Today was amazing!!!! My team worshipped at Acklam this morning, and Jaclynn and I led the kids work. Heather gave a testimony about what we did in Acklam yesterday, and I gave a testimony on God's faithfulness. As most know, my home is Middlesbrough, so these last four months have been very difficult. Along with leading a team, getting a job to pay for gas, and getting to know a guy who challenged me more than he'll ever know is a true testimony to God's faithfulness during this trying time. Hebrews 10:23 says: "Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful." This is true at all times.
We then ate with loads of MCC friends at The Star, and cleared out loads of rubbish in the church building. Then the girls went to a CAP (Christians Against Poverty) Pamper night where - 3 PEOPLE ACCEPTED CHRIST FOR THE FIRST TIME!!!!!!!! Praise the Lord!!!! It was a great night of fellowship, tea, and cakes! The guys had a curry night with some male CAP clients where the gospel was presented from Andrew and Nigel from MCC.
What a great night!!! Please pray for energy tomorrow as we go into the schools, and Trey's team does yard work with CAP.
Greater things have yet to come, and Greater things are still to be done in this city!!"
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Acklam day!
Hello all!!
Just a quick update to tell you first that we made it here safely, although very very exhausted. We are now settled in, and it feels so good for me to be in the place I have such a huge heart for. I absolutely love it here, and was reminded today of the inspiring community Middlesbrough Community Church expresses.
We started the day by leafletting the Acklam area (great weather btw). Acklam is where Trey and myself prayer walked in 2007, and they now have a church plant that meets every week outside the first week of the month. Craig and Kerina Lynch head up this church plant, and have moved into this area of Middlesbrough in order to better serve God's call on their lives. Acklam is a neighborhood in Middlesbrough of 15,000 people very little knowing Christ. I had a conversation with a man named Malcom who said he would read the leaflet and possibly attend on Sunday! Michael, a team member, also had a great conversation with a guy who didn't believe that one being could create the world. Michael shared Christ boldy, so please continue to pray for those seeds that were planted, and that the leaflets would be read!
On the night we went to the Ignite youth club meeting. It was great to see both teams mingle with the kids who come (most from hard lives and from around the central church area). Michael also gave his testimony to the kids in the middle of the night, so be praying for their hearts to be softened and that they will continue to think about what Michael talked about. We have a Texan theme night on Thursday, that we are hoping to invite Ignite kids to - please be praying they attend and bring friends!!!
Thanks so much for the prayers. Please specifically pray that exhaustion would end and that we could have a great day worshipping at MCC Acklam and MCC Central tomorrow!
A verse to pray over us for today would be: Isaiah 40:28-31: Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength, they will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not grow faint.
Much love!
~Kimberly, MCC Team
Just a quick update to tell you first that we made it here safely, although very very exhausted. We are now settled in, and it feels so good for me to be in the place I have such a huge heart for. I absolutely love it here, and was reminded today of the inspiring community Middlesbrough Community Church expresses.
We started the day by leafletting the Acklam area (great weather btw). Acklam is where Trey and myself prayer walked in 2007, and they now have a church plant that meets every week outside the first week of the month. Craig and Kerina Lynch head up this church plant, and have moved into this area of Middlesbrough in order to better serve God's call on their lives. Acklam is a neighborhood in Middlesbrough of 15,000 people very little knowing Christ. I had a conversation with a man named Malcom who said he would read the leaflet and possibly attend on Sunday! Michael, a team member, also had a great conversation with a guy who didn't believe that one being could create the world. Michael shared Christ boldy, so please continue to pray for those seeds that were planted, and that the leaflets would be read!
On the night we went to the Ignite youth club meeting. It was great to see both teams mingle with the kids who come (most from hard lives and from around the central church area). Michael also gave his testimony to the kids in the middle of the night, so be praying for their hearts to be softened and that they will continue to think about what Michael talked about. We have a Texan theme night on Thursday, that we are hoping to invite Ignite kids to - please be praying they attend and bring friends!!!
