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Why England?

This post talks about some of the reasons why we have a heart for England. Take a look before you continue on to the rest of the blog.   ...

Friday, December 29, 2017

Thursday, December 28, 2017

End of the Year


                   We hope you have had a blessed Christmas season 
                              with your family and friends.



  It was a busy but enjoyable month, we wanted to make sure that we had the time to spend with all of our family members and friends.  There have been some big changes taking place, we are excited to see God move through these new and exciting components of life. 

In November we discovered that after an ectopic pregnancy, 6 months of my body adjusting back to normal, and 16 months of praying God is blessing us with a child. This has been such a huge prayer in our life. We want to thank everybody who joined us in praying for this child. We ask that you join us in praising God as he faithfully brought us this child. Please continue to pray that the pregnancy and delivery goes well and that our child is born healthy and ready to move overseas :)


Looking at missions through the eyes of 'soon-to-be-parents' we know that this will affect our ministry. We are excited as it will open doors with young families in England who have little ones of their own. Our child will help us connect with people that might have put up higher barriers, and example is we will be able to adapt easily into their Mom & Tots group which reaches out to young stay at home moms in the community. We are now able to understand and sympathize with young adults at every stage; we know what it is like to loose a child; we know what it is like to long for a child; and now we are learning what it is like to have a child. God is helping us to be everything for all people. We are excited to serve in ministry as a family of 3.



We know that this gift will also bring new challenges as well.  Our budget and timeline have both been affected (not that we in anyway are upset). We were at 50% and ready to sign up for pre-field training, however now as a family of 3 our budget jumps $750.00 a month (It is expensive to have insurance for a family vs. couple) so we are now at 44.75%. This also changes our timeline, while we were hoping to leave this spring - after a mission conference and pre-filed training we will now be in our third trimester.  So instead the plan is to stay until the baby is born and leave the following month (Around August).  While it is hard to put off leaving when our hearts so long to be there, we know and have learned, God knows best and His plan and timing is perfect.

As we prepare to leave we do not sit in vain. Eric is still taking classes to be better prepared for the field, we are still reaching out to people, churches, and Bible studies to share the need in England, and we are still reaching out to the youth we know in the area and building on the foundations we have started.

Thank you for joining us during this time of joy and blessing as we continue to seek God's plan.


We hope you have a Happy New Year and that God blesses this coming year for you and your family. 






Wednesday, November 29, 2017

Discouragement isnt meant for those with Hope

It is easy to get discouraged, they say this time of year specifically leaves people discouraged, saf, and with out hope.
Which is so devious of the enemy, because this is the time of year we are meant to be greatful and remeber when true hope came to mankind.

There is a Chris Tomlin song that says Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord. I believe it does but it comes out of the battlefield of discouragement, fear, and waiting. Then we learn the hope that holds true and of the strength in the Lord.

This morning I was struggling in the land of discouragement.  I was fearful that our burden and desire to serve in England would never come to fruition.  Looking at it logically, the world would say give up. But faith says to trust - that is where the strength arises to believe in what logic says is to much.
Eric passed on an article to me this morning. It opened my eyes and reminded me why it is so important not to give up, why the ministry in England is so needed - even if the majority of churches in America don't see it as an adequate mission field.

This article (linked below) shares about the young adults in Somerset who are living in despair and discouragement.  It quotes young people who are really saying they have no hope. They don't know the God of life, strength doesn't come to them in their troubled times. When they cry out they don't know who will listen.

This article reminded me of what God wants to do there. Showed me again the need and emptiness that the young adults who are feeling "forgotten" are left in.
We can't let them feel frogotten, we can't leave them in their hopeless state. Not when we know God loves them and knows each by name and has a plan for each of them a purpose they do not understand but know is missing.

Please join me in praying for these young adults, these forgotten and looked over youth. Please join in praying that hearts are burdened and churches aligned so that we may leave for the field and start showing this lost generation the way to a God who will dramatically change their lives by filling it with purpose and hope.

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2017/nov/28/it-feels-a-little-forgotten-west-somerset-bears-brunt-of-social-mobility-challenge?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_WhatsApp

Thursday, November 23, 2017

Happy Thanksgiving


We want to say Happy Thanksgiving to our family, friends, and partners. 

      There is so much this month that we have to give thanks for. We are so blessed by our family and partners who support us in so many ways as we continue on this journey.  We had an amazing fundraiser, even with the ice storm that happened that night. It was so exciting to see so many friends and are thankful for the people who were able to make it. 
We were so blessed to raise $4,180.00 that night towards our launch funds.  Then a week later we got a call and there is a generous individual who hear about our fundraiser and our ministry and wanted to add $1,500.00 to our total. That is $5,680.00 towards our launch fund - we have 50% of our launch fund raised!!!!!  

