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

A Time of Encouragement and Refreshment to Others - Those Traveling Legs!

April has come and gone, with the Easter celebration, and the University students soon to be leaving for home for the summer. A few opportunities I have this summer is doing a bible study for those girls who will be staying thru September doing their masters. Also both Bob and I are developing a ministry discipleship class for 3 months to people in our church body who desire to be more effective in ministry. This reminds me of that scripture found in Ephesians 3:20 "Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us." So we are excited to work hand in hand and teach them many things.

It's time once again to plant for my summer flowers. As I dig up those weeds and give food to my roses, I am reminded of God's faithfulness as the great Gardener. He tends to our hearts, His great love never ceases, and His mercies are new every morning. He delights to feed us from His Word while pruning back the deadwood from our hearts to make us His well watered garden for His good pleasure.

Both Bob and I have had wonderful opportunities this month to share God's Word with others, while seeing a little bit of the England countryside. We both spoke at a conference in Bradford in northern part of England, in which we were blessed to meet such lovely people. Getting close to Scotland, we could really pick up a different dialect, so this kept us on our toes listening intently to their conversation. The theme for the weekend was "Contending Earnestly for the Faith." Then after speaking, we traveled to the "Lake District" for a short time of R&R, visiting Beatrice Potter's home, then back home.

This past weekend, I got to travel to Germany to speak at a ladies' retreat for the Herborn Calvary Chapel. It was such a delight to meet and be with those ladies as we looked into God's Word on "Being Imitators of Christ" and how important it is for our lives to be an example of Christ in all we say and do. We studied quite intently from the scripture found in 1 Corinthians 11:1 and the ladies were encouraged and blessed. Ephesians 5:1 " Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children, and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, as a fragrance offering and sacrifice to God."

So now as I am on my way home, looking out through these train windows at the landscape here in sunny Devon of green pasturelands, wild bluebells coming up in the fields, and the baby lambs laying by their mums in sweet contentment, I can't help but reflect upon the amazing goodness, love and beauty God shows to all of us each and everyday just to enjoy. Truly what a blessing of God's sweet creation.

Summer will soon be here, company's a coming, and looking forward to bringing forth once again my hospitality skills. We just hosted a lovely couple from Arizona as they were passing through. What servant's hearts they had and truly refreshed our souls in serving along side us for a few days at both our Exeter and Wotter church. Thank you for your prayers, as always our heats are blessed, touched, and encouraged by your abundant love to us. 

Here's how you can pray for us:
--- larger venue for Exeter church by September, near the University
--- balance between ministry time and family time
--- health and strength to continue ministering to these two churches
--- safety on these roads this summer
--- assistant pastor to help Bob in the ministry here
--- evangelism opportunities for both church congregations 

A Welcomed Surprise - Birthday Blessing!!

April is here, and believe me in the land of Great Britain, April showers do bring May flowers! It seems ole man winter has popped his head up once again, as the past few days it has been raining, raining, and more rain here in 'sunny' Devon!

It was my birthday last week, and Bob surprised me by taking me to the Cotswolds. It's about a two hour drive from our house up North. This is the area where Shakespeare was born, and also William Tyndale.

After researching the best place to stay, we found a great B&B 2 nights for the price of one. So with our feet in our Wellies and a map in our hand, we set off on this short but beautiful adventure.

Upon arriving and walking through these little villages built in the 1600's, it was a spectacular site to behold. I felt like all the Thomas Kincaid paintings had come alive as the thatched roof houses were lined up along the tiny country lanes.

Two particular villages, Upper and Lower Slaughter, were my favorite. Located on the river Eye, the 16th and 17th homes in these villages were built using the honeyed coloured Cotswold sandstone. Many were adorned with unique windows and projecting gables. Thus animating this storybook village to life. As we walked on the "Wardens way", a public footpath, we found ourselves trending through open fields among newly born lambs with their mama Ewes. 

In England, they have "kissing gates" which are small gates giving access through a stone wall or fence that swings out and kisses its posts. It allows you to walk through but not let the sheep through in these fields.

As we continued on this 1 mile walk, we saw hedgerows, ancient stone walls, and many wild flowers popping up between our feet. We even stopped at a famous 19th century water mill where my honey bought me a teapot in this quaint area to remember this special time. Truly such a wonderful treat showing us just how "English" England can really be!

All in all, it was a blessing from the Lord to be able to spend a few days, enjoying and reflecting upon His beauty. It reminded me how often we need the time to get away and to be refreshed, to reflect, and to remember His goodness in all that comes our way. Psalm 29:2 says, "Give unto the Lord the glory due to His name; Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness."

