Its almost been 9 months since I've first arrived in England on this God-given adventure... and how time has flown. This last month was a whirlwind month - in it was some good, some bad, some ugly or should I say rather challenging times :)! The highlight of the last month was the answer on my prayers for a friend and a partner in ministry (not necessarily the same person). But the Lord knows best and He blessed me by sending me a good friend from Cape Town which is now part of Creation Fest Ministry. Sanmarie arrived almost a month ago and it has been such a blessing to have her around and serve alongside her.
But her arrival was not without drama :) - the night I had to pick her up from the bus station in Exeter, my car broke down only a few miles from the bus station and no way of contacting her. After many phone calls, plans and prayers (and yes, knowing me there was obviously tears too), a friend brought her to me and got the car started again... but just a few miles outside of Exeter on the highway it gave its last huffing and puffing and then died on us (the sad end of the blue Rover)! BUT THE GOOD NEWS - the Lord blessed us with another car, a Skoda Octavia, only a few days later!
The 2 weeks that followed was filled with Creation Fest meetings and presentations in Launceston, the coastal town of Seaton and "up North" - so we had the opportunity to see "old friends", meet wonderful people that is so excited about serving at Creation Fest 2014 and explore Seaton, Sidmouth Bay, Beer, Gloucester and York (one of my favourites!). I came back excited after the "Up North" trip - excited for what Creation Fest 2014 will hold!
My dear friend, Steffi, came all the way from Germany to visit me for four days last week. We had a wonderful - fun filled - adventurous - Corwall - discovery time. I've come to realise again what a beautiful part of England I stay in and I can see why so many people from across the UK come to Cornwall for holiday. We braced the weather and explored the old Victorian House and estate - Landhydrock - where I felt I was on the set of Downton Abbey, fisherman villages of Fowye and Polperro (BEAUTIFUL), Plymouth Harbour, South Cornwall at St. Ives and visiting the most western point of England - Lands End.
As she left for Germany again, sadly I fell ill... And of all illnesses, Chicken pox... I mean, really! At the age of 30 - Chicken pox! It's a weird illness but I'm happy to report that by the Lord's grace, I've survived it, still house bound after a week but is now on my way back to healthy me! In the last week there is one verse that has stuck in my mind and which I've been pondering on - Ephesians 6:10 "Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might". In the good (and bad) times - strengthen yourself in the Lord... In the bad / sick times - Draw on the Lord's strength! His strength is enough for the good, the bad, the ugly and the challenging times. Always only rely on Him and His strength - not your own. His might will work in you as you rely on it and step out in faith. My prayer is that if you are a Christian, that this week you too would actively take actions to strengthen yourself in the Lord. Then step out, be bold and trust His power to work in and through you this week.
Much love from the UK,
XXX
Thank you for those that have been praying for me and the different ministries. Please continue to pray with and for us:
* Phil Pechonis, our festival director, has been diagnosed with cancer and has undergone surgery this week - however, the surgery did not go as plan and there are the possible need to undergo further chemotherapy / radiotherapy. Please pray for strength and encouragement for him and his family, his recovery after the operation and that we would see the Lord's hand at work in this situation.
* Creation Fest: for wisdom and time efficiency in the planning of the festival as well as the road shows planned
* Kids Club and Youth Club: For the salvation of the kids and youth
* Myself: That I will rely on the Lord's strength in all I do, for boldness and simplicity in proclaiming the gospel! For the Lord's continuous guidance about my future / next steps
