Out of the comfort zone for good reason.

In times of pressure, change and vulnerability, it becomes more apparent than ever that we are creatures who gravitate towards comfort. This is particularly so in the UK; where there is a rise in "gated communities" that shut us off  from "the great unwashed" and unwanted, even our neighbours, and where a bombardment of TV programs teach us to perfectly "restore", build or transform our homes into a self serving paradise in which we find our isolated pride, joy and happiness.  As always however the bible is countercultural. 
God is community. God is love, and he is outward bound to rescue even those who have rejected him. The big story of the bible centres on one who left the comfort, joy and paradise of heaven to go to the lowest, most depraved and deprived. This is only the beginning of the story however as the greatest beam of joy, light and eternal goodness shines brightest when we see that Jesus Christ (the true man), goes to a place far worse than we ever have, in order that he might take on himself our worst, greatest indignity, and misery. In doing so, he restores human existence to a level of value, approval and hope beyond our greatest dreams and understanding. The true crux of the issue however hinges on whether I am ready to see myself as one of "the worst", "an oustider", a person undeserving of God's grace because of my past and repellent instinct towards God. Without going out of my comfort zone to see who I  truly am before the perfection of Jesus Christ, I cannot receive the perfection, forgiveness, solution and hope of Jesus Christ. 
In our greatest moment of discomfort we receive the greatest undeserved gift of God ("new life"). God specialises in taking us out of our comfort zone for good reason and glorious purpose. 

9 team members fly out over the next 2 months to places we have never visited before... to situations, a language, crisis and struggle we have never experienced before first hand. 
Our trips have three parts to them...
1) To help build a home for some young people who have known and experienced first hand the worst side of humanity. Our desire is simply to show them what Christ has shown us - love!
2) To help and encourage a new church network who are going way outside their comfort zone to show the love of Christ in their region. We hope to encourage in a number of ways including "Pastors Conferences" where we will discuss "ministry under pressure" (2 COR 1-6) and how God uses this for his good purposes.
3) To travel on to other areas where Christians are paying the high cost of trying to live like Jesus Christ. This is not a comfort zone - but a place like Judges 21:25, where everyone does what is right in their own eyes. You will not find this place on a holiday brochure, yet it is a place where many are coming to find their great joy, peace, eternal  security and certain future in Christ. 

Are we outside our comfort zone? in many ways YES ... but here we have repeatedly discovered that God has gone before us in his good purposes. We are still relying on him for money... specifically for building materials, for help transporting clothes and gifts etc. but he will have a good way of doing those things.
Maybe you would like to help?  Please get in touch, don't underestimate what God can do when you and I step outside the comfort zone. To misquote a man 50 years ago.. "A small step for you and me can actually sometimes lead to a giant step for humankind (or at least someone else)". Don't hesitate today to speak to your neighbour, leave your TV, give away what God has given you or trust in God's provision rather then trusting your own... he has it sorted! 

We will update regularly during this busy season of travel, so please keep us on your radar and in your prayers.
Love,
Blogski