This week has been intense, both busy and then with my emotions. We were in nearly as many churches as the days we were in Rotherham. I love all the children's work and drama and everything we've been able to do while we were there. This week has also been interesting for me emotionally, as I've been struggling a lot with leaving my YWAM family. I know that I know that I know that I'm doing exactly what God wants for me in coming back to Lansing, in not doing the BLS. But goodbyes are so hard. I hate the tearing that comes and comes fairly often in my life. I am doing somewhat better, though it will still be incredibly hard.
We arrived back in London this evening to great bear hugs and squeals of delight. It's been absolutely fantastic to see everyone. After an hour or so of loud greetings, food, talking over each other and general craziness, I walked home with the guys to All Souls. Walking home with my big brothers was just what I needed and the Sam's chicken didn't hurt either! :) Then more crazy greetings, though not as loud. And then we all settled in to watch a movie and spend some quality time together. :-P Let me tell you this: I love my YWAM family. :)
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Story Time With Ella
I had devotional for yesterday, the 14th, Valentine's day. I prepared especially for that day. I wasn't able to do my devotional yesterday, but went ahead and did it on today. I think the story is applicable to every day life and unfortunately, in the secularized world that we live in, you most likely won't hear it. However, if you'll sit back in your computer chair or couch, I will tell it to you now. Just enjoy the story.
This story takes place a long, long time ago, in the year 270 A.D. in Rome. Claudius was emporer at the time. Now, Claudius was a wee bit crazy, okay, very crazy. He wanted to be god and the only god that the people worshipped. Thusly, he was very jealous of any other god. He outlawed Christianity and persecuted Christians who would not renounce their faith. It was a very rough time in our history.
About that same time, Claudius wanted to send men to battle. Men were refusing to go to battle though, as they didn't want to leave their families. So Claudius came up with an idea. He thought if men were no longer getting married, then they would be more willing to go to battle. So he outlawed marriage as well. Anyone caught getting married was sent to prison.
During this time, there was a devout Christian, a bishop in fact and his name was Valentine. He thought that people should be free to love God and to love each other. So he did not turn from his faith and in fact, invited couples to come to him and he would marry them in secret. Soon, Claudius found out and had Valentine arrested. During a period of time, Claudius got to know Valentine, I'm guessing through the trials, and discovered what a devout, passionate man he was. Claudius tried to convince Valentine to renounce his faith, saying if Valetine would do so, he would forgive Valentine and make him an allie. Of course, Valentine refused, so Claudius sentenced him to a 3-part death: beating, stoning and decapitation.
During Valentine's wait for his execution, he met the jailor's daughter, Asterius, who was blind. He fell in love with her, but sadly, it wasn't meant to be on this earth. But, a miracle did occur before Valentine's death. Miraculously, Asterius' sight was restored and she was able to see Valentine's face.
Before Valentine's execution, he wrote Asterius a final note, signing it "From Your Valentine". This is where we get the phrase. Valentine died on Feb. 14th 270 A.D. He died for love, love of God and love of others.
We should not forget those who have gone on before us, those who have set an example. We have to learn from their mistakes, as well as the glory brought to God. My question to you now is, not will you be mine, but will you be a Valentine?
This story takes place a long, long time ago, in the year 270 A.D. in Rome. Claudius was emporer at the time. Now, Claudius was a wee bit crazy, okay, very crazy. He wanted to be god and the only god that the people worshipped. Thusly, he was very jealous of any other god. He outlawed Christianity and persecuted Christians who would not renounce their faith. It was a very rough time in our history.
About that same time, Claudius wanted to send men to battle. Men were refusing to go to battle though, as they didn't want to leave their families. So Claudius came up with an idea. He thought if men were no longer getting married, then they would be more willing to go to battle. So he outlawed marriage as well. Anyone caught getting married was sent to prison.
