Blog 29 - Taking the Very Next Step:  Steps of Joy and Faith

First, my apologies for letting it go so long without updating my blog. Seems time does fly when the Uni students arrive and start classes.

My restful routine of 'normal' throughout the summer (recuperating) quickly turned into a new normal. Upon arriving, the University students came to the "Uni-cycle" we set up. This was a free shop for items left to us from previous students. The new students used some of these items to set up their flats. Everything from blankets, duvets, pots and pans were soon gone, even 3 rice cookers. The Lord blessed as things which had the been collected over the summer found their new home for another school year. The Lord tells us to give with a cheerful heart, and it truly was a lesson for them in praying for things and seeing how God provides. For many of the students, as simple as this lesson was, they were blessed in seeing God's provision.

I have also started up the girl's discipleship again for the year. The Lord tells us in Matthew 28:19 to go and make disciples of all nations. So, with 6 girls to invest in (2 from Singapore, 3 from England, and 1 from Norway) the Lord has brought our communication together and blessed our time in his Word and our time of prayer. I am excited to see how God will develop His character as well as our friendship In this next year.  These girls are also being taught to disciple others in the faith.

We have an addition to our family. Yep, a puppy Bassett Hound named Emma. She is our princess of Exeter! Though it's been trial and error with the potty training (they call it toilet training here), and the biting of shoes and trouser legs, both Bob and I have grown to love her. And her actions at times are pictures of how God continually loves us in spite of our actions or attitudes. So, each day brings blessings in little ways, even if it's a small walk around the block. I can't wait to be able to have her join the "Basset Walkers" here in Devon, where she will meet all kinds of Bassets. But for now, we are content in the little things.

Our church rented a house right next door to the church. This is our 'ministry house', where staff live and minister to servant-teams coming into Exeter for a work week. It's 4 stories, 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and 2 kitchens. There is plenty of room. We are now holding our University ministry there on every other Friday night, called Solomon's Porch, as the numbers have gone up to almost 30 students. 

With various things going on within its doors, it has given us a great opportunity to be a continual light to the community. As we were praying, "Lord, let our lights shine for you", we believe God has truly opened this door. We are so grateful each month as we have seen Him provide above and beyond, from bedding, furniture, to complete kitchen accessories, all for His glory. It reminds me of that Scripture found In Matthew 6:33, "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

We are excited to see what God is going to do here in the Southwest of England, as we faithfully serve and seek Him each and every day. This week we are hosting a team from the Calvary Chapel Bible College in Hungary. As we work, paint, and fellowship in God's word, it has truly been a blessing.

We started a crèche, or baby nursery, in our church. We built  it out of old doors and left over wood. It turned out to be such a blessing. I have the opportunity to decorate it and run it for which I am excited. We are praying God would fill it up with babies of new families, using it as an opportunity to reach out to more families in the community.

I am having a ladies' retreat soon. It's been a while coming, but we found a place that is suitable, away from the city. I'm very excited to see hearts drawn to come and sit at the Lord's feet. The theme this year will be "Walk by faith not by sight". Another church here in Exeter will be joining us for this retreat as well as our outreach church in Plymouth.

Well, autumn is in the air here in sunny Devon. Waking up to fog, crisp air, and sometimes rain as the leaves are turning rapidly--it is a great formula for the beauty of the Lord to be seen in this land. As we enjoy this time of year, may we always remember how God looks at His children and the beauty He sees in each one of us. Psalm 45:11 states "The king is enthralled by your beauty;  honor him, for he is your lord.

God bless you as you now begin this crazy but blessed holiday season. We thank you so very much for your prayers, friendship and support. They have sustained us down this journey.

Blessings of joy,

Jeanne❤️🇬🇧🐾

Praises:

-Clean bill of health for me

-God's provision for our visas

-Emma, our new puppy

Prayer Requests:

-Furlough, December 14 - January 21: we need a place to stay and transportation

-Women's Retreat, November 20-21st

-Discipleship of women, young and old

Blog 28 - A Summer of Rest- "Be still and know that I am God" Psalm 27:10

My front garden

Truly it is a season of beauty here in England. With everyone's flower gardens now in full bloom, trees bearing much fruit, there is much color spread throughout the land that is absolutely beautiful. Seasons do come and go, as Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, and so we must enjoy whatever season we find ourselves in.

