Blog 26 - A Season of Giving - Serving in Love

As I sit here this morning in my easy chair with my sweet Cuppa tea, I can't believe this year of 2014 is almost coming to an end. The weather is quite chilly these days, perhaps with snow in the forecast. That is my hope and dream anyway to be here for a white Christmas.

The Christmas season has truly hit England, with "Christmas markets springing up everywhere." This is a time where the villagers as well as people from surrounding countries bring in their handmade items to sell. Interesting to see an assortment of foods, clothing, ornaments for Christmas and of course just the excitement alone for the holiday season. As I walk down the street, it's not surpassing to see Carolers on the corners, some dress in "Charles Dickens era" singing the Carols of old. Truly it's a scene taken out of the 1800's that is so joyous to see and experience.

The churches here in Wotter and Exeter are growing with new people coming, filling up each week with young and old. I am continually blessed in all God is doing. Yes, we have spiritual warfare continually in this dark land, but God's Glory continues to shine as we are faithful to proclaim His Word. We will have our first baptism in Exeter in a few weeks. As the church use to be an old car repair garage back in the early 1900's, the baptism is the hole where they would step down into the pit and change the oil in cars. They did a nice job concreting in the area and putting in a drain. The water comes out from the boiler but when it hits the cold concrete it cools down to the right temperature. It will be a joyous occasion to behold seeing those believers go through the waters of baptism!

The ladies' bible study has just finished for the autumn season. The ladies' hearts were touched each week as we gathered to pray and share God's truths from His Word. Deeper friendships have been formed, and an overall excitement for the things of God have begun to develop in these ladies, blessing my heart so much. The discipleship study for the Uni girls is continuing to go well also. They are so excited to not only be strengthened in God's Word, but to also be able to disciple the young believers in the fellowship from what they have been taught. It's been such a joy watching them grow into a heart to serve, to love and to be used by God.

Solomon's Porch is continuing to grow with now almost 25 in our small home every fort nite (British for 'two weeks'). With such a buzz, sharing and fellowshipping in Christ, these kids have found a home away from home. Their annual Christmas party was here this year with a "silly Christmas jumper (sweater)" theme.  It's a joy to see their smiles as they gather for an evening of fun and laughter, leaving their intense studies behind. Bob and I introduced them to the "white elephant gift exchange".

In the course of this busy season, Bob and I were invited to share up in Northern Italy. I spoke at the ladies annual Christmas tea in Montebelluna, and Bob spoke at the church service at Calvary Chapel Montebelluna and Calvary Chapel Feltre. What a blessing to be able to spend time with these great fellowships and the special friends we have known!

All in all, the season of giving is well underway here in England. With two churches, it blesses my heart to see the brethren stepping up to serve. From putting out signs each week, cleaning up, greeting, to serving biscuits and tea, our fellowship has truly brought forth that Christ-like love for all to see. As we put a smile on our faces, our prayer is that we can be that light on a hill. I am reminded of the scripture found in Matthew 5 which says, "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden...Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven." (Matt 5:14-16)

This is our prayer in a land so filled with darkness and gloom. May it be yours also.

As this Christmas season approaches, let us remember it's not about "presents" but about "His presence" shining forth in our lives for all to see. 

Thank you for your continued prayers, as He is so faithful. We will be back in the states visiting our children in January, so hope to see many of you and give you an English cuddle.May God bless you, strengthen you and fill you this Christmas season with His joy and peace, and may God give you more and more mercy, peace, and love.

Merry Christmas from our house to yours.

Prayer Requests:
*raising up spiritual leaders among the British
*balancing ministry needs with personal marriage time
*my hysterectomy surgery has been postponed until after February
*Furlough from January 8 - February 3rd
*discipleship with University girls

MOVING ON UP - GOD'S MIGHTY ANSWER TO OUR PRAYERS!

Psalm 75:9 "But as for me, I will always proclaim what God has done;
I will sing praises to the God of Jacob. "

Well this has been such a great month of blessings from the Lord. As Psalm 28:7 says, "My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to Him in song.", truly our hearts this day are singing and rejoicing in all God has done. Let me share this abundant miracle He gave to us here at Exeter Calvary.

As you know we had been praying for a new church building for the Exeter Calvary for as long as Bob and I have been here. The facility we were in was very small and had limited room for any growth. As we continued to pray and look, it seemed like no church in town would even consider renting space, and for those few who offered a bit of space, the price for rent was very high in the area where we felt strongly God wanted us to be in. But He had his perfect timing in all things.

