This year Christmas is different.
We celebrated with our families when we visited the states in October and now our little family of three will celebrate here in the UK.
The days of celebration and traditions weve grown accustomed to are now replaced with new days and different customs. While we hold on to those deep rooted family traditions that shaped our childhood we cant refuse these new ones that have shaped our community.
Our sons will grow understanding a mixture of American and English Christmas while never really being able to identify with one or the other.. a sacrifice of the field.
It's hard when things are different, whether its merging two separate family holidays into a new marriage, learning to build around the loss of a loved one, or moving to a different place where maybe they dont ever have white Christmases.
However there are things that dont change. The love of a family, the excitment of a kid unwrapping a present, the heart and emotion behind the Christmas season.
The meaning of Christmas never changes either. How precious the thought that no matter the location, emotion, struggle or joy the reason we come together stays the same. The gift of Christ, the center of our salvation story came for us.
Just as our beed for him never changes niether does his sacrifice for us.
This Christmas we are preparing for our second son to be born, It affects everything we attend, all the decorations, even how we celebrate... I cant help but think of Mary and Joseph, while they weren't preparing for Christmas they were moving, going for a census, just married... their preperation included a little baby that would change not just their life but their world...
This Christmas in the midst of all the tinsel and traditions are you preparing for the little baby that changed the world? Are you leaving space to welcome him in?
From our family to yours we hope you have a blessed Christmas ♡
The Mayers
Tuesday, December 24, 2019
Sunday, December 15, 2019
Well.. we feel like real Britts now
When you move anywhere new theres a lot of change to get used to. You have a nee normal, a new route to work, a new shop to buy your groceries. Depending on how far it's looking for new local hang outside, learning where the best burgers are sold. When you move overseas everything us new and you have to adjust to a whole new culture of doing things. Through this period of adjustment there are things that happen that either highlight the difference between your new and old home or make you feel like you're finally putting down roots.
Whether its being able to run the the shop on your own for a few items (not to mention food shopping for a week doesnt take 3 hours anymore), giving someone a recommendation of a good restaurant near by (even if it was given to you by someone else), or being stopped and asked for directions (ok might have pointed them in the wrong direction).
Today after church we went to grab a bite of lunch at this amazing pub/restaurant in town. Now you have to pay to park in town if you cant find street parking. But its Sunday and we knew that Sunday is free in the car parks.so instead of trying to find street parking we just went to the car park...
After lunch and a slow (I am 9 mths pregnant here) walk in town we return to our car to see this bright yellow bag...
Guess what.. parking is NOT free in this lot on Sundays. So now we have a parking fine, which you get 50% off if you pay in 14 days... now here's the way this story connects... I never thought about it but getting this ticket makes this place feel even more like home...
Weird, huh?!?
Wednesday, November 20, 2019
Baptism
What an amazing Sunday. Eric was so excited and we were both so blessed to be part of the Baptism service for two young adults here in Highbridge.
It was a wonderful service where the gospel was shared and people rejoiced. Looming forward to continuing this faith journey with these two :)
Friday, November 8, 2019
All in His time
I am a planner... I love lists and calendars and sticky notes... I love to line the steps up and then see things come together.
Most of my lists have time frames and include set goals and expectations...
Are you like me?
This isn't bad, until we apply it to our walk with God, our ministry, our experience and expectations.
Gods time line is never ours, his to do list always outshines mine and very rarely are all my items included on his..
I often wonder when God sees my list what He would mark as not necessary and what he would add at the bottom. Do we leave room for God to add at the bottom, or does he have to write in a tiny corner, like when you have to add onions to your grocery list and it ends up being written sideways across apple's and bananas...
I digress. One thing God has been teaching me is it is all in His timing. I might think things need to be done at a certain time or pace, might feel pressure to have things done at a certain time or pace but it ultimately comes down to His time and His pace...sometimes it's a lot slower than I want, ok often times it is... but sometimes it comes so quick you just hold on, close your eyes and praise him that he doesnt let go.
So what ever your searching, waiting, planning... trust His time ♡
Most of my lists have time frames and include set goals and expectations...
Are you like me?
