Approaching farewell

It seems incredible that my time here in Wales is now coming to an end. I’m starting to feel sad to go, and it’s getting increasingly difficult to say goodbye to all of my friends. Already more than three months have passed since I first arrived in the Land of song, Welshcakes, and Tesco. And indeed the land is beautiful in many places all through the Welsh valleys.
This area, as you may have heard, is not all beauty and happiness though. Many hurting, homeless, and addicted people walk these streets. And many I’ve been able to talk to wish for a better life than their own. Drugs, alcohol, and crime, are still around in Merthyr and many other towns and cities throughout Wales. Of course, this will never be a perfect world, and these problems are merely symptoms of a broken and fallen world. True perfection and peace will only be possible once Jesus returns.
But I’ve found it remarkable just how the local churches and ministries are making a strong impact into the local community… especially here in Merthyr. With such ministries as the Gurnos Christian Centre, the van ministry, YP, and Food Bank; just to name a few. I’ve been very privileged to just come alongside these ministries and help in any way I could for the past 3 months.

Mission week was amazing! So many people were touched through the many ministries and teams throughout that week. The worst thing about the week, was it seemed everyone had just arrived when I realized it was time for them to go. Several videos, photos, etc. have surfaced from the trip. So if you have not seen any or would like some more details/photos about the trip… Comment below and I’ll be sure to add more. J
The day everyone went back to London, I first accompanied them all to the city of Bath which I found to be quite amazing. The amount of history and culture in that old English city was very impressive.

To all the churches I’ve been involved with at one point or another, to all the friends I’ve made, to all the church leaders who have been an encouragement and blessing to me and to others I want to simply say thank you. The list would be far too long to mention everyone I wish to thank, but please know you’re all in my prayers and I hope to again come and visit.
I’ve gained much experience through these past three months. And of course the more I grow and learn, the more I realize there are many things I don’t know. Now I look forward to coming back home to continue the journey God has for me.
I look forward to seeing you all back in the states, and I hope to see all of my Welsh and English friends when I return next year! (Unless you decide to take a holiday to the U.S. first.)

I preached my final sermon in Wales (for this Summer at least) last Sunday evening.
Click the link below to listen…
Sunday Sermon
(there is about a 8/9 minute testimony beforehand from one of our friends from Brazil)

Unfortunately, I didn’t quite make it up to north Wales to climb Snowdon this time… It gives me something to look forward to next year. However, I did get a chance to climb “sugar loaf” today. (pictured below)

I leave tomorrow afternoon for London. So I’m looking forward to seeing the host city of the 2012 Olympic Games! Then on Friday at 9:50AM I fly to Miami. Please keep me in prayer for safe travel.
Nos Da!
-David

Wales Mission 2012 Days 1-3 +

July 2nd:
Mission week begins, welcoming everyone, last minute errands, etc.
These are the things that dominated today.
I'm really glad to see everyone, and I'm glad everyone's getting settled in for a great week. (After the American crew gets over their jet lag.)
Really looking forward to a great week, and very thankful for the opportunity to serve the Lord together with great people from Brighton, Atlanta, and St. Augustine.

                                                                                                                                                                    

July 3rd:


110 Men heard the Gospel proclaimed at the Neath Rugby Club
for the first ever men's "Beast Feast" in Neath!


Meanwhile....



The New Hope Gospel Choir also sharing the Good news of Jesus!

                                                                                                                                                                                          
July 4th:
Happy 4th to everyone back in the states, and to the American crew here...
Today was the busiest day of mission week so far, everyone was busy working in their teams today.
From school teams, the CAT(community action teams), the gurnos team, and care home teams, to the choir, tech, and of course me (the miscellaneous team). I think it was a great day, and I look forward to hearing more stories from those who were out and about today. (And of course posting them when I can.)









  (Left) Setting up for a 4th of July festival in the Gurnos Christian Centre in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales.







(Right) Getting ready for the first visit from the New Hope Gospel Choir to Christ Church in Ebbw Vale!!

                                                                                                                                                                   

July 5th(Part 1):
This is the "plus" part.
As I am now just finishing.. it is 2:00 in the morning of the 5th.
I apologise in advance for any grammatical error on my behalf. Please give a little grace for error, since it is so late/early.
I'm really looking forward to what God has in store for Wales and the entire TPAC/New Hope/Holland Road teams this week!

