Andrea Siemers - Adventures In Missions - Serving in England

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Sat, 4 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Hello Friends and Family!

Now that I am home and into an everyday routine, I wanted to update you on my life here in Michigan and what has been going on since I left England. Leaving England was very difficult. I loved my ministry there, the people, and the place. But as much as I miss it, God has given me a peace about being at home.

When I arrived at home I was able to fly out to Florida to be in my sister, Laura's, wedding. Going to Florida after being in England's summer was a little bit of a shock to my system, but I enjoyed the sunshine! The wedding was a great celebration and I am thankful that I could be a part of it.

When I came home, I was not sure what kind of job I would end up with. But I knew that God would provide. Thankfully a position opened up at Wayne County RESA, the place I worked before I went to England. So in the beginning of September I began to teach English as a Second Language in ten schools in Trenton, Grosse Ile, Dearborn Heights and Woodhaven. Needless to say, with all that commuting I have put a few miles on my car, which is another praise I have, God provided me with a car. With the help of my dad and uncle, I found a used Ford Focus to buy!

I am still looking to go to graduate school to get a masters in Intercultural Studies and Missions. I have sent in my application to Wheaton College. I hope to find out within a month whether or not I am accepted. If I am accepted I will begin classes in September 2009. I have been praying about where to go once I have graduated, but as of now, I am not sure what mission field God is leading me to.

I am enjoying being home and being able to spend time with my family. I get to see my sister, Amy, and her family about once a week. It is fun for me to see my niece and nephew so often. I love being an aunt! I'm going to visit my sister, Laura, in November and hopefully she'll be around for Christmas. So it will be great to connect with her and her husband then! Spending time with my parents has been a blessing as well.

Being able to go to my home church and get involved with the ministry there has been exciting for me. I've been volunteering with the Jr. High youth group and I have so much fun with them. It is encouraging to see the youth's excitement to learn about God. I have also been going to a couple of Bible studies and those have been very refreshing.

Thank you for all of your support, prayers, and encouragements over the past two years. I really appreciate them and know that I could not have been involved in ministry in England without you. I hope to share during the church services in late October a little more about my time in England. Although I am no longer there, I ask that you would continue to lift up Broughton and Higher Blackley in your prayers. Pray for encouragement for the Christian leaders there and that God would continue to bring workers to share His love with the people there. Thanks so much!

Moving out

Tue, 8 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Sunday was our last day in the house. We spent the week before in-between ministry cleaning and packing. It is amazing to me how much a group of people can accumulate over two years. Thankfully there is a charity here called "The Mustard Tree" who helps set up homes for people who need help, and they were able to come and take away most of our furniture. Christine and I have moved into St. John's Court, which is a sheltered accomadations for elderly people (sort of like an assisted living home). We visit some people there and they have a guest apartment, so they are letting us rent it for the next couple of weeks.

Over the next two weeks there is so much to do. Drew and I are sharing the word tomorrow at the morning service and this Sunday at the evening service. We were asked to give some reflections about our time here in ministry. This Saturday we are having the Stan's Fun Day at Crab Lane school. We had one of these at the very beginning of September and it was a great success. Hopefully the day will continue to connect the community with the church. The next day we have the second Stan's service at the St. Andrew's community hall. This is a community outreach event that invites people from the church and community to learn about God in a relaxed atmosphere. Last time we had a great turnout and so we hope that the same people come and also some more. We are also ending the Beth Moore bible study next week. I have thoroughly enjoyed leading the "Jesus the One and Only Study". It has been a great time to fellowship with the women of St. Andrew's and also to learn together.

With all that I have to do, there is also an underlying sadness as I know that I will be leaving in two weeks. It's a struggle because I know that I am supposed to be leaving, but at the same time I don't want to go. There are so many great things going on here, especially with community outreach, that I want to stay and be a part of. I was thinking about how Peter reacted at the transfiguration, when he told Jesus that it was good for them to be there and they should put up shelters there. Peter didn't get the big picture, that in order for God's work to be done they had to leave the mountain, even though it was good for them to be there. I feel that I'm having that reaction now. I say to God "But God its good for me to be here... let me build a shelter." But God has a bigger picture than I can see. So I'll follow what he tells me.

