Well... I have bid Wales goodbye. And after a fun filled day in London I am about to bid the island of Britain goodbye.
I do not think that it would be possible for 8 weeks to fly by any faster than that just did. I do admit, at some points it seemed to be going by dreadfully slow. But now that it is behind me, I am a loss of what to feel. I am at a loss of what to think. I do not let myself get choked up over things in the past, I tend to be a more future focused person anyway.
The week finished out wonderfully. It was a great experience and a great week of club with the team. There were no miracle conversions or radical professions of faith, but for this country, the fact that the Word of God has gone forth is a good thing. Good conversations are big victories and we had a lot of those. We were able to love the people in the community well and to give them another reason to think about Christ and His Gospel. That is a major victory.
The weekend was spent with the team. Going over the week and relaxing. We took a day trip to the Brecon Beacons (mountains) and had a picnic/short hike. And even though they were only here for the very tail portion of my stay in Wales, they felt like family and it was hard for them to leave. Especially since I knew that soon it would be my turn.
Sure enough, the next day, having gotten very little sleep, we headed out to Cardiff to bus out to London. It was a tearless goodbye, but a sweet one. I left the place that I called home and the people who have taken such good care of me in this time. I will miss their company. I will miss being a part of their church family.
In hindsight there is a lot that I will be taking away from this trip. Many memories, captured in post previous. And many lessons, too many to include in one closing post.
But I will say that if there is one lesson that we can learn from the Welsh churches it is one of community. Their churches are in community and in the community. The Baptists work with the Methodists who work with the Nondenominational churches and all because they know that together they can accomplish more than when divided and competing. Could the American churches use a fresh perspective on this topic? Do we focus more on Sheep-stealing than Goat-saving? And further than that, the fact that these churches are low on members and low in attendance means that they have a hunger and a passion for stepping out into the 'secular' community that surrounds them. In a lot of cases they lack the resources and the community lacks in interest, but the desire is there and the knowledge of the need is there. Are we comfortable with the amount of filled pulpits that we have? Do we take that number for granted? Are we uncomfortable with the concept of going out and being a part of our community, not as a matter of church attendance even, but for the good of those around us? If our church was to disappear off of the face of the earth, would the non-members around us even notice?
It has been a long road. I have been changed by this experience more than any change that I could see. Yet, I have faith that God has worked in mighty ways through my presence there. I have seen Him do so much good and He is definitely moving in Wales and in the UK.
My parting words are this.
If you have followed me all along, then: thank you. If you have prayed for me, then: thank you. If you have thought of me and wished me well in your own way: thank you. If you enjoyed my posts then I am glad. If you hated them than I am sorry. And if you are a Christian, then I hope that these weeks of updates have been of some encouragement to you and have helped you to think about and see what God is doing in another place in the world. If you are not a Christian, then I hope that the messages that I shared in Wales have come alive in these posts. God loves the people of Wales. He desires for them to trust in His Son for their salvation and to be with Him forever. But He wants that for you too. He wants it for all of us. I flew halfway around the world with the help of a bunch of generous people for no other reason than to share this love. Anything else that was accomplished is just a blessed addition. The purpose is Jesus. Know Him. Love and be loved by Him. It is what we were all created to do.
God bless
Tuesday 30 July 2013
Thursday 25 July 2013
July 25 "What He's Done For Me"
What a day. And what a night.
So last night we had a really good turnout for Coffee House. Garison spoke on "What is the Gospel?" and so were able to open that up for conversation. Some of the guys who showed up were not too keen to listen, but one in particular was. His name is Cade and he really seemed interested in what Jesus had done for him. At the same time I think that he finds it hard to believe. Maybe it's too different. Maybe it is just too good to be true. But between that and the peer pressure to stay as far away from God as possible, I get the sense that there are some obstacles. But God doesn't care about our obstacles! He is God and He breaks down our walls. There is a desire in Cade's heart and I have been praying that it would become the sort of desire that does not rest until it finds satisfaction. And true satisfaction for the weary soul can only come from one place. Christ.
This morning has seemed to start off very hard. Many of us are tired, ill, discouraged, and so forth. Truth be told- we are seeing so much interest and so much interaction with these kids and I think that the devil is going to do all that he can to stop us. Pray that we would weather his attacks and press on in the great mission that God has given us. Pray for our team and pray for these kids who we are here to share the Gospel with.
The kids at Club are hearing the truth of Scripture! They are memorizing verses and having the songs stuck in their head! Yesterday on the walk back from the field a little girl was singing "When I think about Jesus and what He's done for me" and so I was able to ask her who the song was about? She knew that it was about Jesus, but not what he had done for us. I got to share with her a little bit about the cross, but today was the day that we talked about the cross in Bible Lesson! Now whenever she sings that song, she can remember Jesus and she can remember the great love that He has for her.
Thank you so much for all of the prayer and support that has been given for this trip! As the trip winds down, so many things are falling into place. God is good. He has blessed me immeasurably through this trip. Pray that Wales would be blessed and would be changed as well.
So last night we had a really good turnout for Coffee House. Garison spoke on "What is the Gospel?" and so were able to open that up for conversation. Some of the guys who showed up were not too keen to listen, but one in particular was. His name is Cade and he really seemed interested in what Jesus had done for him. At the same time I think that he finds it hard to believe. Maybe it's too different. Maybe it is just too good to be true. But between that and the peer pressure to stay as far away from God as possible, I get the sense that there are some obstacles. But God doesn't care about our obstacles! He is God and He breaks down our walls. There is a desire in Cade's heart and I have been praying that it would become the sort of desire that does not rest until it finds satisfaction. And true satisfaction for the weary soul can only come from one place. Christ.
This morning has seemed to start off very hard. Many of us are tired, ill, discouraged, and so forth. Truth be told- we are seeing so much interest and so much interaction with these kids and I think that the devil is going to do all that he can to stop us. Pray that we would weather his attacks and press on in the great mission that God has given us. Pray for our team and pray for these kids who we are here to share the Gospel with.
The kids at Club are hearing the truth of Scripture! They are memorizing verses and having the songs stuck in their head! Yesterday on the walk back from the field a little girl was singing "When I think about Jesus and what He's done for me" and so I was able to ask her who the song was about? She knew that it was about Jesus, but not what he had done for us. I got to share with her a little bit about the cross, but today was the day that we talked about the cross in Bible Lesson! Now whenever she sings that song, she can remember Jesus and she can remember the great love that He has for her.
Thank you so much for all of the prayer and support that has been given for this trip! As the trip winds down, so many things are falling into place. God is good. He has blessed me immeasurably through this trip. Pray that Wales would be blessed and would be changed as well.
Wednesday 24 July 2013
July 24 "Great, Great, Bril, Bril"
Halfway through the week and it has been a great and amazing adventure so far! Our numbers are steadily increasing as the week goes on! God answers prayer! And the rain is at bay, but the clouds are here to soak up some of the heat! God answers prayer!
It has been so good to have everyone here and to be able to share in this ministry with the team and with the church. We are having a lot of good conversations with the kids and have been able to meet with and invite a lot of them into the church.
Last night I was able to speak during the coffee house event. The question that we asked was "Why do we need Jesus?" It was a great question to ponder myself and one that we all should have an answer for. For a lot of these kids, it was one that they haven't put much thought towards. They don't want to answer it. They are afraid to answer it. Pray that this would change. They might be afraid of what their friends would think, or what their parents would think. They might be afraid of what they have to give up and what inviting Jesus into their life will change. It would certainly change a lot. God doesn't leave us as we are. But that is the good news. Pray that the Holy Spirit would be breaking down their walls. Tonight Garison leads the talk on The Gospel. Last night he was able to have a really good conversation with a young man about Jesus and what His work meant for our lives. He expressed real interest and so pray that he and the others like him would get past whatever apprehensions the devil has put in their heart and would come to a place where they can call on Jesus as Savior and Lord.
I am definitely feeling all of this week's exercise today. My feet are more sore than anything in recent memory. But God is good, and I am going to keep on going. This is the last hurrah for the summer and that means that I am going to give all that I have got this week.
Pray for our team. Many of us are hurting and exhausted in a physical, emotional, spiritual sense. There is a lot going on and this is definitely a battlefield for some serious spiritual warfare. But our God has already won the battle. We are His people and He will take care of us, and I know that He will guide those who He has called into a place where they can hear the Gospel. We have a beautiful truth to share. Pray that these seeds would bear fruit.
God bless
It has been so good to have everyone here and to be able to share in this ministry with the team and with the church. We are having a lot of good conversations with the kids and have been able to meet with and invite a lot of them into the church.
Last night I was able to speak during the coffee house event. The question that we asked was "Why do we need Jesus?" It was a great question to ponder myself and one that we all should have an answer for. For a lot of these kids, it was one that they haven't put much thought towards. They don't want to answer it. They are afraid to answer it. Pray that this would change. They might be afraid of what their friends would think, or what their parents would think. They might be afraid of what they have to give up and what inviting Jesus into their life will change. It would certainly change a lot. God doesn't leave us as we are. But that is the good news. Pray that the Holy Spirit would be breaking down their walls. Tonight Garison leads the talk on The Gospel. Last night he was able to have a really good conversation with a young man about Jesus and what His work meant for our lives. He expressed real interest and so pray that he and the others like him would get past whatever apprehensions the devil has put in their heart and would come to a place where they can call on Jesus as Savior and Lord.
I am definitely feeling all of this week's exercise today. My feet are more sore than anything in recent memory. But God is good, and I am going to keep on going. This is the last hurrah for the summer and that means that I am going to give all that I have got this week.
Pray for our team. Many of us are hurting and exhausted in a physical, emotional, spiritual sense. There is a lot going on and this is definitely a battlefield for some serious spiritual warfare. But our God has already won the battle. We are His people and He will take care of us, and I know that He will guide those who He has called into a place where they can hear the Gospel. We have a beautiful truth to share. Pray that these seeds would bear fruit.
God bless
Monday 22 July 2013
July 22 "The Team Arrives"
Hello everybody!
Now that we have gotten back into the swing of things here time is moving very fast. I honestly can't remember where I left off last time!
But since last time the team has gotten here! And we just made it through our first morning of Holiday Club here in Rhyd! Last time I was here, I helped out at the Caerphilly Church and so this is really my first time doing the Club on this side of the hill. It was a really great time! I was supposed to be in charge of leading the Middle age group around, but the number of kids that showed up, really could only fill two groups comfortably. Pray that tomorrow we need three! Pray that three wouldn't be enough! But I was fortunate that this summer I was already able to meet many of the kids that we are working with and thus it is a lot easier to get into the groups and talk to them! It all feels very natural here and the team/church combo has this Club down to a science. So it seems after the first day. We shall see.
In the afternoon we will have games on the Pitch and then Coffee Bar tonight for the older ones. I will update you on those whenever I get a chance.
I have had my own computer all summer, but have chosen to leave it at the house while I am with the team. We are all camping out in the Cardinal Newman School! Good fun. So my updates may be a little bit more scarce. Bear with me. I am using a very very very old computer in the church and so I will try and fill you in as much as possible.
Please be in prayer for our team! We are working well as a group, but pray that we would really begin to do ministry as God's family. Team unity is essential and we need it. Also pray that the children would come and that they would hear the Good News about Jesus! We are so blessed to be able to do this club and are so blessed to have had the kids that we had today. But the more little Welsh kids that show up, the better! And pray for me. It has been a long summer and I want to make sure that this week still gets my full effort and my full focus. In many ways, a lot of the ministry that I have been doing has led up to this week. So please pray for us all!
God bless
Now that we have gotten back into the swing of things here time is moving very fast. I honestly can't remember where I left off last time!
But since last time the team has gotten here! And we just made it through our first morning of Holiday Club here in Rhyd! Last time I was here, I helped out at the Caerphilly Church and so this is really my first time doing the Club on this side of the hill. It was a really great time! I was supposed to be in charge of leading the Middle age group around, but the number of kids that showed up, really could only fill two groups comfortably. Pray that tomorrow we need three! Pray that three wouldn't be enough! But I was fortunate that this summer I was already able to meet many of the kids that we are working with and thus it is a lot easier to get into the groups and talk to them! It all feels very natural here and the team/church combo has this Club down to a science. So it seems after the first day. We shall see.
In the afternoon we will have games on the Pitch and then Coffee Bar tonight for the older ones. I will update you on those whenever I get a chance.
I have had my own computer all summer, but have chosen to leave it at the house while I am with the team. We are all camping out in the Cardinal Newman School! Good fun. So my updates may be a little bit more scarce. Bear with me. I am using a very very very old computer in the church and so I will try and fill you in as much as possible.
Please be in prayer for our team! We are working well as a group, but pray that we would really begin to do ministry as God's family. Team unity is essential and we need it. Also pray that the children would come and that they would hear the Good News about Jesus! We are so blessed to be able to do this club and are so blessed to have had the kids that we had today. But the more little Welsh kids that show up, the better! And pray for me. It has been a long summer and I want to make sure that this week still gets my full effort and my full focus. In many ways, a lot of the ministry that I have been doing has led up to this week. So please pray for us all!
God bless
Wednesday 17 July 2013
July 17 "Where My Feet May Find Me"
The blog updates now are few and far in between. The week has been slow but not altogether uneventful. I have done a lot of reading from a lot of different sources and have enjoyed (sort of) a few days of relative calm before the storm. I do not like to have a schedule that is as clear as it has been, but the American team will be here soon and then there will be lots to do.
There was one exciting part of the day. I decided that today I was going to go into Ponty and speak again with my friend Lee from last Wednesday's open air. So I got a lift into town and walked down, stopping by the Christian book store on the way. I actually walked out of the shop once and looked down the street and didn't quite recognize Lee and his friend James sitting there. We talked for well over an hour about all different manner of things, James did a lot of the talking as well. Then when the day was getting late I offered Lee a Bible that I had just purchased. He took it graciously and told me that he would put it to good use with his ill relative, Morton, who needs prayer. After a few more niceties, I told my friends that I had to go and catch a bus home. They understood, but insisted that they walked with me and wait with me at the stop. It was a good day to meet with and hang out with these two men. Neither of them belong to Christ, but I am hoping that through the Word of God and the work of the Holy Spirit that they might come to know Him. Oh what a joy it would be to walk the streets of gold with these with whom I have walked the streets of Pontypridd! Pray that it might be so.
Once home, a long and expensive bus ride later, I retreated into my room and read a bit more before Kid's Club. It was a small turnout, no surprise given the weather and the time of year, but we headed out to Ponty park nonetheless and had a good time playing around and enjoying the sunshine.
Time goes by pretty quickly these days. It is hard to believe that this whole summer in nearly gone. I do realize that I have been hinting at some comments about 'how I feel' concerning all of this, but you know what...I'm still not ready to deal with it.
As much as I love home, I love it here as well.
I have put my heart in such a place that my prayers will now always be split across the Atlantic, no matter where my feet may find me.
God bless.
There was one exciting part of the day. I decided that today I was going to go into Ponty and speak again with my friend Lee from last Wednesday's open air. So I got a lift into town and walked down, stopping by the Christian book store on the way. I actually walked out of the shop once and looked down the street and didn't quite recognize Lee and his friend James sitting there. We talked for well over an hour about all different manner of things, James did a lot of the talking as well. Then when the day was getting late I offered Lee a Bible that I had just purchased. He took it graciously and told me that he would put it to good use with his ill relative, Morton, who needs prayer. After a few more niceties, I told my friends that I had to go and catch a bus home. They understood, but insisted that they walked with me and wait with me at the stop. It was a good day to meet with and hang out with these two men. Neither of them belong to Christ, but I am hoping that through the Word of God and the work of the Holy Spirit that they might come to know Him. Oh what a joy it would be to walk the streets of gold with these with whom I have walked the streets of Pontypridd! Pray that it might be so.
Once home, a long and expensive bus ride later, I retreated into my room and read a bit more before Kid's Club. It was a small turnout, no surprise given the weather and the time of year, but we headed out to Ponty park nonetheless and had a good time playing around and enjoying the sunshine.
Time goes by pretty quickly these days. It is hard to believe that this whole summer in nearly gone. I do realize that I have been hinting at some comments about 'how I feel' concerning all of this, but you know what...I'm still not ready to deal with it.
As much as I love home, I love it here as well.
I have put my heart in such a place that my prayers will now always be split across the Atlantic, no matter where my feet may find me.
God bless.
Sunday 14 July 2013
July 14 "I'm Still Here!"
Wow. It has been too long since I have updated this blog. I honestly don't know why this has taken me so long. I have no excuses.
Friday was the last day of PCY. I was able to go to the BBQ and play with all of my friends from the area, along with being able to enjoy amazing food together. I was also blessed to be able to give parting words to the group for the summer.
Saturday was all in all pretty boring. I woke up late. Becca and I went on a short hike. Hay Fever (allergies) was absolutely killing me and hasn't let up much since. It has really made me pretty miserable and tired. That's probably why I haven't been updating as much as I am supposed to.
Today we did church in Rhyd, lunch and then Gateway. All in all the days have been pretty relaxed and pretty normal as far as the Welsh days go.
Sorry there isn't more to say, I am still pretty exhausted and a bit stuffed up. But when things get going again, you will be informed! And in more detail.
