{ENGLAND}

One week in England just isn't enough! It was a whirlwind of a trip, beginning in London traveling to the northeast, Birmingham then back to London to finish the week. We met something like, 10 or 12 potential ministry partners and were overwhelmed with the humility, grace, love, and selflessness each person brought to the table.

To sum up, I was amazed that almost every ministry we met with wanted the same thing, to be intentional about going OUT, helping make their community, friends, neighbors, and co-workers feel a sense of belonging and togetherness, bringing the gospel to LIFE for those to see and feel.
Some were just in the planning stages, needing to make a bigger shift in their methods, others were in the beginning stages, needing help to be out and bringing light to their communities, while others were in the midst of the belonging stage, needing more help with the discipleship movement and support through home groups and keeping house doors open in the neighborhoods. And still others were achieving this through many ministries within their own neighborhoods in running cafes and classes for the immigrants and asylum seekers.

The average church in England is somewhere between 40-47 people!! That's it. Most people don't feel a need for churches or even know the gospel. The bible and it's story isn't known or shared through generations anymore. It's a dark and dying light. We could sense this darkness in some of the communities we visited too. One of my literal thoughts while walking to a meeting was, "Wow! this place feels heavy, dirty and dark. It could really use some light and glimmer of hope." What followed next was a fantastic meeting of just that! This particular "church" was humbling laying down their own desires and comforts to be that light and to share that hope with that city. It was eye opening to hear the stories and see the faces. What beauty God is creating through this small group of selfless followers. Opening homes, sharing meals, and ultimately sharing life with those God has put in their communities and neighborhoods. Slowly, folks are seeing the difference, asking the questions and approaching the throne of grace with willing hearts. And this is just one of the incredible examples our follower believers in England are doing to change hearts and being the Kingdom to life.

We also got to stop along the way and see some of the amazing landmarks that make up England. We had some great hosts and are very thankful for each individual and family that made us feel at home. We never felt too bad about being Americans. ha! And as we took off  I knew it was just the beginning of a wonderful and beautifully intricate story that God is designing for our family to be a part of. God is moving and working not only in England but in our hearts as well. We have some praying and more skyping to do with some folks but I can say for certain, England you have stolen our hearts! I can't wait to see you again. (hopefully we'll be able to take a few of you along next time too!!)