This isn't bad, until we apply it to our walk with God, our ministry, our experience and expectations.
Gods time line is never ours, his to do list always outshines mine and very rarely are all my items included on his..
I often wonder when God sees my list what He would mark as not necessary and what he would add at the bottom. Do we leave room for God to add at the bottom, or does he have to write in a tiny corner, like when you have to add onions to your grocery list and it ends up being written sideways across apple's and bananas...
I digress. One thing God has been teaching me is it is all in His timing. I might think things need to be done at a certain time or pace, might feel pressure to have things done at a certain time or pace but it ultimately comes down to His time and His pace...sometimes it's a lot slower than I want, ok often times it is... but sometimes it comes so quick you just hold on, close your eyes and praise him that he doesnt let go.
So what ever your searching, waiting, planning... trust His time ♡
Sunday, September 22, 2019
You are invited!
I wanted to update you with our October schedule - We would love to see you during out time in the States.
Date - Location -
Oct 11-13 Missions Conference in Carlton MN.
Oct 16 Mill City Church
Oct 18 Tea Time - Redeemer Evangelical Free, Milw, WI
Oct 20 NEW Freedom Church
Oct 20 Booyah Sale!!! Family Video Howard Green Bay, WI
Oct 21 - 22 Missions Conference in Shell Lake, WI
Oct 24 Bible Study, Green Bay, WI
Oct 26 Tea Time - NEW Freedom Church, Green Bay, WI
Oct 27 Evangelical Covenant Church, Norway, MI
Date - Location -
Oct 11-13 Missions Conference in Carlton MN.
Oct 16 Mill City Church
Oct 18 Tea Time - Redeemer Evangelical Free, Milw, WI
Oct 20 NEW Freedom Church
Oct 20 Booyah Sale!!! Family Video Howard Green Bay, WI
Oct 21 - 22 Missions Conference in Shell Lake, WI
Oct 24 Bible Study, Green Bay, WI
Oct 26 Tea Time - NEW Freedom Church, Green Bay, WI
Oct 27 Evangelical Covenant Church, Norway, MI
MEETING AT THE MEETING PLACE
It's been great getting to see the transformation from where we started to where we are now. With each week the Meeting Place is looking more and more promising.
While the to do list always seems to grow and there are issues we haven't begun to understand we know we can rest in God's peace, that he is in control.
Pray with us as we learn about the health and safety regulations, the policies we have to write, the electric and heating issues, and even the simple how to stock the place.
While the to do list always seems to grow and there are issues we haven't begun to understand we know we can rest in God's peace, that he is in control.
Pray with us as we learn about the health and safety regulations, the policies we have to write, the electric and heating issues, and even the simple how to stock the place.
Tuesday, September 10, 2019
This past month
I am sorry I did not post this praise back in mid August. I got in the habit of posting on our Facebook page and forgot to also add it to hear.
But on August 11th, we had an amazing day! Eric preached at church this morning about our perspective. Then after church we made lunch for 9 young adults. We sat down with them and had a vision session regarding the community center we are opening. It was so great to see God move and hear the vision and passion these people have for the center.
We are meeting with the young adults again this Sunday to continue planning and praying for the Meeting Place. We have 7 people signed up already!
♡ Megan
But on August 11th, we had an amazing day! Eric preached at church this morning about our perspective. Then after church we made lunch for 9 young adults. We sat down with them and had a vision session regarding the community center we are opening. It was so great to see God move and hear the vision and passion these people have for the center.
We are meeting with the young adults again this Sunday to continue planning and praying for the Meeting Place. We have 7 people signed up already!
♡ Megan
Join us for a day of prayer
On October 2, join your brothers and sisters around the globe for a day of prayerfully asking God to multiply His disciples on an unreached continent. Mark your calendars and keep an eye out for more details to come! #GEMdayofprayer #ten2dayofprayer
Prayer Requests
- the opening of the Meeting Place
- we need heating for the building
- we need to put in a fire door
- we need to figure out the electric in the
building
- the starting of the young adult Bible
study
- that young adults step up and get
involved in the Meeting Place
Thank you for joining us in praying for the city of Highbridge, Somerset
♡
Megan
Prayer Requests
- the opening of the Meeting Place
- we need heating for the building
- we need to put in a fire door
- we need to figure out the electric in the
building
- the starting of the young adult Bible
study
- that young adults step up and get
involved in the Meeting Place
Thank you for joining us in praying for the city of Highbridge, Somerset
♡
Megan
Wednesday, August 7, 2019
A visit home
We are coming to a town near you!
