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."
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