Wow...after almost 20 years we're experiencing "cold" weather. We actually need to remember to turn on the heat, and close the windows and doors. We might have used the heater in our cars in Florida two or three times a year. Now it's every day!!! C'mon Spring!!!!
Welcome....
Monday, October 19, 2009
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
On the Threshold of a Dream
Would you agree the best dreams are those shared? It holds so true for our marriages, families, friends, and all the most important facets of our lives. There is something about connecting and contributing to a goal, a vision, a dream. More often than not, our future pivots upon the dreams in which we believe.
NLI is going through a metamorphosis. They are birthing a new dream. After 18 years of work primarily in Eastern and Central Europe, the ministry has now set their sights on expanding into all the nations of Europe. Yes, all 48 of them at current count. This dream is well worth sharing and well worth being part of.
This dream is too big for any one ministry. It will take partnerships from the UK, the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, across the borders of Europe, and from every other corner of the world. Last week, this new dream was unveiled at Eurosummit 2009, a conference hosted by NLI. We watched as over 100 delegates from over 15 nations not only heard the vision, but started to connect with how they could contribute and be part of the change!
Over the course of four days the vision took wing, and the dream grew. I sat at a table and helped a group of Youth Leaders from Bulgaria start planning a training schedule with pastors from across the border in Albania. Another connection was made by Church Planters in Romania wanting to reach out into neighbouring Moldavia. Our Kids' Ministry Team got invitations to work with churches in four new nations. Hearts opened to ideas to reach the gypsy population. Tears formed as the plight of the lost generations were shared. Prayers were offered to rekindle the Light of the World in Europe. These are but a few examples of who knows how many connections, conversations over coffee, and commitments.
It doesn't stop here. This past week was merely the overture. Many hours of planning, praying, traveling and implementing lie ahead. What a great place to be!!
We are humbled by the fact God saw us worthy of being a part of this. We are thankful so many others saw us deserving of prayers and support. We stand on the threshold of a dream and you are invited to join us.
NLI is going through a metamorphosis. They are birthing a new dream. After 18 years of work primarily in Eastern and Central Europe, the ministry has now set their sights on expanding into all the nations of Europe. Yes, all 48 of them at current count. This dream is well worth sharing and well worth being part of.
This dream is too big for any one ministry. It will take partnerships from the UK, the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, across the borders of Europe, and from every other corner of the world. Last week, this new dream was unveiled at Eurosummit 2009, a conference hosted by NLI. We watched as over 100 delegates from over 15 nations not only heard the vision, but started to connect with how they could contribute and be part of the change!
Over the course of four days the vision took wing, and the dream grew. I sat at a table and helped a group of Youth Leaders from Bulgaria start planning a training schedule with pastors from across the border in Albania. Another connection was made by Church Planters in Romania wanting to reach out into neighbouring Moldavia. Our Kids' Ministry Team got invitations to work with churches in four new nations. Hearts opened to ideas to reach the gypsy population. Tears formed as the plight of the lost generations were shared. Prayers were offered to rekindle the Light of the World in Europe. These are but a few examples of who knows how many connections, conversations over coffee, and commitments.
It doesn't stop here. This past week was merely the overture. Many hours of planning, praying, traveling and implementing lie ahead. What a great place to be!!
We are humbled by the fact God saw us worthy of being a part of this. We are thankful so many others saw us deserving of prayers and support. We stand on the threshold of a dream and you are invited to join us.
On the Threshold of a Dream
Would you agree the best dreams are those shared? It holds so true for our marriages, families, friends, and all the most important facets of our lives. There is something about connecting and contributing to a goal, a vision, a dream. More often than not, our future pivots upon the dreams in which we believe.
NLI is going through a metamorphosis. They are birthing a new dream. After 18 years of work primarily in Eastern and Central Europe, the ministry has now set their sights on expanding into all the nations of Europe. Yes, all 48 of them at current count. This dream is well worth sharing and well worth being part of.
This dream is too big for any one ministry. It will take partnerships from the UK, the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, across the borders of Europe, and from every other corner of the world. Last week, this new dream was unveiled at Eurosummit 2009, a conference hosted by NLI. We watched as over 100 delegates from over 15 nations not only heard the vision, but started to connect with how they could contribute and be part of the change!
Over the course of four days the vision took wing, and the dream grew. I sat at a table and helped a group of Youth Leaders from Bulgaria start planning a training schedule with pastors from across the border in Albania. Another connection was made by Church Planters in Romania wanting to reach out into neighbouring Moldavia. Our Kids' Ministry Team got invitations to work with churches in four new nations. Hearts opened to ideas to reach the gypsy population. Tears formed as the plight of the lost generations were shared. Prayers were offered to rekindle the Light of the World in Europe. These are but a few examples of who knows how many connections, conversations over coffee, and commitments.
It doesn't stop here. This past week was merely the overture. Many hours of planning, praying, traveling and implementing lie ahead. What a great place to be!!
We are humbled by the fact God saw us worthy of being a part of this. We are thankful so many others saw us deserving of prayers and support. We stand on the threshold of a dream and you are invited to join us.
NLI is going through a metamorphosis. They are birthing a new dream. After 18 years of work primarily in Eastern and Central Europe, the ministry has now set their sights on expanding into all the nations of Europe. Yes, all 48 of them at current count. This dream is well worth sharing and well worth being part of.
This dream is too big for any one ministry. It will take partnerships from the UK, the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, across the borders of Europe, and from every other corner of the world. Last week, this new dream was unveiled at Eurosummit 2009, a conference hosted by NLI. We watched as over 100 delegates from over 15 nations not only heard the vision, but started to connect with how they could contribute and be part of the change!
