Seasons come and Seasons go - gearing up for change

UPDATED BLOG...DECEMBER 6, 2013

It truly has been the season for change in my life this past month here in England. Some changes good, some changes challenging, but all in all, God has been faithful. I am reminded of that scripture found in Isaiah 33:6 "For He shall be the stability of your days...". The word stability means the state of being stable, not wavering. So as I clung onto his hand walking through uncharted territory at times, He was faithful to see me through, allowing my security to be in Him and Him only. One of the uncharted territories I encountered this past month was passing my British drivers test. Questions would continually arise in my heart as I practiced for the "big test" like, "can I really pass this Lord?" But He was always faithful to remind me that He would be my strength to see me through.  I also was reminded of a quote I heard that said, "Never put a question mark where God has put a period." So, as hard as it was, through persevering, trusting in The Lord and your prayers I did pass! It truly was a rejoicing time, for not many have ever passed the first time- Now I am one of those British drivers who drive on the correct side of the road, and can officially say I am working on becoming 1/2 British!

In review of last month, both fellowships are growing in God's Word and being discipled. In our Wotter fellowship, people are coming for fellowship and the Word throughout the several surrounding villages and towns. What a blessing to see this little community come alive with Christ's love being extended through those doors! We are planning an annual Christmas Carole Service for the community to attend with free mince pies and tea for fellowship afterwards.
In Exeter, the fellowship is so sweet and our arms have been extended through several new families attending as far as 60 minutes away. The people are hungry to hear God's Word, and it's so refreshing.

As I am sitting here writing while riding the train today, it amazes me to see that the countryside is also changing. With the leaves now falling, along with the temperatures, it tells of winter coming soon at hand. Even the people are dressing up to fight this windy cold in their British attire of long coats, wool scarves, hats (of course in Britain), wooly socks and fur boots--signs that show the soon expectation of falling snow here in this land of England. Now being that I am from a warm climate, my body has really had to adjust to the sudden drop in temperatures.

With the Christmas season approaching, England has turned into an "old English Christmas" with carolers on every street corner singing the great Christmas carols as you walk by. Such a simple but refreshing site for me to behold, as I find, ladies, that the stores are open until 10 pm only on Thursday nights for the "late nite shopping"! And as the sheep are nestled in the fields with their wool coats on too, the scenery seems to reveal such a simple place of peace and tranquility to my soul. It has been such a blessing to become simple as I have lived here now in England almost 9 months.
As I reflect back over this month of thanksgiving, that word 'simplicity' seems to echo throughout my heart. Although the Brits don't celebrate the actual thanksgiving day, the Christians here are ever thankful for the simplicity of the Gospel that has set them free. We are planning on doing an official thanksgiving meal for our fellowship with turkey and all the trimmings. Things such as pumpkin pies, candied yams will be all new to them, so should be lots of fun with an evening of thanks and praises to our Lord.

(Psalm 105:1-6) "Give thanks to The Lord and proclaim His greatness. Let the whole world know what He has done. Sing to Him; yes, sing His praises.  Tell everyone about his wonderful deeds. Exalt in His holy name; rejoice, you who worship The Lord. Search for The Lord and for His strength; continually seek Him. Remember the wonders he has performed, his miracles and the rulings He has given, you...His chosen ones."

May each of us take the time to remember His goodness as we gear up for the beginning of a new season with the holidays approaching. May we return to the simplicity of the Lord's greatness -for truly He is the reason for the Season. Blessings...

Prayer Request:

-Safe travels to America on furlough for 5 weeks
-wisdom to minister to pastors and wives both in the UK and elsewhere
-Ongoing discipleship
-Outreach in and throughout the city and villages

The Rushing Mighty Wind - a Flurry of Activity

 Autumn is upon us here in Devon. With the flurry of leaves scurrying around my feet as I do my daily walk into town, truly its a sign of all the activity that is and has happened to us since last month.

The Uni students are back full swing into school and studies. We have had not only new "freshers" come and visit our church, Calvary Chapel Exeter, but also new kids who are going to University of Exeter to get their masters. We have had students from Uganda, China, Singapore, and even San Francisco. It's  been quite exciting welcoming and settling them in to study and fellowship over God's Word. Bob even got to speak at one of the "Christian Union" gatherings on the theme taken out of John on apathy. It was well received by the students. It really was a kick start into a great year. We also started again Solomon's Porch with the students, in which we had great food and a great teaching in James.