So all this to say...I'm still here
God bless
Friday was the last day of PCY. I was able to go to the BBQ and play with all of my friends from the area, along with being able to enjoy amazing food together. I was also blessed to be able to give parting words to the group for the summer.
Saturday was all in all pretty boring. I woke up late. Becca and I went on a short hike. Hay Fever (allergies) was absolutely killing me and hasn't let up much since. It has really made me pretty miserable and tired. That's probably why I haven't been updating as much as I am supposed to.
Today we did church in Rhyd, lunch and then Gateway. All in all the days have been pretty relaxed and pretty normal as far as the Welsh days go.
Sorry there isn't more to say, I am still pretty exhausted and a bit stuffed up. But when things get going again, you will be informed! And in more detail.
So all this to say...I'm still here
God bless
Wednesday 10 July 2013
July 10 "Crunchies and Coke 3"
What a day.
For starters. I got up early. And I didn't get out of bed. It is the most ridiculous thing in the world. I was awake, not sleeping, but I wasn't really doing anything. I was supposed to be thinking, but I was so busy fighting sleep that I might as well have just gotten the extra rest.
But anyway, eventually I did rise and was able to grab some quick breakfast before heading off to my first assembly! I decided that I wanted to do the story of the Prodigal Son and to have the kids help me tell the story by acting it out. It went well, I thought so anyway. We will have more tomorrow and then some more later this week, but there really aren't that many left for me to do. After assembly Alun and I trekked down to Ponty for some more Open Air stuff.
We went to the Christian book store and waited for our team mates to show up and Jake was there! We chatted and I browsed and ended up finding a copy of Screwtape Letters for 1 pound! What a steal. Of course I bought it. After my purchase I went upstairs and got a cup of coffee (filter brew- a real treat in a world of instant) and chatted with the coffee shop ladies. Eventually the rest of the people did show up and after some brief introductions we headed downtown to spread the Good News.
Our time started off slowly. The first two paint boards didn't really attract a crowd and so after that we decided to split up and try our Belief Surveys out (questionnaires designed to spark conversation). In and around this time I was praying that God would bring me to someone that I could really minister to. Someone who I could see get saved.
I walked for a bit and then found myself in an alley, wondering where and how I was going to randomly administer a survey. I thought back to the Bible and how Paul used to address people, usually he started by going to the synagogues...but there were no synagogues in Ponty (that I know of). Just then (literally) the church bells started ringing. And so I took that as a sign that I should head for the church. Might as well, right? I fixed my eyes on the high steeple and started walking. About halfway down the alley I realized that I had to use the toilet, so I ducked into the market to find one. I found one. Guess what. They try to charge you 20p to use their toilet. Crazy right? I was standing there trying to figure out what this scam could possibly mean when I realized that I had caught the attention of the man collecting the money. I asked him about taking the survey, boring as his job must have been, and he surprisingly agreed to take it. We worked through the survey and some of his beliefs to find that he was a Kind-Of-Buddhist. On the last question of the survey you are supposed to lay out the Gospel and bring the conversation to a point of question. I opted for a conversation instead.
He introduced himself as Lee and I introduced myself, at which point he shared that he was also a Robert! That's right, I met a Welsh Buddhist named Robert Lee today. And it gets better. After a moment he invited me into his booth and we struck up a long conversation about life and family and what we believe. He even offered me a cup of coffee while we chatted! It was a great conversation and I really felt like I was able to share what I believed with him in a way that challenged him a bit. He said a lot of things that made me believed that he was at least somewhat interested in what I was saying. And believe me, he didn't hesitate to tell me straight if he felt a certain way. Not at all. Very nice guy though. After nearly an hour I decided that my group might be looking for me and so I had to bid him farewell. He invited me to come back by anytime for a free use of the toilet or a drink. I told him that I would do my best to return and I fully intend to. And you had best believe that I will be bringing a Bible when I do.
After that experience, Jake, Alun and I headed up the hill to eat with Allen and Margaret- friends from Ponty. It was great to meet with them and chat with them and to eat lunch with them. They had some amazing cheeses. I got to tell them my story and we talked about where we had all been and where we were going. It was just a good time to have fellowship and to enjoy the company of fun people. We got a lift to our respective locations after our time was done and then it was not too long before we headed down to Rhyd for the Kid's Club.
Unfortunately, we had to cancel the club because a school event stole away all of our kids! But I was able to spend some time with Becca afterwards, playing with the rugby ball and talking about all of the stuff that we are learning and going through. When the sun went down we sat in the lounge with Brian and Elizabeth and talked about various things (church, our days, the death penalty- fun stuff). It was there that we experienced some truly delightful treats. 1- Banana Split. 2- Crunchie and Coke (Cherry) and Becca had her Reese's Cups. 3- Black Currant Jam on toast. It was quite the late night snack. Then as our time had run out, we took Becca home and I showered and got ready for bed. And here I am.
It was such a good day. God has really been teaching me so much about the sort of adventure that He has in store for those who do His work. It was such a joy just to be able to share and talk with someone and to be able to have such good time with His people. He is so good.
Please be in prayer for Lee. He needs the Gospel and I want to try and go see him as much as I can manage, as well as to establish some form of contact with him. And to get him plugged into a church. There are a lot of things to pray for. Pray for Allen, who I met today, there is something wrong with his leg.
Thank you for your continual prayers and support. I am glad to be able to share this will everyone who has been reading.
God bless.
For starters. I got up early. And I didn't get out of bed. It is the most ridiculous thing in the world. I was awake, not sleeping, but I wasn't really doing anything. I was supposed to be thinking, but I was so busy fighting sleep that I might as well have just gotten the extra rest.
But anyway, eventually I did rise and was able to grab some quick breakfast before heading off to my first assembly! I decided that I wanted to do the story of the Prodigal Son and to have the kids help me tell the story by acting it out. It went well, I thought so anyway. We will have more tomorrow and then some more later this week, but there really aren't that many left for me to do. After assembly Alun and I trekked down to Ponty for some more Open Air stuff.
We went to the Christian book store and waited for our team mates to show up and Jake was there! We chatted and I browsed and ended up finding a copy of Screwtape Letters for 1 pound! What a steal. Of course I bought it. After my purchase I went upstairs and got a cup of coffee (filter brew- a real treat in a world of instant) and chatted with the coffee shop ladies. Eventually the rest of the people did show up and after some brief introductions we headed downtown to spread the Good News.
Our time started off slowly. The first two paint boards didn't really attract a crowd and so after that we decided to split up and try our Belief Surveys out (questionnaires designed to spark conversation). In and around this time I was praying that God would bring me to someone that I could really minister to. Someone who I could see get saved.
I walked for a bit and then found myself in an alley, wondering where and how I was going to randomly administer a survey. I thought back to the Bible and how Paul used to address people, usually he started by going to the synagogues...but there were no synagogues in Ponty (that I know of). Just then (literally) the church bells started ringing. And so I took that as a sign that I should head for the church. Might as well, right? I fixed my eyes on the high steeple and started walking. About halfway down the alley I realized that I had to use the toilet, so I ducked into the market to find one. I found one. Guess what. They try to charge you 20p to use their toilet. Crazy right? I was standing there trying to figure out what this scam could possibly mean when I realized that I had caught the attention of the man collecting the money. I asked him about taking the survey, boring as his job must have been, and he surprisingly agreed to take it. We worked through the survey and some of his beliefs to find that he was a Kind-Of-Buddhist. On the last question of the survey you are supposed to lay out the Gospel and bring the conversation to a point of question. I opted for a conversation instead.
He introduced himself as Lee and I introduced myself, at which point he shared that he was also a Robert! That's right, I met a Welsh Buddhist named Robert Lee today. And it gets better. After a moment he invited me into his booth and we struck up a long conversation about life and family and what we believe. He even offered me a cup of coffee while we chatted! It was a great conversation and I really felt like I was able to share what I believed with him in a way that challenged him a bit. He said a lot of things that made me believed that he was at least somewhat interested in what I was saying. And believe me, he didn't hesitate to tell me straight if he felt a certain way. Not at all. Very nice guy though. After nearly an hour I decided that my group might be looking for me and so I had to bid him farewell. He invited me to come back by anytime for a free use of the toilet or a drink. I told him that I would do my best to return and I fully intend to. And you had best believe that I will be bringing a Bible when I do.
After that experience, Jake, Alun and I headed up the hill to eat with Allen and Margaret- friends from Ponty. It was great to meet with them and chat with them and to eat lunch with them. They had some amazing cheeses. I got to tell them my story and we talked about where we had all been and where we were going. It was just a good time to have fellowship and to enjoy the company of fun people. We got a lift to our respective locations after our time was done and then it was not too long before we headed down to Rhyd for the Kid's Club.
Unfortunately, we had to cancel the club because a school event stole away all of our kids! But I was able to spend some time with Becca afterwards, playing with the rugby ball and talking about all of the stuff that we are learning and going through. When the sun went down we sat in the lounge with Brian and Elizabeth and talked about various things (church, our days, the death penalty- fun stuff). It was there that we experienced some truly delightful treats. 1- Banana Split. 2- Crunchie and Coke (Cherry) and Becca had her Reese's Cups. 3- Black Currant Jam on toast. It was quite the late night snack. Then as our time had run out, we took Becca home and I showered and got ready for bed. And here I am.
It was such a good day. God has really been teaching me so much about the sort of adventure that He has in store for those who do His work. It was such a joy just to be able to share and talk with someone and to be able to have such good time with His people. He is so good.
Please be in prayer for Lee. He needs the Gospel and I want to try and go see him as much as I can manage, as well as to establish some form of contact with him. And to get him plugged into a church. There are a lot of things to pray for. Pray for Allen, who I met today, there is something wrong with his leg.
Thank you for your continual prayers and support. I am glad to be able to share this will everyone who has been reading.
God bless.
Monday 8 July 2013
July 8 "The Beginning of the End"
Today I accompanied Alun on his tour of assemblies. When I got in the car he informed me that I was doing the first one. To be fair, I had mentioned an idea that I had had for a particular school...but it is still just an idea. Not fit for use in the slightest. And so I just kind of had to wing it, but it worked out. We spent some time chatting about the rest of the week as well...no more surprises...hopefully.
Then I got dropped at Jake's house and Dottie picked us up to go out to Mumbles for a day to have American time. I got to walk out to the lighthouse that I missed last time due to the tides. Apparently this part of Wales has the 2nd most drastic horizontal tide change in the world. How about that. The day went by fast and it was boiling hot (for Wales at least- not for the American South). Then we had tea with Jake and Fionn while watching a few episodes of River Monsters. Then we spent the evening at Claire's trying to figure out expenses and travel plans for the back half of our trip.
While this trip continues to be one full of excitement and joy, it is definitely slowing down a bit. Next week it should pick back up a fair amount, but with the Bus in Caerphilly and most of my major talks over and done with, I am going to have more time to get at my required reading and make some plans for when I get home.
It is hard to think of this as the beginning of the end. Yesterday an American named Rob came over and talked with the Gateway church about sending interns over. We all got to sit down and chat for a good long while and he really had some good things to say. One of the most helpful things was about the fact that this trip doesn't have to result in me becoming a full time missionary to Wales. Not to say that it never will happen, but the point was that God uses experiences like this to change us for His glory. Wherever I end up, I am learning things here that I will always take with me. I don't know if this place and this ministry is a life's calling. Only time will tell.
Pray for these last few weeks. There is still a lot to be done.
Then I got dropped at Jake's house and Dottie picked us up to go out to Mumbles for a day to have American time. I got to walk out to the lighthouse that I missed last time due to the tides. Apparently this part of Wales has the 2nd most drastic horizontal tide change in the world. How about that. The day went by fast and it was boiling hot (for Wales at least- not for the American South). Then we had tea with Jake and Fionn while watching a few episodes of River Monsters. Then we spent the evening at Claire's trying to figure out expenses and travel plans for the back half of our trip.
While this trip continues to be one full of excitement and joy, it is definitely slowing down a bit. Next week it should pick back up a fair amount, but with the Bus in Caerphilly and most of my major talks over and done with, I am going to have more time to get at my required reading and make some plans for when I get home.
It is hard to think of this as the beginning of the end. Yesterday an American named Rob came over and talked with the Gateway church about sending interns over. We all got to sit down and chat for a good long while and he really had some good things to say. One of the most helpful things was about the fact that this trip doesn't have to result in me becoming a full time missionary to Wales. Not to say that it never will happen, but the point was that God uses experiences like this to change us for His glory. Wherever I end up, I am learning things here that I will always take with me. I don't know if this place and this ministry is a life's calling. Only time will tell.
Pray for these last few weeks. There is still a lot to be done.
Saturday 6 July 2013
July 6 "Work Hard, Play Hard"
Well, I predicted that the British and Irish Lions would destroy the Aussie Wallabies and wouldn't you know it. Destroy they did. 41-16 and an amazing and redemptive game from Fullback Leigh Halfpenny. It was a very tense first half and then at the start of the second it looked like the Wallabies were on a warpath, but the Welsh boys came through and pulled so far ahead that today's game can safely be classified as a destruction.
All in all today was a very good day to relax. Being done with the GSUS Bus and PCY kind of marks the closing of the first era of my internship (the crazy busy part). After the game we headed out to Taff's Well and took the train into Cardiff. There, Becca and I walked around and had some fun shopping around. She wanted to get Welsh lace for her veil for our wedding. So that was what we did. And we got something special to send to our supporters! I won't spoil the surprise though. I looked around for a rugby jersey that I liked and could afford, but today was just not the day to get it. I will find one eventually. Jerseys are kind of my souvenir tradition.
After the day full of shopping and a meal at Nandos (grilled chicken place- pretty good stuff) we took the train back out and have spent the rest of the evening in Caerphilly at Claire's. We worked on some stuff (surprises) and just enjoyed everyone's company. And I had duck for the second time! The first time was last night, but I had no idea that it was duck. I like duck.
It was a sneezy day, and I was tempted to let it be a hindrance to all of the good times that we ended up having, but it just goes to show that there are so many blessings to be seen when you are willing to look past the little things that can get in our way. It's late and I'm still sniffly, but God is good. Today was good.
All in all today was a very good day to relax. Being done with the GSUS Bus and PCY kind of marks the closing of the first era of my internship (the crazy busy part). After the game we headed out to Taff's Well and took the train into Cardiff. There, Becca and I walked around and had some fun shopping around. She wanted to get Welsh lace for her veil for our wedding. So that was what we did. And we got something special to send to our supporters! I won't spoil the surprise though. I looked around for a rugby jersey that I liked and could afford, but today was just not the day to get it. I will find one eventually. Jerseys are kind of my souvenir tradition.
After the day full of shopping and a meal at Nandos (grilled chicken place- pretty good stuff) we took the train back out and have spent the rest of the evening in Caerphilly at Claire's. We worked on some stuff (surprises) and just enjoyed everyone's company. And I had duck for the second time! The first time was last night, but I had no idea that it was duck. I like duck.
It was a sneezy day, and I was tempted to let it be a hindrance to all of the good times that we ended up having, but it just goes to show that there are so many blessings to be seen when you are willing to look past the little things that can get in our way. It's late and I'm still sniffly, but God is good. Today was good.
Friday 5 July 2013
July 5 "Bye Bye Bus"
That's right. No more GSUS Bus. It is a bitter sweet feeling really. I mean, I've gotten very used to that kind of work. Now I am going to have to learn how to teach children without the computers. Bleh. But at the same time I welcome the change of pace. It was just a bit monotonous after 4 weeks. 3 back to back. But here's hoping that all of those seeds that were sown will take some sort of root. I have been praying a lot for the children who heard our message lately.
After the Bus, I got a lift to Caerphilly to do an event fair sort of thing at the primary school near Claire's. We had a table set up and we were selling...you guessed it! Gingerbread men! Decorate your own ginger for only 50p. I don't quite get the seasonal reasoning, but the kids loved it! We also got to advertise for Gateway's Family Activity Week. Pray for that week.
The evening was another busy one. PCY BATH Night, with special guest speaker...me. I got the opportunity to teach a second time! Probably mostly because that meant that no one else had to do it, but whatever! I enjoyed the extra experience. We talked about the importance of God's Word tonight. I felt very fortunate for the opportunity, it has definitely been an experience for growth.
Then the latest part of the night was spent watching the end of Murray's match (he faces Djokovic for the final!) and Mr. Bean. British humor, gotta love it. Then it was decided that instead of getting taken home only to be carted back in the morning to watch the Lions DESTROY the Wallabies, I am crashing on the couch. I even was able to wash up! But due to a limited arrangement of washing facilities I was forced into taking a bath. Surprisingly relaxing. Reminds me why I want a Jacuzzi tub when I grow up.
Anyway, the night is getting by me and I should probably get some rest. Big days ahead.
God bless.
After the Bus, I got a lift to Caerphilly to do an event fair sort of thing at the primary school near Claire's. We had a table set up and we were selling...you guessed it! Gingerbread men! Decorate your own ginger for only 50p. I don't quite get the seasonal reasoning, but the kids loved it! We also got to advertise for Gateway's Family Activity Week. Pray for that week.
The evening was another busy one. PCY BATH Night, with special guest speaker...me. I got the opportunity to teach a second time! Probably mostly because that meant that no one else had to do it, but whatever! I enjoyed the extra experience. We talked about the importance of God's Word tonight. I felt very fortunate for the opportunity, it has definitely been an experience for growth.