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We are so excited by what God is doing, He is calling the youth in England. We have a new building and are preparing to open a youth community center by the end of 2019.
The youth in England struggle with loneliness and a deep prejudice of the church.. Scott, a teenager from Highbrdige was so desperate for connection he carried his friend (who swore he would never step foot in a church) through the doors to attend a youth event. By the end both were playing games, talking with us, and most importantly heard the gospel. The use of a community center will remove a large hurdle from sharing the gospel with the youth. We are excited to be a part of God’s plan and are grateful that you are part of this journey with us.
We will be visiting Wisconsin this October. We have a few conferences to attend and want a chance to share with you, in person, all that God is doing. During our trip we will be working towards our goal of raising $500 in monthly support to make sure we can run the center without issue.
We hope to be able to connect with as many of you as possible. We also need your help sharing what God is doing and inviting others to hear as well.
We have some dates set aside to do some ‘sharing events’. These are opportunities for us to come to you and share what God is doing with a group of your friends, family, a Bible Study, youth group, or Small group. These events last around 1.5-2.5 hours (depends on your group) and are a fun night of fellowship where we share stories of God moving and invite others to join us, in prayer and/or support. It’s really simple for you, pick a date, invite anyone who is interested in youth ministry, missions, England, or just hearing good God stories, put out some drinks and snacks and we will do the rest (we can even help with snacks and send helpful reminders).
The biggest worry is that you may not know anyone who can financially partner… don’t worry about that, let God. We just want to share what He is doing. If you are interested in helping us share, even with 1 other person - please look at the dates below and let us know when works for you through email (Megan.mayer@gemission.org) or Facebook message. But don’t delay cause these dates may go fast.
Hope to see you soon,
Eric, Megan & baby Stephen
Our current event schedule
Come stop by and say hi!
CHURCH SHARING
Wednesday Oct 16 -
Mill City church, Neenah, WI
Sunday Oct 20 -
New Freedom Church, Green Bay, WI
Sunday Oct 27 -
TBD
CONFERENCES
October 11-13
Carlton, MN
October 21-22
Shell Lake, WI
TEA TIME
Come and here what God is doing in the UK
Tea, coffee, desserts, and time of worship and testimony
Small raffle at end of event
Milwaukee Area. Green Bay Area
Friday Oct 18th Saturday Oct 26th 6:30 - 8:00pm. TBD
Redeemer Church. New Freedom Church
_________________________________________
Sharing Dates Available: Morning/Afternoon/Evening
Milwaukee (and surrounding areas)
Thursday Oct 10th. M/A/E
Thursday Oct 17th. M/A/E
Friday Oct 18th. M
Saturday Oct 19th. M
Tuesday Oct 29th. M/A/E
Green Bay (and surrounding areas)
Tuesday Oct 15th. M/A/E
Wednesday Oct 16th. M
Wednesday Oct 23rd. M/A/E
Thursday Oct 24th. M
Friday Oct 25th. M/A/E
Contact Us:
Sunday, June 9, 2019
Bishop Sutton Outreach
What a blessing today was!
Eric went last night to Bishop Sutton where he worked with a team to start setting up for the community 5K event. Him and another youth worker slept the night on the youth bus to start setting up again bright and early this morning. Stephen and I drove the 45 minutes out to the community to meet with him and Pastor Kelton this morning.
What a wonderful event - our purpose was to help the church in Bishop Sutton connect with their community and bring awareness to the youth event we will be holding there in July (when we have a youth group from the USA visiting us). God truly blessed the day! We had beautiful weather, great placement for the tent, and enough balloons to pass out to all the kids. We also had two jesters with us to do tricks and tell stories for the kids.
