Each of the members of our group were able to share at least once with the students at CBC. We have been very well received and are loved by the students from over a dozen countries represented at the school here. It is alway great to have a different perspective to our everyday lives that we are benefiting from here.
Anyone who thinks the British people are “stuffy” has never been to visit this delightful fold of brothers and sisters in Christ. We were embraced and taken into the fold with honesty and laughter that fill this warm-hearted group. They are an amazing bunch of folks and we will leave part of our hearts here with them. The apprentices run the Manna House Cafe as part of their training, where Siew Fong oversees and insists on feeding everyone to overflowing.
Friday night they hosted a Barn Dance to benefit their mission fund. It was a mixture of Scottish/Irish/Square dancing. It was so, so much fun and welcome aerobic activity. We were mostly horrible, but laughed hysterically at ourselves and everyone else. They go on several mission trips, not just one as we do. They have contacts in various places and are led by the 3rd year apprentices as well. They have a trip leaving for Cambodia very soon.
Saturday began with the ladies having breakfast at Abby’s house, where most of us visited, but a couple of us (Sherri & Wendy) slept. The guys held a men’s breakfast at the college with Wendell as the guest speaker. Then we headed off for Warwick Castle with Wendell & Linda. We were also joined by Katie Peak, which was a delightful surprise. Tom, Ken and Bob braved the narrow, steep, climb up to the turrets of the castle. The rest of us stuck to the tour and shopping... and shopping. The day ended with a Chinese buffet in Coventry at Wing Wah hosted by Paul & Siew Fong. We celebrated Kath’s birthday with the restaurant’s signature melon fruit bowl topped with ice cream and a mini fountain shooting out the side. We ate and talked ourselves fat and happy.
Sunday we packed up and headed to Grace International Church, where we had full-reign of the service. Anthony, a 1st year student, graciously played guitar and led praise and worship with Kendall, Aurora, Wendy, and Sherri singing. There were also 3 other ladies who sang with us. Kendall played guitar and sang a duet with one of the ladies. Tom gave a brief testimony, then Bob addressed the congregation on the cross. Lois led an altar call for the Holy Spirit, and Sherri encouraged the members to come up and receive ministry from all of us.
We left Birmingham and the city Sunday afternoon. The further north we got towards Scotland the more beautiful the landscape became. There are green rolling hills with stone walls dividing the farms. The pastures are filled with black-faced sheep and the glow of a clear golden sunset. We had our noses plastered to the windows of the mini-bus like a bunch of American tourists. Imagine that.
On a personal note:
Aurora says “Hi” to everyone. Will someone please call her mom, Belen, since she has no way to contact her. The phone number is (806) xxx-xxxx. Tell Belen that Aurora is fine and having lots of fun. Thanks very much. Thanks also for all of your prayers-- she can really feel the peace.
Bob loves Mary, and misses her, and wishes she was here.
Wendy says aloha to everyone from the UK and a special hello to her precious family and mom (grandma). I love you all!
Sherri can’t think of a better way to spend her birthday than this glorious day. I got to speak twice and they didn’t run me off the stage. Thank you for the wonderful birthday surprise! I love you! Siew Fong found out I like bakewell cherry tarts and got me a box. Then before we left for Scotland, she brought me 3 more boxes. Mom & Dad-- I haven’t taken one picture of a sheep. Ronnie-- I’ve invited everyone to come visit, so change the sheets in the guest bedroom. ;) Girlies-- I love and miss you. I hope you’re choosing life.
JoElla and Kendall says:
Wow, we are having a great time. I feel like a Mother with all her children. I am so proud of each and every one of them. Every one has stepped up and ministered, had something that God had spoken to them to share and the testimonies have been tremendous. At CBC in England we had 5 hours of teaching and sharing time. How wonderful. That was not even counting doing the church service today. I know part of this has been covered but just to repeat I have been so blessed.
Hi to all the Mitchells in NC. We miss talking to you and seeing you on our webcam. Yes, we got you all something in England. You all would love the Warwick Castle it is so beautiful.
Hello to all the Kempfs, Reisers and everyone else. We are having a great time we just wish we could have brought all of you with us.
I just have to say we just stopped at a road side stop break station services Moto and to no one’s surprise Kendall almost, “I said, almost” (Nomie, that is for you) got busted. He was taking a picture and a lady came up and thought he was the press, since they are not allowed to take pictures in their place of business. He said he is a tourist, the minute he opened his mouth she knew he was from America. Then she wanted to know where he was going and what he was doing. Anyway, he took her picture. Her name is Sylvia and here is her picture. She was so sweet and he ended up giving her the blog address, so HELLO, Sylvia.
Well we are nearly to Scotland it is dark but we are so excited to see what God is going to do in us and through us during our stay here and also in Ireland. Thank you so all of you that have supported us through your prayers and also your finances. We are so blessed.
1 comment:
Warwick castle looks beautiful. Thank you for the gifts you sent us. they were awesome. I was impressed with the video from the worship in the home. Worship of our Lord and Savior transcends nationality, culture, and geography to bring glory to the one true King. Continue to walk in His ordained steps for your life and watch His blessing continue to magnify His name in your life.
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