Then the latest part of the night was spent watching the end of Murray's match (he faces Djokovic for the final!) and Mr. Bean. British humor, gotta love it. Then it was decided that instead of getting taken home only to be carted back in the morning to watch the Lions DESTROY the Wallabies, I am crashing on the couch. I even was able to wash up! But due to a limited arrangement of washing facilities I was forced into taking a bath. Surprisingly relaxing. Reminds me why I want a Jacuzzi tub when I grow up.
Anyway, the night is getting by me and I should probably get some rest. Big days ahead.
God bless.
Thursday 4 July 2013
July 4 "Independence Day"
Happy Fourth of July everybody. I cannot say that I celebrated in a manner worthy of the great American tradition. But I still had a good day.
Becca joined us on the Bus this morning! One more day to go, hard to believe it actually. But the lessons went smoothly and she was able to give her testimony. We were also able to play with the frisbee for a while and to chat with many of the kids. A full five lessons went by and I finished one of the books for my internship! One more to go.
After the Bus we headed back here and hung around while we waited for everyone to come over for tea. We even scoured the shop for a while trying to find some stuff for the 4th of July. We found chips and salsa, but that was as American as we could get (Cinco de Mayo?). Tea was delicious as usual and afterwards we went back to Claire's for the Caerphilly Youth Club.
We all met in the house and ate some pizza (second supper!) and then played some games. Then we went up to the mountain to play capture the flag. Good fun. Kids are so funny. The boys spent most of the time throwing rocks at each other and tacking each other to the ground. Neither of those were the object of the game at all. My pride swelled a little when the team that I was supervising won, but I checked it. No big deal. Except that it meant that I beat Becca's team. But really we weren't that invested in the game that much. Still fun though. I did realize at one point that I was standing on top of a Welsh triangulation point with a Argentinian flag flying over my shoulder- I guess that's how we celebrated the 4th. God bless America!
The evening drifted away as we devoured our chips and salsa- thereby completing our completely backwards celebrations. Finally I was taken home only after stopping to get candy from Tesco. Now I have Reese's Pieces for tomorrow. Score.
I am truly blessed. I do not deserve all of the good gifts and opportunities that God has given me, but I guess that is kind of the point. All the more glory for Him for His mercy. There are a lot of things going on right now and it is good to just know that God is good. I have a lot to do. I have a lot to look forward to.
For a few reasons today has been a bit of a homesick one. I miss the baby back ribs and explosions that I might be enjoying with all of the American people who I love. I am still so happy to be here and I will always have the joy of the Lord. Tomorrow I am doing a PCY BATH Night again, so be in prayer that I would speak the truth in a way that these kids can understand.
God bless.
Becca joined us on the Bus this morning! One more day to go, hard to believe it actually. But the lessons went smoothly and she was able to give her testimony. We were also able to play with the frisbee for a while and to chat with many of the kids. A full five lessons went by and I finished one of the books for my internship! One more to go.
After the Bus we headed back here and hung around while we waited for everyone to come over for tea. We even scoured the shop for a while trying to find some stuff for the 4th of July. We found chips and salsa, but that was as American as we could get (Cinco de Mayo?). Tea was delicious as usual and afterwards we went back to Claire's for the Caerphilly Youth Club.
We all met in the house and ate some pizza (second supper!) and then played some games. Then we went up to the mountain to play capture the flag. Good fun. Kids are so funny. The boys spent most of the time throwing rocks at each other and tacking each other to the ground. Neither of those were the object of the game at all. My pride swelled a little when the team that I was supervising won, but I checked it. No big deal. Except that it meant that I beat Becca's team. But really we weren't that invested in the game that much. Still fun though. I did realize at one point that I was standing on top of a Welsh triangulation point with a Argentinian flag flying over my shoulder- I guess that's how we celebrated the 4th. God bless America!
The evening drifted away as we devoured our chips and salsa- thereby completing our completely backwards celebrations. Finally I was taken home only after stopping to get candy from Tesco. Now I have Reese's Pieces for tomorrow. Score.
I am truly blessed. I do not deserve all of the good gifts and opportunities that God has given me, but I guess that is kind of the point. All the more glory for Him for His mercy. There are a lot of things going on right now and it is good to just know that God is good. I have a lot to do. I have a lot to look forward to.
For a few reasons today has been a bit of a homesick one. I miss the baby back ribs and explosions that I might be enjoying with all of the American people who I love. I am still so happy to be here and I will always have the joy of the Lord. Tomorrow I am doing a PCY BATH Night again, so be in prayer that I would speak the truth in a way that these kids can understand.
God bless.
Wednesday 3 July 2013
July 3 "Milk Was A Bad Choice..."
Another day on the GSUS Bus. It's hard to believe that there are only two more days left with The Bus! Soon I will be in a whole different world without my default daily duty. Today was an interesting day. I was able to give my testimony at lunchtime to a very interested crowd and a few rowdy youngsters. Funny enough, the rowdy ones are absolutely obsessed with me. They followed me around before and after the lessons asking me to say "American" words and even brought me over to play a bit of rugby (of course I went easy on them). They love to follow me around and listen to my accent, but I'm thinking that the important words that I have said to them are falling on deaf ears. Two more days. Hopefully something will stick. If they refuse to hear Christ, then I will just have to show them.
After the Bus I came back to the house and relaxed with some tennis and some tea. There was this incredible game on today. Murray, a Scot and the favorite around here, was being beaten 2 sets to nil by basically a nobody Spaniard at Wimbledon and come to find out later, he came back and won it! What a champ. Long way to go for him yet though. We will see how he fares in the rest of the tournament.
Then in the evening we went out with the Rhydyfelin kids to a park in Caerphilly. We had a lot of fun and Becca even met us there! Good times. We spun around on stuff, climbed stuff, swung, and even bug hunted. Didn't find any bugs though. I found a bee, but nobody wanted me to catch it. Their loss.
After the park, I went over to the Hughes residence and hung out for a while just watching the TV and relaxing. Never underestimate the power of a good session in front of the TV. It does wonders. We also walked to the store because Becca had to buy some things. I determined to get a snack for a pound. I found donuts and milk for 80 pence! And Becca wanted one. She ended up buying it all. But then she wanted to heat them up, and we have milk at home. Hence the title.
Now I am back at home, not really that tired and filling all of you fine people in on my day. There was a lot of thinking and googling about jobs today. I've been thinking about it a lot recently. Not worrying, just thinking of the possibilities. Pray that it doesn't devolve into worry. I don't need that over here.
God is so good. In spite of all of my weakness and stubbornness and reluctance to let Him work in me and through me, He never gives up. He never changes. He is such a good God and a Heavenly Father that I can always depend on. Just felt like sharing that.
Good Night.
After the Bus I came back to the house and relaxed with some tennis and some tea. There was this incredible game on today. Murray, a Scot and the favorite around here, was being beaten 2 sets to nil by basically a nobody Spaniard at Wimbledon and come to find out later, he came back and won it! What a champ. Long way to go for him yet though. We will see how he fares in the rest of the tournament.
Then in the evening we went out with the Rhydyfelin kids to a park in Caerphilly. We had a lot of fun and Becca even met us there! Good times. We spun around on stuff, climbed stuff, swung, and even bug hunted. Didn't find any bugs though. I found a bee, but nobody wanted me to catch it. Their loss.
After the park, I went over to the Hughes residence and hung out for a while just watching the TV and relaxing. Never underestimate the power of a good session in front of the TV. It does wonders. We also walked to the store because Becca had to buy some things. I determined to get a snack for a pound. I found donuts and milk for 80 pence! And Becca wanted one. She ended up buying it all. But then she wanted to heat them up, and we have milk at home. Hence the title.
Now I am back at home, not really that tired and filling all of you fine people in on my day. There was a lot of thinking and googling about jobs today. I've been thinking about it a lot recently. Not worrying, just thinking of the possibilities. Pray that it doesn't devolve into worry. I don't need that over here.
God is so good. In spite of all of my weakness and stubbornness and reluctance to let Him work in me and through me, He never gives up. He never changes. He is such a good God and a Heavenly Father that I can always depend on. Just felt like sharing that.
Good Night.
Tuesday 2 July 2013
July 2 "A Dip"
The mornings just keep getting later and later. I need to start going to bed at a decent hour. At least a few nights a week...At least one night a week.
The morning began a little later than way too early and we were whisked off across Rhydyfelin to Cardinal Newman Catholic School for another day of GSUS live. It was a good day. It seemed to move by really fast and not a lot of what happened is really sticking in my mind. I guess we only taught three sessions, but we were still there well into the afternoon.
Then I spent a lot of the afternoon relaxing around the house and enjoying that fact that I didn't have to teach tonight. It is bittersweet in a way. I enjoy teaching, but as the internship winds down a little bit I am starting to really be relieved by the fact that it was more of a front-loaded experience. Coedpenmaen's Youth Club has ceased meeting for the summer and this is our last week on the GSUS Bus. Things are going to be slowing down a good bit here soon. I welcome it. I want to be rested for when the Americans come.
Then in the evening, and for the first time in Wales, I got to go to the pool and swim with all of the friends and family! Paul, Sarah, the Hughes, and me and my host family all went down and had a great time swimming and splashing and spending time together. It was good fun.
Then I headed back here. And here I am.
Looking up the page it doesn't seem like a very full day. Looking back it kind of flew by. Time has been moving so fast lately. It's kind of scary. Before I know it I'll be back in the US of A.
Pray for me as I look down the back stretch of this mission. I am not on a mountaintop over here. This ministry has become very real and this place has started to feel a lot like home. I will not be feeding off of a spiritual high when I get back and that means that the things that I learn I need to learn deeply and take with me. That takes effort and that takes energy.
God bless
Monday 1 July 2013
July 1 "Halftime"
What to say...what to say...
Well I neglected to update on Sunday. Late nights and busy days. You know how it is. After church we were able to eat lunch with Paul and Sarah, our first night hosts. An appropriate meeting for the halfway mark through our trip. We ate lasagna (yum) and then played board games until Claire picked us up to go with her. Becca and I then did the lesson for the youth at Cafe Church in Caerphilly. We went to a pub and had a meeting as a church and we sat the kids down and talked about "how do we win at life?" It was a good conversation and we got a lot of good interaction from the kids. Then I stayed up too late watching the Brazil v. Spain final. Most of it. Drifted in and out.
Today was a bit more eventful. I started off on the GSUS Bus at Cardinal Newman, our last stop. It was a good day, and it really seemed to fly by. That might be because I spent much of the time outside helping Roy with the malfunctioning staircase and chatting about a number of things. Then at lunchtime I got picked up by Dottie and we were off on our restful day. We had lunch with Billy and Sissy Barron, parents of my former boss at Erskine (small world). Jake joined us as well at the Wetherspoon Pub where I had a massive burger. So good. So filling. It definitely hit me later.
Then we visited Castle Coch, which of all of the ones that we have visited thus far is the most fully restored. It was a fun time and we got to explore the heritage and architecture of yet another medieval beauty. After that we headed back to Caerphilly where I caught a nap. Late nights and too much food. Then tea time with the Hughes. More food. So full. After our food settled, Becca and I walked down to the park to toss around the rugby ball and get some time in the rare Welsh sun. To end the day we watched "9" a movie abut post apocalyptic puppets. Good stuff.
And now here I am. Up late. Tired. I don't think I am quite up for musing about how fast all of this has gone, how exciting it is to look back and to look forward, and yet bittersweet to think that we are now on the back-end of this trip. I am sure that at some point these feelings/thoughts/etc are going to come through. But not now.
Pray for the Bus this week. I can feel myself ready to be on to something else after 3 weeks of doing this. But for these kids it is the first time. I need not let my lethargy cause a missed opportunity to capitalize on such a wonderful resource. Pray for my enthusiasm and my energy. There is still so much more work to be done.
Well I neglected to update on Sunday. Late nights and busy days. You know how it is. After church we were able to eat lunch with Paul and Sarah, our first night hosts. An appropriate meeting for the halfway mark through our trip. We ate lasagna (yum) and then played board games until Claire picked us up to go with her. Becca and I then did the lesson for the youth at Cafe Church in Caerphilly. We went to a pub and had a meeting as a church and we sat the kids down and talked about "how do we win at life?" It was a good conversation and we got a lot of good interaction from the kids. Then I stayed up too late watching the Brazil v. Spain final. Most of it. Drifted in and out.
Today was a bit more eventful. I started off on the GSUS Bus at Cardinal Newman, our last stop. It was a good day, and it really seemed to fly by. That might be because I spent much of the time outside helping Roy with the malfunctioning staircase and chatting about a number of things. Then at lunchtime I got picked up by Dottie and we were off on our restful day. We had lunch with Billy and Sissy Barron, parents of my former boss at Erskine (small world). Jake joined us as well at the Wetherspoon Pub where I had a massive burger. So good. So filling. It definitely hit me later.
Then we visited Castle Coch, which of all of the ones that we have visited thus far is the most fully restored. It was a fun time and we got to explore the heritage and architecture of yet another medieval beauty. After that we headed back to Caerphilly where I caught a nap. Late nights and too much food. Then tea time with the Hughes. More food. So full. After our food settled, Becca and I walked down to the park to toss around the rugby ball and get some time in the rare Welsh sun. To end the day we watched "9" a movie abut post apocalyptic puppets. Good stuff.
And now here I am. Up late. Tired. I don't think I am quite up for musing about how fast all of this has gone, how exciting it is to look back and to look forward, and yet bittersweet to think that we are now on the back-end of this trip. I am sure that at some point these feelings/thoughts/etc are going to come through. But not now.
Pray for the Bus this week. I can feel myself ready to be on to something else after 3 weeks of doing this. But for these kids it is the first time. I need not let my lethargy cause a missed opportunity to capitalize on such a wonderful resource. Pray for my enthusiasm and my energy. There is still so much more work to be done.
Saturday 29 June 2013
June 29 "There and Back Again"
What a day.
I guess there isn't really too much to say about yesterday. We worked on the Bus. We had kids club in Caer. We had another event for Hawthorn High and there were two people who showed up. Fun stuff. Then after the event, Claire drove Becca and I over to her house, with a bike in the back, and I crashed on their couch.
And this morning we had Lions test #2. What a game. It was so close just like the last one. My guess for the score was 18 to 16 lions. The final score. 15 to 16 Wallabies. And on a missed penalty kick...3 points. Would have been spot on. And it was my favorite player that missed it. Sad day. I'm not mad though. It was a hard kick. But this makes next week's game in Sydney a lot more interesting. Instead of an undefeated record, the Lions fight to win the actual tour. Should be quite lively.
After the game, the real adventure began. A 13 mile bike ride to Cardiff bay. We went with the PCY group, but it ended up being a semi-random assortment of friends and family. So much fun. But the seat was so uncomfortable. When we got to Cardiff, we stopped to have some refreshments and Becca and I went in search of ice cream. Instead we found an "American Diner". And they had root beer floats, and slushies. It was great. We enjoyed our sweet frozen treats and then after a short rest we hit the road. 13 miles back home. It was a grueling journey. I cycled between peddling standing up and sitting down. Exhaustion versus pain. Nobody won. Especially not me. But Becca and I made it all the way home! 26 miles. That's like a marathon.
Exhausted, we gathered back at the house and then headed out to Pizza Hut. Good times. Good food. I'm stuffed. And the regular pizza we ordered got mixed up and so we got a large! No extra cost. It was a good night. Now there are cookies in the oven to be eaten with vanilla ice cream.
It was a day full of joy and of blessings. I am so fortunate to be here and to be sharing such good times with such wonderful people.
But I'm going to get off of here for now. I've got another important message to send and some war wounds to tend. There were dirt jumps half-way to Cardiff... I couldn't resist. So I've got a jammed wrist and pedal-inflicted cuts on my knee. Not to mention the whole sore seat thing. But no adventure is complete without it's battle scars.
Farewell
I guess there isn't really too much to say about yesterday. We worked on the Bus. We had kids club in Caer. We had another event for Hawthorn High and there were two people who showed up. Fun stuff. Then after the event, Claire drove Becca and I over to her house, with a bike in the back, and I crashed on their couch.
And this morning we had Lions test #2. What a game. It was so close just like the last one. My guess for the score was 18 to 16 lions. The final score. 15 to 16 Wallabies. And on a missed penalty kick...3 points. Would have been spot on. And it was my favorite player that missed it. Sad day. I'm not mad though. It was a hard kick. But this makes next week's game in Sydney a lot more interesting. Instead of an undefeated record, the Lions fight to win the actual tour. Should be quite lively.
After the game, the real adventure began. A 13 mile bike ride to Cardiff bay. We went with the PCY group, but it ended up being a semi-random assortment of friends and family. So much fun. But the seat was so uncomfortable. When we got to Cardiff, we stopped to have some refreshments and Becca and I went in search of ice cream. Instead we found an "American Diner". And they had root beer floats, and slushies. It was great. We enjoyed our sweet frozen treats and then after a short rest we hit the road. 13 miles back home. It was a grueling journey. I cycled between peddling standing up and sitting down. Exhaustion versus pain. Nobody won. Especially not me. But Becca and I made it all the way home! 26 miles. That's like a marathon.
