Journey Weekend

     We were also able to go into 2 primary schools and share our journeys of faith. We acted out the story of Jonah and allowed the kids to come up with their own creative way to tell the story using characters like Shrek, wrestlers, zombies, and Dory. Then we lead the kids in the song Waves of Mercy and talked about the theme of mercy and grace within the story of Jonah. It all fit perfectly together and the kids really seems to understand the concept. 

     Over this past weekend we went on a youth retreat with 21 of our kids aged 9-17. It was the most amazing part of my time here in Nunthorpe; I just didn't want it to end! First of all, it was energizing and encouraging to have the Texans here. Just to have a team who I could trust, knowing that they had the same passion and vision to see every kid come to know Jesus as their personal Lord - I can't even tell you how uplifting it was!
Now let me just try to explain some of the incredible ways God answered prayers. 

Me with some of the Thunderbolts

     We gave out 12 Bibles over the weekend and on Monday at youth groups. 6 high school-aged girls had asked for Bibles after the Beloved girls weekend, so the Texans brought some over from America and we got to write personal notes in each Bible to each girl. We gave out a couple of Bibles to some primary school boys - boys who, at the beginning of the weekend, said they didn't want to talk about God or have anything to do with learning about Him. Even after the first night, the Texans working with this age group had their kids reading Bible stories and talking about their meanings. By the end of the weekend, the boys had memorized Proverbs 18:24 "one who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." They were even excited to recite it to the rest of the group!

LightningBolt, we look related

     I got to spend a lot of my time with the middle school aged group. The biggest thing that stood out to me was their desperate desire to learn more about God and the Bible. They all wanted it. As the theme of the weekend was "Journey" we took the time to ask them where they think they were on their journey and relationship with God. They all honestly admited that they were at the beginning. Some understood the gospel more than others, but all said they wanted to learn more. Many of the 13 year old boys even took notes on the Bible verses that we talked about. I got to know these kids so much more than I have over the past 9 months and it was so encouraging to see the Holy Spirit work in their lives. I will miss this group so much, their awkwardness and honesty have made the past 9 months hilarious!

Me with my EQ girls, I will miss them so much!

Some more of my EQ girls

     The high school aged group was also amazing. We asked the group where they were currently at in their relationship with God. The girls went around the circle and all said that Beloved was a huge step of growth in their journey. One girl said it was the first time God seems interesting to her. She realized that He actually related to her life and she wanted Him to get to know Him more. Another girl said that Beloved helped her move from just wanting to learn about Christianity to wanting to know Jesus in a personal way. And another girl from Beloved said that she made a commitment to surrender her life to Jesus. WOW! We all begin tearing up in the group as all the girls explained what my time here has meant to them and how my example of following Christ has impacted them so much. And I've truly seen them grow over the past month since Beloved. They told us how they gathered together at Journey to read their new Bibles together. Since the weekend they told me that they call each other in the morning to read their Bibles together. One of the coolest things to witness was them praying out loud for the first time! One of their Texan leaders asked them to pray for something that they've seen God do in their lives or in the lives of others. Some girls thanked God for the Texan team coming and for a fun weekend at Journey. But some of the girls actually prayed for me, thanking God for the difference I've made in their lives. We all teared up a little bit but I just sat there in awe of what God had done through me even with my doubt and hesitancy. One of our leaders even prayed out loud for the first this weekend too! It's amazing to watch as they take steps outside their comfort zone.

     Another amazing story is about a lad called Joe. Joe is probably the most interesting person I've ever met. He's only 15, but you'd think he's 25. He came to Journey as the only boy in the high school group, so he roomed with a group of smelly 10 year old boys. Joe is definitely on a journey. He would tell you he's agnostic but is open to Christianity, if only he had proof. He's studied every major religion and even knows the Bible better than most Christians. He gets it. He just doesn't believe it...yet. He understands why the Texan team comes every year and he could share the gospel better than most believers, he just hasn't accepted it! He has asked the Texans questions like "when was the time that you felt God's presence most strongly" and "where do you want to be spiritually in 2 years." He even asks us to practice sharing our testimonies with him and gives us feedback! Who is this guy? A few of the Texan girls got to have a 3 hour conversation with him about Christianity and he's very open to sharing his thoughts and listening to others. Every time I'm with him I feel God's presence so strongly, we all do. I'm completely confident that he will find Jesus through his search, it's just a matter of time. He needs to come to terms with the fact that he will never find all the answers - knowing about God and the Bible isn't the same as experiencing God. I can't wait for this day when he does experience his savior because I know that God's going to use him in an INCREDIBLE way to change the world, and hopefully help bring the UK back to Jesus. Please pray for him to experience God in a way he can't explain. I'm so excited for that day when he gets it! 