Thanks so much for the prayers. Please specifically pray that exhaustion would end and that we could have a great day worshipping at MCC Acklam and MCC Central tomorrow!
A verse to pray over us for today would be: Isaiah 40:28-31: Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength, they will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not grow faint.
Much love!
~Kimberly, MCC Team
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Prayer Points for England Mission Trip May 12-25th!!
It has been a while! To save anyone from the boredom of my life update I will quickly say that I sitll have no clue what i'm going to do with my life, no idea where i'm supposed to be/live, no idea what i'm supposed to do. I'm just waiting on God's timing and trusting that His plan will prevail past my hurting heart, and my uncertainty.
On a lighter note - I'm one of 4 leaders leading approx 30 students to Middlesbrough, England, on thursday. I would love for you to pray for our trip, and I will send updates through this blog.
Here are the points:
Thursday 12th May. Fly out of DFW at 2:00pm
• Pray for safe travel and opportunities for the team to share God’s love as we travel.
Friday 13th May. Arrive.
• Pray for safe travel on charter bus to Middlesbrough.
• Joy in reuniting with old friends and in meeting new ones.
• Quick recovery from long travel and time change (6 hrs. difference)
• Good sleep on the first night there.
Saturday 14th May. Will be with us prayer walking and delivering newsletters in Acklam during the day. On the evening we will eat with church families and then help with a youth event called Ignite.
• Pray for us as we pray with them and attempt to move “rocks” through prayer so seeds can be planted in the coming days.
• Pray for connections to be made as we pass out information about the church.
• Pray for connections to the youth that come to Ignite. Most are not Christians.
Sunday 15th May. We will be worshipping at the Acklam church plant on the morning. In the afternoon, we will be traveling to some local interest points. In the evening, we will be ministering to the men and women being helped by CAP (Christians Against Poverty). The guys will be having curry with the men and the girls will have a pamper night with the ladies. This is an important time in our week for showing and sharing the truth about Jesus to some people in desperate need.
• Pray for my team as they encourage/worship with the Acklam campus.
• Pray for the teams as they love on the CAP men and women and that they truly hear and experience the love of Jesus.
Monday 16th May. We will be at Archibald School on the morning teaching in Religious Education and at the after school Bible club. All the team members will participate in separate Life groups in the evening.
• Pray for us as we teach kids the truth about Jesus in a variety of ways.
• Pray for us as we are in church members’ homes for their small group Bible studies.
Tuesday 17th May. The entire Mission Team from UMHB has a day out to Liverpool.
• As we travel throughout the day, pray that we will be struck by the beauty of God’s creation and have great fellowship as a group.
• Pray for the team to have a great appreciation for the country they are in and the people they are serving.
Wednesday 18th May. The same as Monday.
• Pray for us as we teach kids the truth about Jesus in a variety of ways.
• Pray for us as we are in church members’ homes for their small group Bible studies.
Thursday 19th May. We will be serving with CAP. In the evening, there will be a Texas Night with the Ignite youth for most of the team members. Some of the guys will go play basketball as an outreach for a new work in Grangetown.
• Pray for doors to be opened to tell those in both physical and spiritual need of the Great Provider.
• Pray the Texas Night is fun, relational, and the Gospel is shared.
• Pray for relationships to be deepened in Grangetown.
Friday 20st May. We will prayer walk and pass out newsletters in Whinney Banks (very rough neighborhood). Both teams will go to Grangetown to prayer walk and hear about the vision for a new work there.
• Pray for us as we pray with them and attempt to move “rocks” through prayer so seeds can be planted in the coming days.
• Pray for connections to be made as we pass out information about the church.
• Pray that we would encourage the leaders of the Grangetown work and move “rocks” in this new area.
