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