Please be praying for all the events that are happening this week. That the community outreach would go well and that hearts would continue to be transformed in this place. Please also pray for me, that I would have peace during this time and that I would be able to do all that I need to before I go. Thanks for all your prayers and support!

love it or hate it

Tue, 1 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Assemblies are one of my favorite parts of the ministry we do here, and today was my last assembly at Crab Lane Primary School. It was a pretty simple assembly that started out with a game of "Love it or hate it". We had a few different foods and asked the kids if they loved it or hated it. Some of the items were licorice, olives, marmite (a pretty disgusting English spread), candy, and marshmallows. We then talked about how we don't just love and hate food, we also have people we love and people who we don't necessarily get along with. We then told the story of the woman at the well and how Jesus paid attention to that woman and talked to her even though most people wouldn't. We talked about the differences between people but at the heart of it we're all the same, and how if we take the time to care about people like Jesus did, we can make strangers into friends. It was one of the most basic lessons we could teach, but I think that its one worth being taught throughout our lives. It gets so easy to choose friends and to not take the time to invite others into our lives because its harder to find a connection with one person than another. But if we are to follow Jesus' example we need to put forth that effort, not just because Jesus wants us to love difficult people, but also because of all that we can receive through these friendships.

Past, Present & Future

Wed, 28 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Thanks for your prayers for the Where's Wally event at St. Andrew's. It was a great success! There were eighteen kids who don't normally come to church, most of which are involved with Boys and & Girls club and Jigsaw, who came. Some of those kids' parents and grandparents came as well. It was so exciting to see these kids attending this informal church service. The actual service went well. The vicar, Ian, and some of the youth group members had made a video for the service. In the video Ian dressed up as Wally, so he had the red and white striped hat, sweater, and thick glasses. He was walking around Manchester's city center, while the "Wally watchers" were trying to find him. Although Ian was right behind them, jumping around trying to get their attention, the "Wally watchers" just couldn't seem to find him.

After seeing the video, Ian explained that many times we think that God is like Wally in the "Where's Wally" or "Where's Waldo" books. We think that God is hidden and we have to search desperately to find him. But in reality, God is more like the Wally from the video, trying to get our attention, searching for us. Please pray that the people who were at the event would continue to think about how God is trying to get our attention and that it would impact their lives. We have another event like this one coming up in July. I ask for your prayers that these events would continue to have an impact on the community of Higher Blackley.

Recently I have been doing a lot of thinking about the future. I had thought that I knew what I was going to do when I came back to the states, teaching or youth work. I was telling one of my friends about applying for youth work positions, and she asked me, "Do you feel that God is telling you to go into youth work? Or are you just trying all the possible doors?" That got me thinking, I hadn't really directly asked God what He wants for my life and listened for a response, I just had kind of assumed I could do youth work and I would be fine with it. So during our team's debrief in the Lake district, I decided I needed to actually ask God for direction. Now, I have asked God for direction before, but I don't think I was really ready to hear His answer. This time, I felt clearly the call to long-term missions. I spent some time praying about this and asked God for scriptural confirmation and confirmation through other Christians, which I received. So, I will be coming home in the end of July. For the next year I will be working, I am not sure what kind of work I will be doing yet. During the year I will be applying to grad schools, and applying for scholarships. In the fall of 2009, I will start schooling to get my masters degree in missions. One of the schools that I'm looking at is Wheaton college. After I graduate with my masters, I plan to head out into the mission field long-term. I am not sure where God has called me, but I know that when I need to know, He'll tell me.

As always, thanks for your prayers and support. I know that those things are what helped me reach my decision about my next step. I ask for your continued prayers as I begin this journey. I also ask for your prayers for Broughton and Higher Blackley, that God would continue to work in the hearts of the people here to transform these communities.