Exhausted, we gathered back at the house and then headed out to Pizza Hut. Good times. Good food. I'm stuffed. And the regular pizza we ordered got mixed up and so we got a large! No extra cost. It was a good night. Now there are cookies in the oven to be eaten with vanilla ice cream.
It was a day full of joy and of blessings. I am so fortunate to be here and to be sharing such good times with such wonderful people.
But I'm going to get off of here for now. I've got another important message to send and some war wounds to tend. There were dirt jumps half-way to Cardiff... I couldn't resist. So I've got a jammed wrist and pedal-inflicted cuts on my knee. Not to mention the whole sore seat thing. But no adventure is complete without it's battle scars.
Farewell
Thursday 27 June 2013
June 27 "Sleep"
I fell asleep twice on the Bus today. Once at the beginning because our class didn't show up and then once at the end, face down in my book in the kitchen compartment. I don't know why. I guess it has something to do with these late nights. Oh well. I can sleep when I'm dead.
But we got to have another great day today! Kelsie lost her voice because she has been sick, so she used me as a proxy to speak with the girls that she has been chatting with the past few days. It was pretty fun. Then during the talk and testimony time she noticed that the girls were talking about a question but didn't have the courage to ask. So she told me to go and answer it anyway. So I did! I talked with them for a while about the problem of evil and suffering and what God meant to me. It was great, they even stayed after the bell rang.
After school we headed back to the house and basically hung out until tea time. We had the Hughes family over, with my Becca, and we all sat down and enjoyed a delicious roast feast. It was awesome. Then a bit of tennis and a rainy bike retrieval for Saturday's ride (more later) before leading Bible study again.
Tonight's Bible study had a lower turnout and it went by a lot faster because of it. But it still went well. We talked about the Holy of Holies.
Overall it was a very good day. I still am haunted by this sense that everything is flying by so quickly. Hard to believe that when I wake up tomorrow it will mark the 4 week mark. Crazy.
Apparently, some of the people in Becca's church were talking about how great it would be for us to come over as interns for a year after we got married...and I don't know what to think about it. I'm not sure how serious they were or how realistic it is, but still it's something to think about. I'll get back to you on it. I need to think more. I have no idea where God is going to put us in this next year. Only time will tell. Right now I have other things to do and to think about. In the not so distant future: Sleep.
Wednesday 26 June 2013
June 26 "Legacy"
I really can't keep the days straight. It's almost JULY! Crazy stuff.
So today at Hawthorn (where the Bus is) I got to meet with some of the kids outside and just chat with them for a while. Apparently one of them was at the church two years ago and had to be escorted out. Sometimes Welsh boys can get a bit rowdy. But I told him that he should come back this year...if only to be thrown out again. And I got to give my testimony during lunch!
But after the Bus I came back and might have fallen asleep for a while. Probably. But then I got to work with Becca at the Kids Club in Rhyd! She met us at the church and we all (leaders and six little girls) headed off to yet another park with far superior playground equipment. Americans with their safety concerns...
At the playground, in the midst of all of the fun, I ran into one of the boys from school. We got to talking and he introduced me to some of his friends. It was cool. Often you do something at a place with people and it doesn't really connect that you are in effect reaching the community as well. He basically followed me around the entire time I was there! He shared his candy, told me everything about everything and even kept asking me whose story (testimony) he would get to hear tomorrow. He and his friend even followed us almost all of the way back to the minibus on their bikes. I'm hoping later in the week to get them interested in coming the the after event and even the Holiday club. Ultimately I need to be able to point them to a Christian support system that will be able to encourage them. I won't be here for very long. I want to give people the truth and to get them connected to these churches so that they can keep being ministered to. Pray that such places would be open to them and that their minds would be open to such places.
After that Becca and I got dropped off at Claire's to work on some stuff for Friday Night Kids Club in Caer. I came up with a new and improved method to make a fishing net...and then almost lost my mind trying to tie all of the knots. Eventually I just kind of gave up and watched rugby. Lions for the win! Shut out the Rebels. Can't wait until Test #2 on Saturday.
Rabbit Trail! --- I was able to have a conversation with several guys today about the Lions while I was at Hawthorn! So for those of you who have been reading this and saying "We sent him over there to watch rugby?!" Yes...yes you did. And it is opening doors for conversation. So there... Just kidding. I don't think that any of you are like that. Y'all are my friends.
Pray for me. As I near the halfway point I am starting to think more and more about what I want to try and leave behind when I go back home. There are so many good things that I have been blessed to have been involved in, but I want to contribute as much as I can to these churches and these people as possible. I am not sure what my lasting contributions will be, maybe I won't even be able to say by the end of the trip. Still, I know that God is in the work that I am doing and in knowing that, I know that He will change this place and these people for His glory.
So today at Hawthorn (where the Bus is) I got to meet with some of the kids outside and just chat with them for a while. Apparently one of them was at the church two years ago and had to be escorted out. Sometimes Welsh boys can get a bit rowdy. But I told him that he should come back this year...if only to be thrown out again. And I got to give my testimony during lunch!
But after the Bus I came back and might have fallen asleep for a while. Probably. But then I got to work with Becca at the Kids Club in Rhyd! She met us at the church and we all (leaders and six little girls) headed off to yet another park with far superior playground equipment. Americans with their safety concerns...
At the playground, in the midst of all of the fun, I ran into one of the boys from school. We got to talking and he introduced me to some of his friends. It was cool. Often you do something at a place with people and it doesn't really connect that you are in effect reaching the community as well. He basically followed me around the entire time I was there! He shared his candy, told me everything about everything and even kept asking me whose story (testimony) he would get to hear tomorrow. He and his friend even followed us almost all of the way back to the minibus on their bikes. I'm hoping later in the week to get them interested in coming the the after event and even the Holiday club. Ultimately I need to be able to point them to a Christian support system that will be able to encourage them. I won't be here for very long. I want to give people the truth and to get them connected to these churches so that they can keep being ministered to. Pray that such places would be open to them and that their minds would be open to such places.
After that Becca and I got dropped off at Claire's to work on some stuff for Friday Night Kids Club in Caer. I came up with a new and improved method to make a fishing net...and then almost lost my mind trying to tie all of the knots. Eventually I just kind of gave up and watched rugby. Lions for the win! Shut out the Rebels. Can't wait until Test #2 on Saturday.
Rabbit Trail! --- I was able to have a conversation with several guys today about the Lions while I was at Hawthorn! So for those of you who have been reading this and saying "We sent him over there to watch rugby?!" Yes...yes you did. And it is opening doors for conversation. So there... Just kidding. I don't think that any of you are like that. Y'all are my friends.
Pray for me. As I near the halfway point I am starting to think more and more about what I want to try and leave behind when I go back home. There are so many good things that I have been blessed to have been involved in, but I want to contribute as much as I can to these churches and these people as possible. I am not sure what my lasting contributions will be, maybe I won't even be able to say by the end of the trip. Still, I know that God is in the work that I am doing and in knowing that, I know that He will change this place and these people for His glory.
Tuesday 25 June 2013
June 25 "The Sun Shines Over Wales"
Another day on the Bus, another group of students rolled through. Today I saw a friend from last time, a guy that I hadn't seen since my return. Apparently he hasn't been coming to church much since we left. Apparently there is an age that the young people just stop coming to church. Once they get well into secondary school, they just lose interest. I am not sure why. Maybe they just get too enamored with the world. Maybe they don't see the point anymore. It happens to a lot of people, all over.
But other than that the Bus went well. I had a lot of time to just sit and think and scribble in my journal. I realized that it wasn't very full in proportion to the amount of time that I have been here. I guess I just do a lot of writing elsewhere...here. I just carry the journal to jot down thoughts and to scribble plans and things that I want to remember. It serves its purpose.
After the Bus we headed here and I got to work on my talk for tonight. We went through the three remaining pieces of the Armor of God. The Shield of Faith, The Helmet of Salvation and the Sword of the Spirit. It went well. I was glad to be able to share with them, seeing as these last two weeks have been the last two weeks that they meet until after Summer Holiday.
And now I'm here. In hindsight it doesn't sound like a very eventful day, but it was a good one. The sun was shining and that is always a treat in Wales.
And now I sit here, relatively early, and wait to see what time I find to fall asleep.
I've been thinking a lot about what's next. Probably because people keep asking me about it. Hard to believe that in less than 6 months I'll be married. Luckily most of the important stuff has been handled for the wedding, but I've still got a lot to do. I need a job and a place to work mostly. I'm not really sure how all of that is going to work out, but it will. Becca and I have taken to memorizing Bible verses together while we are over here. The most recent one is Luke 12:24 "Consider the ravens, they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouses nor barns, and yet the Lord feeds them; Of how much more value are you than the birds!" The Lord provides.
But other than that the Bus went well. I had a lot of time to just sit and think and scribble in my journal. I realized that it wasn't very full in proportion to the amount of time that I have been here. I guess I just do a lot of writing elsewhere...here. I just carry the journal to jot down thoughts and to scribble plans and things that I want to remember. It serves its purpose.
After the Bus we headed here and I got to work on my talk for tonight. We went through the three remaining pieces of the Armor of God. The Shield of Faith, The Helmet of Salvation and the Sword of the Spirit. It went well. I was glad to be able to share with them, seeing as these last two weeks have been the last two weeks that they meet until after Summer Holiday.
And now I'm here. In hindsight it doesn't sound like a very eventful day, but it was a good one. The sun was shining and that is always a treat in Wales.
And now I sit here, relatively early, and wait to see what time I find to fall asleep.
I've been thinking a lot about what's next. Probably because people keep asking me about it. Hard to believe that in less than 6 months I'll be married. Luckily most of the important stuff has been handled for the wedding, but I've still got a lot to do. I need a job and a place to work mostly. I'm not really sure how all of that is going to work out, but it will. Becca and I have taken to memorizing Bible verses together while we are over here. The most recent one is Luke 12:24 "Consider the ravens, they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouses nor barns, and yet the Lord feeds them; Of how much more value are you than the birds!" The Lord provides.
Monday 24 June 2013
June 24 "The Church's One Foundation"
Yesterday, I do not remember much of. Honestly. I was in a bad mood. I didn't take the time to get focused and to look to Christ for my joy and support. The result was not the best. The negativity carried over into the morning a bit. But then, against all odds and my stubborn self aside, I turned and and began praying for God's forgiveness and for deliverance from my selfish ways. Seeking God through the Word and through prayer is essential. I forget how truly important it is sometimes.
After that, things on the Bus really looked up. It was an enjoyable time and the class that I led was very interested in the material! And they will be back Wednesday. Also, the day trip (today being my Sabbath) that I assumed was dead in the water was able to take place!
Becca met me at Hawthorn High School and we walked from there to the base of the hill separating Rhyd from Caer. It took some time to find the base of the hill, but then up we went. Our Mission: cross the hill in time to get a ride to Victory Church for the evening service. More about them later.
The walk up was good. We saw lots of sheep (I snuck up and petted a sleepy one) and a few Border Collies! At the top of the first part of the hill we found an old church and a pub that I knew would be there. For those of you who heard our pre-trip spiel about the churches in Wales, I mentioned this church- most of the time. It is the beautiful stone church that was chained shut two years ago while the pub bustled right next door. But not so anymore! The church was open! To the public. Becca and I walked in and had the place all to ourselves. Not only was it open, but it was back in use! There were fresh bulletins and Bibles and hymnals sitting around. We explored the plaques and the history of the church and I was just in awe at all that had changed. We sang a good many hymns in there too, just the two of us. It was wonderful. There were a few moments in that church where I just felt so blessed. The morning prior I had been such a bitter and forlorn brat, and God blessed me with a day full of beautiful weather and such wonderful memories. We explored the graveyard and then after praying for the church, we tried to go to the Pub for a bit to eat. It was closed! Life is funny sometimes.
We walked up to the sheep pastures at the base of the next part of the hill and sat down to eat what little food we had brought with us. As we were munching and carrying on our conversation, a horse came trotting down the hill! It came down to eat the onions and leeks that someone had thrown out for the sheep. We tried to get close and it fled to the top of the hill. Naturally, we went after it. At the top of the hill (the very top) there was a whole herd of horses! Well, some horses, and a lot of ponies. There were so many of them, big and small, babies and old nags. It was such a cool experience. We sat down and watched them run around on the hill and just enjoyed the view. Then we walked across to the triangulation point (big concrete pyramid-thing) and somehow we both got on top of it. The base is like the size of my laptop. Then, after barely surviving getting off the point and petting some of the less skittish horses, we descended the hill. We walked and talked and stopped to see the cows, then kept going...then turned around to get the lens cap from the cow stop. Eventually we made it all the way down to Caerphilly and then a few "short-cuts" and Frogger-esque sprints across the roundabout...we made it to Claire's. And just in time! Kelvin's parents were over and had made chicken soup for the kids- with plenty extra. So good.
After dinner, we loaded up into the cars (the adults did) and headed off to Victory Church. This church has been meeting every day since April in Wales and so when the opportunity to go see what was going on emerged, I jumped. We got there and waited a few minutes for the doors to open, but when they did, the people just flooded in. I must admit, my American expectation for this revival was a bit larger, but when I really thought about it, there must have been hundreds of people there. Huge for Wales. Such a great crowd. There were a lot of different things. As a Presbyterian, I have a particular default for worship. This was a bit more Pentecostal than what I am used to. But they had such passion and energy and the sheer size and dedication of this church in a place with so much darkness is just a wonderful act of God.
Please be in prayer for these churches. Between the church on the hill and the Victory Church, today has been such an encouraging day for my perception of the church in Wales. Things are changing. People are changing. There is definitely so much life left in this old stump of a country. Everything here has such a rich heritage in Christianity and there are so many people who want to see it flourishing again. One of the hymns that Becca and I sang today was "The Church's One Foundation", which is Christ. He is the cornerstone to our faith. He is everything. Sometimes I forget that. As a church, as people, we need to fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. That is the secret to running this race with perseverance. We must keep our eyes on the Prince of Peace. We must keep our eyes on the prize.
After that, things on the Bus really looked up. It was an enjoyable time and the class that I led was very interested in the material! And they will be back Wednesday. Also, the day trip (today being my Sabbath) that I assumed was dead in the water was able to take place!
Becca met me at Hawthorn High School and we walked from there to the base of the hill separating Rhyd from Caer. It took some time to find the base of the hill, but then up we went. Our Mission: cross the hill in time to get a ride to Victory Church for the evening service. More about them later.
The walk up was good. We saw lots of sheep (I snuck up and petted a sleepy one) and a few Border Collies! At the top of the first part of the hill we found an old church and a pub that I knew would be there. For those of you who heard our pre-trip spiel about the churches in Wales, I mentioned this church- most of the time. It is the beautiful stone church that was chained shut two years ago while the pub bustled right next door. But not so anymore! The church was open! To the public. Becca and I walked in and had the place all to ourselves. Not only was it open, but it was back in use! There were fresh bulletins and Bibles and hymnals sitting around. We explored the plaques and the history of the church and I was just in awe at all that had changed. We sang a good many hymns in there too, just the two of us. It was wonderful. There were a few moments in that church where I just felt so blessed. The morning prior I had been such a bitter and forlorn brat, and God blessed me with a day full of beautiful weather and such wonderful memories. We explored the graveyard and then after praying for the church, we tried to go to the Pub for a bit to eat. It was closed! Life is funny sometimes.
We walked up to the sheep pastures at the base of the next part of the hill and sat down to eat what little food we had brought with us. As we were munching and carrying on our conversation, a horse came trotting down the hill! It came down to eat the onions and leeks that someone had thrown out for the sheep. We tried to get close and it fled to the top of the hill. Naturally, we went after it. At the top of the hill (the very top) there was a whole herd of horses! Well, some horses, and a lot of ponies. There were so many of them, big and small, babies and old nags. It was such a cool experience. We sat down and watched them run around on the hill and just enjoyed the view. Then we walked across to the triangulation point (big concrete pyramid-thing) and somehow we both got on top of it. The base is like the size of my laptop. Then, after barely surviving getting off the point and petting some of the less skittish horses, we descended the hill. We walked and talked and stopped to see the cows, then kept going...then turned around to get the lens cap from the cow stop. Eventually we made it all the way down to Caerphilly and then a few "short-cuts" and Frogger-esque sprints across the roundabout...we made it to Claire's. And just in time! Kelvin's parents were over and had made chicken soup for the kids- with plenty extra. So good.
After dinner, we loaded up into the cars (the adults did) and headed off to Victory Church. This church has been meeting every day since April in Wales and so when the opportunity to go see what was going on emerged, I jumped. We got there and waited a few minutes for the doors to open, but when they did, the people just flooded in. I must admit, my American expectation for this revival was a bit larger, but when I really thought about it, there must have been hundreds of people there. Huge for Wales. Such a great crowd. There were a lot of different things. As a Presbyterian, I have a particular default for worship. This was a bit more Pentecostal than what I am used to. But they had such passion and energy and the sheer size and dedication of this church in a place with so much darkness is just a wonderful act of God.
Please be in prayer for these churches. Between the church on the hill and the Victory Church, today has been such an encouraging day for my perception of the church in Wales. Things are changing. People are changing. There is definitely so much life left in this old stump of a country. Everything here has such a rich heritage in Christianity and there are so many people who want to see it flourishing again. One of the hymns that Becca and I sang today was "The Church's One Foundation", which is Christ. He is the cornerstone to our faith. He is everything. Sometimes I forget that. As a church, as people, we need to fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. That is the secret to running this race with perseverance. We must keep our eyes on the Prince of Peace. We must keep our eyes on the prize.