    We are also thankful for the time we have had together this past week as we took a little break (staycation) to relax from the crazy running and planning of the previous month. 

We hope you and your family find time to relax and enjoy the day today as you celebrate all the reasons we have to be thankful. 


Friday, October 27, 2017

Conferences


I wanted to give everybody a summary of the amazing conferences we were able to attend this month. It was hard being gone for half the month and learning to live out of suitcases and on the road, but it was sooo worth it.  We were challenged, encouraged, blessed, prayed over, spoken over, and made some amazing friends. 

Our first stop was Minnesota, we stayed in Duluth and joined New Life Church for their conference. They are so welcoming and encouraging and so strong in prayer and speaking over others lives. It was such an encouragement to see the intimacy that they put into their conference and the relationship they build with each of their missionary partners. We met so many wonderful people and look forward to seeing them again next year. Here are two pictures from their church. 







After that conference we had a short break before we drove to Northern Wisconsin to join Pastor Kelton again at Shell Lake Full Gospel conference.  It is always so humbling to see the number of missionaries gathered together in one place. Many of them have been in the field for 30+ years - which is wonderful for us, who are just starting out, to see their faithfulness. 
This was an amazing trip, packed full of learning and time of fellowship. This is our second year attending as a couple (my third) and each time we are lifted up and prepared to continue on the path God has placed us. We had the blessing of getting to know people that I know will lead to life time friendships. While there we also took a trip to a Christian school in Hayward where we got to share what it means to be a missionary. 

School in Hayward



The theme at Shell Lake was STEADFAST.  

Here we are in the church

Here is Pastor Kelton sharing his ministry in England and Europe



Ladies tea is always such an amazing time with other sisters in Christ.
This event was one of the inspirations I used to start the women's luncheons with the Titus 2 Ministries.



We love you guys! THANK YOU for taking this journey with us as we wait on God and his perfect timing.
 

Quick Notice


Hi everyone. Just a quick notice...

As you know Pastor Kelton, who we will be working with in England, has been here in the states this past month. We have been blessed to attend some conferences with him this month and he will be staying with us Saturday night.

Sunday morning (10/20) he will be at our church sharing a bit about himself and England and we will be sharing a bit about the young adults.

If anyone wants to come and meet him please feel free to join us
New Freedom Church
1255 Russett Ct
Green Bay 54313
Church service is at 9am.

Friday, October 20, 2017

Storms in Burnham on Sea

Read about the Hurricane that will hit the town we are going to (Burnham on Sea)

Article here

Tuesday, October 17, 2017

News


Here is an article about the hurricane that's happening in the UK. 

Sunday, October 15, 2017

On the road again.

Shell Lake and Hayward.

We were a little worried if we were going to make it to the conference in Shell Lake this year. We had some trouble with our car and didn't know how we were going to fix it. But God knew.
He blessed us with the funds from a church in Texas thay has been praying for our ministry for the last year.

The pastor's wife called us up Sat morning (we found out our car was in trouble Fri night). She shared that God wanted us to know that He will provide for our needs, He will take care of us, and we are on the right track. She then shared that the church was going to bless us by paying for our repairs. What a blessing and answer to prayer.

Thank God! He truly is our provider. He also had two shops open to Saturday for us to stop at. When we went to go get two new tires we were quoted $80 a piece. We started talking with the man working there and learned he just started going to church. When he learned about us going to do missions he gave us both tires and installation for only $70. Another blessing by God.

I just stand in awe at how God moves. He cares for us and knows our needs. He provides in amazing ways.

We are now at Shell Lake. It was an amazing night of connecting with others and learning from others who have been in the ministry longer than, we'll longer than we've been alive. Tomorrow morning we head to Hayward at 7:10 to share at school and then back to Shell Lake for 10:30 and we stay for the conference till Thursday.

I will keep everyone posted and try to take some pictures.

Love-

Saturday, October 7, 2017

Where are we now?

Good morning.

Yesterday Eric and I started on our small journey to join Pastor Kelton in Minnesota.  We are so blessed to be attending New Life's 13th annual missions conference.

What an amazing service last night. We were so excited to meet the other missionaries and we were blessed when Pastor Kelton shared some of his presentation time with us so we could share about the ministry we want to do with him.

