Tuesday, July 17, 2012

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


Wednesday, July 4, 2012

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