Saturday 22 June 2013
June 22 "Rest"
First thing this morning, rugby! It was a great match between the Lions and the Australia Wallabees. It was close, but the Lions won it on a slipped kick. Good game. Good fun.
After the game I headed down to Caerphilly Castle for a scavenger hunt with Raf and Becca and some of the local children. Becca and I wandered around taking pictures and looking at the updates that were placed in the castle since the last time that I was here. It was a good trip and a lot of kids came out to enjoy the clear day and to hear about God!
After that we went to the GSUS Bus event from Bryn Celynog. We met at a scout hall down the street from the church and this week we had like 8 students come out! It was a pleasant surprise. The other two events had one student each (both of whom were already in church attendance). We talked about self worth and what God says about us. It was a good time with games, food, teaching, and music. I enjoyed myself and I think the students who showed up really enjoyed themselves as well.
It has been a strange couple of days. I have been very tired and trying to catch up on my rest. But I have had very full weekends and everything here has such structure. Pray that I would feel rested and that I would spend my time wisely. I think that it has finally set in that this isn't like the other mission trips that I have been on. In the past I have been gone for a week, 3 at the most, and then after leaving everything I had on the mission field, I come home and sleep. But this is different. I've just been past the three week mark. Not quite halfway. And it is starting to hit me. Fortunately things are going to be slowing down a bit these next few weeks. Pray for my energy. Pray that I would keep focused.
After the game I headed down to Caerphilly Castle for a scavenger hunt with Raf and Becca and some of the local children. Becca and I wandered around taking pictures and looking at the updates that were placed in the castle since the last time that I was here. It was a good trip and a lot of kids came out to enjoy the clear day and to hear about God!
After that we went to the GSUS Bus event from Bryn Celynog. We met at a scout hall down the street from the church and this week we had like 8 students come out! It was a pleasant surprise. The other two events had one student each (both of whom were already in church attendance). We talked about self worth and what God says about us. It was a good time with games, food, teaching, and music. I enjoyed myself and I think the students who showed up really enjoyed themselves as well.
It has been a strange couple of days. I have been very tired and trying to catch up on my rest. But I have had very full weekends and everything here has such structure. Pray that I would feel rested and that I would spend my time wisely. I think that it has finally set in that this isn't like the other mission trips that I have been on. In the past I have been gone for a week, 3 at the most, and then after leaving everything I had on the mission field, I come home and sleep. But this is different. I've just been past the three week mark. Not quite halfway. And it is starting to hit me. Fortunately things are going to be slowing down a bit these next few weeks. Pray for my energy. Pray that I would keep focused.
Friday 21 June 2013
June 21 "An Ocean of Stones"
Six months until I get to marry the love of my life!
And now back to the more Welshy things.
I guess I should probably update you about yesterday. I missed my first day. Shame on me. But it was fairly normal. The Bus, then dinner with the family, then Youth at Pete's for Gateway church. Nothing too eventful. Not for me anyway.
Today was a bit different. It was our last day at Bryn and we did our best to make the most of it. Josh came back and we spent a lot of time talking (girls, country music, the Gospel- the good stuff) and singing (we blew out the Bus! Josh Turner over the speaker system). It was a fun day. BUT to top it all off, Hannah Searle (Welsh friend) was able to give her testimony today, Kelsie gave hers yesterday. The kids have been coming in drove to hear us talk! It has been so amazing. I hope that this indicates a fair interest in the meeting tomorrow night (PRAY FOR IT!). But after Hannah spoke, I was able to sit down and talk with several girls about the Gospel. Essentially they indicated a fear of Hell and I told them the good news! If there is a Hell to be a afraid of then there must be a Heaven! And if that then God must exist! And from there we talked about the hope that those who trust in Jesus have and the free offer of the gift of life! It was a great moment. I was so happy to be able to share the Good News with these girls. I spent some time in prayer for them at the end of the last session. Hopefully we will see them soon.
After school I got dropped off in Caer to help with the kids club. It was a lot of fun. But I think that this week has really hit me hard. I was so tired and I think I was letting stress get me down. It has been a hectic couple of weeks. Tonight will be a good rest I think. And I was able to enjoy the evening with the PCY group.
This week we went down to Ogmore, to a different castle and explored the beach a bit! The beach was covered in rocks and there were these amazing cliffs! Naturally I had to climb up onto them and of course my bride-to-be was right there with me. We enjoyed the seaside for a while before rejoining the group for real life Pacman. It was a complex game involving pea-collecting, ghost capturing and avoiding the ghosts. I was a rather passive and sarcastic ghost. It was awesome. I made a little boy (won't say who) cry three times today. I think sometimes I forget how delicate children are. Inside and out. But he's fine. And we are buddies so he's not salty about it. In hindsight the events are a bit laughable. Basically it was a hat trick.
After the game we rode home in a flurry of bad jokes and McDonald's (Crunchie McFlurry = good, but would be better if they didn't just sprinkle the top...gotta mix it in). Then there was some Minecraft and some relaxing at Claire's before I headed home. Now...bed. Well...almost.
Tonight when I stepped out onto that beach, it reminded me of the piles of stones that the Israelites would place at various places on their way into the promised land. Usually they would put twelve stone in a pile to commemorate the might acts of God. Looking at those cliffs, chiseled away my the mighty ocean, and the seemingly endless beach of smooth gray stones, I thought about how many stones I would need to build a monument for the mighty deed of Christ. God did amazing things for His people when they crossed the Jordan and defeated their enemies in the Old Testament. But that was all just a step on the way to Golgotha. There God's plan to set things right climaxed when the veil was torn. God fixed what we had broken. While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. The ocean could not hold the stones for that.
And now back to the more Welshy things.
I guess I should probably update you about yesterday. I missed my first day. Shame on me. But it was fairly normal. The Bus, then dinner with the family, then Youth at Pete's for Gateway church. Nothing too eventful. Not for me anyway.
Today was a bit different. It was our last day at Bryn and we did our best to make the most of it. Josh came back and we spent a lot of time talking (girls, country music, the Gospel- the good stuff) and singing (we blew out the Bus! Josh Turner over the speaker system). It was a fun day. BUT to top it all off, Hannah Searle (Welsh friend) was able to give her testimony today, Kelsie gave hers yesterday. The kids have been coming in drove to hear us talk! It has been so amazing. I hope that this indicates a fair interest in the meeting tomorrow night (PRAY FOR IT!). But after Hannah spoke, I was able to sit down and talk with several girls about the Gospel. Essentially they indicated a fear of Hell and I told them the good news! If there is a Hell to be a afraid of then there must be a Heaven! And if that then God must exist! And from there we talked about the hope that those who trust in Jesus have and the free offer of the gift of life! It was a great moment. I was so happy to be able to share the Good News with these girls. I spent some time in prayer for them at the end of the last session. Hopefully we will see them soon.
After school I got dropped off in Caer to help with the kids club. It was a lot of fun. But I think that this week has really hit me hard. I was so tired and I think I was letting stress get me down. It has been a hectic couple of weeks. Tonight will be a good rest I think. And I was able to enjoy the evening with the PCY group.
This week we went down to Ogmore, to a different castle and explored the beach a bit! The beach was covered in rocks and there were these amazing cliffs! Naturally I had to climb up onto them and of course my bride-to-be was right there with me. We enjoyed the seaside for a while before rejoining the group for real life Pacman. It was a complex game involving pea-collecting, ghost capturing and avoiding the ghosts. I was a rather passive and sarcastic ghost. It was awesome. I made a little boy (won't say who) cry three times today. I think sometimes I forget how delicate children are. Inside and out. But he's fine. And we are buddies so he's not salty about it. In hindsight the events are a bit laughable. Basically it was a hat trick.
After the game we rode home in a flurry of bad jokes and McDonald's (Crunchie McFlurry = good, but would be better if they didn't just sprinkle the top...gotta mix it in). Then there was some Minecraft and some relaxing at Claire's before I headed home. Now...bed. Well...almost.
Tonight when I stepped out onto that beach, it reminded me of the piles of stones that the Israelites would place at various places on their way into the promised land. Usually they would put twelve stone in a pile to commemorate the might acts of God. Looking at those cliffs, chiseled away my the mighty ocean, and the seemingly endless beach of smooth gray stones, I thought about how many stones I would need to build a monument for the mighty deed of Christ. God did amazing things for His people when they crossed the Jordan and defeated their enemies in the Old Testament. But that was all just a step on the way to Golgotha. There God's plan to set things right climaxed when the veil was torn. God fixed what we had broken. While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. The ocean could not hold the stones for that.
Wednesday 19 June 2013
June 19 "My Purpose and My Prize"
The Bus was a bit different today. The lessons went as usual for the most part, but at lunch time we opened up the Bus and allowed any students who were interested on board to hear my testimony. It was great, because since they came willingly I was able to say whatever I wanted. So I tried to be as honest and inviting as possible. I gave them the story of how God has changed my life. Here's to hoping that it sunk in for some of them.
I've noticed that when there are a bunch of people on the Bus and the children are working we tend to either loom over them, or sit quietly. I'm not much for looming, so I think tomorrow I might bring a book to read. These kids know how to work a computer anyway. I'm mostly there to lead the intro and conclusion when it's my turn and to fix the bugs when they pop up. We will see how that goes.
After the Bus I had a bit of a nap, not much and then a bit of pizza. For some reason the Welsh are obsessed with Hawaiian pizza. I don't get it. I mean...I can eat it, but pineapple on a pizza? It's just weird to me. And Wales of all places. Hawaii + Italy = Welsh delicacy. Go figure.
In the evening, I went with the Crusaders (apparently that is the name of the Rhyd Kid's Club- nobody ever told me) and we went to the park in Ponty. Once again the Welsh prove to have far superior playground equipment to the Americans. There are a few things that I am going to look into building when I get back. There's no way that it's going to be legal for the public, but that's what back yards are for. When I get a back yard. You may be wondering if I am talking about building these things for my children. I can't promise that I'll wait for them, but they can use them when they get here.
And now we are back fairly early. I am actually blogging before the sun goes down. Crazy stuff. Maybe I will actually get to bed at a decent hour! There is a running joke among the residents of this house about me "going to bed", which has now become code for "Google Hangout with Becca until like 1 in the morning". I can't argue though. It's too true for me to argue.
We are trying something new on the GSUS Bus with the whole giving our testimonies idea. We are going to fully implement it next week, but we have had some difficulty figuring out our Saturday event. I am not sure if we are having one. The first two were discouraging, but I still think it is a good idea. But pray for our efforts. I could see it in their eyes today. These kids have the same questions and the same need that I had when I was their age. I was marvelously blessed to be incorporated into my church (shout-out to Pisgah ARP). It was there that I found the truth and the sense of family that is such a light in this dark world. Wales needs that light. Pray that we would shine.
Also pray for me. I think I am starting to finally feel all of this going and going and going. I need some good rest. Maybe tonight I will go to bed instead of "go to bed". Regardless, pray that I would keep focused and spend my time wisely. Pray that all distractions would be cast aside and that I would keep my eyes on my purpose and my prize, Jesus.
I've noticed that when there are a bunch of people on the Bus and the children are working we tend to either loom over them, or sit quietly. I'm not much for looming, so I think tomorrow I might bring a book to read. These kids know how to work a computer anyway. I'm mostly there to lead the intro and conclusion when it's my turn and to fix the bugs when they pop up. We will see how that goes.
After the Bus I had a bit of a nap, not much and then a bit of pizza. For some reason the Welsh are obsessed with Hawaiian pizza. I don't get it. I mean...I can eat it, but pineapple on a pizza? It's just weird to me. And Wales of all places. Hawaii + Italy = Welsh delicacy. Go figure.
In the evening, I went with the Crusaders (apparently that is the name of the Rhyd Kid's Club- nobody ever told me) and we went to the park in Ponty. Once again the Welsh prove to have far superior playground equipment to the Americans. There are a few things that I am going to look into building when I get back. There's no way that it's going to be legal for the public, but that's what back yards are for. When I get a back yard. You may be wondering if I am talking about building these things for my children. I can't promise that I'll wait for them, but they can use them when they get here.
And now we are back fairly early. I am actually blogging before the sun goes down. Crazy stuff. Maybe I will actually get to bed at a decent hour! There is a running joke among the residents of this house about me "going to bed", which has now become code for "Google Hangout with Becca until like 1 in the morning". I can't argue though. It's too true for me to argue.
We are trying something new on the GSUS Bus with the whole giving our testimonies idea. We are going to fully implement it next week, but we have had some difficulty figuring out our Saturday event. I am not sure if we are having one. The first two were discouraging, but I still think it is a good idea. But pray for our efforts. I could see it in their eyes today. These kids have the same questions and the same need that I had when I was their age. I was marvelously blessed to be incorporated into my church (shout-out to Pisgah ARP). It was there that I found the truth and the sense of family that is such a light in this dark world. Wales needs that light. Pray that we would shine.
Also pray for me. I think I am starting to finally feel all of this going and going and going. I need some good rest. Maybe tonight I will go to bed instead of "go to bed". Regardless, pray that I would keep focused and spend my time wisely. Pray that all distractions would be cast aside and that I would keep my eyes on my purpose and my prize, Jesus.
Tuesday 18 June 2013
June 18 "Crunchies and Coke 2"
I guess this time it was Cherry Coke, but I just like the idea of reusing the title. It says so much.
This morning was an interesting one. We hit the Bus early and it was up to Brian and I to start the day. Kevin and Kelsie would come halfway through and Alun had an assembly. So I lead the charge and administered the lesson. At the end I was asking about how God can understand our problems. A girl raised her hand and answered that He knows our problems because He died for our sins. I couldn't help but smile. The next question came from a little boy in the back. "You know that some of us are atheists, right?" I smiled. "I know. I'm from the United States, and we have them there too." After the lesson I was able to talk to the little girl for a moment and she told me how awesome it was that I got to come here and share the Word of God. She told me about her recent move and her search for a church. Her name was Rebecca. I told her it was a good name.
The rest of the day on the Bus was great. One of Kevin's youth, Josh, came on the Bus and it did not take long for us to start talking. He is a people person, so he would later tell me. But it just so happens that Josh loves Josh Turner! And so we bled out the Welsh ears singing our fab rendition of "Your Man" between sessions. Then at lunch he showed me around the town near the school and I got a wrap and a Cherry Coke from a local shop (in a complicated series of events I ended up with no lunch). And then I ate while he gave me a tour around the school. At the Bus, Brian was waiting with a surprise Crunchie from home. My Welsh parents spoil me. But anyway, Josh is planning on going to America, to study to become a Youth Minister, which I think is awesome. It is so good to see a young man here who has the love of the Lord in his heart. The rest of the time on the Bus was a joy.
Today was such an encouragement even before lunchtime. It's funny. Josh and Rebecca are two of my best friends and chief encouragement givers in America. Now they have Welsh doppelgangers (Actually, sometimes when I'm bored on the Bus I scan the class to try and find children that look like people that I know from America. It's great fun).
After the Bus I spent my day napping/preparing for my lesson tonight at Coedpenmaen. I taught the children on the armor of God. Tonight we did the first three pieces. The Belt of Truth (a blue and green robe belt that smelled clean), the Breastplate of Righteousness (cardboard...naturally) and the Shoes Fitted with the Gospel of Peace (My Chacos- which are actually the Shoes Fitted with the Gospel of Peace). They seemed to really enjoy it and to interact well. I even got a compliment from one of the moms.
Then I headed off to this week's prayer meeting at Tim and Sarah's and we enjoyed each other's company and spent some time in prayer about the different things that we were concerned about (the Church, our Church, personal issues). Maybe it's just me, but it seems like I don't pray as much in America as they do. Being a Man of Prayer is something that I am striving for. That and encouragement.
Then I had a snack. Then I had a chat. A shower. And now a blog. I now am going to read my Bible (essential) and hopefully talk to my woman before I go to bed (Google Hangouts for the win).
So the original "Crunchies and Coke" will be two weeks old tomorrow. WOW. This is flying by. I am enjoying it so much. I am so excited about what I have to look forward to when I get home. But...WOW. I am thankful that I still have a long way to go and I want to keep enjoying every second that God has given me over here. Thank you for all of your prayers. More and more names are filling up my head and my heart as I think of the different churches and people that I am praying for.
If you could pray for me, then I would much appreciate it. I am thinking a lot about what I need to do when I get home, but I still very much need to keep my focus here. That's not to say that planning ahead is bad and that I can't do that from across the pond, but worry does not need to be a part of that process. I need to be diligent, but trust that no matter what happens, God has a plan and He will provide everything that I need. And He will. God is on my side after all (which ended up being the theme for the Youth lesson). With that comes the peace of the Gospel. For the birds neither reap nor sow and the Lord provides for them. How much more for me, a child of the Most High God?
Hakuna Matata and God bless
This morning was an interesting one. We hit the Bus early and it was up to Brian and I to start the day. Kevin and Kelsie would come halfway through and Alun had an assembly. So I lead the charge and administered the lesson. At the end I was asking about how God can understand our problems. A girl raised her hand and answered that He knows our problems because He died for our sins. I couldn't help but smile. The next question came from a little boy in the back. "You know that some of us are atheists, right?" I smiled. "I know. I'm from the United States, and we have them there too." After the lesson I was able to talk to the little girl for a moment and she told me how awesome it was that I got to come here and share the Word of God. She told me about her recent move and her search for a church. Her name was Rebecca. I told her it was a good name.
