Springtime in England- a gift of joy

 

 

Springtime has finally arrived here in England. After a tedious week of house hunting, sorting and the daily adjustments, we woke up to a beautiful sunny morning. In England when's its sunny you spend time outside in the clean fresh air. So, off we went. Taking a drive through the country roads seemed to capture the essence of a serene and peaceful atmosphere. Daffodils were springing up between carpets of green, while the sheep lay contented with their new lambs taking in the sun after a cold, dreadful winter. As we drove I thought about the newness of life that springs forth in this season. That newness of life offers hope and joy with excitement and expectation of what's to come ahead.

 

 

 

Last Sunday was the day Bob officially took over as Pastor of Calvary Chapel Exeter.  The beginning of a new season in our lives as well as for the brethern in Exeter. With hands layed on him, prayer was offered for the work God has now called us to, reminding us of the scripture found in Luke 1:77-79 " You will tell the people how to find salvation through forgivness of sins. Because of God's tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us all to the path of peace." There was a sense of excitement, hope and joy in unity among the brethern in knowing God was beginning to do a new thing, not only in their hearts but through their lives. Something new was about to spring forth.

 

 

 

So with a sense of excitement through prayer, God will be faithful each and everyday to take us down this path for His work and His glory - for we are His vessels He desires to use. I am reminded of a well known Christian song that goes -" I have a river of life flowing out of me, makes the lame to walk and the blind to see; opens prison doors, sets the captives free - I've got a river of life flowing out of me...". As God's Word brings refreshment to our souls, may we then be a refreshment to others.

Psalm 85: 9-13

"Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him, That glory may dwell in our land. Mercy and truth have met together; Righteousness and peace have kissed. Truth shall spring out of the earth, And righteousness shall look down from heaven. Yes, the Lord will give what is good; and our land will yield its increase. Righteousness will go before Him, and shall make His footsteps our pathway".

 

Praise reports:

 

*Rented a house...moving April 2!

 

Prayer requests:

 

*God bringing together a ministry team for effective outreach in various capacities

*CD duplicator

*Furnishings for upcoming rental

*Easter service

*Sensitivity to lead and cast vision in the midst of differing cultural expectations

 

 

The joyful Reunion- Uniting in Christ

 

 

 

 

After resting our weary bodies, Sunday morning was soon upon us. Not only was it our first day at a Sunday service, embracing old friends and meeting new ones, it was also "mothering Sunday." Mothering Sunday is Mother's Day in the UK. A poem that was taught and learned by Paul, our host, as a young boy goes like this - "mothering Sunday, curds and whey, Palm Sunday, Easter Day."

With the spark of excitement in the air, and the wonderful praise and worship from the University students, we were warmly greeted and loved .  Psalm 133:1 states "How wonderful and pleasant it is when brethren live together in harmony." We were greeted with arms of love and hearts of thanks from the brethren here at Exeter Calvary Chapel.

 

 

After church, the elders and their families took us to have a meal with them in one of the elder's home. It was a meal of thanksgiving in our honor with turkey, roasted potatoes, gravy, cranberries and even apple pie, along with a few English dishes such as bread sauce and trifle for desert. Yummy! As I am collecting these great English recipes, I find more and more a love in my heart for these people's cooking. Now the actual eating with the knife in the right hand and a fork upside down in the left hand is truly an art! But over time, I know it will come as I practice.

 

 

 

We have purchased a 7 passenger people carrier (van), and with car insurance now in hand, we are off looking for a house in Exeter to rent. Although my eternal home is God, as Psalm 90:1 states, we must find an earthly home that is efficient to meet our needs. Psalm 90: 17 "And may the Lord our God show us His approval and make our efforts successful, yes make our efforts successful!"

So with that in mind-hi ho, hi ho, we're off to find a house we know.....

 

Psalm 63:7

"Because you are my helper, I sing for joy beneath the shadow of your wings."