After service we were invited up with the other missionaries and prayed and spoken over. Such amazing words of wisdom and truth were given to us about our selves and the ministry.

Looking forward to the next two days!

Monday, October 2, 2017

Letting go...


Our orchid has made it through every move





   
The month of September was spent moving totes, of things deemed too valuable or sentimental to sell, between my parents and Eric's parents. There they will sit for the next 3+ years as we are serving in England.

     The last week of September found us moving the boxes of things we currently need, items that we may ship overseas with us, and our bedroom furniture to Eric's parents. We are officially moved in to his parents basement.

We were so blessed by so many people through out this whole transition. We want to say thank you to our friends and family who helped not only on our moving day but through out the month - packing the number of totes (a little more than 50), car trips taken, and furniture hauled.  We are also blessed by the generosity of Eric's parents to let us stay with them for the next few months.

We are so encouraged by our support team, we couldn't do it with out you!

Through out this whole transition I have been pondering on the difference of a "here and now" view and "eternal" view. This time has been especially difficult for me, as a woman I desire to take care and provide a home for my family. As someone who has been independent and self reliant for the last 8 years it is hard to rely on other people for my basic needs. My personality is one where I like to do well, to have things ordered and in their place, to have things make sense...  being in a position that the world would consider as 'losing' it is hard to remember our lives are held to a different standard.

If we aren't careful the world's view slips into our thought process and takes our eyes off of God's plan. It can be easy to look at things with the "here and now" view, the desire to have a good life now. It is easy to forget that our purpose isn't to have a good life now, but to follow God's plan and bring him glory.  Does that mean that everyone has to sell everything and go overseas? No of course not. It also doesn't mean that I have it figured out and don't struggle with the desire to have what the world calls a good life.

It just means that when we set things aside to follow God we have to remember to look at it from an eternal perspective so we don't get discouraged in what we are 'letting go'.  This past month my focus has been on what is being let go - when God wants our focus to be on what He is preparing us for.
When that is our focus it isn't so hard to have Joy in the midst of change, because our God works things out for our good and knows how to give good things to his children - whether those are things the world consider good or not.






Friday, September 15, 2017

News article about the most recent attack in London.
Please pray for peace and that as people face this unrest they will open their hearts to hearing the truth.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/09/15/explosion-tube-train-parsons-green-reports-injuries-district1/?WT.mc_id=tmg_share_fb#

Friday, September 8, 2017

Day 7 - Unity

Day 7 - Unity 

- Unity for us; 
In our marriage, in our prayers, and with our partners,

- Unity for England; 
The relationship between churches in the community
The relationship between the young and old generation within the church


____________________________________________________________

I am sorry that this one is a day late. Yesterday ended our seven days of fasting and praying for England and our journey there. We have been so blessed by this time and all the partners who have joined with us. It was really special to end the fast at Bible study, united with a group of young believers seeking God and living life together.  

We read Acts 2 which includes the example of how the church started. As we read about the fellowship that took place and the unity that happened in the Bible and we are encouraged for what God can do today through us and the church. 

Thank you for joining with us. 

God Bless - 

Wednesday, September 6, 2017

Day 6 - Warfare


Day 6 - Warfare

- Warfare for us;
Against attacks and discouragement
Against the enemy's plans to stop us or dismay us

- Warfare for England;
That chains and strongholds that are in place would fall.


_____________________________________________


Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.


Eph 6:11-13


Today I experienced an attack. I was expecting it all day.

In the morning as I was packing a tote in the living room a spider spun down from the ceiling right in front of me. I screamed. I felt scared and thrown... but it wasn't the attack.

In the afternoon I was pricing stuff for our moving sale. In the corner of the garage I moved a snowman and found a dead bird. I sreamed. I jumped. I ran away.... but it wasn't the attack.


I kept waiting for the big scary attack that would teach me what warfare was and how to fight it, to pray about it and so I could share with you guys.


Then I settled down for a little rest on the couch and I saw the empty spot where our chair sat, the one we just sold yesterday. Then a little thought came to me. It was quiet and simple and based on a fact.

-we are losing a lot of money by selling our stuff, stuff we could keep if we weren't doing missions-

Then that fact became "life would be better if you did what you planned" the idea wed have our good jobs, our good stuff, a happy family, and no crazy packing... if we did our plan.




There was the attack. In a quiet thought that started as fact but was changing into questioning God's plan.

That is what Satan does, he tries to make you wonder if God really knows best and if God really has best in store for you.