We were able to hand out more than 100 flyers with weekly activities that are put on by the church and flyers promoting the July event. But the best part was that we got to help the church be present in their community. There were second and third connections made with families that they have seen at other events in the past - and what a blessing to get to pour in multiple times into a family. We were also able to pray for a gentleman which was exciting to see done on the fair ground.
For me; beyond the excitement of the ministry, the fun learning to twirl plates on poles, or even seeing the kids enjoy their balloons, was the encouragement. It was so great to be an encouragement for the church in Bishop Sutton and to see them be uplifted by the event and the connections they were making. We can't wait to see the follow up in July when we get to back to the community and join them in ministry again. - We will have more pictures on the facebook page, later this week.
Thank you for your prayers and support, we couldn't do this with out you. Thank you for being a part of the ministry :)
Wednesday, May 15, 2019
Won't you be my neighbor?
The weather has gotten beautiful and with it the occupants of the small towns are leaving the comforts of their lounges and venturing outside.
During the summer season the population in our area tripled because of tourists visiting the sea front on holiday. But it is also when neighborhoods become more alive as well. People walk about more, they stop to chat instead of rushing out of the cold rain.
The weather has given us a great opportunity to start building relationships with those in our specific neighborhood. We have built a good connection with our next door lady, her college age daughter and her love giggling over Stephen and sharing tips on gardening (a feat we have just undertook).
We also have started talking with a gentleman a few houses down and have been given the opportunity to stop by for tea or coffee any night. Most of our neighbors are fascinated with the fact we have moved across country from America and are curious of the differences.
Just as we plant the small seeds that will grow into large tomatoes plants, hopefully producing a plentiful harvest, we are trusting God that these seeds of relationships will blossom into opportunity to share the gospel and build Christian fellowship.
During the summer season the population in our area tripled because of tourists visiting the sea front on holiday. But it is also when neighborhoods become more alive as well. People walk about more, they stop to chat instead of rushing out of the cold rain.
The weather has given us a great opportunity to start building relationships with those in our specific neighborhood. We have built a good connection with our next door lady, her college age daughter and her love giggling over Stephen and sharing tips on gardening (a feat we have just undertook).
We also have started talking with a gentleman a few houses down and have been given the opportunity to stop by for tea or coffee any night. Most of our neighbors are fascinated with the fact we have moved across country from America and are curious of the differences.
Just as we plant the small seeds that will grow into large tomatoes plants, hopefully producing a plentiful harvest, we are trusting God that these seeds of relationships will blossom into opportunity to share the gospel and build Christian fellowship.
Sunday, April 21, 2019
He is Risen
Happy Easter.
Today Stephen will find his first Easter basket.. full of little gifts from his parents and grandparents (even his adoptive English grandma). It will be a time of fun and joy... but as he grows we want him to lear That there is more to this day than waking up to find a few treats. We want him to know that this is the day that allows us to wake up with joy every morning.
We were part of a small good Friday service where we took part in the Lords supper and remembered his suffering, because today it's his triumph we want to celebrate.
I often forget that when Jesus was hanging on that cross his disciples didn't know Sunday was coming. They were stuck on Friday all weekend. Sunday morning came and they were still living Fridays pain...
But...
Like we shared during the message on Tuesday, Jesus rose! They went to bed completely different on Sunday night as they woke up. They went to sleep with a faith that wouldn't fail them, a hope that wouldn't leave them and a joy that no one would understand.
It's because He has risen that our faith stands the test and prevails. I love the song that goes 'oh death where now is your sting'
It was lost that 3rd day... when my savior rose from the grave...
We hope your family has a Easter filled with love, joy, and faith that are all unshakable because He lives.
Today Stephen will find his first Easter basket.. full of little gifts from his parents and grandparents (even his adoptive English grandma). It will be a time of fun and joy... but as he grows we want him to lear That there is more to this day than waking up to find a few treats. We want him to know that this is the day that allows us to wake up with joy every morning.
We were part of a small good Friday service where we took part in the Lords supper and remembered his suffering, because today it's his triumph we want to celebrate.