Saturday 21nd May. We will have a free day in Middlesbrough
• Pray for rest and time to enjoy the city of Middlesbrough
Sunday 22rd May We will worship at MCC main campus. Evening at prayer meeting at MCC main campus. After prayer meeting will be a time of fellowship with all our MCC friends. Pack to leave in the morning.
• Pray for sweet fellowship with our old and new friends. Pray our team is a blessing to them as they are to us. Pray for their worship service and prayer meeting in that God will make His presence known and it will be a powerful last day there!
Monday/Tuesday 23-24 May. London.
• Pray for safe travel and great time of fun and sharing of what God did among the four teams that went.
Wednesday 25 May. Return home.
• Pray for safe travel and more opportunities to share God’s love with fellow travelers
• Pray for quick recovery to time change as many move straight into summer plans.
Thank you in advnace for the prayers - God is going to do amazing things!!!
On a lighter note - I'm one of 4 leaders leading approx 30 students to Middlesbrough, England, on thursday. I would love for you to pray for our trip, and I will send updates through this blog.
Here are the points:
Thursday 12th May. Fly out of DFW at 2:00pm
• Pray for safe travel and opportunities for the team to share God’s love as we travel.
Friday 13th May. Arrive.
• Pray for safe travel on charter bus to Middlesbrough.
• Joy in reuniting with old friends and in meeting new ones.
• Quick recovery from long travel and time change (6 hrs. difference)
• Good sleep on the first night there.
Saturday 14th May. Will be with us prayer walking and delivering newsletters in Acklam during the day. On the evening we will eat with church families and then help with a youth event called Ignite.
• Pray for us as we pray with them and attempt to move “rocks” through prayer so seeds can be planted in the coming days.
• Pray for connections to be made as we pass out information about the church.
• Pray for connections to the youth that come to Ignite. Most are not Christians.
Sunday 15th May. We will be worshipping at the Acklam church plant on the morning. In the afternoon, we will be traveling to some local interest points. In the evening, we will be ministering to the men and women being helped by CAP (Christians Against Poverty). The guys will be having curry with the men and the girls will have a pamper night with the ladies. This is an important time in our week for showing and sharing the truth about Jesus to some people in desperate need.
• Pray for my team as they encourage/worship with the Acklam campus.
• Pray for the teams as they love on the CAP men and women and that they truly hear and experience the love of Jesus.
Monday 16th May. We will be at Archibald School on the morning teaching in Religious Education and at the after school Bible club. All the team members will participate in separate Life groups in the evening.
• Pray for us as we teach kids the truth about Jesus in a variety of ways.
• Pray for us as we are in church members’ homes for their small group Bible studies.
Tuesday 17th May. The entire Mission Team from UMHB has a day out to Liverpool.
• As we travel throughout the day, pray that we will be struck by the beauty of God’s creation and have great fellowship as a group.
• Pray for the team to have a great appreciation for the country they are in and the people they are serving.
Wednesday 18th May. The same as Monday.
• Pray for us as we teach kids the truth about Jesus in a variety of ways.
• Pray for us as we are in church members’ homes for their small group Bible studies.
Thursday 19th May. We will be serving with CAP. In the evening, there will be a Texas Night with the Ignite youth for most of the team members. Some of the guys will go play basketball as an outreach for a new work in Grangetown.
• Pray for doors to be opened to tell those in both physical and spiritual need of the Great Provider.
• Pray the Texas Night is fun, relational, and the Gospel is shared.
• Pray for relationships to be deepened in Grangetown.
Friday 20st May. We will prayer walk and pass out newsletters in Whinney Banks (very rough neighborhood). Both teams will go to Grangetown to prayer walk and hear about the vision for a new work there.
• Pray for us as we pray with them and attempt to move “rocks” through prayer so seeds can be planted in the coming days.
• Pray for connections to be made as we pass out information about the church.
• Pray that we would encourage the leaders of the Grangetown work and move “rocks” in this new area.