This is where the battle lies. Not in the spiders or dead birds, not in the action but in the quiet first moment of the thought. This is where we need to fight, at the start.




I could of let that thought grow and spent my day wallowing in self-pity believing that my plan would have been better than Gods. But by fighting we are able to stand up and say I know who my God is and what his word says. Those are the keys to winning the battle.

Tuesday, September 5, 2017

Day 5 - Impact

Day 5 - Impact 

- Impact for us;
 God would move in large ways, that we can't imagine asking for

- Impact for England;
 God would prepare their hearts so that when they hear of Him they will understand the great might of God and go out and impact their community. 

___________________________________________________________

Thank you for joining us so far on this journey. It has been so amazing to see what God has done since the beginning.  He has moved in ways and brought about events that I couldn't have dreamed of. As we pray today I feel that same excitement I had before Christmas as a little girl. A wonder at what will be next and a realization that what is to come is so much bigger than I am - that I can't even dream it up. 


Monday, September 4, 2017

Day four - Connections



Day four - Connections

- Connections for us;
While here we will continue to meet new people and churches to grow our partner team.
While here and there to have connections with people who will encourage and teach us in ministry.

- Connections for England;
That when we arrive we will be able to connect with the young adults there.
We will connect with the churches in the area, and they would work in unity.

_____________________________________________
Acts 2:42-47 (NIV)

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Today as I pray about connections I find myself at home alone. Eric is at work and then has a guys night.  I am packing, and as I put away the trinkets and pictures that have made up a part of our life these last three years I can't help but think of what these next three years will bring.  I can't help but stop to pray that God creates the same fellowship and friendship there that we have been blessed by here. 

Sunday, September 3, 2017

Day three - Truth

Day three - Truth

- Truth for us; 
That we would cling to God's truth and his word over us and his ministry
That we would not let the enemy's lies distract us from what God has called us to

- Truth for England; 
That the Truth would burst through bonds of anxiety and depression in the young adults in the area

_____________________________________________

I am so sorry this is out so late, knowing most of you won't get it till tomorrow.  

Today was truth and like the past two days God revealed to me the truth of who He is. 

In the Bible Jesus says "I am the way the truth and the life" 

During worship He reminded me that he is also faithful, that He will always be because He can't deny himself.. it is who He is not just what He is. He is faithful to complete what He has started, to see us though to the end, to provide all ww need, to do what we can't even begin to imagine. 

Good night :) 

Saturday, September 2, 2017

Day two - Safe Place



Day two - Safe Place

- A safe place for us;

Peace of mind, grace and faith (tensions and stress is high)

- A safe place for England;
That God will provide a home once we are there where we can make a safe place for the young adults in the area.

______________________________________________________________

Isaiah 32:14-20
"The fortress will be abandoned, the noisy city deserted; citadel and watchtower will become a wasteland forever, the delight of donkeys, a pasture for flocks, till the Spirit is poured on us from on high, and the desert becomes a fertile field, and the fertile field seems like a forest.
The Lord’s justice will dwell in the desert, his righteousness live in the fertile field.

The fruit of that righteousness will be peace; its effect will be quietness and confidence forever.

My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest.
Though hail flattens the forest, and the city is leveled completely, how blessed you will be,
sowing your seed by every stream, and letting your cattle and donkeys range free."

It is interesting that today we are praying over a house to hold ministry in while in England. I say it is interesting because today we sold our first large piece of furniture.. Now we have a card table instead of a kitchen table.  As we see this home we built here being dismembered piece by piece, whether to a tote or through a sale, we are trusting that God is preparing a new home for us. We are praying that it is one where we can grow as a family and use to minister to the young adults in the area. Like it talks about in Isaiah, God was talking about providing a home of peace and rest for his people. We pray that God creates a home that is full of peace and rest in a culture and time that is fast, careless, and harsh.   

Thank you for joining us in prayer and fasting this week. Please know if you want to share a comment, a verse, a prayer, or a word of truth - feel free to comment on the blog or send a text/email. If you do send a text or email let me know if I can share it on the blog to encourage others as well. 

God Bless. 

Friday, September 1, 2017

Day One - of prayer and fasting

Day one - Preparation


- preparation for us; 

Eric's schooling, that he would be able to accomplish what needs to be done for the classes.
Pre-field training, we'd have a spot to attend in October.
Preparing us for things we don't even know yet 

- preparation for England; 
Hearts and minds of the young adults in the area for the Word.
Hearts and minds of the people in the churches for young adults. 