During this time, there was a devout Christian, a bishop in fact and his name was Valentine. He thought that people should be free to love God and to love each other. So he did not turn from his faith and in fact, invited couples to come to him and he would marry them in secret. Soon, Claudius found out and had Valentine arrested. During a period of time, Claudius got to know Valentine, I'm guessing through the trials, and discovered what a devout, passionate man he was. Claudius tried to convince Valentine to renounce his faith, saying if Valetine would do so, he would forgive Valentine and make him an allie. Of course, Valentine refused, so Claudius sentenced him to a 3-part death: beating, stoning and decapitation.
During Valentine's wait for his execution, he met the jailor's daughter, Asterius, who was blind. He fell in love with her, but sadly, it wasn't meant to be on this earth. But, a miracle did occur before Valentine's death. Miraculously, Asterius' sight was restored and she was able to see Valentine's face.
Before Valentine's execution, he wrote Asterius a final note, signing it "From Your Valentine". This is where we get the phrase. Valentine died on Feb. 14th 270 A.D. He died for love, love of God and love of others.
We should not forget those who have gone on before us, those who have set an example. We have to learn from their mistakes, as well as the glory brought to God. My question to you now is, not will you be mine, but will you be a Valentine?
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Update: Goodbye to Serbia, Hello to Rotherham
We're now in Rotherham, England, near Sheffield. We're sleeping in the basement of a church and keeping very busy during the day. We're getting to do everything from working with the homeless, to hanging out with the older generation, to working with kids and youth. It's been so good! We've done so many dramas already, which I love, and we're preparing new ones and coming up with skits for kids.
Towards the end of Serbia, it just kept getting better and better. We made so many new friends. We were all really sad to say goodbye to them. We had several nights that we taught salsa, which was such a success! My photos, as well as Vanesa and Tara's photos, were displayed in a cafe and a the local teahouse. The band played several more times, adding new songs and each time sounding better than before. It was such a good time.
Now in Rotherham, we find ourselves in a very different type of outreach, more centered around church and coming alongside those working to unify the church. RPC, the church we're staying at, has graciously handed over Sunday evening services to us. They're aimed at the unsaved, so it typically involves a drama, a testimony and a message. I gave the message this past Sunday. It was such a growing experience for me! I just absolutely had to hand it over to God. I couldn't do it in my own strength. It went well. I didn't throw up or fall to pieces. :) Now I'm supposed to give a short talk to children tomorrow night about David and Goliath, as well as give a testimony to youth. God is definitely growing me.
At first, it was hard to say goodbye to Serbia, to throw myself into the work here. I wanted to be back in Serbia, doing the work there. But a line from somewhere kept floating through my head. I believe it was John Elliot who said something about wherever you may be, be all there. So here I am. Stretching out of my comfort zone. :)
Well, dinner is nearly ready and after that is Ladies Night at RPC. Facials, nails, chocolate, etc! :)
Towards the end of Serbia, it just kept getting better and better. We made so many new friends. We were all really sad to say goodbye to them. We had several nights that we taught salsa, which was such a success! My photos, as well as Vanesa and Tara's photos, were displayed in a cafe and a the local teahouse. The band played several more times, adding new songs and each time sounding better than before. It was such a good time.
Now in Rotherham, we find ourselves in a very different type of outreach, more centered around church and coming alongside those working to unify the church. RPC, the church we're staying at, has graciously handed over Sunday evening services to us. They're aimed at the unsaved, so it typically involves a drama, a testimony and a message. I gave the message this past Sunday. It was such a growing experience for me! I just absolutely had to hand it over to God. I couldn't do it in my own strength. It went well. I didn't throw up or fall to pieces. :) Now I'm supposed to give a short talk to children tomorrow night about David and Goliath, as well as give a testimony to youth. God is definitely growing me.
At first, it was hard to say goodbye to Serbia, to throw myself into the work here. I wanted to be back in Serbia, doing the work there. But a line from somewhere kept floating through my head. I believe it was John Elliot who said something about wherever you may be, be all there. So here I am. Stretching out of my comfort zone. :)
Well, dinner is nearly ready and after that is Ladies Night at RPC. Facials, nails, chocolate, etc! :)
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