It always surprises me how much things change in a relatively short time. Going back to England was a reminder. It was great to see friends and family, play games, play the piano, pray, sing, laugh and talk together. Precious moments. Actually the best thing was to understand everything. No embarrassingly long conversations at the shop till; no painstakingly slow questions, dictionary in hand - just freedom to think with a vocabulary of much more than 200 words.
However, as I said, things change. It was with great joy that I returned to find the School of the Lion (where I've studied and taught) on the receiving end of a grand miracle. While it seemed impossible for them to continue at Beauchamp House, God's grace said there was a way. I praise God for providing a buyer and in the eleventh hour, calling off the auction of the property. Other changes back in Gloucester have left me asking questions and wondering, but we can always take heart because 'our times are in God's hands'. He, who set the heavens in place, doesn't change 'though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea'. He is our refuge and strength.
On Saturday, the Christian youth of Extremadura (this region in Spain) had a day centred on evangelism in the city of Merida. We praised God together with some songs and while singing 'Enciende una luz', lit candles as a symbol of our desire to be the light of Jesus in the darkness of Spain. We heard a message about the spiritual battle we are in and how the Bible is the sword we must use. I was challenged to become more familiar with this 'sword' and not fight the battle with my own words. Although the message of the cross is offensive to non-Christians, it is only the truth of God in His Word (the Bible) that can bring new life to them. This was demonstrated later that day in the centre of the city.
We were in one of the main squares (about sixty of us) and I and a few friends started things off with some jazz. Different groups made balloon models for children and did face painting. Others just started conversations. Two young men in particular were really active and spent the entire time talking to passers-by. Juan told me that with one man they prayed together. He believes there was a true change of heart. Other folk gave their testimonies and I was so pleased to see one friend from Navalmoral, who has previously been very timid about his faith, share very openly about losing his father, and how things had changed since he started going to church.
I can't finish without saying how blessed I was yesterday. The young people in the church had a birthday party for one girl. I shared with a couple of friends how I have doubts about my future in Spain (and struggles at present!). They really encouraged me and then I thought as I was leaving - I'm always ready to say if something is tough, but the best way to include others is for them to pray. Everyone stopped what they were doing and prayed for me for about 15 minutes. I was really touched that nearly all (12 or so) of them prayed with faith and sincerity for my life. I realised that I've found true friends there. As one of them said, "Look at our faces, we're with you in this." Thank you Lord.
Monday, 31 March 2008
Wednesday, 19 March 2008
Back in England
Well, not exactly yet, but I feel very pleased to be there over easter weekend. Hope to see 'algunos de vosotros' (some of you). I know I shouldn't talk about the weather, but today I realised that a cloudy day is when the sky isn't completely blue all day. And I still get funny looks when I say, "What a lovely day it is!" The spring is a wonderful time: the blossom on the trees, the pleasant breeze, the gentle warmth of the sun, strolling through the olive groves - beautiful.
Last Friday I was preparing a present for a friend's 21st birthday. Rock buns are just about the quickest/easiest cakes to make - but I managed to create something quite small and quite heavy. I felt rather disappointed and endeavoured to make the best of it and at least take the 8 or so cakes. First, though, I had to surgically remove with knife and fork all the burnt sultanas and transplant new ones. And all this at 2 in the morning! Now you have confirmation that I've lost my mind here! Still all the cakes were eaten and only the two English girls noticed my mistake.
It was wonderful on Sunday to see the new baby of Willy and Diana. They're doing well. They are such a blessing to me with their laid-back attitude. They always have time and patience to speak with me. I first met them over five years ago on a school visit and it's amazing to see what God has done in their lives. Although their backgrounds have been troubled, they've come to be leaders in the church and so faithful to the Lord. Only the work of Jesus could transform people's lives in such a way. May He continue to shape all of our lives and lighten our paths with His Word.
Last Friday I was preparing a present for a friend's 21st birthday. Rock buns are just about the quickest/easiest cakes to make - but I managed to create something quite small and quite heavy. I felt rather disappointed and endeavoured to make the best of it and at least take the 8 or so cakes. First, though, I had to surgically remove with knife and fork all the burnt sultanas and transplant new ones. And all this at 2 in the morning! Now you have confirmation that I've lost my mind here! Still all the cakes were eaten and only the two English girls noticed my mistake.