____________________________________________________________

Today starts our 7 days or prayer and fasting for us as we prepare to leave for the mission field and for England.  Webster describes preparation as "the action or process of making ready or being made ready for use" 

1 Peter 3:15. Says "but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame."  

Prepared here is the same word used when talking about the virgins who had enough oil and we're prepared when the bridegroom came (in Matt 25:10).   

When I woke up today I didn't know what God was going to teach me about being prepared.  Then the doorbell rang.
You see we are moving at the end of Sept and our land lady wanted to stop by this weekendto look at the place and see if any repairs were needed. I told her I'd be home all Sat and Sun. I was going to be prepared for this. Scrub the floor, dust the shades, make homemade cookies so the house smelt nice... fresh fruit bowl on the table.  I wasn't prepared for it to happen today. I had boxes and bubble wrap and piles of books to sort through.

We were caught unaware even though we knew it was comming. The Bible tells us somthing is comming, tells us that people are going to ask questions and that we are going to have to give answers. We are told through both the verses above that we are to be prepared, to make our selves ready, for the things we know are coming and for the things we can't know all the details about.  What can you do today to be prepared for that?

During this season we are taking many steps so that we are prepared when it's time to leave - even if we don't have a departure date yet.  What is God asking you to be prepared for? Are you living life prepared for when God asks you to do something?


Join us in Prayer



For those of you who receive the newsletter by email you will have seen this. If you get it through mail it will be coming to you soon.



7 days of prayer and fast for the ministry.

September 1st starts the seven days we have set aside to pray and fast for the ministry. Each day has a specific topic to pray about and a focus for us while we are preparing and for the people in England. We want to invite our partners to join us in prayer and fasting over this week period. Each day we will post a little something on the blog about that days topic. Please feel free to post prayers, verses, or words of wisdom in the comments on that days blog.

Note: we don't expect or encourage anyone to go 7 days with out food. If you choose to fast with us do it how you feel called, Whether it is fasting for partial days or from something like TV, or maybe it is a specific type of food (like soda), what ever you choose please be safe about it.


Here is an outline of the seven days.


Day one - Preparation



- preparation for us; 

Eric's schooling, that he would be able to accomplish what needs to be done for the classes.
Pre-field training, we'd have a spot to attend in October.
Preparing us for things we don't even know yet 

- preparation for England; 
Hearts and minds of the young adults in the area for the Word.
Hearts and minds of the people in the churches for young adults.

Day two - Safe Place

- A safe place for us; 
Peace of mind, grace and faith (tensions and stress is high)

- A safe place for Engalnd; 
That God will provide a home once we are there where we can make a safe place for the young adults in the area.

Day three - Truth

- Truth for us; 
That we would cling to God's truth and his word over us and his ministry
That we would not let the enemy's lies distract us from what God has called us to

- Truth for England; 
That the Truth would burst through bonds of anxiety and depression in the young adults in the area

Day four - Connections

- Connections for us; 
While here we will continue to meet new people and churches to grow our partner team.
While here and there to have connections with people who will encourage and teach us in ministry.

- Connections for England; 
That when we arrive we will be able to connect with the young adults there.
We will connect with the churches in the area, and they would work in unity.

Day 5 - Impact

- Impact for us;
 God would move in large ways, that we can't imagine asking for

- Impact for England;
 God would prepare their hearts so that when they hear of Him they will understand the great might of God and go out and impact their community.

Day 6 - Warfare

- Warfare for us; 
Against attacks and discouragement
Against the enemy's plans to stop us or dismay us

- Warfare for England; 
That chains and strongholds that are in place would fall.

Day 7 - Unity


- Unity for us; 
In our marriage, in our prayers, and with our partners,

- Unity for England; 
The relationship between churches in the community
The relationship between the young and old generation within the church

Wednesday, August 30, 2017

Ready...and ... Action

 We have been so blessed by various people.

This week Eric and I had the opportunity to start shooting for a short introduction video for our ministry.  Our dear friends at Creative Edge Productions offered to donate their time and talents for the ministry.

This is such a gift because it is something we can share in churches, at events, on facebook, and even with the church in England.




It was so fun! I have never been in a studio before or had to use a prompter. It was so neat to see the different cameras and equipment that they used.  It was so amazing to see them put God's gifts in their life to use.  We are so thankful for this blessing. This is an amazing example to show that ministry isn't done alone but instead we all have gifts that support and encourage each other.



There is still some work to do on it, we need to shoot a few more spots - but once it is done I will make sure to post on here. We will be looking for a few people to help us shoot the next shot and hopefully will have some footage from Somerset to add in to the video. Until then enjoy some of these sneak peak photos.