I often forget that when Jesus was hanging on that cross his disciples didn't know Sunday was coming. They were stuck on Friday all weekend. Sunday morning came and they were still living Fridays pain...
But...
Like we shared during the message on Tuesday, Jesus rose! They went to bed completely different on Sunday night as they woke up. They went to sleep with a faith that wouldn't fail them, a hope that wouldn't leave them and a joy that no one would understand.
It's because He has risen that our faith stands the test and prevails. I love the song that goes 'oh death where now is your sting'
It was lost that 3rd day... when my savior rose from the grave...
We hope your family has a Easter filled with love, joy, and faith that are all unshakable because He lives.
Wednesday, March 13, 2019
Prayer request
Prayer warriors -
We just got a notice from the US about Eric's sleep machine.
When he got it in June they said they had his connected online so he didn't have to come in for any follow up apts. We also got a letter saying the cost of the machine was covered.
Now we just got a letter and they are saying we either need to return the machine (which is here in the UK) by the 15th of March or pay around $2000.00 for it.
Please pray that we can connect with the company, figure out what is going on and why the miss communication, and possibly save on the price they are quoting- as we can't return the machine because Eric needs it to sleep.
Thank you!
Update:
We were able to work with the medical supply company and they sold us the machine for only 154.00 which is the cost of one monthly payment from the insurance company. Praise the Lord for his favor.
We just got a notice from the US about Eric's sleep machine.
When he got it in June they said they had his connected online so he didn't have to come in for any follow up apts. We also got a letter saying the cost of the machine was covered.
Now we just got a letter and they are saying we either need to return the machine (which is here in the UK) by the 15th of March or pay around $2000.00 for it.
Please pray that we can connect with the company, figure out what is going on and why the miss communication, and possibly save on the price they are quoting- as we can't return the machine because Eric needs it to sleep.
Thank you!
Update:
We were able to work with the medical supply company and they sold us the machine for only 154.00 which is the cost of one monthly payment from the insurance company. Praise the Lord for his favor.
Wednesday, February 27, 2019
Let go and know I am God.
I have talked a lot about the verse in the Bible that says "Be still and Know that I am God".
I read this week about the meaning of the word "Be still" it could more accurately be translated "let go"... what a beautiful though. That we can let go of whatever is troubling us, scaring us, freezing us, and weighing us down... we can let that go and let God...
That's the important part there, we aren't just letting go and not caring about it, by letting go we aren't saying its not important, meaningful, or that it won't influence our lives in some way. We aren't called to just let it go and float around the universe hoping that magically it is taken care of.
We are letting it go and asking God to step in and handle it. We are giving God permission to rule in that situation. We are admitting that He can and will handle it better than we can. We are not opening our hands to an empty void we are releasing our fears, wants, needs, and injustices to the hands of a mighty God who wants to fight for us.
Just recently we were given a beautiful example of what letting go and knowing God looks like.
We have a broken dishwasher and the landlord said that it never worked and the estate agents were supposed to tell us that it was being rented that way and since it wasn't fixable and it was to much to remove, he was leaving it (they can do that here).
I read this week about the meaning of the word "Be still" it could more accurately be translated "let go"... what a beautiful though. That we can let go of whatever is troubling us, scaring us, freezing us, and weighing us down... we can let that go and let God...
That's the important part there, we aren't just letting go and not caring about it, by letting go we aren't saying its not important, meaningful, or that it won't influence our lives in some way. We aren't called to just let it go and float around the universe hoping that magically it is taken care of.
We are letting it go and asking God to step in and handle it. We are giving God permission to rule in that situation. We are admitting that He can and will handle it better than we can. We are not opening our hands to an empty void we are releasing our fears, wants, needs, and injustices to the hands of a mighty God who wants to fight for us.
Just recently we were given a beautiful example of what letting go and knowing God looks like.
We have a broken dishwasher and the landlord said that it never worked and the estate agents were supposed to tell us that it was being rented that way and since it wasn't fixable and it was to much to remove, he was leaving it (they can do that here).