 

 

 

Bible study has once again started for the ladies ministry here in Exeter. The ladies love making new friends, and of course I love serving them with hospitality, tea and crumpets. We have begun an 8 week course studying the book of Galatians.

Throughout this flurry of activity, we have also started an outreach of Exeter Calvary Chapel with our Bible study in Plymouth, about 45 minutes away. The Lord has given us a church building just north of Plymouth on the Dartmoor in the village of Wotter. It had not been used for a long time and the quite elderly Christian man who bought it 7 years ago has been praying for God to use it for His glory once again. So Calvary Chapel of Wotter has begun.

 

 

 

 

"Therefore My people shall know My name; Therefore they shall know in that day That I am He who speaks: 'Behold, it is I. How beautiful upon the mountains, Are the feet of him who brings good news, Who proclaims peace, Who brings glad tidings of good things, Who proclaims salvation, Who says to Zion, Your God reigns!"

Isaiah 52:7

That not only has been our scripture prayer for this village but also the two surrounding villages in the area.It truly is "the little country church on the edge of town." With sheep at our doorstep and the Dartmoor ponies running around,the Lord amazes me with His beauty and sense of humor. Even at night, as we are driving home, you will find all of the sheep bedded down for the night on the road. As they look up with no intentions of moving, we find as we are carefully driving through and around this maze we continually thank  God for His goodness to allow us to experience this unique work in what  He is doing in this place, in the village of Wotter - sheep reaching out to the lost sheep leading them to the great Shepherd of our souls, Jesus! For we are His people and the sheep of His pasture. May you Oh Lord be glorified in all we say and do, and bless the work of our hands.

Isaiah 58:12 "Those from among you Shall build the old waste places; You shall raise up the foundations of many generations; And you shall be called the Repairer of the Breach, The Restorer of Streets to Dwell In."

Prayer Requests:
*Passing practical driving test November 20th
*Ongoing Discipleship
*New Families in Exeter fellowship
*New Families in Wotter fellowship
*4 Bedroom Ministry House for incoming assistants, teachers,  

     students and teams in Exeter
*Thanksgiving Outreach

 

 

 

 

As I sit down to write, I can't help but reflect back on this past "summer of service" at the Claycamp's household. It was such a blessing to be able to bless others as they passed through our doors. Truly it was a summer of service as well as a time of preparation... preparing us now for another new season in our lives that is about to begin. 

Throughout the city of Exeter, this summer was certainly a time of reconstruction, preparing for the season when the students would be arriving back for school. As I would walk in and throughout the town, I couldn't help but notice endless scaffolding projects going on at the student's  housing.  Projects  of rebuilding, and planting of new things. Of course there would be a covering you walk under, but overtop you can hear the hammers and chisels breaking down walls, windows and all those bits and pieces of unworthiness, to only be replaced with new bits and pieces. The Lord reminded me how He continually works in our hearts desiring to replace the old rubbish with His new life and character. Although at times it hurts as He chisels away, that tender and sweet fruit of righteousness and His character breaks through. I am  always reminded of that scripture found in 2 Timothy 3:16-17:  "All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work."
 

God has given us several opportunities this summer to proclaim His goodness. Creation Fest was a week long event of biblical teachings and concerts, centered toward the youth. We worked in the children's ministry tent, having a full week of VBS teachings, along with kitchen duty, as well as Bob teaching 2 of the 6 nights out of the book of Ephesians. Many people came to salvation as the gospel was preached, and many hearts were stirred up in the faith. Creation Fest this year truly was such a blessing.

Then off to Austria and Italy where we had opportunities to teach and share with the Calvary Chapel Churches serving in those  areas. We saw a great appreciation for God's Word and many people came forward for prayer and encouragement. Overall, we were so blessed by their love for Christ.  Even though sometimes we could not speak the same language, our spirits were truly knit together. What a blessed time!

 

 

Upon returning to England, I found the apple tree in my back yard (back garden, as they say here) bursting with wonderful tasting apples. Psalm 118:23 "This is the Lord's doing, and it is wonderful to see. "! And really I had not done anything, but to behold and partake of the fruit it brought forth. So I have been picking this amazing abundant  harvest each and every day, delighting in those special smells of apple pies, apple sauce and even apple butter which I introduced to the British. God has even opened doors for me to share my special apple harvest along with His Love with my neighbors. It has become a "fruitful ministry" indeed within my neighborhood as I share. He continually reminds me of that scripture found in Galatians  6:9 "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." As I have been praying for ways to reach my neighbors, as simple as it might be, my apple tree has been an answer to my prayers.

