It was fall 2019. We had no idea what lay ahead in a few short months. When 2020 hit, we all were trying to process COVID. The lockdowns, masks, quarantines, and school closures all seemed to create an atmosphere of fear in our communities, families and workplaces. In His sovereignty, God divinely brought four ladies together to do a Bible study on Advent. Following the Spirit’s prompting to begin a weekly Zoom based Bible study, Amy, Lee, Susie and Cindy had no idea what a source of encouragement this would be for the difficult days that lay ahead.
What's New?
With sleepy eyes and coffee in hand, I logged onto the zoom call. It was March 11th at 6:00 am, and I had the incredible opportunity to connect with pastors and leaders from a closed country in south Asia. One pastor and his wife had invited a group of women to their home whose bright, colored dresses were matched only by their bright, eager smiles! This group of joyful believers were eager to receive encouragement towards reaching others for Christ.
It was a balmy June evening as several neighbors and myself gathered in a front lawn for our weekly Neighborhood Bible study. Since COVID 19, we have sought creative ways to gather together in socially distanced ways, creating an atmosphere of safety and comfort for everyone.
As we shared insights from that week’s scripture passage, we could not help notice the brown and white, bounding ball of canine energy dashing about from yard to yard.
First Steps
Despite the rich Christian historical roots in England, recent statistics and reports reflect the spiritual soil of England as hard and cold. Yet, God is bigger than statistics and prayer is more powerful than reports!
When I stepped off the plane in London to chilly 50-degree weather, I was glad to have packed my scarves and coat! Although the weather was cold, the welcomes were warm every place I went. The best way to sum up my England mission trip is to say that prayer had prepared hearts.
I came to England at the invitation of believers from The Church of the Good Shepherd, who strongly believe that God is at work in England, drawing men and women to pray for revival in their great land.