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
