Have you ever had such highs and lows in such a short span of time? This has recently been the case for us here in Newcastle. It's been an emotional couple weeks which began with a new sister in Christ while ending with tears of distress.
Please continue to pray for the Kingdom work we're blessed to be a part of here. God knows what He's doing and satan is trying to disarm us. God has won the war, He is victorious in the battle, yet satan tries time and time again to fight against is. satan obviously hasn't realized he's fighting a losing battle.
The victory is won. Christ has risen from the grave. The enemy has been defeated. Yet why do I feel so beaten?! I've found the more I get to know these young people whom God ceased in His image, the more I'm convinced this is where I'm meant to be, but my heart yearns for the softening of these young people's hearts to the Gospel, this good news we share, the reason we're here and our purpose for living, the grace and freedom that is found in Jesus.
As I finish rambling at 2:23 in the morning I can't help, but wonder, "what's next?". It's not something we think about all that often, yet it's the one guarantee in life: there's always something coming next.
What's next for you? Where's God taking you on your adventure together as you travel this journey? And after this time on earth, what's next for you? It's when we begin doing everything in light of eternity, our entire perspective changes. Those little things that use to tie us up don't seem to bother us anymore, that annoying person becomes a blessing of companionship, and those who are deemed "unlovable" become "irresistible" to your heart. When you think of what's next do you think in terms of yourself, those around you, or about eternity? Let me challenge you to look through an eternal lens at those around you and I guarantee you'll discover when you truly do that, God can't help but look after you.
You're a warrior for the King, believe that. Fight like a champion, take hits like a champion, because, with Christ, we are VICTORIOUS!!
Romans 12:12
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Friday, November 11, 2011
Tackling the Mountains of Life
Isn't that how life is though? It's not until you've risen above the trials in your life that you are able to see the beauty. We look back and the farther we move ahead the more beauty we take with us YET the more we also strive to KEEP pressing on. And also, the tough trials (that seem like mountains) become enjoyable and memorable and BEARABLE when you're not facing that journey alone.
Take time to reflect, acknowledging where you've been, enjoy and embrace where you are, and anticipate with excitement and wonder what is ahead of you.
And don't be afraid to go exploring on adventures every now and again :)
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Thoughts Amidst Fiesta Preparations
As I write this entry, I am surrounded by blaring music, the sound of a hair dryer, laughter, the smell of paint, and some amazing people of God. One of my favorite attributes of the Karios Centre (where I am an intern youth worker) is the commotion that tends to always be about. Right now a group of older teens and 20-somethings are preparing for their "Mexican Party" for the Fused program people from the churches in the area put on for the youth in the congregations. Every now and again they do a themed social (party) that include fun-filled activities, food, and music. The reason behind these parties? They are actually a fundraiser so the young people that come bring something+ £4. This year it is something for a shoe box+ £4.
It has been roughly a month since my last entry and I have some exciting news. WE HAVE A NEW SISTER IN CHRIST! One of the young people gave her life to Christ last Tuesday!!!!!!!! It was such an encouraging time for those of us volunteering at the Kairos Centre. Many times we don't necessarily see the fruit from our labor. It is said that some of us sow, others water, while others reap the harvest. The problem with this is that when you're constantly doing the sowing, but not as much a part of the watering, and rarely a part of the reaping of the harvest it can be difficult. But we had such a time of rejuvenation with welcoming another sister in Christ into the Kingdom family :)
Also, the last month or so we have been without our lead youth worker, Ben, because he was in America renewing his visa. It was a quick process and prayers were answered so much so that he is upon his return as I type this update. It has been a challenge without him because another leader, Adrian, and I have been taking his place and have carried more responsibility than we have had in the past. However, this has helped me personally to appreciate all that Ben does without us even realizing it so that activities run smoothly and leaders are well looked after. It has also helped many of the volunteers "step up their game" so to speak by having more responsibility with less hands in the service of loving the young people that come off the stairs to drop-in.
Yet ANOTHER praise is that our Tuesday night program that started out only having five attendees was up in the 20s last night. This is an encouragement because it is evidence of God working and people being drawn to His Love. On the other hand, it is a call to we as leaders to continually focus our hearts and minds on things above and continually having an eternal perspective on the work we're doing in the here and now. God is truly working within the community and the Church here in Newcastle.
This past Sunday evening, churches from all over Newcastle came together for what has come to be known as Fifth Sunday. The churches come together for a collective time of musical worship (led by people from all congregations), prayer, a message, and fellowship over tea, coffee, and buns. These services are a constant reminder of what Jesus prayed in John 17 of the unity of His followers. What emphasized this even deeper was the encouragement from the minister giving the message, who happened to be from America, that expressed his excitement to go back to his hometown in Florida and call up his Baptist minister friend and get together to start a Fifth Sunday service with all the churches in their town. This idea of unity is so appealing to people that they are beginning to grab a hold of it and make something of it, even across to the other side of the Atlantic.
I also felt it might be good for you as supporters to know what my timetable (schedule) on a weekly basis looks like:
Thank you for your continued prayer and support. My goal is to be more adamant when it comes to updating the blog for you guys for the whereabouts of the ministry here in Newcastle, Northern Ireland.
Romans 12:12
It has been roughly a month since my last entry and I have some exciting news. WE HAVE A NEW SISTER IN CHRIST! One of the young people gave her life to Christ last Tuesday!!!!!!!! It was such an encouraging time for those of us volunteering at the Kairos Centre. Many times we don't necessarily see the fruit from our labor. It is said that some of us sow, others water, while others reap the harvest. The problem with this is that when you're constantly doing the sowing, but not as much a part of the watering, and rarely a part of the reaping of the harvest it can be difficult. But we had such a time of rejuvenation with welcoming another sister in Christ into the Kingdom family :)
Also, the last month or so we have been without our lead youth worker, Ben, because he was in America renewing his visa. It was a quick process and prayers were answered so much so that he is upon his return as I type this update. It has been a challenge without him because another leader, Adrian, and I have been taking his place and have carried more responsibility than we have had in the past. However, this has helped me personally to appreciate all that Ben does without us even realizing it so that activities run smoothly and leaders are well looked after. It has also helped many of the volunteers "step up their game" so to speak by having more responsibility with less hands in the service of loving the young people that come off the stairs to drop-in.
Yet ANOTHER praise is that our Tuesday night program that started out only having five attendees was up in the 20s last night. This is an encouragement because it is evidence of God working and people being drawn to His Love. On the other hand, it is a call to we as leaders to continually focus our hearts and minds on things above and continually having an eternal perspective on the work we're doing in the here and now. God is truly working within the community and the Church here in Newcastle.
This past Sunday evening, churches from all over Newcastle came together for what has come to be known as Fifth Sunday. The churches come together for a collective time of musical worship (led by people from all congregations), prayer, a message, and fellowship over tea, coffee, and buns. These services are a constant reminder of what Jesus prayed in John 17 of the unity of His followers. What emphasized this even deeper was the encouragement from the minister giving the message, who happened to be from America, that expressed his excitement to go back to his hometown in Florida and call up his Baptist minister friend and get together to start a Fifth Sunday service with all the churches in their town. This idea of unity is so appealing to people that they are beginning to grab a hold of it and make something of it, even across to the other side of the Atlantic.
I also felt it might be good for you as supporters to know what my timetable (schedule) on a weekly basis looks like:
Thank you for your continued prayer and support. My goal is to be more adamant when it comes to updating the blog for you guys for the whereabouts of the ministry here in Newcastle, Northern Ireland.
Romans 12:12
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