Please keep everyone in prayer, and I'll keep you all updated as the week progresses.
-David

Visit to Cardiff... and Q and A's

It is hard to believe the month of June is about to come to a close...  I'm really starting to feel like everything is rushing past at lightning speeds.
Getting things ready for Mission week is currently taking most of my time, but I did manage to make some sightseeing usage of my freetime on Saturday and I took a bus out to Cardiff.
One of the cool things about this trip was getting to see sights again that I hadn't seen since last year's missions trip.
Plus, I saw a few new things. Such as the Cardiff museum (pictured below), the large shopping centre of St. Davids, Cardiff Bay (With a street performer singing Journey songs), plus I was happily reunited with a can of Barq's rootbeer from an American sweets shoppe called "Americandy".

Cardiff getting in the Olympic Spirit!

Wales plaque art outside of the Millenium stadium in Cardiff, Wales

I had a "challenge" sent out on Facebook this week, simply opening up the opportunity to ask any question you could think of. Without further ado, here are some of the questions I've recieved:

1) Why do birds suddenly appear everytime you are near?
The answer to that one is simple... They just long to be close to me. haha.
In actuality, the bird's affinity for me is probably just because I keep feeding them. Who knew bird seed could be so cheep? It's just tuppence, tuppence, tuppence a bag!

2) When are the sheep sheared in Wales?Late Spring/Early Summer is when most of the sheep shearing happens. Around this time of year is when most of the sheep are being sheared. To provide further evidence of this fact, was my trip to Englad a few weeks ago where I actually witnessed some newly sheared sheep. However, no, I don't have any photographic evidence to back up this claim. Sorry.
Obviously those who raise sheep want them warm enough through the winter, the sheep need their full coat during that time. This is why the once yearly shearing must be done before the Fall.

3) Are you going to get to see The Dark Knight Rises before it hits theaters in America?
Unfotunately I don't get the special "I saw it first" privilege as I did with the Avengers.
The movie will be released here on the 20th as it is in the U.S.
And that is the day I fly back home from Heathrow airport in London. However, I do already have plans to see it at least twice once I return home.

4) Why did you bring the bad weather with you and can you take it back to America?
I actually do not know why I brought on this onslaught of wet weather. Perhaps the U.K. weather system knew I was from the "Sunshine State" and simply wanted to spite me? Although you really need to look at whoever came just before me, because the rainy weather had already begun prior to my arrival in Wales.
I would take it back. However, Florida has had quite a good share of rain themselves... including a tropical storm. But if I do get to invent my weather collector/distributor before I leave, I'll make sure you get a few more nice sunny days included in your Summer. (After I help with the drought in Asia of course)

5) What is your best memory of the trip?
This one's a little more tough since I haven't actually finished my trip yet, and also I've had so many good memories It's hard to choose just one.
I really enjoyed climbing Pen y Fan and just seeing more of Wales.  Some places (such as Swansea) just have such picturesque beauty.
But the things that have really made more of an impact on me are just the small conversations I've been able to have with the people here. Actually seeing the church growing and reaching people for Christ has already made this trip memorable and worthwhile.

(If you have any other questions you'd like answered on the blog, don't hesitate to let me know, and perhaps I'll do another one or two Q&A's before my return journey home.)

video update

Brighton

I used a very general title for this blog post, because I want you to anticipate 2 things.
1) This will be a very gereral post, covering a wide range of events and topics based upon my visit last weekend.
2) A branch of the first, since there are so many diverse topics, this post will be somewhat long.
I will try to divide them as I progress through events and stories I feel that I need to share, and ones you would simply like to hear/read.

