Today is a bittersweet day - my first full day back since being in Madison for powerplant, and realizing that i only have 11 days left in Wisconsin. Last Saturday I went to Madison to help out transformation church with a carnival they did for a community in Sun Prairie - it was a full day of service, and then I went to Aaron Jozwiak's house to meet the powerplant staff!!!! Sunday was worship at Transformation Church and worship that night at Red Village Church, which is a church plant that Aaron pastors near the UW Madison campus.
Powerplant is a youth mission trip that started on Monday. Throughout the week we passed out flyers for block parties, prayed over both Aaron's church and James Lee's International church plant, helped run two succesful block parties, and did some evangelism on campus. I helped mainly with the group from Adrian, Michigan. I absolutely loved all the girls I got to hang out with, and enjoyed watching them get out of their comfort zone to start conversations with people, bless them with free water, and direct them to Red Village Church.
God really spoke to me this week about selfless faith. I know I need more of it in my life - I know there will be a time in the near future where i'll have to just take a step of faith and live missionally in England. Also, I got a huge heart for starting something new in a place where there isn't a church - i'm not sure if it's church planting to its full capacity, or just planting myself in a community and doing kids clubs, etc, to make Christ known - Coulby Newham, Middlesbrough, England has been on my heart a lot lately so i'm praying into that and would love your prayers as well!!! Also - i'm thoroughly in awe of God and how he orchestrates things - Aaron and I have been talking a lot about taking a team from Wisconsin to Middlesbrough sometime next summer!!
Please pray that God would continue to do work in Madison through Brotherly Love and Red Village. Pray that He will send workers to assist Aaron and James. And finally, please pray that if Red Village wants to do a trip to England that all obstacles would be removed.
Isaiah 40
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Wisconsin Week 3
Hello Wisconsin Heat!!!! This past week was super hot and humid - it was like I was living in Houston, Tx. Despite the intense heat advisories - monday and tuesday I canvased the neighborhood near the elementary school that Tapestry meets at just to let them know more about Tapestry. I got to spend my last few days in stevens point fellowshipping with Jan, Kim, the Terrells and the Moletas just enjoying learning about them and hearing their stories and sharing mine.
I have been overwhelmed by the amount of times i've been able to share my heart and story for England. It's been unbelievable how God has opened so many avenues for me to share my story and empower people to live missionally.
Wednesday I drove to Portage (1hr drive) to meet up with the church i'll be helping in the next few weeks doing VBS. I helped them set up a community carnival event and got to meet a Texan mission team that was there for the week - did some awesome recruiting for UMHB which was super fun!!!
Thursday and Friday were days off just relaxing with the Turners and preparing to head to Madison. Yesterday morning I set off at 7am, arriving at 9am, to Transformation Church to help them with a community carnival event where they partner with several other churches. It was so hot, but a definite full day of ministry - it was great to just show people Jesus' love. That night I met up with Aaron, the power plant team, and one of the youth groups for a night of fellowship. It was great meeting them and getting to share more of my heart for missions, England, and being the church.
I'm so excited to see what God is going to do this week. Please be in prayer for the youth groups who are coming, Aaron and the speakers, the power plant core team, and all of the other volunteers that God would move in us and that we would glorify him - that we would know Him and make Him known.
I have been overwhelmed by the amount of times i've been able to share my heart and story for England. It's been unbelievable how God has opened so many avenues for me to share my story and empower people to live missionally.
Wednesday I drove to Portage (1hr drive) to meet up with the church i'll be helping in the next few weeks doing VBS. I helped them set up a community carnival event and got to meet a Texan mission team that was there for the week - did some awesome recruiting for UMHB which was super fun!!!
Thursday and Friday were days off just relaxing with the Turners and preparing to head to Madison. Yesterday morning I set off at 7am, arriving at 9am, to Transformation Church to help them with a community carnival event where they partner with several other churches. It was so hot, but a definite full day of ministry - it was great to just show people Jesus' love. That night I met up with Aaron, the power plant team, and one of the youth groups for a night of fellowship. It was great meeting them and getting to share more of my heart for missions, England, and being the church.
I'm so excited to see what God is going to do this week. Please be in prayer for the youth groups who are coming, Aaron and the speakers, the power plant core team, and all of the other volunteers that God would move in us and that we would glorify him - that we would know Him and make Him known.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Wisconsin Week 2
I have been so amazed this week by God's sovereignity and magnificence. It has been such an awesome week filled with so many God instances. Last Sunday at house church, Mike brought up the question on faith - what does it mean for us, and what is it in general. What was so amazing was that just the day before I went through the faith chapter in Hebrews 11 and wrote down all the action words in that chapter. The list was: by faith i can... It was awesome how God orchestrated all of that because it allowed me to have a firm grasp on the manifestation of faith to where I could discuss it will Mike and the rest of the group. I loved how we could share and just relate together - I absolutely love what the Turners are doing with house church, and the impact it has had on me so far has been tremendous.