 

Autumn is shortly around the corner. The morning air is crisp now and the leaves will soon be turning. The Lord has given Bob and I a couple of days rest in Cornwall before the Uni students start arriving for another school year. Our church has an opportunity to reach out to the "freshers" in the next few weeks to welcome them to Calvary Chapel Exeter during "freshers week". We are praying this will be a great and fruitful time as we extend the love of Jesus to their hearts.

 

 

Thank you again for all your prayers and support. God truly has been good as I reflect back over the past 6 months of being here in England. Looking forward to the next season of serving our church, our community, the land that God has set before us. May He fill all our hearts with gratefulness in all He has called us to do for "faithful is He that calls you who will also do it." In that I humbly serve with joy each and everyday.

Prayer Requests:

New location of the church near the University

Ongoing discipleship

Safety in driving and to learn quickly with confidence

Women's bible studies

Evangelism

Future ministry training school

Plymouth outreach -  new location and growth

Freshers and new students coming to University as well as the students returning, getting plugged into fellowship

Days of Reflecting, Reconstruction and Rest.....

 

As I sit down to write, I can't help but reflect back on this past "summer of service" at the Claycamp's household. It was such a blessing to be able to bless others as they passed through our doors. Truly it was a summer of service as well as a time of preparation... preparing us now for another new season in our lives that is about to begin. 

Throughout the city of Exeter, this summer was certainly a time of reconstruction, preparing for the season when the students would be arriving back for school. As I would walk in and throughout the town, I couldn't help but notice endless scaffolding projects going on at the student's  housing.  Projects  of rebuilding, and planting of new things. Of course there would be a covering you walk under, but overtop you can hear the hammers and chisels breaking down walls, windows and all those bits and pieces of unworthiness, to only be replaced with new bits and pieces. The Lord reminded me how He continually works in our hearts desiring to replace the old rubbish with His new life and character. Although at times it hurts as He chisels away, that tender and sweet fruit of righteousness and His character breaks through. I am  always reminded of that scripture found in 2 Timothy 3:16-17:  "All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work."
 

God has given us several opportunities this summer to proclaim His goodness. Creation Fest was a week long event of biblical teachings and concerts, centered toward the youth. We worked in the children's ministry tent, having a full week of VBS teachings, along with kitchen duty, as well as Bob teaching 2 of the 6 nights out of the book of Ephesians. Many people came to salvation as the gospel was preached, and many hearts were stirred up in the faith. Creation Fest this year truly was such a blessing.

Then off to Austria and Italy where we had opportunities to teach and share with the Calvary Chapel Churches serving in those  areas. We saw a great appreciation for God's Word and many people came forward for prayer and encouragement. Overall, we were so blessed by their love for Christ.  Even though sometimes we could not speak the same language, our spirits were truly knit together. What a blessed time!

 

 

Upon returning to England, I found the apple tree in my back yard (back garden, as they say here) bursting with wonderful tasting apples. Psalm 118:23 "This is the Lord's doing, and it is wonderful to see. "! And really I had not done anything, but to behold and partake of the fruit it brought forth. So I have been picking this amazing abundant  harvest each and every day, delighting in those special smells of apple pies, apple sauce and even apple butter which I introduced to the British. God has even opened doors for me to share my special apple harvest along with His Love with my neighbors. It has become a "fruitful ministry" indeed within my neighborhood as I share. He continually reminds me of that scripture found in Galatians  6:9 "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." As I have been praying for ways to reach my neighbors, as simple as it might be, my apple tree has been an answer to my prayers.

 

Autumn is shortly around the corner. The morning air is crisp now and the leaves will soon be turning. The Lord has given Bob and I a couple of days rest in Cornwall before the Uni students start arriving for another school year. Our church has an opportunity to reach out to the "freshers" in the next few weeks to welcome them to Calvary Chapel Exeter during "freshers week". We are praying this will be a great and fruitful time as we extend the love of Jesus to their hearts.

 

 

Thank you again for all your prayers and support. God truly has been good as I reflect back over the past 6 months of being here in England. Looking forward to the next season of serving our church, our community, the land that God has set before us. May He fill all our hearts with gratefulness in all He has called us to do for "faithful is He that calls you who will also do it." In that I humbly serve with joy each and everyday.