Saturday 21nd May. We will have a free day in Middlesbrough
• Pray for rest and time to enjoy the city of Middlesbrough
Sunday 22rd May We will worship at MCC main campus. Evening at prayer meeting at MCC main campus. After prayer meeting will be a time of fellowship with all our MCC friends. Pack to leave in the morning.
• Pray for sweet fellowship with our old and new friends. Pray our team is a blessing to them as they are to us. Pray for their worship service and prayer meeting in that God will make His presence known and it will be a powerful last day there!
Monday/Tuesday 23-24 May. London.
• Pray for safe travel and great time of fun and sharing of what God did among the four teams that went.
Wednesday 25 May. Return home.
• Pray for safe travel and more opportunities to share God’s love with fellow travelers
• Pray for quick recovery to time change as many move straight into summer plans.
Thank you in advnace for the prayers - God is going to do amazing things!!!
Monday, February 7, 2011
Living in uncertainty
So many people have been asking me - what's next?
I've been back for three weeks, and it has been three of the hardest weeks of my life. For those that know my story, I am usually the one that has everything all planned out. I've wanted to teach since I was 7, do ministry since I was 13, by 16 I knew where I was going to University and what I was going to study, and by 18 I had the rest of my life sorted.... so I thought. Within the last four and a half years my life has been turned upside down by the One who has a greater plan.
I'm still living in that trust that His will and plan will be revealed in His time.
Going from living with "my" plan, I am currently living in uncertainty. I'm unsure what is next - I don't know the future, but I know who does - and in Him I trust. I have a lot of options, to say the least, but I don't know which way to move. I can't even take a first step because I have no idea where the road is. This is where I learn what it means to rely.
My new motto is: I don't know, but be simple. And although I still laugh when I read that, it's utter truth. I have to set aside everything - and come humbly before my Savior.
Psalm 25 has been a go-to passage these weeks of uncertainty, and here is what stuck out:
"To You, O Lord, I lift up my soul; in you I trust... Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long... He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way. All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful for those who keep the demands of His covenant... He will instruct him in the way chosen for Him...The Lord confides in those who fear Him, he makes His covenant known to Him.."
That is my heart. That is my calling - to proclaim who He is. I am learning to wait patiently for instructions as to the what my next step should be. Continually in awe that God wants to use me - that He wants to give life, joy, and hope to someone unworthy - how great is our God!!!
I've been back for three weeks, and it has been three of the hardest weeks of my life. For those that know my story, I am usually the one that has everything all planned out. I've wanted to teach since I was 7, do ministry since I was 13, by 16 I knew where I was going to University and what I was going to study, and by 18 I had the rest of my life sorted.... so I thought. Within the last four and a half years my life has been turned upside down by the One who has a greater plan.
I'm still living in that trust that His will and plan will be revealed in His time.
Going from living with "my" plan, I am currently living in uncertainty. I'm unsure what is next - I don't know the future, but I know who does - and in Him I trust. I have a lot of options, to say the least, but I don't know which way to move. I can't even take a first step because I have no idea where the road is. This is where I learn what it means to rely.
My new motto is: I don't know, but be simple. And although I still laugh when I read that, it's utter truth. I have to set aside everything - and come humbly before my Savior.
Psalm 25 has been a go-to passage these weeks of uncertainty, and here is what stuck out:
"To You, O Lord, I lift up my soul; in you I trust... Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long... He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way. All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful for those who keep the demands of His covenant... He will instruct him in the way chosen for Him...The Lord confides in those who fear Him, he makes His covenant known to Him.."
That is my heart. That is my calling - to proclaim who He is. I am learning to wait patiently for instructions as to the what my next step should be. Continually in awe that God wants to use me - that He wants to give life, joy, and hope to someone unworthy - how great is our God!!!
patience.humility.trust.