It was wonderful on Sunday to see the new baby of Willy and Diana. They're doing well. They are such a blessing to me with their laid-back attitude. They always have time and patience to speak with me. I first met them over five years ago on a school visit and it's amazing to see what God has done in their lives. Although their backgrounds have been troubled, they've come to be leaders in the church and so faithful to the Lord. Only the work of Jesus could transform people's lives in such a way. May He continue to shape all of our lives and lighten our paths with His Word.
Monday, 17 March 2008
Tuesday, 11 March 2008
Monday, 10 March 2008
This week has had its high points. Like eating a chocolate eclair and driving a Mercedes Benz. Mainly it's been quite difficult. Being in a different country is never going to be easy especially if there's a language barrier. But I've found the pressures of my job dominate my life at the moment. There are few people with whom I can really relax and 'chill'. So let me put the prayer requests up here - because I can only find help in one person: Jesus; and, as He gave His life for me, I want to be willing to trust Him with mine.
Please pray:
1. for the joy of the Lord to dominate my life and be evident to others
2. for energy and focus to keep working on the language
3. for wisdom and peace in my job
4. for some good friends
So what's this about me driving a Mercedes? Well, yesterday I was taken on a tour of the sights of Badajoz and even a short trip to Portugal. The man who took me was a taxi driver and (I reckon) aspires to be a racing driver. Later he asked if I wanted a go. I've wanted to drive here for sometime but I hoped to start with something a bit easier. Instead, I sat down nervously behind the wheel of a really big classic Mercedes. So there I was listening to a stream of Spanish instructions and understanding only the odd word (''estop es estop''). Fortunately a girl from England was able to translate some of it and did remarkably well at making it sound crucially important (''He says you need to stay on this side of the road'').
On Sunday, we especially prayed for a lady in the church who's expecting a baby. Diana and her husband, Willy have been in hospital for a while now and though the doctors tried to induce the labour, it didn't work. She's been in quite a bit of pain. Pray that the baby would come soon without further complications.
One final point: the election happened yesterday. President Zapatero won a second term. This is very sad as he's brought many terrible laws to the country, but we need to pray that God will change his heart and have mercy on the people here.
God bless you all and thanks for your prayers. Hope to see some of you when I come back to England for the weekend after next.
Please pray:
1. for the joy of the Lord to dominate my life and be evident to others
2. for energy and focus to keep working on the language
3. for wisdom and peace in my job
4. for some good friends
So what's this about me driving a Mercedes? Well, yesterday I was taken on a tour of the sights of Badajoz and even a short trip to Portugal. The man who took me was a taxi driver and (I reckon) aspires to be a racing driver. Later he asked if I wanted a go. I've wanted to drive here for sometime but I hoped to start with something a bit easier. Instead, I sat down nervously behind the wheel of a really big classic Mercedes. So there I was listening to a stream of Spanish instructions and understanding only the odd word (''estop es estop''). Fortunately a girl from England was able to translate some of it and did remarkably well at making it sound crucially important (''He says you need to stay on this side of the road'').
On Sunday, we especially prayed for a lady in the church who's expecting a baby. Diana and her husband, Willy have been in hospital for a while now and though the doctors tried to induce the labour, it didn't work. She's been in quite a bit of pain. Pray that the baby would come soon without further complications.
One final point: the election happened yesterday. President Zapatero won a second term. This is very sad as he's brought many terrible laws to the country, but we need to pray that God will change his heart and have mercy on the people here.
God bless you all and thanks for your prayers. Hope to see some of you when I come back to England for the weekend after next.
Sunday, 2 March 2008
Two months on
I'm enjoying the beauty of Spring here. Last week I climbed up one of the hills overlooking the town. It was so tranquil except for the occasional clanging of sheep's bells. I walked past a little stream and then through some olive groves. Finally on top of a rocky outcrop, I could look over the city and towards the mountains. I was thankful to be alive and be able to appreciate the beauty of God's creation.
