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.
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