Living in uncertainty running with abandon toward my Savior.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
This has been a crazy last few days!!! After 22 hours of traveling, getting delayed, canceled, etc, I am back in Texas! My thoughts on the plane journey home:
Can't believe it's done. It's like I'm leaving home for the first time. This place and these people are so precious to my heart and vital to my soul. They inspire me, encourage me, love me, laugh with me, cry with me, raise hands in worship with me, empower me, stand by me, support me, equip me, enable me, and show me more of what it means to be a part of the obdy - more of what it means to live as a worshipper of the Most High.
Middlesbrough has loads of people searching, simply looking for fulfillment, looking for a purpose in this world. They look for it in clubs, drugs, latest fashion, latest toys, alcohol, sex, everywhere. But when the people of MCC live out their courageous calling to shine light in the darkness, the wanderers, the lost, the broken, the down troden will find the true fulfillment - Jesus Christ.
I'm proud to call these disciples, evangelists, and light barrers of the King, my dearest friends and family.
Thats whats so thrilling and truly brilliant about serving the body of Christ. He takes you to where light needs to shine, where His Spirit is moving. He uses your giftings to expand His Kingdom. He allows for challenging and stretching circumstances to you can learn what it means to rely on His plan and provision. And He puts people in your life for a reason. I believe every person I have come in contact with throughout my last five months is essential to seeking more of my Father. Whether through challenging words, accountability, laughter, or a simple smile - I am a better disciple of Jesus because I knew them. With backgrounds so diverse, God has shown His transforming power so vividly.
It is evident that my heart was left in Middlesbrough. You truly empower me to run hard after my Savior and after His plan for my life. It makes me escited, scared, and passionate about what is next. I'm definately not ready to call it quits, and I will not say no to the Spirits call.
Can't believe it's done. It's like I'm leaving home for the first time. This place and these people are so precious to my heart and vital to my soul. They inspire me, encourage me, love me, laugh with me, cry with me, raise hands in worship with me, empower me, stand by me, support me, equip me, enable me, and show me more of what it means to be a part of the obdy - more of what it means to live as a worshipper of the Most High.
Middlesbrough has loads of people searching, simply looking for fulfillment, looking for a purpose in this world. They look for it in clubs, drugs, latest fashion, latest toys, alcohol, sex, everywhere. But when the people of MCC live out their courageous calling to shine light in the darkness, the wanderers, the lost, the broken, the down troden will find the true fulfillment - Jesus Christ.
I'm proud to call these disciples, evangelists, and light barrers of the King, my dearest friends and family.
Thats whats so thrilling and truly brilliant about serving the body of Christ. He takes you to where light needs to shine, where His Spirit is moving. He uses your giftings to expand His Kingdom. He allows for challenging and stretching circumstances to you can learn what it means to rely on His plan and provision. And He puts people in your life for a reason. I believe every person I have come in contact with throughout my last five months is essential to seeking more of my Father. Whether through challenging words, accountability, laughter, or a simple smile - I am a better disciple of Jesus because I knew them. With backgrounds so diverse, God has shown His transforming power so vividly.
It is evident that my heart was left in Middlesbrough. You truly empower me to run hard after my Savior and after His plan for my life. It makes me escited, scared, and passionate about what is next. I'm definately not ready to call it quits, and I will not say no to the Spirits call.
Here I am Lord - send me.
I desire more of You Jesus
I desire more of heaven on earth.
I desire more kids understanding what You did for them on the cross.
I desire teenagers to understand that you honor purity and want revival in their lives.
I desire 18-30s to find their giftings, use them, and step into leadership.
I desire holiness, and true worship of you, Jesus.
I desire to know You and make your name known.
I definately praise Jesus for the ultimate privelege and honor it was to serve MCC, and the call to continue serving my Savior. Thankful, and humbled to say the least.
~Romans 8:24-25
Monday, January 10, 2011
Nearing the end...
Last night I began to look back at the journals (yes plural) I have kept while living in Middlesbrough these last five months. I have not even began to process most of it, and I'm sure God will show me more of what these last five months have taught me in the months to come.
But until then here is just a bit of what i've learned, lives i've seen changed, and the people who changed mine.