I'm also thankful for the friends I know here. Last Sunday, I had a jam session with Pablo Delgado, a good friend in Badajoz. He is an excellent bass player and has done quite a bit of arranging too. We had a lot of fun jazzing up some classic hymns and playing a few new worship songs too. He hopes to have the opportunity to study music at university, but has chosen for now to stay with his church (his dad's the pastor) and serve there – usually as a one-man band.
As for my friends in Navalmoral, I don't see enough of them, but on Friday night we had a surprise party for the daughter of the pastor. I am becoming accustomed to manfully eating whatever is put on my plate (and that has sometimes been a question of mind over stomach!) but when I saw we all had plates of completely raw meat, I said a little prayer! At the last moment, the answer came: it was a meat fondue. And it was a lot of fun too – it takes a bit longer than dipping marshmallows in chocolate and seems to involve setting fire to tea towels and the kitchen work surface, but is really good for a social meal.
Today I was asked to play a saxophone solo in the church here in Navalmoral (usually I go to Badajoz). I chose a song called 'A quien iré en necesidad' which means 'Who do I go to when I'm in need'. I told the congregation that we recognise Jesus as the One who took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, but we need to remember the great price He paid for this and for our salvation. Before we think or talk of Jesus as our provider, we need to see Him first as Christ crucified for the forgiveness of our sins. Of course in doing this, Jesus provided the greatest thing we'll ever need – our salvation.
As Christians, we must see everything in light of the cross of Christ. After all, that is the only way we are in relationship with God. Jesus hasn't just showed us a better way to live. He's given us a better way to live – His own life. He didn't say ''I've come to show you the way''. He said, ''I AM THE WAY. No one comes to the Father, but by ME.'' We can't come to God by copying Jesus. That is good, but without the cross it is only 'good works'. Rather we should have faith in what Jesus has done – that “He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed.” How awesome is the love of God that “He did not spare His only Son” and how great was the love of Jesus that He took the punishment to bring us peace. In everything, let us “fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter/finisher of our faith.”
I'm also thankful for the friends I know here. Last Sunday, I had a jam session with Pablo Delgado, a good friend in Badajoz. He is an excellent bass player and has done quite a bit of arranging too. We had a lot of fun jazzing up some classic hymns and playing a few new worship songs too. He hopes to have the opportunity to study music at university, but has chosen for now to stay with his church (his dad's the pastor) and serve there – usually as a one-man band.
As for my friends in Navalmoral, I don't see enough of them, but on Friday night we had a surprise party for the daughter of the pastor. I am becoming accustomed to manfully eating whatever is put on my plate (and that has sometimes been a question of mind over stomach!) but when I saw we all had plates of completely raw meat, I said a little prayer! At the last moment, the answer came: it was a meat fondue. And it was a lot of fun too – it takes a bit longer than dipping marshmallows in chocolate and seems to involve setting fire to tea towels and the kitchen work surface, but is really good for a social meal.
Today I was asked to play a saxophone solo in the church here in Navalmoral (usually I go to Badajoz). I chose a song called 'A quien iré en necesidad' which means 'Who do I go to when I'm in need'. I told the congregation that we recognise Jesus as the One who took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, but we need to remember the great price He paid for this and for our salvation. Before we think or talk of Jesus as our provider, we need to see Him first as Christ crucified for the forgiveness of our sins. Of course in doing this, Jesus provided the greatest thing we'll ever need – our salvation.
As Christians, we must see everything in light of the cross of Christ. After all, that is the only way we are in relationship with God. Jesus hasn't just showed us a better way to live. He's given us a better way to live – His own life. He didn't say ''I've come to show you the way''. He said, ''I AM THE WAY. No one comes to the Father, but by ME.'' We can't come to God by copying Jesus. That is good, but without the cross it is only 'good works'. Rather we should have faith in what Jesus has done – that “He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed.” How awesome is the love of God that “He did not spare His only Son” and how great was the love of Jesus that He took the punishment to bring us peace. In everything, let us “fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter/finisher of our faith.”
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)