Sunday, August 27, 2017

BOOYAH

This weekend we held a booyah and baked goods fundraiser to support our ministry in Somerset, England.   It is turning out to be an annual event.

We are so blessed by our parents (Brett and Lori), family, and church family who helped prep the Booyah and made yummy treats.

What an amazing day - even in the rain God showed he is our provider as he provided the people and funds to make this event sich a success!





Friday, August 25, 2017

Notebooks, New Pencils, Highlighters and Erasers...




These are a few of my favorite things....


It has been such an amazing summer! Wow - so much has happened in these past few months it is sometimes hard to process it all.


  

We have gotten to spend some time with family and friends. Helped put a deck on my parents house and got to celebrate Eric's 31st birthday. (Don't mind the candles) 


This summer we have also spent a lot of time praying and fasting over something very dear to me and that will impact everything going forward.


As many of you know our plan is to move in to Eric's parents house at the end of September as we prepare to leave for England. This helps us a lot because we won't have to worry about so many bills and can focus on getting ready to leave. It also makes it easier to have everything packed up in totes if we don't need to use it. Or to set things aside to sell in a moving sale. However, this brought up a big question... what about my job? As we prepare to move I will not be able to complete another school year.    


Normally this time of the year I would be getting ready to set up my classroom. I would happily walk the isles in the stores that were filled with pencils and notebooks, and I would get excited over the fresh highlighters and neat folders. I would be preparing to spend hundreds of dollars on students who would become my main focus for the next 10 months. I would be settling in for 9-10 hour days of organizing and preparing lessons, meetings, and IEPs.
                          


This was a concern for us - we won't need the paycheck as much because we will have less bills and we needed the time to finish fundraising and to pack up so we can leave sooner. The prayer became - 'God is it time to step away from Megan's job'. This was hard, honestly it still is, because it has been a part of who I am for so long. After lots of prayers we felt God directing us to take this next step of faith and walk away from my job. So now I am full time fundraising and connecting us with people and churches, along with packing, organizing, and planning everything that has to happen in the next few months.


As we continue to prepare to go serve in Somerset it has come time to leave behind this stage in our life. We are setting aside what we have had to move forward for what God has planned. . These have been hard steps. So many times our identity, whether we realize it or not, is tied to our home or profession, or if we are on the track poeple think we should be on. I've never been in the position before where I've been completely and only dependent on God for everything; every breath, every moment, every future step, not only in the spiritual but as well as in the practical sense.


As we have entered this new transition season I can say it is both equally terrifying and breathtakingly amazing. To have peace while being in emotional unrest at your realization that you are actually unable to control or sustain anything independently apart from Christ. When you remove your independence and your safety nets, when you set aside your pride and lay down the life you thought you wanted - when you die to the dreams and expectations that you and others have put on your life, whether consciously or not. That's when all you are left with, to stay upright every moment, to reach every future goal, to stay sane.... then you are left with faith... and where there is faith and dependence on God there is peace, hope, and joy... there is a way. Praise God that we get to live in faith... even when we have to live it a moment at at time or live it afraid. I know He will come through because He never let's go and there is power in the name of Jesus that we can't even fathom.

Wednesday, August 16, 2017

We love to share

Hi everyone.

Wow hard to believe summer is almost over. What a time it has been. We have been soo blessed to share our heart and God's ministry with so many people and churches.

This month we had the opportunity to share at Green Bay First. It was so great to speak in their kids Sunday school room. We love teaching kids about missionaries and how they can be missionaries in their own schools. They had great questions and we're excited to meet missionaries.  It was kinda surreal realizing the missionaries they were talking about getting to meet were us. I remember being a young girl and being excited to meet and learn from them.

We also got to share at their Spanish service. That was a real treat for me as I often don't get to use my Spanish skills, especially during the summer.
It was a busy morning as we also shared during their regular service then joined a lovely couple out for lunch.

We have been to lots of meetings, various churches, and some awesome advocate meetings (our partners connecting us with their family and friends)

This summer we have gotten to travel all over the Wi area and look forward to continuing to do so. We would love to come share at your church or Bible study if people are interested.  Like the title says... we love sharing!

Monday, July 31, 2017

Its looking real

We are on the mission wall at church

Well you guys things are starting to feel official.  We are on the mission wall, we have received our email about pre-field training, and we are packing. 


  We are so happy to get to see God move this summer and are so blessed by the new individual and church partners. We are almost at 50% (that is doubling what we started the summer with).  