Prayer Requests:

New location of the church near the University

Ongoing discipleship

Safety in driving and to learn quickly with confidence

Women's bible studies

Evangelism

Future ministry training school

Plymouth outreach -  new location and growth

Freshers and new students coming to University as well as the students returning, getting plugged into fellowship

Seasons of God's goodness- Blessings and Grace

 

As I am sitting down to write this blog , we are today welcoming the rain once again here in England. How refreshing! We have experienced this past month quite a heat wave- no rain for almost the whole month of July. The beaches were packed, the Brits looked like "lobsters" and the land was beginning to look quite parched, reminding me of the Scripture found in Isaiah 35:7 " The parched ground shall become a pool, And the thirsty land springs of water...".

The word "Grace" seems to sum up my life this past month as I sit and write. There is a song that goes, "Hallelujah, grace like rain falling down on me". It truly has been just that! A lot of stretching on my mind and also on my physical body, but it's been great!

Some of my grace moments this past month:

1) ministry during the York Conference. God allowed me to not only encourage other pastors wives throughout UK, but I had an opportunity to share my lifetime scripture verse in an assembly which was "Be still and know that I am God."

2) folding two new families into the church through much counselling and prayer, and seeing God's reassurance of His love and peace in their hearts as they step out in this new direction.

3) driving lessons on these British roads. Grace has been my helper as I am still learning and by far have a long way to go. With so many signs and rules to learn, my mind can be boggled, but I know that "In my weakness He is made strong."
2 Corinthians 12:9. On the positive side, my instructor is giving me lots of grace, as I have so far only driven on the "wrong" side of the road one time! I am sure there will be more times, but as I am driving, I continually try to reassure him that it takes time to retrain this old American brain to now do things opposite from what I have been used to for the past 47 years! LOL. This I know though, as I am faithful to press on, with God's help, those "American moments" will begin to slowly leave.
1 Thessalonians 5:24  "He Who calls you is faithful, Who also will do it."

4) hosting families coming through Exeter. Learning to be instant in season and out of season as I minister to their physical needs. Always having my "Elisha Room "ready for these weary travelers with clean bedding, towels and food. I had never seen till now how precious this gift of hospitality can be and how rewarding it is to my heart to serve in a small but great way. So Bob and Jeanne's B&B is open and ready to receive all who may be coming this way!

As an update, the women once a month brunches have been such a blessing . The ladies are so blessed not only sharing God's Word together, but also fellowshipping around food.

We are continuing to look for another new location and believe that God has something special for our little fellowship of Exeter. We continue to pray for a large facility, as most venues have very limited seating with high prices. So, as we believe and continue to look, God will be faithful to supply all our needs.

Although it has been a busy season of travel, hostessing and cleaning this summer, God has been faithful with His abundant grace to pour down on my life like rain filling my heart with abundant joy as I serve Him in this land. Waking up each day, I am forever grateful to have been called to serve Him here in this beautiful land of Devon, England at this moment and at this time in my life. I am reminded of this scripture found in the Psalms-

Psalm 143:8 -"Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning , for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you. " Although it seems I never know what each day will hold, I do know who holds the future and this scripture gives me great comfort and joy to see what God has for me as I serve Him moment by moment!

May God's richest blessings shine forth in your hearts as you serve Him faithfully where He has called you moment by moment. Though at times you may feel it's not great, remember it's great with God and that is all that matters! 1 Thessalonians 5:24 says, "The one who calls you is faithful and He will do it".

Thank you for your prayers each and everyday, we are eternally grateful for your faithfulness as we serve here in England.

Prayer Requests:

New location of the church by September near the University

Ongoing discipleship

Safety in driving and to learn quickly with confidence

Women's brunches throughout summer

Evangelism

Future ministry training school

Plymouth outreach

Grace to host the visitors who are scheduled to visit us over the next couple of months

 

 

 

"Company's A Coming" - a servant's heart to serve

 

Romans 12:13 states, "Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality." And indeed we are, we are soo excited to be able to share our home and our hearts this summer for our friends passing by. Upon arriving in Exeter, God had placed upon our hearts to find a home big enough with a guest room to be able to accommodate fellow believers passing through. We called this room "The Elisha Room" taken from 1 Kings.