On Monday I had a follow up meeting with Pastor Mary and the teachers who will lead this childrens group. I brought a curriculum i started writing about Jesus' parables, the shephard curriculum I used in England, and various other things I had written/gathered. They loved my Parable curriculum and the one from England, and so they asked if I would continue to write that curriculum and give it to them!!! Amazing! I also enjoyed getting to train and help these teachers discuss what this kids group could be. This opportunity is just bringing glory to my sovereign God and I could not be more ecstatic!
Tuesday I got to meet Trey's neighbor, Warren. He is a fabulous gardener, but has no desire for God or Christianity. I was in awe that he could go on for hours about how beautiful nature was without seeing God in it at all. Please lift up Warren and Trey's impact on him.
The rest of the week was composed of learning from Trey, encouraging each other, reading, writing curriculum and getting ready to head to Steven's Point.
I have spent two days here so far, and i absolutely love Jan, who i'm staying with. She is quite a new believer, has been going to tapestry for a few years, and just loves life. She is such a vibrant and awesome person to be around - I've already been so blessed by her!! I also met up with Kim last night and today, and she has been a God send. Everything I said she can relate to, whether it's ministry related, travel related, or relationship related. It has been so refreshing - and I've been learning so much about passionate Christianity - i love it!
We went to a movie in the park last night which two other churches put on for free in the community - i think churches in Texas need more of this!!! Today I sewed... yes ladies and gentlemen, I sewed/made a dress with a group of girls from Tapestry that we will be sending to Africa!!! It was SO fun!!!
I am so in awe of my Savior and the work He is doing here in Stevens Point and in Wisconsin. I'm so humbled at the opportunity to serve and go where He leads.
Here is a prayer from a book i'm reading called Radical, and I think it's fitting for those who read this blog.
"I pray that we will be a peaople who refuse to gorge our spiritual stomach on the entertaining pleasures of this world, because we have chosen to find our satisfaction in the eternal treasure of His Word. I pray that God will awaken in your heart and mine a deep and abiding passion for the gospel as the grand revelation of God."
Amen.
On Monday I had a follow up meeting with Pastor Mary and the teachers who will lead this childrens group. I brought a curriculum i started writing about Jesus' parables, the shephard curriculum I used in England, and various other things I had written/gathered. They loved my Parable curriculum and the one from England, and so they asked if I would continue to write that curriculum and give it to them!!! Amazing! I also enjoyed getting to train and help these teachers discuss what this kids group could be. This opportunity is just bringing glory to my sovereign God and I could not be more ecstatic!
Tuesday I got to meet Trey's neighbor, Warren. He is a fabulous gardener, but has no desire for God or Christianity. I was in awe that he could go on for hours about how beautiful nature was without seeing God in it at all. Please lift up Warren and Trey's impact on him.
The rest of the week was composed of learning from Trey, encouraging each other, reading, writing curriculum and getting ready to head to Steven's Point.
I have spent two days here so far, and i absolutely love Jan, who i'm staying with. She is quite a new believer, has been going to tapestry for a few years, and just loves life. She is such a vibrant and awesome person to be around - I've already been so blessed by her!! I also met up with Kim last night and today, and she has been a God send. Everything I said she can relate to, whether it's ministry related, travel related, or relationship related. It has been so refreshing - and I've been learning so much about passionate Christianity - i love it!
We went to a movie in the park last night which two other churches put on for free in the community - i think churches in Texas need more of this!!! Today I sewed... yes ladies and gentlemen, I sewed/made a dress with a group of girls from Tapestry that we will be sending to Africa!!! It was SO fun!!!
I am so in awe of my Savior and the work He is doing here in Stevens Point and in Wisconsin. I'm so humbled at the opportunity to serve and go where He leads.
Here is a prayer from a book i'm reading called Radical, and I think it's fitting for those who read this blog.
"I pray that we will be a peaople who refuse to gorge our spiritual stomach on the entertaining pleasures of this world, because we have chosen to find our satisfaction in the eternal treasure of His Word. I pray that God will awaken in your heart and mine a deep and abiding passion for the gospel as the grand revelation of God."
Amen.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Wisconsin Week 1
So I set off a week ago today! The week has flown by already!
Just wanted to share a bit of what i'll be doing this upcoming week, and a bit of what God is already speaking/doing! Yesterday Trey and myself went prayer driving around Wisconsin Rapids, just listening, and praying over the city. God showed a lot of things to us about His heart, and through words and pictures given - i think God used this time as such a sweet encouragement for the Turners and their work here. This city reminds me a lot of Middlesbrough, and the brokeness I see and just the lack of thought on spiritual things that I witnessed while serving there.
As most know, this last month and even semester has been a grieving process for me as I left my "home" to come back to Texas. It has been great to be able to introduce the Turners to all my friends at MCC, and the family that I have come to love. It's been so refreshing to be able to speak with a family who understands where i'm coming regarding missions, church, and living the life of a disciple.