The Lord finally opened doors for us on this little church about one street from the University in which  we could meet. The previous pastor had gotten ill and the four-member church closed its doors last March.  We inquired about the building but were turned down because the pastor's family was undecided on what to do with the building. But through a personal connection with one of our elders they eventually agreed to allow us to rent it for our new facility. 

Now, back in February, Calvary Chapel Aurora, Colorado had planned on sending a team to Exeter in September to work and evangelize when the students were coming back to University. As we laid out our plans, little did we know that God had other plans. Since the Colorado team was already scheduled to come, they were able to work and help us get it ready to open and have our first church service on Sunday, September 21!

All week long we all cleaned, sorted, plastered and painted. We were able to open our doors with our first service that Sunday. Each morning during the week as we gathered, our prayers would be, "Lord, bless the work of our hands," and He truly did. This old church building, after so many years, was ready to proclaim the Gospel message once again.

Sunday morning came, not only with many Uni students coming, but also the previous pastor and his wife. This pastor had not seen that church so full and full of life for 40 years. He was overjoyed to see how the building was being used. Such a glorious day for all who attended.

As the team left with many blisters in hand, but warmness in their hearts, we will always be so grateful for the love and practical service they showed as many deep friendships were formed. Hebrews 6:10 states "God is not unjust, He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people."  May we always be open to share the love of Jesus as opportunities arise wherever He may guide us.
Psalm 63:7 "Because You have been my help, therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice."    
Isaiah 63:7  I will tell of the Lord's unfailing love. I will praise the Lord for all He has done.

Prayer Requests:
*raising up spiritual leaders among the British
*balancing ministry needs with personal marriage time
*my hysterectomy surgery has been postponed until after February
*Ladies Bible study starting this month
*discipleship with University girls

A Season of Change - Holding onto the Plow, a Testimony of His Faithfulness

Summer is almost over here In Exeter. We had a restful and good summer, but soon the crispness can be felt and the leaves will be turning those beautiful golden colors. I always love this time of year as we get those scattered days of sun and wind mixed. This reminds me that the season of change is coming upon us in more ways than one.

This time of year is when the University students once again settle in to Exeter to continue their studies, gardeners are carefully digging out their beloved plants and tucking them away in the greenhouse as the mums are slowly blooming throughout each garden.

All the more, Bob and I are prayerfully developing plans for more Bible studies and discipleship within our two churches in Exeter and Wotter. It's the beginning of a busy season and we are waiting with excitement to see what God has planned.
There is a song I am reminded of that goes:

"Put your hand to the plow, hold on

  Put your hand to the plow, hold on

  Put your hand to the plow

  Keep your eyes on Jesus now

  Put your hand to the plow, hold on"

And truly the season of change has come upon us, and we must hold on looking to Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith.

After two years of prayer, Calvary Chapel Exeter now has a new meeting place! It's an actual existing small church that was no longer being used which we were allowed to rent. It has everything we had been praying for including a sanctuary holding 100 chairs, a large kitchen, classrooms for children ministry, parking in back (huge answer prayer) all within 1 street from the University. Psalm 63:7 says,"Because you have been my help, therefore in the shadow of your wings I will rejoice." And we are truly rejoicing!! 

We will have our first service September 21st, and I will post photos later. A team scheduled months ago from Calvary Chapel Aurora, Colorado will be here to help us get it ready to open. We are soo blessed and want to thank everyone for diligently praying each month for this need.  For in God's timing, as we waited and prayed, He has truly been glorified! Psalm 27:13-14  
 13  Yet I am confident I will see the Lord's goodness
while I am here in the land of the living. 
   14  Wait patiently for the Lord.
Be brave and courageous.
Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.  



I was able to travel to the states the beginning of August to not only surprise my sisters and nine grandchildren, but also to partake In two of their birthdays! Oh what a joy and what a blessing! Although Bob stayed behind, God allowed him to be used mightily at the annual "Creation Fest" held in Cornwall. It is a Music and Bible week free of charge. Many who who on holiday in the area came in and were ministered to by the Word and the Christian bands.

The Lord seems to be allowing me to meet new neighbors, as my apple ministry is in full swing. My apple tree once again has produced above and beyond, and I have used this opportunity to give them out to my neighbors. In their response, we have had great chats over a cuppa tea and the end result was a new friendship that has developed.  