Me with Dr. L, Nunthorpe team leader

     The Texan team leader, Dr. L (one of my professors at UMHB) was sick in the hospital for most of the week. He was released just in time to come to our Monday night youth group this week. IT WAS AMAZING.
     Monday was my last night of youth groups. I had to say goodbye to all the Thunderbolts, Lightning Bolts, leaders and a couple of other older girls that I won't get a chance to see again. It was so incredibly emotional. After Journey, I realized why I've needed to be here for the past 9 months; I've been planting seeds and waiting patiently for God to grow them. Monday I got to see the fruit of the past 9 months. I got flowers, 2 goodbye cakes, jewelry, an offering from the church, and so many notes/cards/letters from young people and leaders. I can't even begin to describe the joy and love that I felt as I said goodbye. People told me the difference that my life had made in theirs. They shared their stories of what God has been doing in them, giving the desire to read His word and grow closer to Him. 

     And the TEARS! There were so many people tearing up and balling and giving me hugs. So many of the young girls who I've struggled with over the year came up to me and begged me not to leave. This gave me the opportunity to explain that I've told them everything I needed to say. I told them about a God who loves them and sent His son to reunite us with Himself. But then I told them that now I need to go and tell others; so many more people haven't heard this good news! I got to keep pointing them back to Jesus and tell them how I've prayed so long for God to do something amazing, but that now it is my season to watch what He continues to do from afar. It's teaching me to trust the Holy Spirit and to not rely on myself for the spiritual growth of these kids. 

     One 13 year old girl wrote a note that said "I know I haven't been respectful at times but I guess my tears show that I'm going to miss you. I'm so grateful for all that you have taught me." Other people said things like "thank you for bringing me closer to God" and "thank you for teaching me to move out of my comfort zone" and "thank you for opening up our eyes to the word of the Lord." As a person whose love language is encouraging words, this was HUGE for me. I don't think I'll ever really know the extent of what God did through me until I get to Heaven. And I'll continue to hope and pray that I will see many of these young people and adults there. One of my favorite notes said "as usual when a Texan leaves I reflect on how blessed we have been to have them...this time it's slightly different because I'm now 100% confident that we'll meet again - unfortunately maybe not anytime soon but definitely in heaven...seeing you go is horrible but I wouldn't change you coming here for the world (even if it meant no tears)." This note alone would prove to me that the last 9 months have been entirely worth it. I'm so thankful for God's faithfulness and I wouldn't have wanted to be anywhere else. 

     Another awesome thing: 2 boys that we met in religious education classes that week came to the Monday event and became Christians! It was the first time in 6 years that Ste has seen "official conversions." Most of the time, the church would rather just push the "Christian lifestyle" more than an overnight change. So we got to be so excited with them and tell them the glorious inheritance they will now receive! We gave them both Bibles and they've been reading Genesis, Matthew, and Jonah - and actually telling us how it applies to their own life! Who are these people? God is crazy!! 

     I still have the high school group to say goodbye to at our all-nighter on Friday. Please pray for that as I'm wanting to talk to some of the girls individually to see exactly where they are in their faith and how I can continue to support them from across the pond :) 

     Last Friday before Journey, one of the Texans read these verses: 

"We are only God’s servants through whom you believed the Good News. Each of us did the work the Lord gave us. I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow. It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow. The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work." -1 Corinthians 3:5-8

     It pretty much summed up the last 9 months. Although it's super difficult to leave now that things are actually happening, I realize that I needed to come in August and start planting seeds. There is a season to plant. And a season to patiently wait. And a season to reap the harvest of blessing if we don't give up (Galatians 6:9). Thank you Jesus for caring enough to challenge me to grow during each of these seasons. 

The whole group at Journey 2013

P.S. One Republic is sooo good at making theme songs for my life. This one's my current theme for the rest of my time here in England:

 

     When I first arrived in Nunthorpe, Acts 20:24 became my mission statement and I think the rest of the chapter is very applicable as well:

“You know that from the day I set foot in the province of Asia until now I have done the Lord’s work humbly and with many tears. I never shrank back from telling you what you needed to hear, either publicly or in your homes. I have had one message for Jews and Greeks alike—the necessity of repenting from sin and turning to God, and of having faith in our Lord Jesus.

And now I am bound by the Spirit to go to Jerusalem. I don’t know what awaits me, except that the Holy Spirit tells me in city after city that jail and suffering lie ahead. But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.

And now I know that none of you to whom I have preached the Kingdom will ever see me again. I declare today that I have been faithful. If anyone suffers eternal death, it’s not my fault, for I didn’t shrink from declaring all that God wants you to know.

