what a wonderful time of worship we shared...the choir from Tottenham blessed us with an enthusiastic song, after the congregation warmed them up with great joy in praise, then Pastor Jim shared a powerful word and several related testimonies with us.
we are a part of celebrating 20 years of national conventions here in the UK. what a great time to continue our desire for partnership and cementing our relationships as being involved with the churches here to Advance the Kingdom throughout the UK and into Europe and beyond. the gathering wonderfully received greeting from 6th Avenue and cheered when i shared we also now will begin contributing to their national ministries budget. as i shared, we may not be a large congregation, but we have a large Mission & Vision. they have sincerely accepted our willingness to be in partnership and some are eagerly planning to visit us in Alabama as soon as next year.
then Zach shared a powerful testimony of what God is teaching him through all of this in the midst of his call. all were so glad to see and welcome Zach back to the UK--there may be a ministry here for him, yet ;)
i have to brag on how well the group is doing, not huddling together but reaching out in new conversations and experiences. even our kids are behaving :) and politely engaging in our conversations, kisses, and hugs with the saints.
Pastor Jim shared again from Isaiah 61/Luke 4 -- tonight on "preaching and proclaiming." all were inspired, challenged, convicted, and made aware of the divine responsibility we all have to carry the Good News, by the power of the Holy Spirit, beyond ourselves to our neighbors, neighborhoods, and the world. a great message for the Church at large, but truly timely in light of the meetings earlier today.
also, completely in line with the book i'm reading and processing on this trip -- The Forgotten Ways by Alan Hirsch (sp?) -- perfectly what i need to complement what the Spirit is saying within my understanding and in our own stages of leadership at 6th Avenue and in partnerships around the world.
oh well, it's getting even later again--time to begin thinking of bed! i'll have more to share after a busy Sunday tomorrow, complete with a grand worship & communion service, workshops (i'm leading one on evangelism), an evening service, and so much more!
continue to keep us in prayer as we serve encouragement; love with our presence and not just words; and pray with and for the work of the Lord within and through our brothers and sisters here in the UK.
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