Prayer requests:

~ 4 bedroom house in Exeter to rent

~ UK drivers license obtained

~ Hearts would be touched in learning God's Word, Wednesday nights - Sunday   
   mornings

~ Salvations

Arriving in England - " Good day Sunshine"

 

Arriving in London at Heathrow to yes- a beautiful sunny afternoon as the Beatles would sing. It seemed the Lord was continually reassuring us of His presence as we walked down the corridor. Walking through customs with ease, we soon found all of our bins and suitcases intact - safe and sound. Should I be surprised ? No - With so much prayer, God truly made our pathway smooth. Psalm 33:4 "For the word of the Lord holds true and we can trust everything he does.
 

 

The travel now to Exeter was 3 hours long. But we are staying in a town called Newton Abbot just outside Exeter till we find a house. Our wonderful host Paul, who goes to the Exeter Calvary, so graciously met us at the door with a loving heart and arms outstretched to welcome us into his home. Serving us immediately with "a cuppa tea," we soon settled in for a good night's sleep...only to find he even served us with a hot water bottle in our bed to keep our feet warm! Lol, now that truly is a heart of a servant! Reminding me of the times my mum would do that for me when I was a little girl on those cold and chilly nights, offering comfort and care. It blesses me so much, to see how God uses those little things in our lives also to comfort, to care, and to provide assurance only to say that I love you, dear child, and everything is ok. Truly giving us rest unto our souls. Isaiah 33:6 says, "...for He shall be the stability of our days.."
 

 

As we are getting over jet lag these next few days and getting ready for Sunday, may this be our constant prayer -

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.

Prayer requests :

 

Finding 4 or 5 bedroom house in Exeter

UK drivers license obtained

Logistics for international banking

Fellowship, hearts would be touched in learning God's Word

Ministry avenues open for evangelizing

 

"My heart is set on pilgrimage" - Those distant shores....

 

 

" Fasten your seatbelts, we have been cleared for take off." Those words seemed at this moment to send me into the reality check of those distant shores on the other side of the pond. Feelings of being sad, leaving behind my loved ones and a comfortable land, to an unknown land, but yet excited with faith to see all that God is going to do. Sensing His comfort and presence as I was settling in for the long 10 hour ride, He gently reminded me of a scripture found in John 19:21 as Jesus was speaking "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you." Also in Deuteronomy 11:11-12 as it so beautifully states - "..the land you will soon encounter is a land of hills and valleys with plenty of rain-a land that The Lord your God cares for. He watches over it through each season of the year."

Blogging from some 33,000 feet, I can confidently say God is Good. As I reflect back over the last few months, our life these past months has been much like an hour glass. The beginnings of our journey to England was the top of the hour glass, slowly for 4 months sifting the sand through our time in America. The middle part is now with suitcase in hand traveling to our destination England. And the last part of the hour glass is the beginning of another journey, as we have reached our destination and now begin to serve God in the calling He has placed upon our hearts.

Seeing His faithfulness each and everyday , we walk in confidence in the direction He is now leading us, with a song in our heart and a sword in our hand (the Word). Deuteronomy 30:16 - "For I command you this day to love The Lord your God and to keep his commandments, walking in His ways. If you do this you will live and multiply, and the Lord your God will bless you and the land you are about to enter and occupy." Though we know there will be more giants in the future, more trials and difficult times, we come with thankful hearts knowing He will be with us through thick or thin. We give Him all the praise and glory. Psalm 139:9-10 says, "If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me."

 

So with feet to our faith we can say with joy - Goodbye, America - Hello, England!

 

 

Saying our goodbyes - those tearful moments

 

 

Today was our last Sunday at Calvary North Phoenix. As Bob was singing, I couldn't help but reflect the love in my heart for all our friends and family that we have met through these doors and beyond the past 32 years. I know the work will continue by the power of His spirit just as it began years ago. As the tears rolled down my cheeks, they were tears filled with emotions of joy, sadness, and yet thankfulness for all that God has given and brought us through these past years. A song that I am reminded of seems to be our constant theme these days as it goes - " Bless The Lord oh my soul, oh my soul, worship his Holy name....". To have that heart of worship continually is so necessary, as it reflects the stability of our days.
 

For our friends, family and all our love ones we leave behind, Philippians 1:3-7 sums it up: "I thank my God every time I remember you.In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 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."

Thank you all so much for the continued prayers and the encouragement to hold us up as we now venture out doing the work God has called us to do.
 

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.

 

                                                                click here for song "I AM A PILGRIM"