The rest of the day on the Bus was great. One of Kevin's youth, Josh, came on the Bus and it did not take long for us to start talking. He is a people person, so he would later tell me. But it just so happens that Josh loves Josh Turner! And so we bled out the Welsh ears singing our fab rendition of "Your Man" between sessions. Then at lunch he showed me around the town near the school and I got a wrap and a Cherry Coke from a local shop (in a complicated series of events I ended up with no lunch). And then I ate while he gave me a tour around the school. At the Bus, Brian was waiting with a surprise Crunchie from home. My Welsh parents spoil me. But anyway, Josh is planning on going to America, to study to become a Youth Minister, which I think is awesome. It is so good to see a young man here who has the love of the Lord in his heart. The rest of the time on the Bus was a joy.
Today was such an encouragement even before lunchtime. It's funny. Josh and Rebecca are two of my best friends and chief encouragement givers in America. Now they have Welsh doppelgangers (Actually, sometimes when I'm bored on the Bus I scan the class to try and find children that look like people that I know from America. It's great fun).
After the Bus I spent my day napping/preparing for my lesson tonight at Coedpenmaen. I taught the children on the armor of God. Tonight we did the first three pieces. The Belt of Truth (a blue and green robe belt that smelled clean), the Breastplate of Righteousness (cardboard...naturally) and the Shoes Fitted with the Gospel of Peace (My Chacos- which are actually the Shoes Fitted with the Gospel of Peace). They seemed to really enjoy it and to interact well. I even got a compliment from one of the moms.
Then I headed off to this week's prayer meeting at Tim and Sarah's and we enjoyed each other's company and spent some time in prayer about the different things that we were concerned about (the Church, our Church, personal issues). Maybe it's just me, but it seems like I don't pray as much in America as they do. Being a Man of Prayer is something that I am striving for. That and encouragement.
Then I had a snack. Then I had a chat. A shower. And now a blog. I now am going to read my Bible (essential) and hopefully talk to my woman before I go to bed (Google Hangouts for the win).
So the original "Crunchies and Coke" will be two weeks old tomorrow. WOW. This is flying by. I am enjoying it so much. I am so excited about what I have to look forward to when I get home. But...WOW. I am thankful that I still have a long way to go and I want to keep enjoying every second that God has given me over here. Thank you for all of your prayers. More and more names are filling up my head and my heart as I think of the different churches and people that I am praying for.
If you could pray for me, then I would much appreciate it. I am thinking a lot about what I need to do when I get home, but I still very much need to keep my focus here. That's not to say that planning ahead is bad and that I can't do that from across the pond, but worry does not need to be a part of that process. I need to be diligent, but trust that no matter what happens, God has a plan and He will provide everything that I need. And He will. God is on my side after all (which ended up being the theme for the Youth lesson). With that comes the peace of the Gospel. For the birds neither reap nor sow and the Lord provides for them. How much more for me, a child of the Most High God?
Hakuna Matata and God bless
Monday 17 June 2013
June 17 "A Burger"
Back to the Bus. Today we went to Bryn Celynog for a few hours in the morning and were able to start off the week on the Bus. It was the usual crew, but we were joined with an American missionary Kevin, his intern Kelsie, and their friend Pam. It is good to know that we have the extra help. It was a good day. Some disruptions, but all together I had a good time. Then around noon, Dottie and Jake picked me up to go out for our American day.
We went to the Big Pit, a coal mine that is now set up as a museum. It was awesome. We got to go down into the mine and have a tour of the whole place. Our tour guide was hilarious and I learned a lot about how things were run down there. It was good fun. We also had a lot of time to talk and plan and discuss what we had been doing and were planning. These sessions are great to just kind of catch my breath and get my bearings after a long week of work.
Then we got to take the train from Dottie's town Merthyr, back to Ponty. It was a fun ride. We spent the rest of our designated day of rest with Jake and his wife Fionn. It was so much fun. And they took me to a REAL burger place. The burger was incredible! I never thought that I would miss the taste of a properly done burger so much. What a treat. And free ketchup. And Coke. And then proper coffee. And then Country Music in the car. It was a great day (Thank you Vances). Lots of good time to just relax and rest for the week ahead. Ministry is exhausting. It felt so good to just chill for a while.
Then we got dropped off in Caer and Becca and I went for a walk to watch the sunset. Good times. Afterwards we were able to sit down and chat with Claire and Kelvin for a long while before I got a lift home.
My summaries have been sort of brief lately and I imagine that is because I have been so bust actually doing stuff! It is crazy busy, but crazy fun over here. I want for this blog to be fun and for it to be a good window into what I am doing, but I don't want it to become burdensome. I might skip some days if I need the extra time for work. Or just give very short updates.
Thank you to everyone who is keeping up with and praying for me (and for Becca). I am very appreciative of those who have aided this ministry from afar. There are definitely some very dark forces at work here in Wales. Pray that the light of life would go forth and that the hearts and minds of the Welsh would be given over to God and His truth. They need Jesus. They need to see the Way.
Sunday 16 June 2013
June 16 "A Brief Update"
Not so eventful today. Sabbath tour 3 completed. Rhyd for morning worship and then Dinner with Jon and Heather afterwards. It was a great time. We were planning on hiking to Caerphilly for the evening service, but it rained and so we stayed in and watched The Prestige. Great movie. When I thanked them for entertaining us they asked if putting on a film really counted. I responded by telling them that sometimes it's just nice to sit down on a Welsh couch and watch an American movie.
Evening service at Gateway tonight went well. Becca gave the talk for the Family Service and she did a great job. She is such a wonderful encouragement. I'm glad that she is brave enough to step out so that God can use her to benefit others.
The evening was spent with a Fish n' Chips dinner and some Minecraft before calling up the Hornby family for Father's Day. It was great! We got all of Becca's siblings (minus one) and her parents on Google Hangouts at the same time. It was good to see everybody (no matter how noisy and crowded it was). Always a joy to see the Almost-In-Laws.
Now I'm here, at my Welsh home typing up the smallest post yet, I think...
Not much to say about today though. It was restful. For me anyway. Though I am up a bit later than I'd have liked to be. It will be alright. Tomorrow is always a good day to start going to bed at a decent hour.
Be in prayer for this next week. I am back on the GSUS Bus starting tomorrow at a school whose name I haven't figured out yet. But the past few post-Bus events have not been very eventful and so I have a desire to see that change. I don't know how that will happen, but instead of waiting for a last resort, I want to preface our efforts with prayer. Thanks all.
God bless.
"Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks. For this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
Evening service at Gateway tonight went well. Becca gave the talk for the Family Service and she did a great job. She is such a wonderful encouragement. I'm glad that she is brave enough to step out so that God can use her to benefit others.
The evening was spent with a Fish n' Chips dinner and some Minecraft before calling up the Hornby family for Father's Day. It was great! We got all of Becca's siblings (minus one) and her parents on Google Hangouts at the same time. It was good to see everybody (no matter how noisy and crowded it was). Always a joy to see the Almost-In-Laws.
Now I'm here, at my Welsh home typing up the smallest post yet, I think...
Not much to say about today though. It was restful. For me anyway. Though I am up a bit later than I'd have liked to be. It will be alright. Tomorrow is always a good day to start going to bed at a decent hour.
Be in prayer for this next week. I am back on the GSUS Bus starting tomorrow at a school whose name I haven't figured out yet. But the past few post-Bus events have not been very eventful and so I have a desire to see that change. I don't know how that will happen, but instead of waiting for a last resort, I want to preface our efforts with prayer. Thanks all.
God bless.
"Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks. For this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
Saturday 15 June 2013
June 15 "A Day of Play"
I was woken up by cheers of joy as the children (Sam and James) celebrated their mid-morning victories in Minecraft. Their Xbox is right next to the couch. And so the second that they found out that I was awake they invited me to play. I wiped away my morning eye boogers and looked for a controller. They had set it right next to me...while I was sleeping, lest I be delayed in the slightest at joining in on the fun. So I woke up and was immediately flung into video games. Great start.
A cup of tea and a few minutes later we were watching the British & Irish Lions take on the Waratahs in Rugby. It was a great game. We totally massacred them. Half-penny, a Welsh player, scored 30 points alone out of the 47 that we got- a new Lions record! I am finally beginning to understand the game a little bit (I think). But it was a fun time.
Post-game we went on a hike, uncertain of how the rains might treat us. But they held off. And it was a great time. I didn't know that there was good hiking so close, but it was a good little trek. Beautiful scenery and good company with the Gateway Church and their guests. There was even a Border Collie! She joined us for the whole hike, playing fetch all the way. And she is pregnant! Becca got all excited for puppies and now I think she is 100% on board for the Border Collie. Score. But not for a while now. House first. And marriage. Then dog.
Once we were all hiked out, we headed back to Claire's for a massive helping of chips with buttered rolls. Keep in mind I also had a sausage and bacon sandwich for breakfast and pizza for supper. Good healthy eating. Crunchie for dessert.
In the evening we got a lift to RMC for a Quiz Night! Basically it's a contest of questions! When we got there, Becca and I decided to split up our American genius between two teams (not that it helped much). But after all was said and done my team emerged victorious! I would like to try and ascribe myself some sort of MVP status, but I didn't really do all that much. Even the "America" questions were a bit beyond me at times. I mean...who cares about the abbreviation for Iowa?
When the Quiz was complete and all of the tea and biscuits consumed, we headed back to Brian and Elizabeth's for a little down time. We had ourselves a walk. We chatted with the Davies. And then we took Becca home.
It is hard to believe that it has been two weeks. Time has just been flying by faster and faster. But I am still loving it. It is so much fun here. Even the 'work' is a complete joy the majority of the time. I am so very blessed to be here. Pray that tomorrow would be a good and restful Sabbath. Becca is doing the Sunday School hour tomorrow evening and I know that she will do a fabulous job! Pray for her, that she would be bold and would know that God is going to use her in mighty ways. I am so thankful to be able to do ministry with her. It's only a few times each week, but it has been so much fun and such an encouragement. I can't wait to share my life and my own ministry (wherever and whatever that may be) with her.
God is so good. All the time.
A cup of tea and a few minutes later we were watching the British & Irish Lions take on the Waratahs in Rugby. It was a great game. We totally massacred them. Half-penny, a Welsh player, scored 30 points alone out of the 47 that we got- a new Lions record! I am finally beginning to understand the game a little bit (I think). But it was a fun time.
Post-game we went on a hike, uncertain of how the rains might treat us. But they held off. And it was a great time. I didn't know that there was good hiking so close, but it was a good little trek. Beautiful scenery and good company with the Gateway Church and their guests. There was even a Border Collie! She joined us for the whole hike, playing fetch all the way. And she is pregnant! Becca got all excited for puppies and now I think she is 100% on board for the Border Collie. Score. But not for a while now. House first. And marriage. Then dog.
Once we were all hiked out, we headed back to Claire's for a massive helping of chips with buttered rolls. Keep in mind I also had a sausage and bacon sandwich for breakfast and pizza for supper. Good healthy eating. Crunchie for dessert.
In the evening we got a lift to RMC for a Quiz Night! Basically it's a contest of questions! When we got there, Becca and I decided to split up our American genius between two teams (not that it helped much). But after all was said and done my team emerged victorious! I would like to try and ascribe myself some sort of MVP status, but I didn't really do all that much. Even the "America" questions were a bit beyond me at times. I mean...who cares about the abbreviation for Iowa?
When the Quiz was complete and all of the tea and biscuits consumed, we headed back to Brian and Elizabeth's for a little down time. We had ourselves a walk. We chatted with the Davies. And then we took Becca home.
It is hard to believe that it has been two weeks. Time has just been flying by faster and faster. But I am still loving it. It is so much fun here. Even the 'work' is a complete joy the majority of the time. I am so very blessed to be here. Pray that tomorrow would be a good and restful Sabbath. Becca is doing the Sunday School hour tomorrow evening and I know that she will do a fabulous job! Pray for her, that she would be bold and would know that God is going to use her in mighty ways. I am so thankful to be able to do ministry with her. It's only a few times each week, but it has been so much fun and such an encouragement. I can't wait to share my life and my own ministry (wherever and whatever that may be) with her.
God is so good. All the time.
June 14 "One BATH and No Shower"
Didn't get to fill everyone in last night, but no matter. I suppose most of you are still asleep anyway.
I had a pretty slow Friday. Most of the day was spent preparing my talk for PCY tonight. I was given the opportunity to speak on the BATH (Bible And Talk Hour) Night. So I spent most of my afternoon working on that...and watching tennis.
But in the morning Brian and I went down to RMC to open up the building for a time where people could come in and use the WIFI for free. It was also the Moms and Toddler Time, but only Sarah came with William and Emma. It was fun. I sat and worked on my talk and got to meet some older gentlemen who come to use to Internet. It was pretty hilarious. At one point I had to help Paddy with his charger. Apparently it didn't fit anymore. I explained to him that his HP charger was probably not the right one for his Toshiba Laptop. He then gave Tula his charger back and the day was saved.
The day went by quickly and before I knew it, PCY was upon me. And actually, from what I've heard, it was a fairly crowded BATH Night. Usually kids only swarm to the outdoor events. So we had a time of music and worship, in the middle I gave my testimony and then I gave my talk. I enjoyed it. It was a bit nerve wracking, but I got through it. I hadn't ever really done anything like that before. Not for such an extended amount of time. I ended up talking for like half an hour! I thought I was going to be like ten minutes. I finally understand all of those preachers who go on and on and on for ages.
After the event I got a lift with Alun back to Claire's house where we cooked up a ton of food and basically had a huge party. It was so much fun. I had a great time and then we decided that the easiest course of action would be for me to just sleep on the couch. So I did. It was a good rest. I'll have to tell you about how I woke up later on.
This was definitely a day where I made a conscious effort to be trusting in God. I don't really know what to say about how everything went, but I am confident that God was there with me. Unfortunately it looks like Caerphilly's GSUS Bus event was just as eventful (not very) as ours. But the work that we have been able to do in the schools and the possibility of being able to go back and do similar work is such a huge victory for the Welsh Churches. God's Word is going forth and His work is being done.
I had a pretty slow Friday. Most of the day was spent preparing my talk for PCY tonight. I was given the opportunity to speak on the BATH (Bible And Talk Hour) Night. So I spent most of my afternoon working on that...and watching tennis.
But in the morning Brian and I went down to RMC to open up the building for a time where people could come in and use the WIFI for free. It was also the Moms and Toddler Time, but only Sarah came with William and Emma. It was fun. I sat and worked on my talk and got to meet some older gentlemen who come to use to Internet. It was pretty hilarious. At one point I had to help Paddy with his charger. Apparently it didn't fit anymore. I explained to him that his HP charger was probably not the right one for his Toshiba Laptop. He then gave Tula his charger back and the day was saved.
The day went by quickly and before I knew it, PCY was upon me. And actually, from what I've heard, it was a fairly crowded BATH Night. Usually kids only swarm to the outdoor events. So we had a time of music and worship, in the middle I gave my testimony and then I gave my talk. I enjoyed it. It was a bit nerve wracking, but I got through it. I hadn't ever really done anything like that before. Not for such an extended amount of time. I ended up talking for like half an hour! I thought I was going to be like ten minutes. I finally understand all of those preachers who go on and on and on for ages.
After the event I got a lift with Alun back to Claire's house where we cooked up a ton of food and basically had a huge party. It was so much fun. I had a great time and then we decided that the easiest course of action would be for me to just sleep on the couch. So I did. It was a good rest. I'll have to tell you about how I woke up later on.
This was definitely a day where I made a conscious effort to be trusting in God. I don't really know what to say about how everything went, but I am confident that God was there with me. Unfortunately it looks like Caerphilly's GSUS Bus event was just as eventful (not very) as ours. But the work that we have been able to do in the schools and the possibility of being able to go back and do similar work is such a huge victory for the Welsh Churches. God's Word is going forth and His work is being done.
Thursday 13 June 2013
June 13 "Currants, Cake, a Collie and Costa Coffee"
Got a good start today. Very good. Because today is the day that I had toast for breakfast. But not just any toast. No. This was the best toast in the world. That is because this toast was covered in BLACK CURRANT JAM. Yum. Yum.
More assemblies with Alun. I am spending a lot of time observing this and have realized that I really have no idea how to present these stories to children in a way like Alun does. I am hoping that once I've gotten done with my talk for this week, I will have some more time to think and plan for it. But until then, I will observe and assist. After assemblies I headed back to the house and then surprise plans came out of the woodwork!
After much deliberation, Becca and I met up in Caerphilly and got a lift to the Costa Coffee Shop. It was awesome. I had my first real cup of coffee in ages. SO GOOD. Today was just full of culinary delicacies (roast dinner for supper as well- cheesecake for dessert). After that we wandered around and picked up some stuff from the pound shop...where everything is, you guessed it, a pound. It was a great time to talk about our plans and just spend time with each other. I'm starting to learn how essential decompression time is for ministry. Gotta just walk sometimes. As a matter of fact I had a good long walk when I got back to Tonteg! I even met a guy named Richard who was walking his Border Collie. He said he wasn't a church person, but I'm hoping to see him around and maybe suggest a few things.