Our goal right now is to make it to pre- field training for October. This means we need to be 50% funded to save our spot and 80% funded to attend. We are trusting God to connect us with partners so that we can attend. 

Please pray that there is a spot open for us and that God brings together everything in his timing. 

In preparation for being in England by the end of 2017 we are starting to pack up our house. We will be moving in with Eric's family in October so that we can focus on fundraising full time and not have to worry about bills or work.

This is a big step of faith for us and one that is not always easy.  That is why we are so thankful for our partners. We can't express the encouragement and uplifting that happens when we talk with one of our parnters. Whether it is a small text, an email, a facebook comment, or a comment on our blog... we cherish each one. 

We  know we are not called to do this alone and when it get tough or long, when everything is changing and busy your encouragements and prayers keep us going.  It reminds us that this is a shared ministry, that we are part of a body, and that God hasn't forgotten us either.  

So thank you and please keep them coming  -  we love hearing from you guys! 


Monday, July 17, 2017

London news... what's going on overseas.

 Here is an article I found regarding the latest news from 'across the pond'.
There has been an increase in acid attacKS across the city. This is where young boys (this article talks about a 15 year old) are throwing acid on food delivery drivers (bike/moped) or anyone on a bike/moped.

Please pray for the safety and healing of the victims.

http://www.euronews.com/2017/07/16/londradaki-asitli-saldirilar-hukumetin-gundeminde?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_campaign=Echobox&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook#link_time=1500195039

Thursday, July 13, 2017

Wednesday night service

What a blessing it was to meet and fellowship with the people at Mill City church. We were so excited to be able to share with them our heart for the people IN England.  We love when we have the opportunity to show people the need that is in England.  It was so neat to be "interviewed" by pastor Steve after worship.


Tuesday, July 11, 2017

Speaking, meeting, and having fun!!


This summer has been busy and we have been enjoying sharing our heart and passion with others. 

We started the month with the opportunity to share at Living Water church, in St Nazianz. It was so great to meet, fellowship, and worship with them. This was our first time sharing at a church where Eric also preached the message.

 This was a really exciting and nervous time for him. He shared about the Pharisees and the Sadducees and how we can sometimes find ourselves replicating their qualities when we are reaching out to non-believers. He finished by sharing how we are told they will know we are Christians by our love - and how we are called to love others and let God work on their hearts to change their minds and attitudes.   

This week we will be sharing at two different churches. We will be speaking at Mill City church in Nenaah for their Wednesday night service. Then we will get to visit with my family for a bit in Milwaukee before returning here to share at Woodland Worship Center on Sunday.  I will up load any pictures that I can from these two visits in the next posts (promise) 

Please join us in prayer that as these opportunities arise God will open doors, not only for church partnership but individual partnership as well.  We consider ourselves blessed by the partners we have in this ministry and are always anticipating who God will bring alongside next.  

Have a good week : ) 


Saturday, June 24, 2017

What do numbers mean

Lets talk about church...

     Growing up my family generally gravitated towards the smaller churches, it is what I became comfortable in. Don't get me wrong, I am not saying large churches aren't effective/alive/ or any other stereotypical comment out there. This isn't a post about how precious community is in a small church and how every one is so real when there is less than 50 people. In fact I have seen many large churches alive with the power of God doing great things and many small churches divided by hypocrisy and small group schedules. Instead I am stating I got comfortable in small churches because my parents attending them as I grew up. A church can be a healthy church at 20 people and at 2,000 people.. it becomes our personal responsibility to create community and culture in our church home.

    So what happens when you have a place where people don't know healthy community and don't understand the culture the Bible sets as example for the church... When the few are outnumbered by the many, and when the many don't understand God. The result is a lot of un-healthy or dying churches.  The end is congregations struggling to stay afloat, not even able to comprehend growing even though they have the desire.

   We talked with the UK director of GEM while back about how preparing was going and how we we praying for England. We shared that sometimes our biggest struggle is to get people to see the need in England. This led us to talking about churches. You see like us, and England is like us in many ways, it has both big and small churches.. well it did.

    Except that in England
  church attendance has dropped by 37% in the last 20 years 
leaving the 
average size of a church to be 28 people.
of the 40,000 churches in all of the UK, 
80% are dying... 
this means they 
haven't seen growth in the last 5 years.... 

Think of your church, whether big or small...  when was the last time you saw a new family? I know at my church it happens almost weekly..... So why not there?