Here's a God given divine appointment - Trey and I went to meet up with some Hmong youth the other day regarding a backyard bible club thing i'll be doing with the Turners, but wanted to help them do it for their Hmong community. Pastor Mary of the reformed church they go to met with us. She approached me at the end because we talked about the fact that i had experience in children's ministry/writing some curriculum, and she asked me to help her start a children's group at her church for the time during the preach on sunday mornings. What a divine appointment indeed!!
A few days ago we met up with Robert Terrell who i'll be spending part of next week with. He leads Tapestry Church in Steven's Point. He was even in Texas for a bit doing youth ministry right outside of Cleburne - small world!!! I'm so excited to get to come alongside him as he goes about making disciples in steven's point! Please be praying for the time I get to spend in that area, that I will just be able to bless that church, share a bit of my story and heart for England, and get to serve whatever they need!
Something that i've been clinging to from my utmost: "God gives us the vision, the He takes us down to the valley to batter us into shape of the vision, and it is in the valley that so many of us faint and give way. Every vision will be made real if we will have patience." Lord give me patience and endurance to go through the valley to bring your vision to reality!
Just wanted to share a bit of what i'll be doing this upcoming week, and a bit of what God is already speaking/doing! Yesterday Trey and myself went prayer driving around Wisconsin Rapids, just listening, and praying over the city. God showed a lot of things to us about His heart, and through words and pictures given - i think God used this time as such a sweet encouragement for the Turners and their work here. This city reminds me a lot of Middlesbrough, and the brokeness I see and just the lack of thought on spiritual things that I witnessed while serving there.
As most know, this last month and even semester has been a grieving process for me as I left my "home" to come back to Texas. It has been great to be able to introduce the Turners to all my friends at MCC, and the family that I have come to love. It's been so refreshing to be able to speak with a family who understands where i'm coming regarding missions, church, and living the life of a disciple.
Here's a God given divine appointment - Trey and I went to meet up with some Hmong youth the other day regarding a backyard bible club thing i'll be doing with the Turners, but wanted to help them do it for their Hmong community. Pastor Mary of the reformed church they go to met with us. She approached me at the end because we talked about the fact that i had experience in children's ministry/writing some curriculum, and she asked me to help her start a children's group at her church for the time during the preach on sunday mornings. What a divine appointment indeed!!
A few days ago we met up with Robert Terrell who i'll be spending part of next week with. He leads Tapestry Church in Steven's Point. He was even in Texas for a bit doing youth ministry right outside of Cleburne - small world!!! I'm so excited to get to come alongside him as he goes about making disciples in steven's point! Please be praying for the time I get to spend in that area, that I will just be able to bless that church, share a bit of my story and heart for England, and get to serve whatever they need!
Something that i've been clinging to from my utmost: "God gives us the vision, the He takes us down to the valley to batter us into shape of the vision, and it is in the valley that so many of us faint and give way. Every vision will be made real if we will have patience." Lord give me patience and endurance to go through the valley to bring your vision to reality!
Monday, July 4, 2011
Hello Wisconsin Rapids!
So let me tell you my story of how God has opened a door for me to serve in Wisconsin for six weeks. A few weeks ago, after hearing that i didn't get an interview at Trinity in Middlesbrough, I was in a state. I was so confused, questioned a lot, and definitly knew i couldn't survive on my 60 dollar a week telemarketer job. I sent out a facebook message to all of my contacts in ministry just simply asking if they had any opportunities for the summer. Trey Turner was the only one to message me back!
I have been so blessed to have lived with the Turners in 2008, and do ministry with them for a few years at Canyon Creek. I have always wanted to visit them since they moved up to Rapids, but timing never worked out! I love their heart to build relationships and live out their faith to show Christ to those who don't know. After a few phone conversations, we set a date and some possibilities of things I will be doing. I'll be working with Trey in his house church, tapestry church, power plant youth camp, and block parties with the Hmong church plant. We just arrived two days ago, and it is absolutely beautiful here!!
I'm so excited about what God is going to do these next six weeks! I'm thankful and humbled to be serving in a new and different area of the U.S. Please be in prayer that God would move and bring glory to His name while i'm here!
More updates to come!
I have been so blessed to have lived with the Turners in 2008, and do ministry with them for a few years at Canyon Creek. I have always wanted to visit them since they moved up to Rapids, but timing never worked out! I love their heart to build relationships and live out their faith to show Christ to those who don't know. After a few phone conversations, we set a date and some possibilities of things I will be doing. I'll be working with Trey in his house church, tapestry church, power plant youth camp, and block parties with the Hmong church plant. We just arrived two days ago, and it is absolutely beautiful here!!
I'm so excited about what God is going to do these next six weeks! I'm thankful and humbled to be serving in a new and different area of the U.S. Please be in prayer that God would move and bring glory to His name while i'm here!
More updates to come!
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