Partners in Mission Letter, March 2010

Hello Everyone,

In case you have not received this letter in the mail, I have added it online. As you can see, I am back from England (for a while now), and am looking forward to this next part of the journey. Please read the letter above to learn more.

In Christ,

Matt

Less than a Fortnight left... and some great quotes

In less than 2 weeks, I will return to 'the States', with bags full of Christmas presents and other memorabilia collected along the way, my stomach full of great English food (and Chinese, Indian, and other cuisine from new-found friends), a mind full of wonderful memories (and some not-so-good ones too), and a heart full with emotion, excitement from what God has done, emptiness from leaving great friends and memories behind, and also eagerness to be returning to family and friends.  If that is not a run-on sentence, I don't know what is...

Over the past few days, I have reflected on my experiences here by looking back in my journal. I began to write down the highlights, and so far have 5 and a half pages full of great memories. I will try to pick out the top 10 or so, but until I do that, I will share some of the great quotes that I have come across durning my stay in England:

"If we live like we sing, this planet would be different."

- David Crowder

There is nothing we can do to make God love us more; there is nothing we can do to make God love us less.

"Pain is God's megaphone to rouse a deaf world..."

-C.S. Lewis

"Being active and being effective are not necessarily the same thing."

- (from Young People and Mission)

"For in everything natural there is something marvelous."

- Aristotle

"Our hearts are restless until they find their rest in God."

- Aristotle

"Life is now seen as an anticipation of something more marvelous which is yet to come."

- Allister McGrath

"Your love is over, it's underneath..."

- From Tenth Avenue North

"God is the highest good of the reasonable creature; and the enjoyment of him is the only happiness with which our souls can be satisfied."

- Jonathan Edwards

Long time, no blog

Wow. Time flies when you're having fun. Or, just when you're busy.  It's been some of both for me.  I have found a sort of routine, but this 'routine' often includes last-minute preparation and is by no means organized. But, such is life. It's messy, unorganized, mixed with good and bad, etc. We shouldn't settle; that's not what I'm saying. But, we have to admit our faults; we can't act like we have it all together, because I'm pretty sure none of us do. I digress...

I will share some of the highlights of the past month or so. A couple great worship times that come to mind are IXth hour, for hundreds of youth in the Northeast area. It was a great time of worship, talking about our identity in Christ. We all need to be reminded that what others think of us doesn't really matter; certainly not as much as what God thinks of us. And He loves us. He died for us. He offers abundant life for us. The other worship time was the Forum, which connects churches from around the area in worship, prayer, and fellowship. It was great to get outside of our own church walls, and interact with people from around the area... people with the same passion for Christ. We learned how God's people can be compared to a stream. Each of us on our own are nothing but a drop... but as we draw together, a tiny pool forms... then a little trickle... then a stream... and eventually, as we work and love and serve together... a mighty river.  Oh, that we would work together for the purposes of God.

I have also been encouraged by my time in the schools. It was great to give my testimony in Joseph Swan school, to three classes. I am now working in small groups with two of the classes, talking about the basics of Christianity, moral decisions, and simply building relationships. I was also privileged to share my testimony in Emmanuel College, a very strict and religious (maybe too religious) school. Some people have shared how it feels like the Gospel is shoved down the throat of students there. In any case, I shared about my own struggles, through high school and growing up. I focused on the difference in my life from saying the 'sinner's prayer' to really living in relationship with the Living God.  It took a long time for me to understand that Christianity is relevant on every day of the week, not just Sunday.

Well, I am still learning and growing a lot. I thank you for your prayers. The excitement is growing, as my parents are coming to visit in a couple weeks! Please pray that they make it here safely and have a great time. I am here for less than 2 more months, so also pray that I will make the most of every opportunity as the day for my departure approaches. Grace and Peace be with you all.

Overwhelmed by His Love

Have you ever been in that awkward situation where you overhear a stranger talking about a certain group of people... and you happen to be a part of that group? It happened to me today.

I went out for lunch, to take a break after a long and exciting morning. At school, I talked to three classes about my experience in America. We talked about life, culture, religion, and how we often have misconceptions about other places. As I sipped my tea, I overheard a group talking about America-- mostly about how American television is corrupting their kids. I couldn't pass up such an opportunity. So, I turned round, and said, 'sorry, I couldn't help overhearing...' 

From the first word I said, they could tell I was an American. The accent is apparently quite obvious. I then attempted to explain that we all have misconceptions about places we've never been too-- I certainly had them about England. We were able to agree that there are good and bad things about both England and America, and that you can't get the full picture just by watching tv or reading newspapers.

I had a great discussion with my dad today as well. We talked about the miracle that is salvation, and the power of testimony: to tell your story, to give an account, to witness. In fact, we talked about this very thing in one of the youth clubs tonight. We discussed all the different things that affect or influence our lives, and found that people--especially parents, friends, and teachers, affect us the most. I found that the people who affect my life are those I see, living and struggling, facing good times and bad, and still growing and striving to seek Christ. The people who admit their weaknesses, and therefore show God's strength in their lives. I hope to be a witness like that.

