Time

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.