Trains (Part 1):
It was a great first long-distance train ride for me. I have now gotten to experience the great railway system of Britain. I left the station of Merthyr Tydfil on Friday to arrive in Brighton&Hove later that evening.
I really enjoyed the view as the Welsh, and later English, countryside passed by as I leaned my head against the window taking in all the scenery as it passed by.
Most of the track along the way followed a quickly paced river with various waterfalls, babbling brooks, and flowing streams coming from the source.
It was raining, and even though my train would streamline past certain spots, it was a peaceful and relaxing ride. I listened to music and read a book along the way. Halfway through reading this book, the gentle swaying of the train began to make me drowsy, and some well meaning passengers woke me from my slumber to make sure I didn't need to get off at the stop they had found imperitive for their future travels of the day.
I thanked them for their consideration, and again tried to drift off into a dream which needed a continuation.
Again I was woken from a new passenger to accompany me on the seat to my right. After considering if I should be polite and speak, or go back to my dream... I decided I should a least extend a bit of conversation. "I'm glad I decided against walking this morning." I told the man next to me. He was about thirty years old, and he apparently found this rather dry humorous American comment quite funny. We discussed the general intents of our various travel, and I came to find out he is an architect going to visit family in the east part of England.
The great thing about this whole conversation, was that I was able to share with him about the missions trip to Wales and tell him all about our purpose while there. I was thankful for this opportunity to share about the mission, and about Jesus. Even though I don't believe he was saved, I was able to at least be a witness for Christ.
Only a couple hours into my trip, and I had made a "friend" already. But no, God wasn't done. I had the chance to share my testimony with 2 other people on this trip.
Then, chaos broke.
I tried to push the button to open the doors at my stop in Cosham, England. The door basically said no, and I was forced to miss my stop and get off at the next one.
I then had to take a train going the opposite direction back to Cosham. This train, didn't even try to slow down as I saw my stop whizz past on both the sides of the train.
I was shocked, and then had to sit on the train for at least 30 minutes going who knows where.
I then took the next train hoping to at least not be incredibly late. But I tried to trust God, and know that He had me delayed for a reason. I finally arrived at my destination only 2 minutes later than originally intended. Again, why worry?

The cities of Brighton and Hove:

The statue representing the dividing line between the city of Brighton and Hove

I was greeted by Jason, one of the 'time team' guys from Brighton... He was one of the people who visited Merthyr a couple of weeks prior.
He took me to where I'd be staying for the weekend (which was actually inside the church).
And I just kind of settled in, rested from my trip, and went down to the English channel; which was only a few minutes away.
It almost felt surreal being able to look directly across the water (the channel) and know that I'm looking out toward France.
Sometimes it seems I'm not really on the other side of the Atlantic... until those kind of moments.

Another time team friend, Nic, was my tour guide for the day on Saturday.
Brighton is a very busy and happening city. There's plenty of things to see and do.
I got to go on a ferris wheel, explored the famous piers of Brighton, visited the Brighton museum, saw some of the beautiful churches and cathedrals of the city, traversed "the lanes" of Brighton (large shopping area), went to Starbucks, saw the Royal Pavillion (taj mahal lookalike), and probably many other things which I can't remember at the moment. The views of the beach are quite awesome too. I've posted many more pics on Facebook if you would like to see some of the sights in Brighton.

Brighton is not with out its problems though... and without detailing all the flaws found in the city, we need to remember that everyone needs a Savior. And Brighton&Hove is no different. People who do not have Christ in the center of their lives will find it very easy to place themselves in the center. Then everything they do will be catering toward the flesh and the mentality of "me first". I'm told that this is where most of the problems sprout from in Brighton.

Holland road baptist church:
Built in 1887, Holland road is the hub for quite a few ministries in Brighton... Not to mention a partner in the Missions trip to Wales (only a couple of weeks away now!)
For more info about the church, go to:
http://www.hrbc.org.uk/
The services on Sunday were great! The morning was about "Rescuing your family" and the evening focused on the power of prayer.
Between those services, I went to Phillip Deuk's house and enjoyed a delicious meal which, due to my slow eating habits, took awhile to complete.
I was also unvoluntarily volunteered to sing in a few rounds of karaoke. (not my cup of tea, but I did appreciate the fact there were some Disney songs)

The next morning, I met up with some of the local church leaders and shared a devotional about idolotry.
It's important that nothing comes higher than God. And that anything which takes the higher precidence is an idol in our life. Afterward, I got to have lunch with a couple of the church leaders and we discussed the missions trip, my trip, and further plans.
Trains part 2:
My trip came to an end. And after I stopped to get myself a sub from Subway, I gathered my belongings and began my journey through the pouring rain to the train station.
It was not the most pleasant of walks. And as I waded through the deep puddles and drenching downpour, I quickly became aware of a hole in my shoe allowing water in.
When I arrived at Hove station, I found that my train had been cancelled due to flooding on the tracks.
So I got on the next available train... To make a long story shorter, several changes and hours more than I expected, I arrived in Cardiff. And by this time it was 12:00AM so I had missed my connecting train to take me back to Merthyr. Thankfully, the train company paid for a taxi to take me back home. And all came to a nice ending.
On the train trip, I got to see one of the famous chalk drawings of Britain... unfortunately I couldn't get a good picture. But here is what I saw:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Westburywhitehorse.JPG

Anyway, there are just a few highlights of my trip... I now must continue sending e-mails for the mission and prepare to leave for the youth weekend away, I leave tonight to help out until Sunday afternoon.
Hopefully it won't be quite so long till my next post!