Saying Goodbye

Sat, 17 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

During the past couple of weeks our team has faced some challenges. As most of you know, two weeks ago our house was robbed, and six team members had their laptops stolen. I was lucky not to have anything stolen. Despite the loss of their belongings, those team members really had a positive attitude. For most of them, this past week was their last week here in Salford. They could have easily lost their focus and left England with a bad attitude, but instead they continued to finish off their ministry strong and left talking about forgiveness.

Since the First Year Missionary program is a nine month program, Katie, Josh Jacobs, and Hilary had their final days in England on May 14 and 15. Chad, a staff member, also ended his time here this week. He will be getting married this summer and he and his fiancee will be continuing to work with AIM in Georgia. I have to say that it was difficult to see them go. When you live, work, and spend time with a group of people, they become your family. I have been blessed to have such a great "family" this year. I know that God has used them here, and it was great to see how God worked in them as well. It's funny how we come to be missionaries, but as we reach out to others God transforms us as well.

Although half the team is gone, Josh & Shannon, Drew, Christine and I will continue to carry on our work here for the next two months. We still have much to do and some exciting things are going on in the area. Tomorrow, St. Andrew's is having an "event". They are trying something a little different to reach out to the community. Instead of having a regular church service in the church, they are having an event down at their community hall. This event has a "Where's Wally?" theme (that's their version of "Where's Waldo?") and it has a relaxed feel with activities for children, video about finding Wally, and a sermon. It has been great to invite the community kids, and some of the people that we have been working all year at Parent Toddler group to. Please be praying that the event is a great outreach tool, and that we would be prepared to welcome and follow up with the people that come to it.

As always, thanks for your prayers and support. Please continue to be praying for our work here in Broughton and Higher Blackley!

So much to say

Sat, 26 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The past couple of months have been a flurry of activity!

The beginning of March brought a much welcomed visit of my parents. They came for ten days and I was able to show them some of my ministry sites and introduced them to my life here in England. I really enjoyed seeing my two different worlds connect! I went with them on a short vacation to London and Edinburgh.

As most of you know, in mid-March I made my decision to return to the states at the end of July. It is one of the most difficult decisions I've had to make, but I trust that God has a plan for my life and for the lives of the people of Broughton and Blackley. I'm thankful that I still have three months left and I look forward to continuing my work in the next few months.

Easter week was busy with services and a Good Friday kids club. During that week our teammate from last year, Rachel, had her spring break so she came to visit. The highlight of ministry for me that week was the kids club we had on Good Friday. We had over 20 kids come to St. Andrew's church hall for an afternoon of Bible stories, activities, songs, games and crafts.

After Easter I went with some friends from St. Andrew's to a conference called Spring Harvest. We spent five days in Skegness hearing speakers, having great worship, and spending time in fellowship. It was really refreshing for me.

During April after all the school holidays, we've been back to ministry as normal. I have been glad to get back into the routine. The Beth Moore Bible study we are doing at St. Andrew's is going very well. We are discovering more about who Jesus is and who we are in him.

Last week we had holiday fun days (vbs) at St. James church. We had about 24 kids come every day. It is so exciting to see how the fun days have grown throughout the year. Not only are the church kids coming but some of the kids from the community are coming as well.

Thanks for all of your prayers and support. Please continue that our team will keep God as our focus and that we would be able to do ministry with our whole selves. Thanks!

February

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The past few weeks have been filled with new adventures.

A couple of weeks ago I went with one of the leaders of St. Andrew's church to help with a homeless ministry called Barnabus. I met a great team of workers who provided tea, coffee and toast to some of the homeless in Manchester. I was really impressed with how Barnabus meets felt needs of the community. Not only do they offer times for meals, or tea and toast, but they also have a place where the homeless can shower, get much needed clothes and toiletries, and the staff are really interested in helping them get off the streets. I look forward to going back this week.