For me this summer has been a time of rest. So sorry for my late blog that should have been out a month ago. I had my surgery, with all going well in the hospital. It was a rather funny but educational process for this American. One example being (as I share with all my American friends reading), as I was taken back to change into my "surgical gown" for surgery, they kept asking me did I bring my "dressing gown"? Of course not I said,  I thought they were provided, thinking it was the surgical gown you would get for surgery. Well "dressing gown" to them meant bathrobe! We got it all sorted out and I proceeded to sit out in the waiting room for 2 more hours with their "surgical gown" and my small sweeter on until they called me into surgery. As I walked those 3 flights of stairs and going into the "theatre room" (surgical room), the Lord's peace was upon my heart. Waking up after 3 hours to see my close friends at hand, and hearing the seagulls out side, it truly was sweet music to my ears and soul, thanking the Lord for being so very near. They took out a 'cannon ball' of a large, hard fibroid tumour along with everything else, stretching my muscles through my belly-button to beyond capacity. I felt I had  a C-section,giving birth to Freddie the Fibroid!

As I was sent home, I was strictly advised no activity for 6 weeks! Now, being a "doer" that I am, I really needed God to be strong on my behalf. With the help of many close friends, a wonderful husband, and much prayer, I am recuperating just fine. 

This reminds me of Stella!

But during this time as I rested each and everyday, God taught me so many things about His character - "to be still and to know that He is God." With several books to read, bible studies to dig into, prayer lists to pray for, and seemingly endless time, I soon learned my daily routine of seeking Him. Isaiah 30:16 says, "In quietness and confidence shall be your strength". I knew as I was quiet, and being obedient, the Lord continually gave me His confidence and His strength in this healing process of my body to see me through. What a joy as He met me in my time of this mandatory rest.

Ahhh, a proper cup of tea!

My sister and brother-in-law from Oregon came for a visit, inviting Bob and I to go on a narrow boat trip with them down the Llangollen canal in Northern Wales. My job was to sit and take photos! It was a great but hard week, as they worked constantly manoeuvring this boat down the canal. We saw beautiful country, taking in endless tunnels, 4 locks and 8 lift bridges, going over 4 Aqueducts during our 55 mile journey. We met quite a few interesting people along the way. At the end of our journey, we were exhausted, but still talking and carrying back home many memories to share.

Chirk Aquaduct

Our boat LILY

Watching for oncoming boats

Pontcysylite Aquaduct

As I look back, I am reminded of one thing: God is faithful no matter what our circumstances may hold. Everything that comes our way is for a season, and lessons to be learned. But aren't we glad we serve an unchanging God who carries us through whatever comes our way? For this we truly can say, "in everything give thanks".

Blessings and Joy,

Jeanne❤️🇬🇧

Prayers Requests:

**Continued healing

**Wisdom on discipleship

**Wisdom on Uni students arriving in mid September

Lessons in Peaceful Learning

As I sit here listening to the birds sing, I can't help but reflect upon God's faithfulness to me over these past few months. There is a much loved hymn that goes:  "When peace like a river attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll; whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say, 'It is well, it is well with my soul.'"

Truly these past few months have been filled with bitter/sweet times, but God's peace has been my anchor to hold onto with joy. Finding those circumstances that seem to roll in and out and having no control when I am not! God's faithfulness and assurance always remind me He is 100% in control and "it is well, it is well with my soul". The Lord is always there as I am reminded of that scripture in Psalms 138:8:  "the Lord will perfect that which concerns me...". I need not worry or fret, but just keep my eyes on Him, enjoying peace in His presence. Isaiah 26:3, "You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in you."

Let me recap some of the events that have taken place over these past few months...

The fellowships of Calvary Exeter and Wotter Community Church are growing. I had a ladies' summer refresher at Calvary Exeter a few weeks ago and one of our master program students shared from the Word. It was a great blessing as we gathered for prayer and fellowship. The next refresher will be a high tea out at the sea coast town of Dawlish Warren in July. These events give a great opportunity for the ladies to come together for fellowship centred around his Word.

We had a water baptism with students dedicating their lives and getting dunked into the sea before they headed back home for the summer. It was a very blustery day, but the skies parted with sunshine for a short while as we managed to carry on. With 30 of us watching, it was so exciting to be able to do this.











The students have left now for the summer. As I envisioned a mother bird having her children leave the nest one at a time, some coming back but some leaving forever (including our two interns), it was quite an emotional week for me. As we continually said our goodbyes (being so sad in our hearts to see them leave) we also rejoiced in seeing how much they have grown spiritually over this past year. 