We also talked about acceptance, in the Fit For Life youth club. How God accepts us, just as He accepted the Samaritan woman. Even in her admission of sin, Christ accepted her. Similarly, he calls us to admit our mistakes and weaknesses, knowing that he has accepted us. That he loves us. I am simply overwhelmed by His love. His acceptance; that we can be a part of something bigger than ourselves... a part of a family, a group, a body. You would think there would be more chatter about this group. There certainly are misconceptions. Maybe, as we live our live openly and honestly, and in his love, maybe then people will be discussing something bigger than america at the local tea house.

Peace

Last week I headed off to the Scottish borders for camp. There were about 150 youth that attended, along with about 50 leaders; and only one 'Texan' (I use this term loosely; I am not really a Texan). It was great to interact with so many youth as well as build relationships with fellow youth workers. It was great for the youth as well, to get out of the city, and into an environment surrounded by fellow Christians, where you can really be yourself. Everyone loved the games and activities, but the sense of peace was most noticed: students could let down their guard without fear of being made fun of. The last night of camp was especially powerful. The Lord moved in a mighty way, people from all over northern England were united in worship. Then, we ended the night with a good ol' fashioned barn dance! (The camp theme was 'the wild west') Pray that the commitments made and relationships built at camp Whithaugh will be used for God's glory.

Now, I'm back in Gateshead, busy preparing for the coming weeks of youth clubs, school work, college class, and church events. Tonight, David (who leads a Thursday club for 7-11yr olds) and I travelled around meeting young people and their parents who may come to the clubs. I wasn't prepared for the poverty that I saw most of these kids living in; it reminded me of apartment ministries back at college. But what really broke my heart was the fear that some of these kids, and even some parents, lived with.

I also saw hope and joy. I hate to write such cliche' sentiments, but it was quite obvious that those who knew the Lord had an unshakeable peace about them. It was like they saw something that those around them didn't see-- I saw it too, once I looked closely. That is, there was a glimmer of light in the darkness. There was hope for a new life in Christ, and joy that surpasses any circumstantial happiness. My hope and prayer is that we may know the peace of Christ, whether we are at camp or not. That we can vulnerably be who God created us to be regardless of what others think or say.

"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

-Philippians 4.7

Pray

I'm kind of tired of writing about my experiences in the same old way, and I figure you may be tired of reading about them as well, so I decided to simply write down some prayer points that reflect what has happened over the last week or so:

• Pray that I can build deep relationships with the people of Durham Road Baptist Church, as well as that I can meet people outside of the church who I can minister to.
• Pray for the young people that I have gotten to know a little bit, especially Fibon, Allison, and Dominic. Also, for the kids who don't come to church very often, and seem to hold football as their idol.
• Pray for David Hunt (the pastor) and his family as they are away on holiday for 2 weeks. Pray that they will be refreshed as they take a break off.
• Pray for the young adults, that I may build relationships with them in such a way that we can build each other up. Pray for Stuart, Sarah, Enola, Martin, and Gareth & Mandy. Prayt that I can help Martin to learn english (he is from Slovakia) and that Stuart's 24-7 prayer meeting will go well.
• Pray for the summer break (students just got out of school, and are off for 6 weeks). Pray that the kids will be safe and will find productive things to do. Pray for the church camps and other activities that might draw kids to Christ. Pray for direction, so that I can organize fun and influential activities for the students.
•  Pray that I can get used to the culture and language here (it is still English, but there is a 'Geordy' accent). Pray that I will have peace and focus on Christ above all else.

Thank you for your prayers. I hope you are all doing well and keeping your focus on Christ. 

Colosssians 4.2

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

1 Thessolonians 5.16-18

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

Joy

Have you ever had that feeling of looking back on some great experience and being overwhelmed with a sense of happiness that you were there along with great sadness that you there no longer?

It's like a good meal. The other day, some friends and I went to an Italian restaurant. We splurged and bought some excellent meals; mine was roasted duck penne with plum sauce. It was so scrumptious that I couldn't help but gobble it all up. I savored the flavor, but followed it with 'the godfather', an aptly named mass of chocolate, toffee, brownie, and ice cream. Again, I gobbled it up. As we sat there with bellies full and smiles on our faces, the flavors began to fade. I scrambled for another taste of that chocolaty goodness, but it was gone. As satisfied as I was, I realized that it was over. And in only a couple days, the experience at Oxford would be over too. 

The sites and sounds of that great city of dreaming spires are fading along with the belly-ache that came with 'the godfather.' I scramble for another taste: I look at pictures and reminisce with friends, but still, the flavor is leaving. I'm beginning to wonder if it wasn't all a dream after all-- the city has lived up to its name. But then I remember that Oxford is not the dream which I hope will come true. It has come, and is now past. But it was only a shadow of the real 'city of dreaming spires.'

C.S. Lewis reminds us that joy is a longing for something which is so beautiful, so amazing, so unimaginable, that it cannot be experienced in this life. The friends and fun, the sights and sounds (and smells), the essays and the escapades all brought joy; but they were not what I was really longing for. They are not eternal; they've already come and gone. But there is something, no, Someone, who is far greater and lasts far longer.