So far, with our dear friends the Tessitores, to friends passing through on their way to other places through August, I have gotten my hospitality skills in order.

Soon after moving here to England, cooking has been a challenge, as homemade meals are always a must! But God has been good to bring me those sweet English sisters to teach me the routine of the cooking scale, the different types of flour to use and the different types of sugar. The Lord truly sees our needs!

In Proverbs 27:17 it states, " As iron sharpeneth iron, so one man sharpens the countenance of his friend." J. Vernon McGee says, " It is a wonderful thing to have a friend with whom you can sharpen your mind. You can discuss certain things with him with real profit. I always came away refreshed and strengthened, and I always had learned something. It is wonderful to have a friend like that." And that is my prayer, that the weary travellers passing through would be refreshed and strengthened not only physically but spiritually as well.

So as I put my apron on and serve, I find the fellowship sweet, the meals are full of variety, but most of all, the hearts are blessed as we show the love of Jesus in this beautiful land of "Sunny Devon"!

As an update, we had an opportunity to travel up to the York Pastors/leaders conference.  Both Bob and I had an opportunity to minister throughout the week, and hearts were touched and we were so blessed! We came away not only meeting new missionary friends who also serve throughout this land, but reunited with old friends we have been praying for. Truly Psalm 133:1 says it all, " How good and pleasant it is when brethren live together in unity."

I just received my "provisional" license for Britain in the mail, so now I must file my good ole USA driving license away. I will start driving next week with an instructor on these British roads. This will be something to write home about, but know God is with me. Of course as I get behind the wheel, I will request to pray before we start each time, and who knows...God may use this opportunity to bring my instructor to salvation! "For God has brought me to this place for such a time as this", so with courage I step out to explore the highways and byways of this land. Who knows where I will end up?

 

Thank you all for praying for us. The Lord is continuing to do amazing things each and everyday in and throughout our lives as we serve an awesome God!

Prayer Requests:

New location of the church by September near the University

Ongoing discipleship

Safety in driving and to learn quickly with confidence

Women's brunches throughout summer

Evangelism

Future ministry training school

Plymouth outreach

 

Changing Seasons - Branching out for fruit

Cockington Village

These past months have truly begun a season of new beginnings for us. With summer coming, the hussle and bussle of the Uni students are coming to an end here in Exeter as they have finished another year of school. Our fellowship had a send off prayer for them, and it was such a blessing to see how the friendships had developed among the brethren. Some of our students have graduated, some are going abroad, and then some will be back with the new "freshers" (freshmen) coming in. Saying goodbye is always bitter/sweet, yet it's a blessing knowing they are rooted and grounded in God's Word. A scripture found in Philippians 1:3-7 speaks so clearly from our hearts -

" Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. So it is right that I should feel as I do about all of you, for you have a special place in my heart, for together we have shared the blessings of God."

 

 

Solomon's Porch Uni Students

 

Bob and I have become like their "spiritual parents" in a way. We are sooo blessed to have offered cuddles, a meal, and prayer each week during their time here in Exeter. The sweet fellowship we have had will always hold a special place in our hearts, and we are anticipating more kids in September when they return.

 

 

Saying goodbye

We have started a mid week Bible study in Plymouth, about 40 miles away. It's an excitement to see the brethren coming together to hear the Word of God.  In this land we find a great need for sound Biblical teaching. The believers are hungry and rarely have the opportunity to go verse by verse and study God's Word. It's exciting to see their joy as they learn, always reminding me of that scripture found in Psalm 119:103 "How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth." And with that, also I am beginning to disciple young girls in the fellowship once a week. Ohh to see them grow is such a joy for me, leaving their old ways behind and now committing "wholly to follow the Lord" in all their ways.

 

Plymouth Study...15 people!

 

As an update, the radio program, "The Surrendered Heart" was rated the top listening program as of last week, so that was a real blessing. It continues to be broadcast daily as Bob is currently going through the book of Joshua. You can hear it at UK time: 7:30 am (11:30 pm Pacific Standard time) and UK time: 9:00 pm (1:00 pm Pacific Standard time) at www.calvarychapelradio.co.uk

God has opened a door for me to "learn to drive" in this land. Instead of driving Miss Jeanne here and there, I will be able to have some independence myself to just go! This is a BIG change for me as everything is complete opposite than my driving in the states. But with God nothing is impossible and He will give me courage to tackle this mountain, though  I may take out a few hedges along the way! So with my instructor in the car, a big "L" on my bonnet (hood) and boot (trunk), look out Britain here I come!