So guard yourselves and God’s people. I know that false teachers, like vicious wolves, will come in among you after I leave, not sparing the flock. Even some men from your own group will rise up and distort the truth in order to draw a following. Watch out! Remember the three years I was with you—my constant watch and care over you night and day, and my many tears for you.

And now I entrust you to God and the message of his grace that is able to build you up and give you an inheritance with all those he has set apart for himself.

When he had finished speaking, he knelt and prayed with them. They all cried as they embraced and kissed him good-bye. They were sad most of all because he had said that they would never see him again." 

Excerpts from Acts 20:18-38

No Reserves. No. Retreats. No Regrets.

Jane and I at Rievalux Abbey

     Things have been so busy and exciting here in Nunthorpe. I'm definitely enjoying the sun and vitamin D! 

     A few weeks ago, a woman from the youth group called Jane took me to the ruins of Rievalux Abbey about an hour away from here. It was wonderful to spend a day out in the sun and enjoy God's beautiful creation.

     Jane is also super crafty - the good kind of crafty. She's helped me with lots of craft things over the past 9 months. We've made purses/bags and Christmas wreaths, and now she's showed me how to make stained glass. Jane's been so encouraging and hospitable; she's the only one from the church here who has invited me over. I've loved spending time with her, making glass and talking about theology and spiritual things. 

     

Here are some of the stained glass pieces she's made.

     This lovely weather has also allowed us to go on a sponsored walk with our kids to raise money for the youth retreat while the UMHB team is here. It was a 7 mile hike up Roseberry Topping (technically a huge hill, but definitely seems more like a mountain to us Texans). I had such a great time hanging out with the youth and spending some time in the sun with them. I especially enjoyed chatting to a girl and her sister from our middle school youth group. We've had trouble engaging that group in the past few months; they've been very disrespectful and chaotic. But I had some wonderful conversations with this girl and learned that she really does enjoy the group and having me here in England, despite what she might say in youth group. It was a gorgeous day and great opportunity to spend some more time with these kids before I leave.

     I've also been encouraged a lot lately with the idea that light is best seen in extreme darkness. And that's where we're at now. But I pray that God's light will shine through this darkness and into the hearts of the young people and the leaders here. This has been my prayer over the last 9 months:

I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance."

-Ephesians 1:18

The group participating in the Sponsored Walk for Carlton

Beloved

      Last week we had our girls' weekend, Beloved. It was an AMAZING time, my only regret is that I waited until now to host it. 14 girls came: 3 middle school and 11 high school. We tie dyed t-shirts, took pictures and transfered them onto canvases, watched Disney films and October Baby, Skyped my family and ate wayyyyy too much sugar! The theme of the weekend was self-worth and I used Disney films to illustrate God's unconditional pursuit of us. 

     Friday night we read Jesus' stories of the lost sheep, the lost coin and the prodigal son while looking at Finding Nemo. The main focus was to look at where Nemo's worth came from. It wasn't based on something Nemo had done or who he was, it was what his father had sacrificed to rescue him. The same is true with our relationship with God. We can't earn his favour or love; it actually lessens the cost of his sacrifice when we think we can earn it! 

     Saturday morning we took a love languages test to help us realize how we feel love and worth from others, and how we enjoy giving love back to them. It was especially helpful for the leaders who have deeper relationships with people. I had some good conversations with the them about how they can show love to people in their life and how we, as leaders, can show appreciation to each other. But I think the girls enjoyed it as well; I learned that most of them feel loved based on quality time...not the best language I show someone love, but it means I'll have to sacrifice more because they are worth it!    

     

     Throughout the whole weekend, we got to hang out with Beth (an English gap year worker, and a girl from the youth group I worked with in 2010) and a younger girl who Beth's currently discipling. Beth shared her testimony and it was so powerful. Many of the girls were in tears as she was so personal and open about her struggles. The girls related to her so well and found it so encouraging to see that God was working in someone so close to their own age. During this session we looked at The Little Mermaid and how God wants to be our kind and protective father, just like Ariel's father, the King. Beth shared how she has learned how God is her heavenly father and what it means to be a confident daughter of the King, a princess. The girls and the leaders loved spending time with Beth and seeing how fun it can actually be, giving Christ control of your life.

     Saturday afternoon we baked biscuits (cookies) and decorated them. Then we split into groups to deliver them to the elderly in the community. When I first suggested this idea to the leaders, they seemed very against this idea. They weren't thrilled at the prospect of taking the girls out into the community, for fear they might be rejected or laughed out. This was so discouraging to hear, the church didn't want to leave their comfort zone and serve others. But the girls loved it, and I think the leaders got the vision for it when we went out into the neighborhoods. My group went to a local nursing home and the girls loved seeing the joy on the residents' faces as we brightened their day with some sweets and kind conversations. The girls all came back asking to do this again and to spend more time with the elderly. We're planning on going back to the home this next weekend, and the leaders are on board this time! I think they see the importance of the church going out and being the hands and feet of Jesus, even when it's awkward or uncomfortable. 