One of our students converted from a Moslem background, and another converted from a New Age background. They went back home with Bibles in their hands, hope in their hearts and knowing the truths instilled in their lives to serve Jesus in their homeland. Actually many of the students desired to find a new church when they got home that shared the Word like "Pastor Bob." And that was our prayer all year long that their eyes would be opened and their hearts stirred to hunger after God word!

My surgery date has now been set for July 9th and it is finally approaching. Bob, though, had already planned to be in the States during this time to attend the Pastor's Conference. So 'me and Jesus' are soloing this, with the help of a few ladies from the church. When I first read the date, I found that I could not ask for a later date as I have been waiting now for almost 10 months. A flood of emotions swept over me thinking, "Why God would you allow me to have surgery in a foreign land without my husband by my side?" But God ministered to me by His Spirit, "Why not? I want to show My comfort, and My glory through this time." Again, there will be friends by my side and the church will be there also, so as the Scriptures state, "March on my soul with courage" and with courage I am finally getting this done.

Sometimes our "lot" in life varies from season to season, but we must look to Him finding His peace, for He truly is the author and finisher of our faith. We, therefore can walk in confidence and assurance that He is safely taking us through, no matter what our circumstances hold. I pray whatever your "lot" may be at this moment, may also you find his peace, contentment and rest, thus saying also, "it is well, it is well with my soul".
Proverbs 3:5 " Trust in the Lord with all your heart..."

Serving the Lord with Joy,

Jeanne❤️❤️


Prayer Requests:-My Surgery on July 9th
-Wisdom for students coming in September for the 2015-2016 term
-Discipleship among the students and ladies in the fellowships

Blog 27- Back to England - Back to Basics

Bob and I made it back into the UK. We are so blessed by all your prayers to once again be back in our home here in Exeter England. Door #1 has been opened; now we are pursuing Door #2. I am reminded of that Scripture found in Colossians 1:27 "To them Christ has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." As He has chosen us to make known his gospel. We are so very grateful to be here. We continue to march forward ministering day by day to the people of this land knowing He is in control. We now go though with Door #2, having prepared all our documents, and the appointment to get our new visas. This will be the last step we need to get our 3 year visa for Britain.

Greeting us upon our arrival at our home were the daffodils in bloom in my front garden and 6 primroses on my front steps from a neighbor. All the brethren greeted us on Wednesday night with balloons and a card, so we truly were loved in all sorts of ways.

The weather has been off and on showers and sun -- typical beginning of springtime with all the lambs soon to be born. Up on the Moor, it's always likely you will find the new baby lambs nestled among the bushes eating along the side of the road with their mums. Such a wonderful site to see how God takes care of every creature, reminding me of how He faithfully takes care of His children each and every moment - such love! All He desires is for us to stay close to Him as He abundantly provides our every need.

The University students have been very busy. With exams now over, and a new semester started, the hustle and bustle has once again begun. Our students at Exeter Calvary have had great opportunities in serving this past week. They were invited to cook for, and to put on a skit for a large church here in the city. So, as the "great Asian Cook Off" took place with 400 spring rolls, Chinese dumplings, and mountains of rice that they made, the students did such a great job. They truly brought forth the joy of the Lord as they served together in harmony representing Calvary Chapel of Exeter. Their act of love was a witness for all to see. Both Bob and I were so blessed to see such servanthood! 

The discipleship I am doing with the Uni girls is going well. They now are reaching out to other students. This has been so exciting! Lots of hearts are being touched as God's Word is going forth. Our prayers are that we may be vessels for His glory as we share His love to others. One of the elders in the church also started an inductive bible study class which is going well; and Bob has begun a leadership class with some of the Uni students every other Thursday night.

Solomon's Porch is continually growing with some 25 students squeezing into our home. In celebration of Chinese Lunar New Year, our Asian students moved to the church to prepare a meal called "hot pot", with all sorts of goodies boiling in a pot to eat. With of course, chop sticks in hand, Bob and I had a great evening. He gave a short devotional from the Word and we had great worship. 

Springtime is around the corner, and our hearts are reminded daily of the new life we have in Christ. May we all continue to press on, letting our lights shine forth to what He may have for us each and everyday with joy in our hearts!

Psalm 63:7 Because you are my helper, I sing for joy beneath the shadow of your wings.


Prayer Requests:
-acceptance of our three year visas by UK Immigration
-health and strength to press on developing future British leaders
-new mid-week Bible studies in Devon and Cornwall this year
-my upcoming surgery to be put on the fast track
-opportunities to share the gospel