The agents never told us this, but they said we just didn't hear them say it (even though it is not on our lease). It became a he said she said situation. We decided we didn't want to push it, though legally we probably could have taken it to courts. But we stopped, because we didn't want to start our ministry or reputation that way (small towns talk). The ministry and what God wanted to do had to be more important than this.. but it still stunk and was still a hard disappointment.
Instead of staying angry and fighting it, we prayed and gave it to God. We let go of our right to figure out the problem and have a dishwasher, instead we asked God that if this was an injustice to us that He would take care of it.
Out of the blue - a few days later - the real estate agent called us and said they were going to follow up and see if the could convince the landlord to just remove it to give us more space. Something they should never offer and be willing to do. That is currently in the works.
Letting go is scary because we are giving up the right to have the control and have things our way. We are trusting that God is able to and will complete what we so badly want to. I encourage you to find small areas that you can let go of and give God - then watch as he shows you that He is God.
Friday, February 22, 2019
Oh the places we will go
Hello,
So we are off on our first real road trip, this side of the pond. A short 3 hour drive north to Oswestry (Northern Wales).
We are here attending our very first GEM UK Field Retreat. We have gathered together with all the other GEM missionaries who are stationed in the England/Scotland/Ireland for a time of renewal.
This is an annual conference where we get together to share prayer requests, encourage each other, fellowship, get some training, and go back to our ministries recharged from this break.
For us - it's not really a break, since we are just starting, but a time to meet people, get questions answered, ask for advice, and not feel alone.
On our way here we got the chance to stop for a quick lunch..where did we stop, you ask. Well I'll give you a hint... in the states we haven't stepped foot under these golden arches in like a year... but here those burgers, nuggets, and fries tasted just like home.
Here's me and Stephen right outside McDonald's in the beautiful February weather.
So we are off on our first real road trip, this side of the pond. A short 3 hour drive north to Oswestry (Northern Wales).
We are here attending our very first GEM UK Field Retreat. We have gathered together with all the other GEM missionaries who are stationed in the England/Scotland/Ireland for a time of renewal.
This is an annual conference where we get together to share prayer requests, encourage each other, fellowship, get some training, and go back to our ministries recharged from this break.
For us - it's not really a break, since we are just starting, but a time to meet people, get questions answered, ask for advice, and not feel alone.
On our way here we got the chance to stop for a quick lunch..where did we stop, you ask. Well I'll give you a hint... in the states we haven't stepped foot under these golden arches in like a year... but here those burgers, nuggets, and fries tasted just like home.
Here's me and Stephen right outside McDonald's in the beautiful February weather.
Please pray that we find encouraging encounters and gain wisdom from those who have gone before us.
Sunday, February 17, 2019
Exploring the new
This has been a busy week. We got to share a testimony on Tuesday, at community lunch. On Wednesday we set up for mom and tot group which Megan attended on Thursday. We got to spend some family time Friday afternoon exploring Wells Cathedral and today (Sunday) we were blessed by our dear friend coming to share the message at church. After which him, his wife along with pastor Kelton and Sharon all joined together for a meal and fellowship at our house.
It was nice to be able to share our home and welcome friends in. Something that I dearly missed the last year was being able to host for those I care for. I am so thankful that the passion I feel for hospitality is being used right now.
God gives us all passions and talents.. some seasons we don't see them being used as much and we can begin to doubt them or feel their wasted. But never believe your God given passions are useless and your talents wasted. God has a plan and a purpose for all he has put in your... the key is in HIS timing.
God bless
It was nice to be able to share our home and welcome friends in. Something that I dearly missed the last year was being able to host for those I care for. I am so thankful that the passion I feel for hospitality is being used right now.
God gives us all passions and talents.. some seasons we don't see them being used as much and we can begin to doubt them or feel their wasted. But never believe your God given passions are useless and your talents wasted. God has a plan and a purpose for all he has put in your... the key is in HIS timing.
God bless
Saturday, February 9, 2019
A small gray radio and an old blue table
Moving from one house to another is a lot of work.
Moving into a home and starting from scratch is difficult.
Moving to a different culture and starting from scratch can be scary...
Thank God we are blessed with a church family here in the UK who have welcomed us with open arms. Not to mention we have a God that knows us and wants good for us, even in the chaos and scary times he gives us little moments of His love.