    We talk about the fact that
6% of people in England attend church.
well the reality is if you took foreigners out of that it would be 
more accurate to say that around
  1.5% of English people attend church.  
When we were talking with the GEM director we still felt that was a high number for the few number of people who attend church in the area we are going to. He said it was. 
In fact, in the area we are going to it is probably more like
  .4% attend church
...... (don't miss the . before the 4)  

Think of your church.. now erase everyone but .4% of people...  that would be crazy to think about. I constantly run into Christians when I am around town, people I know from my church or other churches I have connections too. I couldn't imagine not having that fellowship we are blessed by..  So why don't they have it? 



 These facts we found out are numbers, numbers that we hope stop you, that maybe break your heart a little. Numbers, that we could easily just read as percentages I want to challenge you to see the people they represent.  Then take that heart, that thought, that understanding and I challenge you to pray.  Pray for the churches and the people in England. Then share the need that is there. Share with your family, colleagues, friends, Bible study, about the need and the ministry that we are trying to start to reach the other 99.6 percent in the area. Then love and support. Love the church family God has given you here, support the body and the people in your whelm of influence. Be grateful for the blessing you have because there are Christians all around the world, yes even in places that look like here, that don't have the support base you have, that you may have been taking for granted.

Tuesday, June 20, 2017

Only a week???


It is summer... that means a lot in the Mayer household....  mainly that Megan is home all day now, Eric doesn't have to cook as many dinners :) and they both tend to stay up later..  It also means we are fundraising full time! Well Megan is, Eric still is working part time and completing his second class at GU. 

We have prayed and fasted for this summer and are seeking after God to see a mighty move in our ministry preparation.  So much has already happened and it has only been a week!  

Let me tell you we started off Summer break with my wedding ring breaking (that was a week ago) and they told me it would take 3 weeks to fix. I turned to Eric yesterday and asked if we could go pick it up.. that's how busy and fast this past week has been... felt like 3! But all in a very good, blessed way. 

We started our summer traveling up to Norway, MI. We were invited to share at New Covenant Church through one of our partners. Norway, for those of you who don't know, is where Eric's grandparents live and his mom grew up. 
We shared at their first service, which met in a cabin in the middle of this little wooded area. It was so neat to worship God in the midst of his creation. It was such a wonderful time of worship and then we were blessed to share again at their second service, in town.   It was such a blessing to meet the wonderful people up North there, we were so encouraged by their passion for missions and desire to see a change happen in England. Eric's parents came with us and took some pictures of us sharing during both services. 


After that we were blessed to return up there the following week to visit with Eric's grandpa and meet with some people to discuss partnership. While up there we were able to introduce ourselves to three more churches. God has really been moving in such an amazing way by connecting us with a number of churches.

  Then on Wednesday we went down to Milwaukee to meet with a newer church in the area that is reaching out to the 'un - churched' in their area. We met with one of their leaders as they are starting to look at the possibility of partnering with different missionaries.  We were amazed by their ministry and how they are reaching out to their neighbors who haven't grown up in church or know all the ins and outs of it but are looking for something meaningful. It was great because we saw what we wanted to create in England. A church where you could come meet God, even if you didn't know 'how to do' church.

  By the weekend we were exhausted but we had one more trip to make. We were headed back to Milwaukee to see my Dad for Father's day and to take Eric to his first professional baseball game.  He loved it!!!!!!  Even though they lost :( it was the first ever faith night at the stadium and we got to enjoy a Mercy Me concert after the game with my family before driving up to spend some time with Eric's dad. It was a great, but tiring, end to the week.








Wednesday, May 31, 2017

Teaching our heart


 

      We were so blessed by the opportunity to share not only our mission but our heart with the students of Providence Academy.  We went to talk about the youth in England who didn't really have a place in the church, about the people who don't know about God's love, and the discipleship ministry we want to start. 
                                                        

         It was really neat to watch Eric teach about the percentage of people who attend church in the UK vs the students in the school. He had all the kids stand up who attended church.. it was neat to see the whole assembly stand. Then after having them all sit down he shared that around only 6% of people attend church in England. At this point he had only 6 kids stand. To see the shock and sadness on the faces of these kids (aged 6 -11 year old) was something I will never forget. They were astonished that so few people went to church and were concerned about how the others would learn about God. My heart was so blessed to see their hearts hurting for what breaks God's heart.  

We were able to also about missions in general and to challenge them to be missionaries in their own community, with their friends and family.  It was great to have the kids ask questions about England and our ministry. It was even better to hear the stories they shared about loving their friends and how their families shared about God.   

It was one of my favorite experiences !