I'm Thankful for:
~My church family - they are amazing, word can't express the hospitatlity and love they have shown me.
~Being able to teach RE, do assemblies, and help lead an after school Bible club at Archibald Primary. My heart still breaks for those kids.
~The specific hospitality of the Pearsons, Clarks, and Youngs, who at one point allowed me to live in their houses - you all are fantastic! Thank you for being Jesus to me!
~SNOW!!! on thanksgiving, and christmas :)
~ The opportunity to lead with a marvelous group of ladies at Beloved.
~The opportunity to go with another amazing bunch of people to Turkey to be impacted by families giving their lives to make Christ known
~Middlesbrough - God's moving in this place loads!
~Hannah Clark - bestest friend who's taught me more than she knows
~Jacob Young for showing me how to use the bus system, and also taught me more than he realizes
~Salvations I have seen: Freda, Joyce, Eddy, and Audrey to name a few. Praise God for CAP, MCC, and people who live their lives to proclaim who Jesus is.
~Being able to share my story at: Southbank Baptist Church, Vintage Tea, Youth Alpha, and Blaze.
~Being able to serve cap, ignite, youth alpha, Teeside's christian union, MCC at Acklam
~American prayer time with Shaina Ryan and Kimberly Garth.
The list could go on and on. . .
What I've learned (so far):
~ "To be a disciple you have to be disciplined." - Nigel Bradley
~The meaning of the words: surrender, humility, worship, servanthood, and trust
~boldness in my faith
~discernment as to where the Spirit is moving
~meaning of passionate worship as a lifestyle
~a new found appreciation and realization of the beauty of creation
Difficult still to realize i'm nearing the end of my time here, but I'm certain I will return. God's got big plans for Middlesbrough, can't wait to see more of what He's going to continue to do!!! Also, I've yet to process a lot of what God has spoken over me, and how I have changed. This is definately to be continued...
"Missions is less about the transportation of God from one place to another and more about the identification of a God who is already there." Rob Bell, Velvet Elvis
Monday, January 3, 2011
Be Thou My Vision
Well less than two weeks.
I have postponed writing anything because of the emotional state that I am in. I'm in constant trust that God knows what He is doing sending me back after I have found a church family, and a new home in a place that my heart is still so burdened for.
So before I collect my thoughts this week to begin to tell you how my life has changed, I just wanted to tell you all two things God has spoken over me these last few weeks.
First, I have just finished reading Vintage Jesus, by Marc Driscoll. If you haven't read or listened to him, please do. He speaks truth unapologetically.
When I read this in Vintage Jesus, God really spoke to my heart about my immediate and extended family and I hope this is encouraging to those that read this:
"Jesus came to reveal to us this tri-perspectival understanding of who he is and what he has done. As prophet, Jesus confronts us and calls us to repentence of sin. As priest, Jesus comforts us and comes to save us from sin and enable new life. As King, Jesus commands us to relinquish authority of our life so that every facet of our life is under constant sanctifying transformation."
"ONLY when God is glorified will we be truly satisfied. Through the worship of Jesus Christ ALONE there is joy, freedom, holiness, and life. Only by worshipping God our creator are we free to enjoy creation by rightly eating, drinking, sleeping, playing, working, laughing, loving, weeping, marrying, parenting, living, and dying to the glory of God."
Second, in church at MCC Acklam on Sunday we sang a song: Be Thou My Vision. It was my pledge to Jesus for 2011: be thou my vision, oh Lord of my heart, naught be all else to me, save that thou art. Thou my best thought by day or by night. Waking or sleeping, thy treasure my light. I trust in you, my sovereign King, that wherever and whatever you have me going and doing to tell others about the life You bring - I am willing and ready to move and be your light. I never want to be comfortable and complacent, but constantly aware of your Spirit's movement in this world. You are my greatest desire, and I give 2011 to you - make it what You want oh ruler of all.
Amen.
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