The work is once again beginning to go full speed in Exeter and Wotter after a summer of rest. Our prayer is that we may all be found faithful, not growing weary but keeping our hands to the plow and holding on. We want to be focused with anticipation for all He is going to do in and thru our lives the next days, months and year ahead. I Thessalonians 5:24 says, " ...faithful is He who calls you who will also do it."

Again thank you for your prayers for the work here in Devon, England. May He bless you as you have blessed us with your love and diligence in prayer. Truly our hearts are greatful.
James 5:16 "the prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective."




Praise Reports:
New larger facility in Exeter
Molly Kruzel from Calvary Chapel Maricopa, Arizona will be arriving September 9th to help in the work here in Exeter

Prayer Requests:
Neighborhood evangelism
Wotter harvest festival program Sunday, September 28th
Uni students/ discipleship/ Solomon's Porch

Summertime in the City - Those Lovely Days of Refreshment

  

Summer is now in full swing here in Sunny Devon. With over 70 degrees F (30 degrees Celsius) we had a 10 day 'drought' of beautiful weather. Got my flowers planted with the red, white and blue theme representing America, and the neighbours actually have enjoyed it very much as they walk by. My neighbor, Mrs. Chudleigh, and I have been together growing several kinds of flowers. She amazes me how she is out there everyday tending to her plants at her age (85). One day I even found her out there all dressed up with a string of pearls around her neck weeding her garden. She told me she was "keeping up appearances"! Now that's a true English Gardener at heart!

I had been praying about meeting new people in my area and in this city of Exeter. He has ministered to me so much just about being available to see special doors opening. God truly answered my prayer! As Bob and I were walking down the street, a lady came our way asking us if we were the Americans on the street. She was very friendly and we had a great conversation with her. After leaving and returning home, we found her at our door with a bowl full of strawberries in hand and an invite for tea. Usually the British are very reserved, especially in meeting new people, so I felt that was an answer to my prayer and am looking forward to those special tea times with my new friend Claire. 

Also Bob was invited to be on the steering committee for the Exeter Evangelical Partnership. This is a loosely affiliated collection of evangelical churches and para-church organizations (YMCA, Salvation Army, Crisis Pregnancy Centre, etc.). We were invited to a barbecue sponsored by them and I got to meet a few ladies who in the future could be a real key to a great friendship as the Lord opens doors to work with projects in the city throughout the year. We shared an instant unity and vision. I am excited to see what unfolds this coming school year. Isaiah 51:16  "And I have put My words in your mouth; I have covered you with the shadow of My hand, That I may plant the heavens, Lay the foundations of the earth, And say to Zion, 'You are My people.' " 

The University students have all gone home for the summer. But before they left I took a few of them on a day of horseback riding up on the Moor. We all had fun on this little adventure going through valleys and hilltops, seeing the English countryside and ending up with a cup of tea at the end of our day. But riding on an English saddle took its toil on my old bones. I ended up with saddle sores for a week - ouch, but ohh we had fun!

Bob and I have had some opportunities once again to see this beautiful country. We traveled to a place called "Cheddar Gorge" where the first cheddar cheese was made. It was so interesting as they have no factories where the cheese is made but they do it right on their own farms, then take it to these caves to age for a year or longer! 

We attended the UK Pastors and Leaders Conference in York the third week of June. What a tremendous encouragement! We also had the opportunity to visit Oxford on the way back. It's a beautiful city and campus.  So much tradition is here. The students were busily going to and fro. As we walked through those cobblestone streets, my mind can only imagine such men as Tyndale, Spurgeon, C.S. Lewis (among others) being here proclaiming the gospel to all.

We set up a work day at Wotter Community Church to clean, repair and repaint the old church building. It was built in 1939 and the moor has taken its toll on her. So a few of us got busy and did some fixin' up. It was great fellowship.

May the Lord continue to bless you throughout these next few summer months as you have blessed us with your thoughts and prayers. Truly, God is doing a work here In this land and we are blessed! As we serve Him our prayer each day is Psalm 143:8 "Let the morning bring word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul."

Prayer Requests :
** Molly Kruzel, from Calvary Chapel Maricopa, is moving here for a year on a charity worker visa. Pray for speedy issuance of her visa. We'd like to get her here by the first part of September to help with the University ministry.
** Continuing training and discipleship of future British leadership
** Remaining healthy and focused these next two months as we prepare for a VERY busy Autumn season in ministry.
** discipleship for the Uni students this fall
** larger facility for Exeter church by September within walking distance of University

Psalm 100: 4 "Enter His gates with thanksgiving; go into His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him and praise His name." NLT