-David

The Jubilee weekend and a trip to Swansea

This weekend has flown by! I thought I was just flipping the page on the imaginary 'calendar' to June, and here we are already 5(4 for the U.S.) days into it!!
I preached in Park Baptist on Sunday evening. Only my 4th or 5th message yet. But God has used a donkey before, so I'm sure he can use me too. :) Please listen, and let me know what you think...  http://parkbaptist.net/index.php?option=com_sermonspeaker&task=singlesermon&id=10299&Itemid=128

Also, Andy's daughter and her family have come for a visit until tomorrow afternoon. Today I went to Swansea (A Welsh city) and an area called Mumbles (in that city, pictured below) with Jon and Daniella Dyer...

                                         

 It was a beautiful day, and I really enjoyed the scenery! (and the Ice cream from Joe's) We all had a great time, and I found it a good precursor to the festivities of tonight, celebrating the Queen's diamond Jubilee! The festivites were quite immense and spectacular at the Buckingham palace this evening. Which I watched from the comfortable seating of Andy's living room. The excursion we did have, apart from seeing all of the decor in Swansea, was a trip to watch the beacons being lit in Wales! These beacons were yet another celebration of the jubilee. However, even though we trekked up part of Penyfan, we didn't have the greatest of views of the beacons... we (Andy Pitt, David Pitt, Andy's son in-law John, and myself) actually thought the moon was one of the beacons for quite some time. Obviously, after the fact, we all felt a little dull for having assumed this in the first place. (You would have to look at my photos on FB for this to really make more sense.)
Anyway, had a great weekend! Looking forward to much more concentrated work toward the July mission this week. (Nailing in the last few needed things)

Goodnight, and 'God save the queen'

Time team and Jubilee weekend

Dear Blog Readers,
Thank you all for continuing to follow along with me on this journey I'm on... I truly hope you've enjoyed seeing just the small glimpses of Wales that I have been able to show thusfar.
A highlight from this week was a meeting at a local restaraunt called the Harvester. I went with Pastor Andy and Udo from Park and we met with 3 people involved with international ministries to spread God's Word throughout the world. It was very encouraging to hear the stories of people seeking to grow and learn in Christ.
Hearing the lack of Christian teaching and Bibles though, should make us appreciate so much more the gift of having the Bible available to us to read. And shame on us when we simply let the Bible sit on a shelf and collect dust... while some churches only have one Bible (or sometimes just a page from the Bible) to share amongst a group of 20 or more people for a week!
It also should inspire us to find and help ministries and organizations who help translate and spread the Good News throughout the World.
                                     

The 'Time team' (pictured above, minus me) from Brighton will be leaving tomorrow, but they had a great time here in Merthyr. And were able to help out with various ministries here, such as High 5, Oasis, Coffe Lounge at the Gurnos, prayer meetings at St. Lukes, and they even got to participate in 3 Bible studies whilst they were here! I led these studies, so I'm sure they've had enough of listening to an American accent for awhile.
In all seriousness, it was great to have them here, we all had a lot of fun and they were a great blessing during their stay.

As far as my schedule is concerned,
I'll be preaching this Sunday evening in Park Baptist... and other than that, I'm unsure of my weekend plans.
The jubilee celebrations for the Queen will be this Tuesday and Wednesday. Those days will be bank holidays and most people will be hanging out with family and friends, providing they are off of work.
Hopefully at least one of those days will allow for the sight-seeing side of me to find something new to see/explore!
And then next weekend I'll be travelling (by train) to Brighton, England to see Holland Road Baptist Church... I just can't believe in only one month the missions trip will have already commenced, and the people from the U.S. will be here in Wales!

To be honest, part of this week was a little challenging. And with so many things going on, it can be easy to get a little lost in the flow of everything going on.
But it comes to just trusting God, and following Him through everyday and every situation. Hope you all have an amazing weekend!