Then tonight I led Bible Study. I was the youngest one in the group, but no matter. I just swallowed the nerves and the butterflies devoured them whole. We are working our way through a book on The Tabernacle, of all things. I won't lie, I raised a brow at the somewhat obscure nature of the topic, but it just goes to show that every nook and cranny of Scripture is packed with God's perfect word for us. We talked about a variety of things, only getting through 4 of the 10 discussion questions before closing. We got pretty deep. Then we talked more over tea and now here I am.
Apparently Brian heard me detailing my "devil story" (June 7) to Josh last night and I had to sort of clarify what I was talking about. What can I say, I don't really believe in coincidences. But it was good to hear myself tell it again. Day after day God gives me the strength to keep going and to keep growing. He is so good to me. Beyond all that I could ever ask or think.
More assemblies with Alun. I am spending a lot of time observing this and have realized that I really have no idea how to present these stories to children in a way like Alun does. I am hoping that once I've gotten done with my talk for this week, I will have some more time to think and plan for it. But until then, I will observe and assist. After assemblies I headed back to the house and then surprise plans came out of the woodwork!
After much deliberation, Becca and I met up in Caerphilly and got a lift to the Costa Coffee Shop. It was awesome. I had my first real cup of coffee in ages. SO GOOD. Today was just full of culinary delicacies (roast dinner for supper as well- cheesecake for dessert). After that we wandered around and picked up some stuff from the pound shop...where everything is, you guessed it, a pound. It was a great time to talk about our plans and just spend time with each other. I'm starting to learn how essential decompression time is for ministry. Gotta just walk sometimes. As a matter of fact I had a good long walk when I got back to Tonteg! I even met a guy named Richard who was walking his Border Collie. He said he wasn't a church person, but I'm hoping to see him around and maybe suggest a few things.
Then tonight I led Bible Study. I was the youngest one in the group, but no matter. I just swallowed the nerves and the butterflies devoured them whole. We are working our way through a book on The Tabernacle, of all things. I won't lie, I raised a brow at the somewhat obscure nature of the topic, but it just goes to show that every nook and cranny of Scripture is packed with God's perfect word for us. We talked about a variety of things, only getting through 4 of the 10 discussion questions before closing. We got pretty deep. Then we talked more over tea and now here I am.
Apparently Brian heard me detailing my "devil story" (June 7) to Josh last night and I had to sort of clarify what I was talking about. What can I say, I don't really believe in coincidences. But it was good to hear myself tell it again. Day after day God gives me the strength to keep going and to keep growing. He is so good to me. Beyond all that I could ever ask or think.
Wednesday 12 June 2013
June 12 "New Things Afoot"
Another amazing day in Wales.
I awoke around 8 and snoozed until 8:40ish in preparation for this morning's assembly. We met with an attentive group of children and they were all very excited to meet Bob from the States. They were even calling me by name while they helped us carry out the supplies. It was good fun. Then Elizabeth drove away without us, which I wasn't really expecting and Alun and I walked to downtown Ponty.
We strolled into town around 11am and headed for the Christian book store, apparently one of the only one's around. After a while spent browsing and lounging around, we were met by Steve, one of Alun's friends and fellow minister of the Gospel. We went out to the street and they set up their paint board. Then we did a bit of what they called Open Air Ministry. They were able to do a few paintings, preaching while doing it while we were there. I assisted and handed out tracts to the people who were interested. They all seemed to be a bit standoffish, like sheep. And then for the first time...since I came here first in 2011...rain affected the day. Now it had sprinkled before now, and today was merely a heavy, but persistent drizzle. The rain, of course, stopped a half hour after we packed up and left, but no matter. I've still not experience this precipitation of Noahic proportions that the Welsh go on about all the time.
The afternoon was again spent reading, and studying, and planning. I didn't realize how much stuff I have to do each day. But it is all coming together. Just when I think I am at my whits end, God provides.
This evening's Kid's Club at Rhyd was spent indoors due to unpredictable conditions in the sky. We played dodgeball and then for the lesson, everyone just asked me a bunch of questions. The majority of them were about me and about America, but Alun guided them to ask a few that were a bit more Christ-centered. I am just enjoying the process of building relationships with all of these kids. Then afterwards we did arts and crafts until it was time to go.
Brian, Elizabeth and I watched some TV and had supper (2nd dinner basically- they eat like Hobbits over here!) after the club, and now here I am.
So I've realized that I am going to be doing a lot of new things here. Not just because I'm in Wales, but because I've never done them before. I get to teach an hour long youth group lesson, do Bible story time with school children, lead an adult Bible study... I just keep getting opportunities to grow and to serve and I am excited about it all, but part of me just wants to curl up and sleep. I'm good at school. I can do papers and projects and tests. This is just a totally different kind of work. I am not sure how I feel about it yet. Pray for me. I know that I can do this. God can do this. I just need to stop worrying so much about my ability. This is so much more different than school work in that the one whose ability really matters is not me. Ministry is not a test of my ability, it is an exhibition of God's ability to work through broken and faulty people like me. Now if I can just remember that. No need to be nervous if God is the one doing all the hard work. None at all.
I awoke around 8 and snoozed until 8:40ish in preparation for this morning's assembly. We met with an attentive group of children and they were all very excited to meet Bob from the States. They were even calling me by name while they helped us carry out the supplies. It was good fun. Then Elizabeth drove away without us, which I wasn't really expecting and Alun and I walked to downtown Ponty.
We strolled into town around 11am and headed for the Christian book store, apparently one of the only one's around. After a while spent browsing and lounging around, we were met by Steve, one of Alun's friends and fellow minister of the Gospel. We went out to the street and they set up their paint board. Then we did a bit of what they called Open Air Ministry. They were able to do a few paintings, preaching while doing it while we were there. I assisted and handed out tracts to the people who were interested. They all seemed to be a bit standoffish, like sheep. And then for the first time...since I came here first in 2011...rain affected the day. Now it had sprinkled before now, and today was merely a heavy, but persistent drizzle. The rain, of course, stopped a half hour after we packed up and left, but no matter. I've still not experience this precipitation of Noahic proportions that the Welsh go on about all the time.
The afternoon was again spent reading, and studying, and planning. I didn't realize how much stuff I have to do each day. But it is all coming together. Just when I think I am at my whits end, God provides.
This evening's Kid's Club at Rhyd was spent indoors due to unpredictable conditions in the sky. We played dodgeball and then for the lesson, everyone just asked me a bunch of questions. The majority of them were about me and about America, but Alun guided them to ask a few that were a bit more Christ-centered. I am just enjoying the process of building relationships with all of these kids. Then afterwards we did arts and crafts until it was time to go.
Brian, Elizabeth and I watched some TV and had supper (2nd dinner basically- they eat like Hobbits over here!) after the club, and now here I am.
So I've realized that I am going to be doing a lot of new things here. Not just because I'm in Wales, but because I've never done them before. I get to teach an hour long youth group lesson, do Bible story time with school children, lead an adult Bible study... I just keep getting opportunities to grow and to serve and I am excited about it all, but part of me just wants to curl up and sleep. I'm good at school. I can do papers and projects and tests. This is just a totally different kind of work. I am not sure how I feel about it yet. Pray for me. I know that I can do this. God can do this. I just need to stop worrying so much about my ability. This is so much more different than school work in that the one whose ability really matters is not me. Ministry is not a test of my ability, it is an exhibition of God's ability to work through broken and faulty people like me. Now if I can just remember that. No need to be nervous if God is the one doing all the hard work. None at all.
Tuesday 11 June 2013
June 11 "Change"
What a good night's rest. I don't think that I have slept that well in ages. And today I felt great. I wasn't even sniffling in the morning!
The morning began with an assembly for little ones. When we got there, we hit a bit of a snag. You see, Alun uses these paint boards that work like fill in the blanks for special words for each story/lesson. And today...he forgot the sheet for the board. SO, I had to stall the children while he quickly painted up a replacement. It was so funny. He asked them to guess where I was from. "India...Pakistan...Wales...France...Paris...England..." It starts with an A! "Afghanistan...Africa...Australia..." It was hilarious. The lesson went off without a hitch and then we headed back to the house to do a bit of work.
I spent the afternoon working on Bible study stuff and things for home (wedding, loans). And I got to chat with quite a few people on Facebook! It was good to touch base with everyone back home. I'm not one for missing people...so we will just leave it at that.
Then tonight I went back to Coedpenmaen for the Youth Club and I really got to meet a lot of the people there. It was a fun night and it was really good to see the youth working together and having fun. I'm glad that these kids have each other to be with and to depend on. It's important. They had some pretty crazy youth group stories as well. It reminded me of the good ole days...
After that, Alun invited me to go out to a men's fellowship with a few Christians and a few nonChristians. It was a fun time to sit and talk. No youth. No work. Just relaxing and enjoying some good food and fellowship. We went to a place called the Bamboo Grill...which made me thing "Asia", but the food and decor was Middle Eastern, and the music was in Spanish. I got a fried banana and a Coke. And I was able to pay for it all with the coins in my pocket! In the States, if I were to pay for a meal in change, I think that they would think I was mad. But not here. They're old school. I felt all medieval and stuff. Twas a good night.
I've been thinking about something that Jake said to me yesterday, about my expectations. I know that I am not here to change Wales single-handed. I am here to help. I know that God has a plan and that I am a part of it, but often times He moves in slow and mysterious ways that we cannot understand. I need to think more highly of God and His work and less highly of my own. I need to trust in Him to act and to be at work. If I can get to that state of mind then I wont feel like there is so much pressure on everything that I do. I want to leave Wales better than I found it, but there are so many other forces at work here. This country, this mission is a lot bigger than I am. And that's ok. I just need to let go. Let go of all of these prideful expectations and realize that no matter how hard I try, the change that I will see most on this trip, will be God changing me. Pray for me.
The morning began with an assembly for little ones. When we got there, we hit a bit of a snag. You see, Alun uses these paint boards that work like fill in the blanks for special words for each story/lesson. And today...he forgot the sheet for the board. SO, I had to stall the children while he quickly painted up a replacement. It was so funny. He asked them to guess where I was from. "India...Pakistan...Wales...France...Paris...England..." It starts with an A! "Afghanistan...Africa...Australia..." It was hilarious. The lesson went off without a hitch and then we headed back to the house to do a bit of work.
I spent the afternoon working on Bible study stuff and things for home (wedding, loans). And I got to chat with quite a few people on Facebook! It was good to touch base with everyone back home. I'm not one for missing people...so we will just leave it at that.
Then tonight I went back to Coedpenmaen for the Youth Club and I really got to meet a lot of the people there. It was a fun night and it was really good to see the youth working together and having fun. I'm glad that these kids have each other to be with and to depend on. It's important. They had some pretty crazy youth group stories as well. It reminded me of the good ole days...
After that, Alun invited me to go out to a men's fellowship with a few Christians and a few nonChristians. It was a fun time to sit and talk. No youth. No work. Just relaxing and enjoying some good food and fellowship. We went to a place called the Bamboo Grill...which made me thing "Asia", but the food and decor was Middle Eastern, and the music was in Spanish. I got a fried banana and a Coke. And I was able to pay for it all with the coins in my pocket! In the States, if I were to pay for a meal in change, I think that they would think I was mad. But not here. They're old school. I felt all medieval and stuff. Twas a good night.
I've been thinking about something that Jake said to me yesterday, about my expectations. I know that I am not here to change Wales single-handed. I am here to help. I know that God has a plan and that I am a part of it, but often times He moves in slow and mysterious ways that we cannot understand. I need to think more highly of God and His work and less highly of my own. I need to trust in Him to act and to be at work. If I can get to that state of mind then I wont feel like there is so much pressure on everything that I do. I want to leave Wales better than I found it, but there are so many other forces at work here. This country, this mission is a lot bigger than I am. And that's ok. I just need to let go. Let go of all of these prideful expectations and realize that no matter how hard I try, the change that I will see most on this trip, will be God changing me. Pray for me.
Monday 10 June 2013
June 10 "A Good Day's Rest"
Praise the Lord! I feel loads better. Those cough drops sure did the trick. That and the cough syrup. If I was a sickness then I'd want to be away from that stuff as well. Thank you all for your prayers. I'm glad that God answers prayers. I've got too much to do this week to be sick.
Alun took me on my first round of assemblies today and it was an interesting experience. The first school was a secondary (middle and high) school for youth with behavioral problems. Alun gave a brief presentation and then I got paraded around the classroom like a celebrity. It was pretty funny actually. They had a good many questions. Most were about the USA. Then we went to a primary school and I got to see Alun work with the young ones. They were so excited to sing the songs and to answer his questions. It was really encouraging to see. I am glad that the children can get excited about it. Now they just need to fall in love with Jesus! Hopefully I can help out later on. Children aren't my specialty, but I am going to be doing assemblies this summer so I'll figure something out.
After assemblies I got dropped off at Jake Vance's house so that Dottie could pick us up for our day of rest. Monday is kind of our new Sabbath because we often have so much to do on Sunday, so today is our day to rest and debrief with Dottie.
Today we went to Raglan Castle. It was awesome. Becca will have pictures (I should apologize for that- my blog is pictureless because I don't have a camera handy and even if I did there are strict laws about including children in the pictures). I love all of these old structures. It's like taking a field trip back in time and I find it so interesting to look back at how people used to live and what they must have done and thought.
After the castle we took an extra trip to Tinturn Abbey which are the ruins of this massive cathedral near the English border. It was so cool. Standing under the sky in the middle of that giant stone church really draws your eyes up into the heavens. It was a cool sensation to think that so many Christians (all very different from me) had walked in those same places. It was humbling. God is so much bigger than my life here in the 21st century. He is the central character in history and we are here to be a part of His story. How often I get that the wrong way around.
Once finished with the trip we headed back to Jake's for tea with him and his wife Fionn. They made us a lovely meal and served us tea and dessert and it was just a fun evening to relax and watch some TV. It was good to sit and talk with someone who has been where I am now. It was a great encouragement and I had a great time. Hopefully we can find more excuses to head over and hang out.
The night was capped off with a long walk around Claire's neighborhood in Caerphilly. Becca and I just strolled around the streets in the setting sun talking about what we were doing lately and what we needed to be planning for. It was a great walk. We spend a lot of time together, but not much just the two of us. It was good to get away for a bit and just have 'us' time to talk.
It is hard to believe that so much has happened already. It has been such a busy couple of days and I am just now starting to get settled into a schedule. I need to learn how to be clear and to plan well, lest I get swamped or confused by all of the different tasks at hand. There is certainly a lot of work to be done, but it is by no means all mine. God is the one behind all of this. We are here to reap His harvest and resting in that truth makes it so much easier to be here. I don't think that I could bare it if the salvation of these people were resting on my abilities. But God is in control. There is so much comfort in knowing that a loving God is in charge of all of this. It's not just headed nowhere. This world has a purpose. This universe has a grand design. God is at the center of it all, and He loves me. He loves all of His people.
That's a good thought to sleep on. So I will.
God bless.
Alun took me on my first round of assemblies today and it was an interesting experience. The first school was a secondary (middle and high) school for youth with behavioral problems. Alun gave a brief presentation and then I got paraded around the classroom like a celebrity. It was pretty funny actually. They had a good many questions. Most were about the USA. Then we went to a primary school and I got to see Alun work with the young ones. They were so excited to sing the songs and to answer his questions. It was really encouraging to see. I am glad that the children can get excited about it. Now they just need to fall in love with Jesus! Hopefully I can help out later on. Children aren't my specialty, but I am going to be doing assemblies this summer so I'll figure something out.
After assemblies I got dropped off at Jake Vance's house so that Dottie could pick us up for our day of rest. Monday is kind of our new Sabbath because we often have so much to do on Sunday, so today is our day to rest and debrief with Dottie.
Today we went to Raglan Castle. It was awesome. Becca will have pictures (I should apologize for that- my blog is pictureless because I don't have a camera handy and even if I did there are strict laws about including children in the pictures). I love all of these old structures. It's like taking a field trip back in time and I find it so interesting to look back at how people used to live and what they must have done and thought.
After the castle we took an extra trip to Tinturn Abbey which are the ruins of this massive cathedral near the English border. It was so cool. Standing under the sky in the middle of that giant stone church really draws your eyes up into the heavens. It was a cool sensation to think that so many Christians (all very different from me) had walked in those same places. It was humbling. God is so much bigger than my life here in the 21st century. He is the central character in history and we are here to be a part of His story. How often I get that the wrong way around.
Once finished with the trip we headed back to Jake's for tea with him and his wife Fionn. They made us a lovely meal and served us tea and dessert and it was just a fun evening to relax and watch some TV. It was good to sit and talk with someone who has been where I am now. It was a great encouragement and I had a great time. Hopefully we can find more excuses to head over and hang out.
The night was capped off with a long walk around Claire's neighborhood in Caerphilly. Becca and I just strolled around the streets in the setting sun talking about what we were doing lately and what we needed to be planning for. It was a great walk. We spend a lot of time together, but not much just the two of us. It was good to get away for a bit and just have 'us' time to talk.