We had holiday fun days (vbs) at St. James chuch last week. One of the great things about the English school system is how many breaks the kids get. They may not have quite as long of a summer, but every other month they have at least a week off. And that is our opportunity to hold shorter vacation bible schools. This time we had a detective themed study, where the kids had to help the "detectives" figure out clues for the word of the day: love, trust, and forgive. I really enjoyed the fun days. We had some kids from the church come, and the rest were either from Brownies or Lunch Clubs that our team help with. My favorite part of the fun days was watching the kids get excited about singing songs about God. I pray that the faith that they are being taught now will take root and grow.

We are starting a women's Bible study at St. Andrew's church in the beginning of March. We will be doing the Beth Moore Bible study: Jesus, the One and Only. I am excited to share this study with St. Andrew's. I know that Beth Moore's studies have really helped me grow in my faith and I hope it will be an encouragement to the women here. Please be praying for the study.

Thanks for your continued prayers and support! God bless!

Lemons

Wed, 30 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Someone once said, "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade." Well after tonight, I think God is in the lemonade business. On my way to Boys & Girls club I found out that the room we normally use was unavailable. The roof had been leaking for a while and the ceiling had finally caved in. The only place we could meet was in the front of the sanctuary in the church. I was feeling a little unsure thinking about how it was going to work out having a bunch of teens that tend to be a little rowdy spending the evening in a sanctuary. I worried about what could possibly go wrong. But God knew what He was doing, even if I didn't. Teens who would never normally set foot in a church spent an entire evening having fun in a safe place. The things in the church sparked one of the teens interest. He kept asking questions, even asking what communion is. I overheard another leader's answers. He shared with the teen that communion reminds us of the last supper. That the wine represents Jesus' blood shed for us, and the bread his body broken for us. That Jesus died on the cross for our sins, and rose again. What an amazing opportunity! To think that a caved in ceiling presented the opportunity to share the gospel, now that's lemonade!

Returning to Ministry

Tue, 22 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The team has returned to England and is getting back into ministry. We have a smaller team since Christmas because two of the First Year Missionaries feel that England is not where they need to be at this time, so they have decided not to stay for the second semester. It is sad for our team to be losing these two valuable members, but it will be good to hear how God uses them elsewhere.

I am enjoying being back in England. It has been an exciting time of planning for the upcoming semester. Yesterday we had a personal ministry planning session and wrote out some goals for the year and the steps we need to take to accomplish these goals. Today we've been planning the upcoming Holiday Club for St. James.

We have been discussing bullying in Jigsaw. During last week's session, we talked about how Jesus was bullied, by playing a game. What was so great about the game was that it opened up opportunities for the kids to ask really direct questions about Jesus. Some of the questions asked were: Why was Jesus bullied? Who betrayed Jesus? How do we know that Jesus really went through all this? I was glad I could help answer these questions for them.

Another exciting event that occurred this past week, was the birth of my nephew Ryan Micah! He was having some trouble breathing at first, but is now fine and is at home with the family. I have seen pictures, and I have to say, he is adorable.

Thanks for all your prayers and support. Please continue to pray for our ministry here in Broughton and Higher Blackley. Please pray that God would guide us as we put our plans into actions. God Bless!

Merry Christmas

Fri, 28 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

In reflecting over the past few months, I have realized that there are so many things that I am thankful for. I wanted to share some of these with you.

I thank God for:

*The provision of support to return to England as staff.

*The opportunity to spend the summer in Trenton with friends and family.

*The London mission trip with the youth group.

*Being able to continue to build on past relationships in Broughton while beginning new ones in Higher Blackley.

*The opportunity to step out of my comfort zone in leadership.

*What I have learned through friendships this year.

*Giving me a great team of staff to work with.

*Having first year missionaries who rise to the challenge of hard work in England.

*Heaters

*The encouragement I receive when I see the hearts of Christian leaders as they reach out to the community.

*My sister, Laura, being able to spend Thanksgiving with us.

*The split of jigsaw going so well.

*Being home for Christmas.

And, I thank God for your continual support and encouragement, and most of all your prayers.

November

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

I can't believe how quickly November has flown by! In the beginning of November, we took the Boys and Girls Club on a hike in Yorkshire. It was great to give them the chance to get out of Manchester and see the beauty of the countryside, an opportunity they don't usually have.

