Although our team is maybe not quite as handsome as Shawn, we are maybe more gifted in explanations. In Kremenets these last 48hours, our feet have hardly touched the ground, and yet there has been a great sense of "energy" in the team, and actually yes we think we can explain it.
TUESDAY AM
- After our team briefing and time around the bible (considering the power of God at work in people (Ephesians)) + breakfast, we split up into a number of different activities. Those who worked on the building did an amazing Job of progressing many rooms in plasterboard. Others went to visit regional schools and shared their knowledge of British culture and the hope they have come to find in Jesus Christ (how it has changed their life for the better). Myself and Alun were privileged enough to be invited to meet the Pastors and leaders of a network of 20 churches in this region. This was one of the gretaest privileges of my life.For around 2.5 hours I was asked to speak about the nature of a growing church and how this works in practice for leaders and congregations. As we shared wisdom and experience together our time together was mutually encourageing, enriching and energizing. Conversation continued in detail over an amazing lunch for us all provided by the church.This region has many possibilities for seeing this church network grow. There is an amazing group of like minded church leaders here - who are passionate about sharing the good news of Christ to so many who need to hear it. I am so excited that God has brought us here at such a time as this, and look forward to progressing this relationship as we look to strengthen the hands of those who are doing an amazing work in a needy and unreached area.
- We were taken to an area just off the main high street and central hub area of Kremenets and shown an amazing possibility. For a while the church here have cared for young people who need some help, whose paths in life are limited and dangerous for their wellbeing. When young people have no options for money or food they resort to drastic measures. This church in its overflowing love has built a transition house , but that is only the begining of the story. We are converting the upstairs for 8 young women (and many others we hope) who will come to live here.. The building we were taken to see has potential for housing many young lads in a similiar situation, The property is huge, on a hill overlooking the town. It sure needs some work...
but the potential is blindingly obvious. It has 2 floors plus an attic, a large (hilly plot of land) and a stunning area overlooking the town which would be ideal for youth "get togethers".
It is an obvious property for such a project and ambition. At the moment there is a small financial shortfall to purchase this property outright, and we are praying hard to God for this, so that loads of young people might be helped in the future.
- The remainder of Tuesday was equally packed. Some returned to construction work, and some to school and "orphanage ministry". In the evening however things took on a much higher level of energy. Myself Mo,Dennis and Alun, spent the evening with the girls. We shared stories, stupid UK jokes and experiences with them. We laughed, cried and explored together. We considered what it is like to be tired in this world, (not just because we don't have enough sleep), but because this world is so broken, cruel and sad that we get tired of this world itself. Isaiah 41 says...
- Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
29 He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint. - Mo shared her amazing and heartwarming life story with the girls, and showed how it is possible for a young girl of 77 to be energised by God for living. We then shared some packages with the girls that were gifts from the UK church. Smiles, appreciation (and some photos we have been shown in secret) suggest that the girls thought this was very much like the best Christmas. Thank you to those who made this possible, you know who you are and God does too.
- The lads (Alun, Jon, Zach, and Ken) went to be with the lads (those who have been helped by the church and working onsite with us all week... (usually on wobbly scaffolding, working like trojans on the outside of the building),
- They had "a riot of a time", in fact I want to appologise to Sashas neighbours on behalf of my country for all the raucous hilarity, songs, jokes and stories shared (much of it a high volume). TheUK team boys came back looking younger than they went out. As they shared their life stories and what God had done for them and the lads - they had been energised (even though they had worked onsite all day ). Thank you Elijah and Sasha for giving them an "awsome" day!
I believe God is doing great and beautiful things here. I believe with all my heart we can trust him to do way more mindblowingly awesome things in the future. It is such a privelege to be part of this growing dynamic. God never gets tired, and the interesting thing is that those who follow his purposes and walk into his plans don't seem to either. It is possible to be mature and yet have a appetite for more, to be old in body and young in heart, to be tired of what has happened and yet gasping for more of the same, The power of God at work keeps people young. Like re-ergised kiddies, for now we go to bed, but only because we must, not because we want to. Our thoughts and dreams are for tomorrow, our prayers, for more of the same please LORD.
I'll post more photos in the morning, when I can, but Mo says I have to go to bed now.
Much love
Blogski
No comments:
Post a Comment