Another Week in London

Well, the last week has been very busy. I have been up to the Cotswolds – a totally beautiful part of England. I was there for two days in a small town called Broadway. It was little and quaint. When you think of stereotypical England, this is the place that you think of! It’s absolutely perfect. I got to go on a ministry trip with Stuart Lees, the vicar of Christ Church, and four other people. Stuart taught on freedom principles and then we had a chance to pray for people. We did DNA and strongholds. DNA is so much fun! I love it! It was for a group of ten vicars from the Birmingham area. These pastors were from all different denominations – we had Anglican, Pentecostal and Baptist preachers meeting together. It was such an amazing picture of God’s heart for unity in the church. These men, although they may not agree on the nitty-gritty issues of faith such as infant baptism verse adult baptism, still loved each other and they love the Lord. It was such a pleasure to meet them. It gives me hope for the unity that God has planned for his Bride! They were so nice to the young American girl who came to pray for them. Most of these men had daughters my age. Their humility was astounding. It was also so fun to travel with Stuart and get to know him better. He is such an amazing man of faith!

Youth stuff has been really good. I feel like I am totally surrounded by boys! It’s so funny – I know all of you out there who know me well are laughing at the humor of the Lord. There are a few girls that I am connecting with, but it seems that most of the youth meetings are predominantly boys. It’s a little frustrating, and definitely stretching. Life, the group of older church kids, was all boys last week. Their hearts are so incredible. We spent time in worship, and it is such a rare thing to see 15, 16, 17 year old boys, passionately, on their faces worshiping the Lord. They were even worshiping to some of the songs that Misty has written! It blessed me tons. I am also learning so much about the power of worshipping to CD’s. I think it always just feels like it should be the guy, leading on the guitar up front. But, wow, does the Lord meet you in worship, even when it’s just you, a bunch of kids, and a CD player!! I love it! This weekend we are taking these kids to a beach town called Margate. Please pray for even more radical intimacy with Jesus! Sanctuary, the inner city youth ministry, has been proving to be tough. They just moved, and the kids are not handling the new space super well. They are pressing the limits! They remind me so much of my students. It’s been fun to watch the team learn to set boundaries and keep them, even if it means sending all the kids home early. Week one was rough, week two was better, they lasted longer, but still had to be sent home. Still, I love them. I love the fact that they are real. They hold nothing back and express everything exactly as it is! If they don’t like something or they don’t like you, they express it! If they like something, or they like you, they are also quick to let you know! I love it! The group where I often feel most comfortable (not always the best) is the Oxygen kids, probably just because of their ages. They are 10 to 13. I love it. They are sooo sweet. They run in the door and want to give you hugs. They are eager to tell you about their weeks and they just love each other. They are all so sweet!!! How refreshing they are!

I have also spent much of the last week with Isabel, the little girl I am living with. Her mom hasn’t’ been feeling well, and so I have had the opportunity it play with Isabel. We have gone to the park, I have been walking her to nursery and we have played many different games. It’s such a joy to be able to serve the family in this way. Building work has also started on the house. It’s a little chaotic, but things seem to be going well so far. A highlight of this week was Lunch with Christy, Rory and Anna on Sunday. It was so refreshing. Rory and Anna even prayed for us, which was great! So, that’s all the news about this side of the world. I hope that everything is going well! I miss and love you all!