As Eric and I have been learning the roads and visiting the surrounding areas one difference we noticed was that our car was silent - there was no music in the background slowly lulling Stephen to sleep. That is because they don't have a Christian radio station on the FM dial. So we drove to the big mall (actually named 'the Mall') a few towns over and found a music store... they don't stick Christian music anymore. We tried pandora online but that doesn't work over here. How discouraging.
We shared this with our pastor here and the next day he stopped by with a small gray DAB radio that could pick up some Christian stations.
The blessing of having praise music flow through the house is unbelievable. What a gift from God - it felt like home.
As we've been furnishing our home we've tried to stick to local shops and mainly charity shops (goodwill). As we have been shopping I've been secretly (only because it feels shelfish) praying for a wow piece. A piece of furniture that makes me say wow, that is beyond typical, that will .Akers me love home when I see it.
Last week we walked into the one charity shop we haven't visited and there it was. A Robin blue wood table with chairs and polka dot cushions.... it was the perfect piece for our conservatory. The wow piece I was looking for. The blessing I was asking God for.
God loves his children, he wants good for us. He let's us know in little ways. While I was trying to feel at home he brought it to me through a small gray radio a d a wooden blue table.
Saturday, February 2, 2019
Reaching the outskirts
As Eric and I prayed and dreamed about the ministry in England we always said we wanted to find a way to give support and education to the outlining countys.
We got to see God use that dream today. Spent an amazing morning with pastors in Bishop-Sutton planning for a USA mission team coming in summer. As well as laying foundation for community events to reach the youth and young families in the area.
So excited for summer to come!
We got to see God use that dream today. Spent an amazing morning with pastors in Bishop-Sutton planning for a USA mission team coming in summer. As well as laying foundation for community events to reach the youth and young families in the area.
So excited for summer to come!
Saturday, January 12, 2019
We Landed!!
Hello Friends -
Thank you for all your prayers as we took off from Chicago last Thursday. We landed Friday morning (30minutes ahead of schedule) after a wonderful flight. There was some turbulence but it was all on the outside. We knew that God had the plane and no amount of shaking that satan would try could stop us from landing in England. Inside the plane things were great, Stephen was amazing.. He played and talked for a bit but then slept a majority of the flight. We were praying that put him on his normal schedule... He seems to be doing ok - he is up during the day, naps at his typical nap times (uk conversion applied) but bed time seems to be tough. Please pray he smooths his bed time transition and that we learn how to best support him. He is struggling with staying asleep the whole night, something we haven’t dealt with since he was 6 weeks old...
Once we landed we were able to claim all our bags, while two were damaged (one beyond repair), all of them made the trip and landed with us :) Please pray for our shipping, there is a missing customs number and they won’t ship our pallet till we figure it out, delaying it from reaching us by weeks.
We are so blessed to have the help and direction of Pastor Kelton while in town. We feel very put together, directed, and although tired, excited as we start to build our life here. A big thank you to all our partners who made this possible.
We have our house sorted and we sign papers to rent on Friday, we have an appointment to open our bank account on Monday, we get to sneak a peak and take measurements of our home on Monday and we will be purchasing our car that day as well... Monday will be busy but grand! After that it will be purchasing the furniture and putting our home together as a a safe havens for us and the young adults we get the privledge of serving.
We are looking forward to tomorrow , our first sunday with our new church family as we focus on building relationships and starting to reach out to get to know the young adults that Kelton has connections with.
Well jet lag or not, I need to try and sleep for tomorrow. Goodnight, and God Bless :)
Thank you for all your prayers as we took off from Chicago last Thursday. We landed Friday morning (30minutes ahead of schedule) after a wonderful flight. There was some turbulence but it was all on the outside. We knew that God had the plane and no amount of shaking that satan would try could stop us from landing in England. Inside the plane things were great, Stephen was amazing.. He played and talked for a bit but then slept a majority of the flight. We were praying that put him on his normal schedule... He seems to be doing ok - he is up during the day, naps at his typical nap times (uk conversion applied) but bed time seems to be tough. Please pray he smooths his bed time transition and that we learn how to best support him. He is struggling with staying asleep the whole night, something we haven’t dealt with since he was 6 weeks old...
