Day Two and Three in Formby, England

Sorry I haven't written in a day. We have been rather busy and my computer's connection to the internet is pretty dodgy. We have been having loads of fun in the last two days as we build relationships and minister the Word and fellowship to the people here.

On Sunday, we got to the church around 7:30 am. We met to pray for Michael as he was going to preach the first sermon of the trip and for the rest of the team as we were going to be leading different parts of the service. I was asked to lead singing yesterday as I played my guitar. I was accompanied by Lydia on piano and Kara singing. I was a bit nervous but we did fine and all were encouraged. Praise Jesus. After the service we had tea and "biscuits" (cookies and brownies) as we enjoyed fellowship with the congregation - about 30 strong. Though it is a small church by America's standards, there is incredible love and hospitality present. I love it here. If God called Christine and I to live and labour here, I wouldn't fight too hard :)

After returning from church, Mrs. Griffiths prepared an amazing pot roast. It was so delicious. She was shocked that I ate it all! So much for my Lenten fast from meat. I simply can't resist the amazing hospitality of the Griffiths and Formby Baptist Church. I think God will understand as I am seeking him and his heart in a new way for these next two weeks.



Once dinner had settled a bit, Josh, Andy, some other boys from the church, and I went to the astro turf field to play some "footy" (pick-up soccer). It was really fun. I was expecting to get owned by the English boys, but I held my own alright. I was rather surprised. I had to leave early, however, because I had to get to the church to prepare for my sermon that night.

I got to the church about a half hour before everyone so I could prepare and pray and align my heart with God. I don't know exactly what the Spirit was doing during my message, but after the sermon, a few came up to me to tell me that it was just what they needed to hear. Praise Jesus! Then, all the youth went to Josiah's (the youth pastor here - and MBI alum) flat to hang out for the evening. Good times had by all :)

This morning we all got up early to make it to the church on time so we could leave to travel to the Lake District, an absolutely gorgeous spot in N. England. I felt a small bit like James Herriott as I was walking across the idyllic and rolling hillsides dotted with local sheep and moss-covered rocks. It was very surreal. I had a hard time taking it all in. In one particular moment of the day, I was standing by myself, looking out at the snow-capped hills, any town out of site. The thought came to me that no one would venture up there anytime in the near or distant future. It was too snowy to climb or explore. It was not snowy enough to ski or sled upon. It was just there, standing, smiling in the sun, radiating idyllic beauty. In that moment it hit me that its significance was in no way defined by human presence. Often we like to think that our presence in a situation or area is what gives meaning and significance to our land or art. But no one would come near those hills at all. Yet in their own still way, they transcended and human definition of beauty. They just were there, radiating God's glory without thought or concern for what anybody else thought, whether or not anybody noticed. In my life, I need to realize more often that it is not my presence that bestows significance upon a situation but the imminence and majesty of the God who is infinitely creative.

After a long, cold day of sight-seeing, we finally stopped in Keswick (pronounced Kez-ick) to grab some fish and chips and tea. It was a very welcome meal. And all of us enjoyed it to the fullest. It was a wonderful day and the glory of God is beginning to take on a fuller meaning in my mind and heart. Please pray that I continue to grow closer to Him.