We split Jigsaw into two smaller age groups. It has been going pretty well since the split. The younger group has been going over Bible stories and learning how God worked through them. The older group is going over peer pressure, a very relevant topic to their lives. One of the things I like about Jigsaw is that it's a group made up of church kids and kids from the community. We have such an amazing opportunity to build into these kids who's families don't go to church while continuing to reaffirm the faith in the kids who's families do.

Our assembly at Crab Lane School this month has been about the Prodigal Son. In the assembly we act out the story and then talk about how through this story Jesus tells us that God always wants us to be a part of His family. How even if we wander far away from God, He always wants us to come back to Him.

Last week, my sister Laura was here. It was really great to have her here and have her take part in what I've been doing. We were able to take a couple of days to be tourists and on one of the days we went to a city called Chester. We enjoyed seeing the sites and just spending time together.

Our team celebrated Thanksgiving last Friday on our day off. We had an American Football game, Staff + Laura versus First Year Missionaries. Staff won, of course. Then in the afternoon we had our Thanksgiving dinner with all of our favorite holiday foods. During dinner we went around the room and said what we were thankful for. It was a really great time to remember all that God has done for us.

Thanks for your continued prayers. Please pray for Jigsaw and the kids we get to build into there, that they would be able to establish a strong faith and that through them their families would be transformed. Pray for the communities of Broughton and Blackley that the hearts of the people would be softened and God would move mightily here. Thanks again!

Retreat & Prayer

Fri, 9 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

We recently went with about 30 other young adults on a retreat in Wales. It was really refreshing to get away from Salford for a couple of days, and it was exciting to meet other Christians our age. These young adults go to a number of churches throughout the Greater Manchester area and most of them have only themselves or maybe one or two other people their age at their church. The topic for the weekend was "Soul". When Robin Gamble was talking at one of the sessions he compared us to the widow's coins in the parable of the lost coin. He talked about how precious each of the widow's 10 coins were to her, and when she found the lost one how she rejoiced. He then said that in the room there were 38 precious souls to God, 38 lives that are filled with gifts and opportunities and talents. But, each one of us only has one soul. We only have one life to live, do we realize that? If we waste this life, there is no do-over. That talk really hit me. Sometimes in the midst of doing things, I lose my focus and don't always take advantage of every opportunity God gives me. So that talk was sort of a wake up call for me. I am really grateful that we got to go on the retreat. I've been able to build some friendships with a few girls from the group, and hopefully we will be able to continue to meet up and encourage one another.

One of the opportunities that I have as staff is to lead teaching sessions for the FYMers. Christine and I have been teaching on the book "Prayer" by Philip Yancey. We've been having discussions about the purpose of prayer, does it change us? does it change God's actions? why does God choose to partner with us in prayer? In all the questions and unknowns of prayer, we are still told to do it. Yancey says "If I had to answer the question 'Why pray?' in one sentence, it would be 'Because Jesus did.'" In one chapter he talks about how for most of us prayer is what we turn to in times of conflict or trial, but for Jesus prayer was the battle itself. He gives the example of Jesus' prayers in Gethsemane. "Once the Gethsemane prayers had aligned him with the Father's will, what happened next was merely the means to fulfill it. Prayer mattered that much." I have been thinking about if it was that important for Jesus, who was fully God and fully man, to pray, how much more is it for me to pray? How much more effective could my ministry be if I did fight the battle through prayer beforehand? As Christine said last year, "God can do amazing things here in England, but He won't unless we ask."

Thank you for your prayers and support. Please continue to pray for our team here in England. Pray that God would do amazing things here in Broughton and Blackley. That through Him lives here would be transformed. Thanks!

What's going on

Fri, 26 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Katie, Jarred and I are enjoying our work with St. Andrew's Church in Blackley. One of the groups we work with is Jigsaw which is a Monday night program at the church for kids ages 6-12. During the time they are there, we do a Bible study, learn a Bible verse and play some games. Right now there are about 20 kids who come and they meet as one large group. In the next couple of weeks we will be splitting the group into two smaller age groups. Please be praying for the split, that it would help them to be able to learn more and that we would be able to show them more individual attention.

