Across the Pond

It’s 3:36 am but don’t worry, It's not from sleep deprivation, it’s continent deprivation. I’m in England. Selly Oak to be exact, at the University of Birmingham . University of BirminghamUK

This ministry is where Rachel spent 5 months of her life last winter and it’s sponsored by one of our main mission partners who we work with in Africa (CMFI).  It’s a Campus Ministry that was just beginning last year when Rachel was here. U of B is a large multicultural college (probably even more so than a large college in the states). And it’s in Europe where only 2% of the population goes to church. To call it a mission field would be an understatement! Canvas House (we flew through London and did a couple of tourist things before catching the train up to Bham. This is in front of Westminster Abby, which is a beautiful church and graveyard to royalty and most of the important people of England. and it's also a sad reminder of the importance that God USED to have in this country) 

So Sean (Youth and Missions pastor) and Rachel and I came over at their request to encourage and coach them in their ministry. What we have found is a fantastic team of people doing great work, and God is blessing it. The “big team” consists of five very sharp young people who are the core of the ministry. Then there are some year-long interns and the college exchange students who come for a semester or a year. They have spent a year now, making relationships and loving the community and interacting with a local church. And now they are having 40plus students in a Bible study and the ministry is just blossoming. To the point that one very small local church just gave them their building, which they immediately converted into an awesome ministry center.

Rachel's band, (www.myspace.com\transatlanticmusic Transatlantic Band) is having a reunion concert tonight and the place will be packed with students who are finding out about God literally for the first time.  

One of the students said it best - ' “I figured out what’s different about you guys. All of the other Christian groups tell you the answers and we don’t want to ask the questions. You keep asking questions and we’re ready to hear the answers.” This is the book of Acts in motion, and I'm so encouraged to be here. it's rejuvenating to me and our ministry. The usual problem with "American's" doing ministry in other cultures is summed up by this picture. 

Notice the writing on the street. it's for the American's who come over here and forget that cars are coming from the wrong direction (and i've almost done it myself). it's a perfect illustration of how we need to find out about the other culture first and then figure out how to reach them, instead of doing things "our" way and asking them to come. I think Paul said it best - I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. (1 Cor 9:22) Canvas has done a great job of looking a new direction. 

Pray for them and Jason as he preaches this weekend.

 

Tim 

Comments

[Paula]

Awesome. AMEN!

[Sharon]

Listened to Transatlantic...your sound is great!

[Deb H.]

I remember that printing on the ground walking through the streets of London. Even with the printing, it's still not easy to train yourself to look the opposite way. So we do need to look "right" when it comes to the Lord.... and also look right when crossing the streets in England. You guys are doing great work there. Keep it up, we miss you but I guess we need to share you too.