Once we landed we were able to claim all our bags, while two were damaged (one beyond repair), all of them made the trip and landed with us :) Please pray for our shipping, there is a missing customs number and they won’t ship our pallet till we figure it out, delaying it from reaching us by weeks.
We are so blessed to have the help and direction of Pastor Kelton while in town. We feel very put together, directed, and although tired, excited as we start to build our life here. A big thank you to all our partners who made this possible.
We have our house sorted and we sign papers to rent on Friday, we have an appointment to open our bank account on Monday, we get to sneak a peak and take measurements of our home on Monday and we will be purchasing our car that day as well... Monday will be busy but grand! After that it will be purchasing the furniture and putting our home together as a a safe havens for us and the young adults we get the privledge of serving.
We are looking forward to tomorrow , our first sunday with our new church family as we focus on building relationships and starting to reach out to get to know the young adults that Kelton has connections with.
Well jet lag or not, I need to try and sleep for tomorrow. Goodnight, and God Bless :)
Wednesday, January 9, 2019
It's a good thing when saying good-bye is hard
So this is it... this is the end. And the beginning.
I've waited years to write this post, I've dreamt of what I would say, of how excited I'd be... greatful the day came. And I am. But I am not as well.
During our training in N Carolina we talked about saying good bye well and mourning what we are sacrificing so that we can fully embrace what God has next. I'm so glad we were warned - because when it's far off and your planning and you just want it so bad, it's easy to over look what you are leaving behind.
I recently read an article that talked about our skewed view of God's plan for us. How we think he wants us to just be happy and comfortable. That he wouldn't call us to something that would cost us.
But he does. Sometimes it's a big cost, like leaving all you love and sometimes it's a small cost, like not watching a movie you want because of the content. But there's a cost when it comes to following God.. and why shouldn't there be. Let us never forget the cost that was paid for us.
It is hard to say good-bye and how blessed we are that we have something that makes it so hard to leave. And how blessed we are that there is a reason so wonderful that it is worth leaving for.
We can't wait. As a little 9 year old girl I prayed God would use me and through out my life he has put me at the beginning of adventures that he has used to show me his glory. I can't wait to stand amazed.
As we prepare to leave tomorrow our little family wants to thank yours for your love, prayers, support, grace, and being a part of what makes leaving hard.
This is it! As much as I have cried I have also jumped up with joy. God has been faithful and has kept his promise. He has walked with us each way, guided us through each lesson, and stood with us in each trial. We know we don't go alone, but we go proclaiming the name of him who paid it all.
Let's go!
I've waited years to write this post, I've dreamt of what I would say, of how excited I'd be... greatful the day came. And I am. But I am not as well.
During our training in N Carolina we talked about saying good bye well and mourning what we are sacrificing so that we can fully embrace what God has next. I'm so glad we were warned - because when it's far off and your planning and you just want it so bad, it's easy to over look what you are leaving behind.
I recently read an article that talked about our skewed view of God's plan for us. How we think he wants us to just be happy and comfortable. That he wouldn't call us to something that would cost us.
But he does. Sometimes it's a big cost, like leaving all you love and sometimes it's a small cost, like not watching a movie you want because of the content. But there's a cost when it comes to following God.. and why shouldn't there be. Let us never forget the cost that was paid for us.
It is hard to say good-bye and how blessed we are that we have something that makes it so hard to leave. And how blessed we are that there is a reason so wonderful that it is worth leaving for.
We can't wait. As a little 9 year old girl I prayed God would use me and through out my life he has put me at the beginning of adventures that he has used to show me his glory. I can't wait to stand amazed.
As we prepare to leave tomorrow our little family wants to thank yours for your love, prayers, support, grace, and being a part of what makes leaving hard.
This is it! As much as I have cried I have also jumped up with joy. God has been faithful and has kept his promise. He has walked with us each way, guided us through each lesson, and stood with us in each trial. We know we don't go alone, but we go proclaiming the name of him who paid it all.
Let's go!
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