A couple of weeks ago we decided we needed to get to know our neighbors. We baked them cookies and set out to meet some of them. We were able to meet almost everyone in the houses that surround us. We wanted to let them know who we are and that if they ever needed anything to come on by. One of the neighbors had just had a family member pass away that day, so we were able to pray with them. This past week, we did some follow ups and we are continuing to build relationships in our neighborhood.

Last week, I took the day off and went to a city called Buxton. I had really needed some time away and it turned out to be a great day for it. I really enjoyed hiking through the woods and exploring the hills around Buxton. I found a second-hand bookshop and spent a while there. I went to a caf and read and I spent some time praying in the park. I came back feeling refreshed. All in all, it was a terrific day.

Thank you for your continued prayers for our ministry here in Broughton and Blackley. Please pray that God would open our eyes for new opportunities to serve and that He would bless the relationships that we are building in the community. Thanks again!

Rejoice

Wed, 10 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

This morning we started off the day with a time of praise and worship. We sang a song called "Rejoice" and it reminded me of how much I have to rejoice about. So, I wanted to share a little bit about what God has been doing here.

The past couple of weeks have been great! With the new team here we are well underway in our ministries. We had a big answer to prayer with the new team. Before they came, Christine and I were talking about how we weren't sure how we could minister to the girls in the community when there were only three of us girls to do it. We then prayed about it and said "God, you know our needs, and we don't know how you're going to do it, but please help us to be able to minister to all the girls you want us to this year." The next day we found out that another girl, Hilary, joined the England team. It was amazing to see how God was working in our hearts and her heart at the same time.

Another answer to prayer was the Stan's (St. Andrew's) Fun Day held at Crab Lane school. The church wanted to put on a Fun Day for the community to bring more awareness of the church, to invite them to Back to Church Sunday, and to just provide them with a day of fun. It was a great success. Over 1000 people came and enjoyed themselves. And God provided an afternoon without rain, which that in itself in Manchester is a miracle.

I am really enjoying the ministry I'm able to be a part of. I am thankful because I've been able to build many new relationships while continuing to develop some of the ones I built last year.

Thank you for your continued prayers and support. Please pray for us to show Christ's love to the communities of Broughton and Higher Blackley in all that we say and do. Thanks!

The Team Has Arrived

Mon, 24 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Last week, I was introduced to some of the ministry in Higher Blackley. A week ago Saturday, we had a youth work fundraiser for St. Andrew's at Sainsbury's, the local grocery store. We bagged groceries and were able to raise 400 for youth work. It was a really great opportunity to meet some of the youth group and spend time getting to know them. I went to my first service at St. Andrew's that Sunday and in the afternoon helped out with the Commemoration service. Monday, I had the chance to go to Parent and Toddler group. I really enjoyed meeting some moms and playing with the toddlers.

On Tuesday, I helped out with my first assembly at Crab Lane, the elementary school in Higher Blackley. Our theme for the semester is Jesus's promises. We started out with the promise "I will be with you always". We had the kids name things that people want in life... fame, money, health, family, things like that... and wrote them on balloons. We then read about the disciples being called by Jesus, and talked about why they would leave everything they had to follow him. We talked a little bit about why I left Michigan to spend another year in England. Then we said that we won't always have our health, or be famous, or have money (as we were doing this we popped the balloons). Then the kids thought there was nothing left but popped balloons... but actually each balloon had a word in it, and when put together it was Jesus's promise "I will be with you always." So even when we have nothing, Jesus is always with us.

The team arrived last Thursday and Friday. We have five new First Year Missionaries this year: Katie, Hilary, Jarred, Robby, and Joshua. Since they have arrived we have been doing orientation sessions, trying to get them to know the area a little better, and acquainting them with the ministry here. They are a great group, and I'm excited to see how God uses our team this year.

Please be praying for us as we are finishing the orientation and beginning ministry in Broughton and Higher Blackley. Thanks!