     Saturday evening we looked at Beauty and the Beast, we are the Beast and there's nothing we can do to be good enough for God, the Beauty. We looked at God being a groom and we are his bride, his Beloved (the name of the weekend). The beautiful aspect of the film is that Belle loves the Beast even when he's despicable! God loves us when we are the unfaithful and adulterous bride. We watched this video, which I encourage you to take a look at. When you know the Jewish tradition, it makes so much more sense for Jesus to call us his bride!

Tenth Avenue North "Beloved" at the Last Supper Video

     Almost every Disney movie ends in a wedding. And the most important part in the proposal is how the bride will respond to it. This was the call to action for the girls. At the end of the session they had some time to reflect on what God thinks of them and what they will do in response to Him. I've talked to a few of the girls since last weekend and I think this was a big turning point for a lot of them. Their process of becoming a Christian and accepting Christ will be a lot more gradual than it usually is with America's repeat-after-me prayer. I think the majority of the girls who came aren't just "checking it out" anymore, but have actually chosen to step on that path and start the journey. 7 of the girls have asked for teen Bibles and we've looked at some Bible and devotional apps for their phones. Some of them have even started tweeting Bible verses every day!

     While this is so exciting and such an answer to prayer, it makes me sad that I'll be leaving soon. The girls and leaders are just now starting to open up and ask for more direction and help to grow in their relationships with God. I pray that this will continue and that they won't lapse back when summer comes, exams are finished, and holidays start. The UMHB team will come in less than 3 weeks, and we'll have a weekend retreat with them while they're here. I pray that this will be another spiritual boost for the girls and that they will take advantage of this time with so many leaders who want them to grow. There will also be 2 girls from UMHB who will stay through the summer. My prayer for them is that they can transition quickly and that the girls will trust them and ask for help in this early stage of growth.  

     May promises to be incredibly busy. We have lots of planning during the week and big events every weekend. We're planning on taking the oldest group to Beth's youth group nearby; they have a lot more leaders and resources to make each group engaging and thought-provoking. Then the UMHB team comes May 10th-21st. We'll be in schools in religious education classes almost everyday so we'll get to see a whole new lot of students! On Friday, the 24th of May, we have a high school lock-in for my good-bye party/welcome party for the summer interns. That'll be pretty emotional. And then I leave the 27th of May. Wow, time has flown by, only 5 more weeks! CRAZY! 

     Thank you so much to everyone who has prayed for Beloved. It was such a success, and we'll never know what the Holy Spirit did in some of the girls' lives. Please continue to pray for me for the next month. Pray that I will finish strong and have clarity to recognize those who are ready to grow and take the next step spiritually. Pray for spiritual warfare, which will no doubt be an issue as girls are inviting the Holy Spirit to work in their lives. Thank you Jesus for your faithfulness! 

The door no one can shut

     I introduced my boss to Facing the Giants  Sure it's a terrible quality film when you're looking at all the typical things people get awards for: screenplay, production, acting, directing...the list can go on and on. But the message still stands and it really resonated with me as I watched it here in this spiritual dark environment. It was an encouragement to me that if God wants to still do something in Nunthorpe, either while I'm here or not, I can't just write off these people just because I don't see it. I need to continue to pray for something great, and prepare for something great.

   Here are some passages that have been an encouragement to me lately.

Revelation 3:

"To the church in Philadelphia...

What he opens, no one can close

and what he closes, no one can open:

I know all the things you do, and I have opened a door for you that no one can close. You have little strength, yet you obeyed my word and did not deny me. Look, I will force those who belong to Satan’s synagogue—those liars who say they are Jews but are not—to come and bow down at your feet.

They will acknowledge that you are the ones I love.

Because you have obeyed my command to persevere, I will protect you from the great time of testing that will come upon the whole world to test those who belong to this world. I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take away your crown..."

Hebrews 6:

"For God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other believers, as you still do. Our great desire is that you will keep on loving others as long as life lasts, in order to make certain that what you hope for will come true. Then you will not become spiritually dull and indifferent. Instead, you will follow the example of those who are going to inherit God’s promises because of their faith and endurance."

     Please pray for our girl's weekend, Beloved, this Friday through Sunday. Pray for the theme of self-worth to be clear; our worth doesn't come from what we do or even who we are, but whose we are and what's already been done for us. Pray that many will experience God's love and desire a deeper knowledge and relationship with him. Pray that the leaders will see the purpose behind this weekend and desire a deeper faith as well. Pray for their spiritual confidence in being intentional with the girls who come. And praise God for the 14 girls who will be attending! 

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!