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