 

 

Driving Miss Jeanne

Last, but not least, Bob and I have decided to take Mondays off and go explore this beautiful land of England God gave us. We have called it "Monday Memories" where we have been able to go to such places as John Wesley's chapel, George Muller's gravesite, the Moors, and many National Trust sites which are throughout this land. It's been such a blessing to wander through, explore and breathe in the culture. So each Monday morning we put the crockpot on, and an excitement in our hearts to head out into the wild blue yonder. Who knows what God would have us see as He declares everywhere His Glory.

 

 

John Wesley's 'New Room' in Bristol

 

 

 

George Muller's gravesite

 

Prayer Requests:

 

New location of the church by September near the University

Ongoing discipleship

Safety in driving and to learn quickly with confidence

Women's brunches throughout summer

Evangelism

Plymouth outreach

 

 

By the sea at Lynton

 

 

 

Where He leads me I will follow....

 

 

Traveling throughout Britain can be exciting and adventurous; yet to a foreigner, the unexpected is always around the corner. We've had the opportunity these past few weeks to be able to visit other Calvarys, encouraging through prayer and fellowship, as we've traveled over hill and dell in reaching our destinations. God has allowed me to see such beautiful country and has given us opportunities to share along the way.

 

 

 

 

The first trip taken this past month was up in the midlands of England and Bristol. Bob spoke at a mens/leaders retreat and even took 3 men from our own little church to be encouraged. While he was gone, I ventured out all by myself to take the train to Cardiff to visit a sweet sister who just had a baby. This was my first attempt in taking the train by myself and to learn the system. Now some would say taking a train is easy, and it was indeed, but I must confess there were moments of anxiousness and worry. This would be my first time ever on such a machine and those worrisome thoughts seemed at times to captivate the mind, robbing me of the adventure. But I did enjoyed it as the train traveled through the countryside of pasturelands filled with sheep and baby lambs frolicking through the grass. What a picture of God's beauty and peace. All the more, the Lord gently reminded me within my anxious thoughts that He would take care of me, just as He takes care of those sheep, not to worry-but enjoy the moment!

Exodus 33:14 says, "The Lord replied, I will personally go with you, and I will give you rest-everything will be fine for you." Indeed the time was great, and I got home safe and sound.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Solomon's Porch" is becoming such a blessing. My role is cooking and providing a warm and loving home for these 'Uni' students. Each time we meet, I try to share an American dish. This time it was "salad potatoe", which by the end of dinner was gone! They love the many varieties of food, and I love sharing in this small way. As the Lord has equipped me with that gift of hospitality, I have been able to use it in so many ways to share God's love to their hearts!

 

The Uni students are in their exams right now, studying every minute possible. But Friday night they took a break and came over for Tacos and a time of worship. Truly the presence of the Lord filled our place. Upon leaving they felt so refreshed and were so grateful they took the time to spend time in His presence through prayer and worship.  It reminded me.. just how often in our busy schedules do we often neglect to spend time in God's presence when He is calling us to do just that? So many excuses, but yet when we stop and just do it, He blesses us, refreshes us and then refills us once again by His Spirit to continue on. The Lord tells us to "Come unto me...and you will find rest for your souls." As we come and relax in His presence, He not only promises to strengthen us but also prepare us for what lies ahead.

Just as those students reminded me that night of such a simple step we must take in pausing from our endless activities to connect with God, my prayer for you is the same. The Lord promises to guide us and satisfy us and strengthen us in whatever comes our way. If He is leading you to His throne lately, are you following?

Isaiah 58:11, "The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail." (NIV)

Matthew 6:33, "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (NIV)

As an update:

The radio ministry is going good. We took some steps to enable verse by verse teachings to go out on a more broad basis . Bob has archived his teachings on the church website calvaryexeter.co.uk, and through the radio program "SURRENDERED HEART" at calvarychapelradio.co.uk.   We are already getting encouraging responses from these efforts.

The church is growing in the Lord and excited to grow deeper into God's Word. We are currently studying the book of Matthew on Sundays. Again thank you for your prayers and encouragement.

Prayers requests:

 

Learning to drive to get my UK license

Open doors to begin a ministry training center

Divine appointments for effective ministering in our area, Devon

New location for the church that is close by the University

Discipleship