It is hard to believe that so much has happened already. It has been such a busy couple of days and I am just now starting to get settled into a schedule. I need to learn how to be clear and to plan well, lest I get swamped or confused by all of the different tasks at hand. There is certainly a lot of work to be done, but it is by no means all mine. God is the one behind all of this. We are here to reap His harvest and resting in that truth makes it so much easier to be here. I don't think that I could bare it if the salvation of these people were resting on my abilities. But God is in control. There is so much comfort in knowing that a loving God is in charge of all of this. It's not just headed nowhere. This world has a purpose. This universe has a grand design. God is at the center of it all, and He loves me. He loves all of His people.
That's a good thought to sleep on. So I will.
God bless.
Sunday 9 June 2013
June 9 "Welsh Cough Drops"
If I ever start a Heavy Metal Band I am going to call it "Welsh Cough Drops". These things are gnarly. But when in Rome, use their meds. I have been a bit under the weather lately...just a bit. Anyone who has been on Facebook likely saw the post on the Wales page (That was Becca, I'd never admit sickness outright). But any and all prayers will be appreciated. I don't know what is wrong with me. I've had some allergies since I got here, but this appears to be something else.
Today I did another Sabbath tour. Rhyd Church was great. We watched another video on Acts (ch13) and I was given the opportunity to give my testimony. I enjoyed doing it. And then we got to sing one of my favorites "Rock of Ages", by my request.
After church I headed to Tim and Sarah's for lunch and we waited for Becca, who couldn't make it to church due to a prayer meeting. But she made it eventually and we had a wonderful dinner. Their must have been about 12 different things on my plate and they were all awesome. Honey Roasted Parsnips...who knew? After lunch we took the little ones, William and Emma, to the park for a bit and I sat quietly on the springy chipmunk and stared out over the hills while Becca made best friends with some random little Welsh girl. She is so great with children. She's amazing.
After Tim and Sarah's we headed back to Rhyd to do some prayer walking where Becca and I were teamed up with Brian. There was more talking than praying, but I was fairly quiet. I began to realize that I was sick and I hate being sick. It makes me feel like I've lost in some way. Anyway, we got done walking around Rhyd, and then headed off to Caerphilly. At Gateway Church, I decided that I wanted to help out with the older children's lesson and so I went up and assisted the teachers there. It was a lesson about influences and this week we discussed advertising. Then after church we got KFC! Fried chicken and chips were a welcome supper tonight.
Then we headed back to Rhyd for a little R&R at Brian and Elizabeth's (lots of travel today- Rhyd to Ponty to Rhyd to Caer to Rhyd to Caer to Rhyd). We chatted and laughed and watched the bloopers from Britain's Got Talent. It was also a good opportunity for us to get some work done on wedding stuff again. Then we got Becca back to her house and I got some medicine and here we are. Blogging and dozing off.
It has been a good day. I really don't like being sick. But I have so many other reasons to be joyful! I will count my blessings instead of sheep tonight, even if I have to do it between sniffles.
Good night and God bless
Today I did another Sabbath tour. Rhyd Church was great. We watched another video on Acts (ch13) and I was given the opportunity to give my testimony. I enjoyed doing it. And then we got to sing one of my favorites "Rock of Ages", by my request.
After church I headed to Tim and Sarah's for lunch and we waited for Becca, who couldn't make it to church due to a prayer meeting. But she made it eventually and we had a wonderful dinner. Their must have been about 12 different things on my plate and they were all awesome. Honey Roasted Parsnips...who knew? After lunch we took the little ones, William and Emma, to the park for a bit and I sat quietly on the springy chipmunk and stared out over the hills while Becca made best friends with some random little Welsh girl. She is so great with children. She's amazing.
After Tim and Sarah's we headed back to Rhyd to do some prayer walking where Becca and I were teamed up with Brian. There was more talking than praying, but I was fairly quiet. I began to realize that I was sick and I hate being sick. It makes me feel like I've lost in some way. Anyway, we got done walking around Rhyd, and then headed off to Caerphilly. At Gateway Church, I decided that I wanted to help out with the older children's lesson and so I went up and assisted the teachers there. It was a lesson about influences and this week we discussed advertising. Then after church we got KFC! Fried chicken and chips were a welcome supper tonight.
Then we headed back to Rhyd for a little R&R at Brian and Elizabeth's (lots of travel today- Rhyd to Ponty to Rhyd to Caer to Rhyd to Caer to Rhyd). We chatted and laughed and watched the bloopers from Britain's Got Talent. It was also a good opportunity for us to get some work done on wedding stuff again. Then we got Becca back to her house and I got some medicine and here we are. Blogging and dozing off.
It has been a good day. I really don't like being sick. But I have so many other reasons to be joyful! I will count my blessings instead of sheep tonight, even if I have to do it between sniffles.
Good night and God bless
Saturday 8 June 2013
June 8 "Under A Bright Welsh Sky"
I should apologize in advance. I have no camera and I will have access to some pictures, but they might be better sought on Facebook. Just FYI.
Today started late. Too late actually. Setting an alarm doesn't really work if you don't turn the alarm setting to 'on' on the phone. Either way. I was able to get dressed, pack a lunch and be ready to go in ten small minutes. Today Becca and I were treated to a lovely day around with our friends from the Rhyd Church. They took us to a park with a beautiful lake. It was a sunny day with a warm sun and a cool breeze. Naturally every family in Wales went to the park on this day. We had a boys vs. girls scavenger hunt around the lake (preset signs that we had to find- it was very fun, but not very challenging). After that we played on the playground for a bit and I even got to ride the massive log swing thing (TWICE- once as a counterweight for Tim and Baby William and once with Becca). It's basically indescribable. Maybe the video will emerge soon.
After the park, most of us headed off to a secret surprise tour! I had no idea where we were going, but eventually (several sheep later) we made our way to Ogmore Castle! We started off by hopping across the river on a bridge of spaced out stones that vanish with the rising tide! Very fun. Becca and I ran ahead to explore and came back across the horse pastures to hop back to the castle lest we be trapped by the rising water. We then explored the ruins of the castle (by explore I mean- climb all over). Becca even joined me in climbing up to the tallest parts of the ruins (that we could reasonably attempt). She's so great.
We then headed back the Ton-Teg to have supper with Brian and Elizabeth. To our surprise they decided that Chinese food would be a good idea! They tend to be very Welsh traditional in their food choices...which they were, but we got Chinese food. But Chinese food is quite different over here...It makes me wonder what REAL Chinese food is like. No consistency... So I ordered random things. One was pretty good. The other...could have been better.
This evening was supposed to be our GSUS Bus event, but when we had gotten everything set up at Temple Baptist Church the only person who showed up was a girl who already goes to Rhydyfelin Methodist. We sat around and chatted for a while, but eventually we had to just pack up and go. I wish that some of the students would have taken us up on the event, but I guess that is just the way that ministry goes sometimes. Especially with youth. Especially in this culture. But I will not be discouraged! God has a plan for His glory here in Wales. He is in control and not a single one of His chosen children will slip through His grip.
The evening concluded with some time at Claire's, where Becca and I watched the Lions game (Rugby) while we worked on the guest list and wedding registries. There was also more Chinese food! This stuff was good. The kind that I should have ordered. Remind me next time- curry and Cantonese- the letter 'c' is the way to go. Then I got a lift back and here I am...falling asleep at the keyboard once more. Tomorrow is Sunday. A day for resting. A day for worship. Pray that we do both well!
Thank you for your prayers! I wasn't sure if people were reading, but Facebook begs to differ!
God bless.
"But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us".
Today started late. Too late actually. Setting an alarm doesn't really work if you don't turn the alarm setting to 'on' on the phone. Either way. I was able to get dressed, pack a lunch and be ready to go in ten small minutes. Today Becca and I were treated to a lovely day around with our friends from the Rhyd Church. They took us to a park with a beautiful lake. It was a sunny day with a warm sun and a cool breeze. Naturally every family in Wales went to the park on this day. We had a boys vs. girls scavenger hunt around the lake (preset signs that we had to find- it was very fun, but not very challenging). After that we played on the playground for a bit and I even got to ride the massive log swing thing (TWICE- once as a counterweight for Tim and Baby William and once with Becca). It's basically indescribable. Maybe the video will emerge soon.
After the park, most of us headed off to a secret surprise tour! I had no idea where we were going, but eventually (several sheep later) we made our way to Ogmore Castle! We started off by hopping across the river on a bridge of spaced out stones that vanish with the rising tide! Very fun. Becca and I ran ahead to explore and came back across the horse pastures to hop back to the castle lest we be trapped by the rising water. We then explored the ruins of the castle (by explore I mean- climb all over). Becca even joined me in climbing up to the tallest parts of the ruins (that we could reasonably attempt). She's so great.
We then headed back the Ton-Teg to have supper with Brian and Elizabeth. To our surprise they decided that Chinese food would be a good idea! They tend to be very Welsh traditional in their food choices...which they were, but we got Chinese food. But Chinese food is quite different over here...It makes me wonder what REAL Chinese food is like. No consistency... So I ordered random things. One was pretty good. The other...could have been better.
This evening was supposed to be our GSUS Bus event, but when we had gotten everything set up at Temple Baptist Church the only person who showed up was a girl who already goes to Rhydyfelin Methodist. We sat around and chatted for a while, but eventually we had to just pack up and go. I wish that some of the students would have taken us up on the event, but I guess that is just the way that ministry goes sometimes. Especially with youth. Especially in this culture. But I will not be discouraged! God has a plan for His glory here in Wales. He is in control and not a single one of His chosen children will slip through His grip.
The evening concluded with some time at Claire's, where Becca and I watched the Lions game (Rugby) while we worked on the guest list and wedding registries. There was also more Chinese food! This stuff was good. The kind that I should have ordered. Remind me next time- curry and Cantonese- the letter 'c' is the way to go. Then I got a lift back and here I am...falling asleep at the keyboard once more. Tomorrow is Sunday. A day for resting. A day for worship. Pray that we do both well!
Thank you for your prayers! I wasn't sure if people were reading, but Facebook begs to differ!
God bless.
"But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us".
Friday 7 June 2013
June 7 "One Week and A Wide Game"
We bid Ponty High Ta-ta today after another 5 lessons on the Bus. Becca got to stay for the whole time and even did a lesson herself. She's so great. Next week the Bus is in Caerphilly. I enjoyed it a lot and I will be able to work at 3 more schools with it in a few weeks. Now all that is left for that area is to do the event tomorrow night. Should be good. Pray that we have a good turnout. But after we packed up the Bus and sent it off, we both got dropped off at Claire's so that we could go with her to the Kid's Club in Caerphilly.
The Club was loads of fun. It is basically a weekly Vacation Bible School Session (Holiday Club in Wales) and it was great. I met lots of the children and we were able to have a really great time. I have been helping out with so many different churches and they are all so different! But it is so much fun. It reminded me of 2011 when I worked with that church all week. It was such a good time. I am still so very glad to be back in Wales.
After Club we headed up the mountain for the PCY Wide Game. PCY is a youth group which draws from many of the local churches, so many of the people that I have worked with were there! It was so much fun. The Wide Game is an annual event. Essentially it is a game of capture the flag on a mountain with blocks of wood hidden all around (Alun's doing). Then you go and try to retrieve bricks (varied points), pull socks to capture people (10 points, 50 for captains) and, of course, capture the flag (1000 points). The flag never did get captured. Both teams did a great job of hiding them, so it all came down to the bricks. Jon (A Rhyd Friend) and I were wandering around looking for the flag together looking for the other flag. We scoured their territory and then eventually we found something quite fortuitous. Three 100 point bricks that the opposition had hidden for later. So we took two and I re-hid one and went back for it later. But a chase ensued in which a boy, who I found out was born in LA chased me all around the mountain. Eventually it came down to an uphill footrace with him and Becca (who I'd gotten out once already) chasing me up the mountain. I won. Jon got his block and I returned to capture the third. The final score. Them: 1050. Us: 1250. Stash raid for the win. It was a good time. I ran through a few nettles along the way though. Nasty stinging plants. They are annoying, but don't hurt too bad. Somewhere between normal thorns and a sunburn.
After the game we headed back to Claire's to relax. We ate. We drank tea. We watched British Comedy Programs. It was great! Faulty Towers is especially good, but apparently got cancelled because the main guy had a breakdown. Not surprising given his character...
I had a dream last night. And there was a voice. It told me that I should stop wasting my time doing all of this mission work. It told me that I should change my ways and really start to enjoy life apart from all of the service and ministry. Funny enough, I prayed for protection in my dreams last night. It's not an uncommon request for me as I tend to have very vivid and sometimes very bizarre dreams. This one was such. It definitely affected my attitude as I woke and immediately the day started negatively. Everything was negative and late and going wrong and BAH! But I realized that something was amiss. I checked my attitude. I recalled my dream. I recalled my prayer. I said another. God did not grant me protection from an encounter with evil, but he did protect me from being overpowered by it. The day moved on and things got better as the morning went on. I prayed and I was very conscious of what I thought and said. We prayed as a team. I prayed with Becca. Things just changed. The concept of Spiritual Warfare has always been very abstract for me, but today was very real. I don't believe in coincidences. Too many things made sense. It probably sounds pretty strange, but I think that the Devil was trying to throw a wrench in my gears. Good. That means that we are making an impact. Lest he would not care. But He who is in me is greater than he who is in the world and so I will not fear.
It has been a crazy first week. I have met so many awesome people, done so many great things and learned so much already. This time last week I was scared. I don't know why I was in a panic about things over here. I guess it was just a hard transition between Erskine and Wales. Those of you who know me well should know that I don't tend to get freaked out easily. But the idea of coming here and of all of the efforts that the Church went through to help us just weighed on me. I didn't feel big enough. This is God's mission, His work. And who am I?
But God is good. In my weakness He has proven himself to be strong. My doubt, His faithfulness. My fear, His power and love. It's hard to believe all of the time that we have got left to live and learn in Wales. I am excited to see what God does. Thanks for checking in.
God bless.
The Club was loads of fun. It is basically a weekly Vacation Bible School Session (Holiday Club in Wales) and it was great. I met lots of the children and we were able to have a really great time. I have been helping out with so many different churches and they are all so different! But it is so much fun. It reminded me of 2011 when I worked with that church all week. It was such a good time. I am still so very glad to be back in Wales.
After Club we headed up the mountain for the PCY Wide Game. PCY is a youth group which draws from many of the local churches, so many of the people that I have worked with were there! It was so much fun. The Wide Game is an annual event. Essentially it is a game of capture the flag on a mountain with blocks of wood hidden all around (Alun's doing). Then you go and try to retrieve bricks (varied points), pull socks to capture people (10 points, 50 for captains) and, of course, capture the flag (1000 points). The flag never did get captured. Both teams did a great job of hiding them, so it all came down to the bricks. Jon (A Rhyd Friend) and I were wandering around looking for the flag together looking for the other flag. We scoured their territory and then eventually we found something quite fortuitous. Three 100 point bricks that the opposition had hidden for later. So we took two and I re-hid one and went back for it later. But a chase ensued in which a boy, who I found out was born in LA chased me all around the mountain. Eventually it came down to an uphill footrace with him and Becca (who I'd gotten out once already) chasing me up the mountain. I won. Jon got his block and I returned to capture the third. The final score. Them: 1050. Us: 1250. Stash raid for the win. It was a good time. I ran through a few nettles along the way though. Nasty stinging plants. They are annoying, but don't hurt too bad. Somewhere between normal thorns and a sunburn.
After the game we headed back to Claire's to relax. We ate. We drank tea. We watched British Comedy Programs. It was great! Faulty Towers is especially good, but apparently got cancelled because the main guy had a breakdown. Not surprising given his character...
I had a dream last night. And there was a voice. It told me that I should stop wasting my time doing all of this mission work. It told me that I should change my ways and really start to enjoy life apart from all of the service and ministry. Funny enough, I prayed for protection in my dreams last night. It's not an uncommon request for me as I tend to have very vivid and sometimes very bizarre dreams. This one was such. It definitely affected my attitude as I woke and immediately the day started negatively. Everything was negative and late and going wrong and BAH! But I realized that something was amiss. I checked my attitude. I recalled my dream. I recalled my prayer. I said another. God did not grant me protection from an encounter with evil, but he did protect me from being overpowered by it. The day moved on and things got better as the morning went on. I prayed and I was very conscious of what I thought and said. We prayed as a team. I prayed with Becca. Things just changed. The concept of Spiritual Warfare has always been very abstract for me, but today was very real. I don't believe in coincidences. Too many things made sense. It probably sounds pretty strange, but I think that the Devil was trying to throw a wrench in my gears. Good. That means that we are making an impact. Lest he would not care. But He who is in me is greater than he who is in the world and so I will not fear.
It has been a crazy first week. I have met so many awesome people, done so many great things and learned so much already. This time last week I was scared. I don't know why I was in a panic about things over here. I guess it was just a hard transition between Erskine and Wales. Those of you who know me well should know that I don't tend to get freaked out easily. But the idea of coming here and of all of the efforts that the Church went through to help us just weighed on me. I didn't feel big enough. This is God's mission, His work. And who am I?
But God is good. In my weakness He has proven himself to be strong. My doubt, His faithfulness. My fear, His power and love. It's hard to believe all of the time that we have got left to live and learn in Wales. I am excited to see what God does. Thanks for checking in.
God bless.
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