Staff Training and Moving

Thu, 13 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

I just returned from staff training this past Tuesday. I was in Gainesville, Georgia for 11 days at the Adventures in Missions office. Staff training was really great. I learned a lot more about AIM and their heart for the world. I also had training in leadership, conflict management, and discipleship. There were about 20 new staff at the training. It was great to get to know all of them. Besides training, we also had some bible study sessions where we heard about prayer, God's power, and surrendering to Him. God did a great work in all of us during this time, and I am grateful that I had the chance to spend those days in Georgia.

The new team is now in Georgia going through First Year Missionary training. Chad and Drew are helping with that, while Christine, Josh, Shannon and I are in Salford moving to the new house and getting things ready for when the team comes next week. I am really excited to get everything settled and to get into our ministries.

Thank you for your continued prayers and support. Please be praying for the people of Salford, that God would prepare their hearts to learn more about Him. Pray that we as a team would unite and take every opportunity God gives us to minister here. Thanks!

Getting Ready

Tue, 28 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT

This past week have been filled with meetings and preparations for the team coming in. But in that we've also had the opportunity to start back up some ministries and explore some new opportunities. Last Monday I was able to go up to Higher Blackley to help out with Boys and Girls Club. It was the first time I've been able to work with the Club and it was great. Boys and Girls Club is a ministry at St. Andrew's that connects the church with some of the area youth. It's a chance for kids in the community to be safe, have fun and build relationships. We played "football" (soccer) and a game that I'm pretty sure is called Rounders, a game similar to baseball, but instead of throwing the bat you have to run between two bases with the bat as many times as you can until you get out. I didn't do so well at this game because I threw the bat down every time and had to run back and get it. It was at that point that one of the boys realized I was an American. We also had Boys and Girls Club in Broughton on Wednesday. It was good to see a lot of the area youth we worked with last year.
Drew, Christine, Chad and I leave for Georgia on the 31. We will be there for staff training for 10 days. Chad and Drew will be staying there for the First Year Missionary (FYM) training camp, while Christine and I return to set things up. The FYM team will be coming in at the end of September and all of our ministries will really get underway then.
Please be praying for our ministry here in Broughton and Higher Blackley. Pray for safety for our team as we travel to the states and back. Pray that our team would be united in serving God here. Thanks for all your support and prayers!

Back in England

Thu, 16 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT

I've now been back in Salford for four days. I arrived Monday morning after a long flight. We have Holiday Club (VBS) at St. James church this week. So when I got in on Monday, I was able to help set up for the week. We have had approximately 30 kids coming to St. James each afternoon. The theme for the week is "Trash Transformers", how we can transform God's creation and take care of the earth and how God transforms our hearts through Jesus. I've been enjoying working with the 6 and 7 year olds.

Since I've been back I've been able to catch up with some friends and even had a little birthday celebration. It's been good to see everyone again and to continue with the ministry.

Please be praying for the staff as we prepare for the team coming in. Also pray for the kids involved in Holiday Club, that God will continue the work started in their hearts. Thanks so much!

Returning to England

Wed, 1 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT

I have had a really great summer. I can't believe how fast it has gone by. Some of the highlights of this summer have been: helping out with Vacation Bible School at First Pres, the London and Southampton mission trip with the youth group, a trip to Chicago with my sister to see some of my teammates, and a family camping trip in Indiana. I have also enjoyed spending time with lots of family and friends. I've been able to see my 17 month old niece grow and change over the past two months. That's been a blessing. It has been great to be around for church this summer as well. Next week one of my teammates, Megan, is getting married. Some of us are driving down to South Carolina to be there for the wedding. In the time in between now and the time I leave for the wedding I will be working on my last minute packing and organizing.

I leave for England on August 12, and will be arriving there August 13. I am very excited to return to England and continue to minister there. I am sad to be leaving though. I am glad God has called me to be in England, but saying good-bye to friends and family is hard.

Thank you for your continued prayers and support. Please be praying for the returning staff to England and the new team. Pray that we would be able to unite to serve God and the community of Salford.