The University students are in exams right now, so Friday at Solomon's Porch, we will be having a praise and worship night. Discipleship though is continuing with the students, and it is a great blessing seeing them grow in their faith.

Our ladies had a small one day retreat up near Bristol a couple weeks ago. It was such a blessing to come together, fellowship and study God's word together. Hearts were truly touched.

Bob spoke at the "Day in the Word" conference in London. Wonderful time of encouragement and teachings.

All in all the Lord has been good and we are gearing up now to pass out notices for our Easter services, both in Exeter and in Wotter. Thank you once again for your continual prayer support as God is moving throughout this land. Indeed we are truly grateful.

Praise Report:
Bob passing Drivers test!

Prayer Requests:
Women's luncheon/ outreach in May
Upcoming conferences and teachings in May
Easter service and outreach for Exeter and Wotter
Tea/biscuit outreach for Wotter- hearts would be touched

A Song of Remembrance - Rejoicing in the Year that Was and the Year to Come

Springtime has finally come in the land of England. With the daffodils, crocuses, and snow drops peering through the soil, the country seems to take on an anticipation of a newness to come. All throughout the land you see the newborn lambs snuggling close to their mums in the fields nearby. With a spring in their steps, I love to see how they frolic around, seeing new things, but never going too far away from the sheepfold. The mama sheep is always having her eye on them to keep them safe from harm's way. 

This so reminds me how our God holds us close to his heart, allowing us to be free to walk by faith into those new areas. As His eye is always upon us, He continuously assures us as He leads us and guides us along the way in which we should go. Psalm 32:8 so clearly states, "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye."

It's been one year since we came to Devon England to live. There are no words to express my love for this land and the British people. Looking back, the Lord truly has guided our way to our destination. He has provided, not only our physical needs, but such sweet brethren with servant's hearts to learn and serve in the church here. Upon arriving to Exeter, we really had no expectations but to care for this small flock. Being faithful each week to what He had called us to do, Bob and I saw a genuine love for Jesus, hearts hungering for the simplicity of the Word, and through that the church has grown.

They say, "healthy sheep produce sheep". In like manner within this past year we are blessed to see these sheep in our flock growing to be strong and healthy in the faith. Yes, we are all daily growing as trials come and go. But this privilege to share the simplicity of the Gospel has truly been an anchor for our souls, and a joy to our hearts.

As we look ahead to the next year, our goal is to continue to disciple others, teaching the Word and  letting our light shine in all we say and do. Psalm 105:1-6  "Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim His greatness. Let the whole world know what He has done. Sing to Him; yes, sing His praises.  Tell everyone about His wonderful deeds. Exalt in His holy name; rejoice, you who worship the Lord. Search for the Lord and for His strength; continually seek Him. Remember the wonders He has performed, His miracles and the rulings He has given, you...His chosen ones."

The church in Wotter is becoming more and more of a light to the community. We have started Thursday teas in the morning for the people using the surgery center and post office which are only open twice a week for the community. The villagers are beginning to know us, and continually tell stories about the people who once passed through these church doors. With opportunities to pray, and sometimes to comfort, along with serving them hot tea and biscuits, it's been such a blessing in reaching out and proclaiming the name of Jesus.  1 John 3:18 "My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth", and that is what we have done. A simple task, but a huge blessing to behold!

The church in Exeter is a blessing as well. Several international students from Asia have begun attending. They are Christians and sooo hungry to study God's word. We are excited and love to give out hugs each week. Bob and I have truly become their mum and dad, a home away from home, which has not only comforted and blessed their hearts but ours as well.  Solomon's Porch is an outreach where we offer the Uni Students not only physical food, but spiritual food. This has been their time of group discipleship and fellowship. The time of hanging out with a cuppa tea has been such a blessing. Who knows where that will go this next year.

All in all, the Lord has been my strength and joy as I have served here in Devon, England. Although it is much different than America, my heart is so glad to be His servant in tasting that He is so good. Though there are times of loneliness, and times of pouring out endlessly, He is always faithful to fill me up and restore me once again with joy to serve. Indeed my heart is filled with thanks.

Ephesians 4:20  "Now all glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish more than we could ask or think."

Prayer Requests:

**Bob pass driving test on March 21

**Wisdom in ongoing discipleship and training

**New facility for Calvary Exeter near the University

**Upcoming conferences and teachings

**Wisdom in ministering effectively to Uni students coming our way

**Tea/biscuit outreach to community in Wotter

**Balance in family time and ministry time