Our company has been reduced to eight. Both Elaina and Sterling have now
returned to America. Today has been strange, it is as if all day
Birkdale has been missing something, floating in a dream-like & restless state waiting
for their impractical return to shake us from said state. It is quite sad to see these two go, but joyous to look
back on how each of them challenged and encouraged me. Oh and what a
time we made of their last two days!
Put simply: we merely enjoyed each others company to the fullest extent.
England vs. Ukraine Futbol Match at Cleveland-Bay Pub |
"All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. There were no needy persons among them." Acts 4:32-34
Birkdale Baby
England has been challenging, but in ways altogether different than Camp. Here I am not constantly challenged to serve those around me, nor shepherding a cabin of young girls, nor having to Literally rely on the Lord's strength for lack of my own physical strength. However, I have been learning how to do ministry in a "real life" way with "real life" distractions and circumstances. Finding ways to bring up the Gospel in casual conversation with a British child who has been subjected to greater perversion than I have ever (undesirably) encountered at a secular university, has experienced such brokenness, & who simply has not been raised with the morals most Americans (regardless whether they're Christians) have. I have never been spoken to so derogatory than I have by the 13-16yr old boys we've encountered at the parks. In those moments, I have to pray for the Lord's strength in remembering that God created these boys, just as He created me, and longs for them to return to His heart. I am neither condemning nor condoning this people group which I have come to love, but rather presenting the challenges I have faced in ministering to them.
Victoria Park, Thornaby |
"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them,
for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.
I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive
the kingdom of God like a little child
will never enter it"
O God let us be
A generation that seeks
That seeks your face
O God of Jacob
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