Over the course of four days the vision took wing, and the dream grew. I sat at a table and helped a group of Youth Leaders from Bulgaria start planning a training schedule with pastors from across the border in Albania. Another connection was made by Church Planters in Romania wanting to reach out into neighbouring Moldavia. Our Kids' Ministry Team got invitations to work with churches in four new nations. Hearts opened to ideas to reach the gypsy population. Tears formed as the plight of the lost generations were shared. Prayers were offered to rekindle the Light of the World in Europe. These are but a few examples of who knows how many connections, conversations over coffee, and commitments.
It doesn't stop here. This past week was merely the overture. Many hours of planning, praying, traveling and implementing lie ahead. What a great place to be!!
We are humbled by the fact God saw us worthy of being a part of this. We are thankful so many others saw us deserving of prayers and support. We stand on the threshold of a dream and you are invited to join us.
Friday, September 11, 2009
The Long and Winding Road
The title of this month's update could be symbolic in so many ways. It could be describing our personal journey from husband/wife and mom/dad to missionaries. It could be a visual of the path taken to make all the arrangements to move from the US to the UK. It definitely is indicative of how we get most places around here. But regardless of the route, we're not only here, but have actively begun our duties with the ministry. When I say "we" that includes all who are part of this adventure, regardless of what form your support takes; moral/physical/financial/spiritual. Our success, victories, and triumphs are also yours. Thank you, from deep in our hearts.
To date our messages have been mentioning what we'll be doing once we got to the UK. Now we can report in "real-time". Mary is currently in Slovakia with two other members of the Kids' Ministry Team.They are meeting with a number of local pastors and providing training about how to integrate kid's ministry into the fabric of their own ministry.Think about this for a moment; those of you who know Mary understand that she loves children. Her heart beats for children, as evidenced by her relationship with our own children, our own grand children, and countless babies she has hugged, kissed, sung to, cuddled and loved-on around the world. Now she gets to share that love across Europe.
Some day in the near future some children in a small town or city in Europe will be attending a crazy outdoor event. There will be clowns, music, balloons, and more. In the midst of it all this a little girl will be getting her face painted. Not too uncommon a sight at a event like this. But this time there is a major difference. This time something will be happening for the first time in her precious life, the person painting her face will be praying over her, or maybe praying with her. This may be the first time this child has ever heard about Jesus. Hopefully it will not be the last. This event will be just one of many put together by NLI aimed specifically for children, and Mary is an integral part of that team. If you listen close to the music you'll hear Mary's heartbeat. If you look closely you will see her smile on the face of a clown . If you stand still for a moment you'll feel her hugs in the air. I don't call her "NaNa to the Nations" for nothing.
Thank you for being part of what Mary's doing for kids in Europe. We never forget that we would not be here if it weren't for the team that made it all possible.
On the home front, we still have boxes to empty, but there are fewer every day. The weather has been beautiful (if not just a tad cooler than Florida) these past few days, and we are looking forward to seeing the colourful splendor of autumn in England. We have phone service, internet, water, electricity, and library cards!! Somewhere between now and next July we need to get UK driver's licenses.
Prayer request: We are still looking for a home church. Not just some place to attend, but somewhere to serve, be challenged, and stretched.
We miss all our family and friends. Fortunately our NLI family and our neighbours have been here to keep us from getting too lonely.
Paul and Mary.
We are running on faith, but we are not running alone.
Stay in touch via email: mary@going4th1.com paul@going4the1.com.
We are also on Facebook and Skype. We'd love to hear from you.
To date our messages have been mentioning what we'll be doing once we got to the UK. Now we can report in "real-time". Mary is currently in Slovakia with two other members of the Kids' Ministry Team.They are meeting with a number of local pastors and providing training about how to integrate kid's ministry into the fabric of their own ministry.Think about this for a moment; those of you who know Mary understand that she loves children. Her heart beats for children, as evidenced by her relationship with our own children, our own grand children, and countless babies she has hugged, kissed, sung to, cuddled and loved-on around the world. Now she gets to share that love across Europe.
Some day in the near future some children in a small town or city in Europe will be attending a crazy outdoor event. There will be clowns, music, balloons, and more. In the midst of it all this a little girl will be getting her face painted. Not too uncommon a sight at a event like this. But this time there is a major difference. This time something will be happening for the first time in her precious life, the person painting her face will be praying over her, or maybe praying with her. This may be the first time this child has ever heard about Jesus. Hopefully it will not be the last. This event will be just one of many put together by NLI aimed specifically for children, and Mary is an integral part of that team. If you listen close to the music you'll hear Mary's heartbeat. If you look closely you will see her smile on the face of a clown . If you stand still for a moment you'll feel her hugs in the air. I don't call her "NaNa to the Nations" for nothing.
Thank you for being part of what Mary's doing for kids in Europe. We never forget that we would not be here if it weren't for the team that made it all possible.
On the home front, we still have boxes to empty, but there are fewer every day. The weather has been beautiful (if not just a tad cooler than Florida) these past few days, and we are looking forward to seeing the colourful splendor of autumn in England. We have phone service, internet, water, electricity, and library cards!! Somewhere between now and next July we need to get UK driver's licenses.
Prayer request: We are still looking for a home church. Not just some place to attend, but somewhere to serve, be challenged, and stretched.
We miss all our family and friends. Fortunately our NLI family and our neighbours have been here to keep us from getting too lonely.
Paul and Mary.
We are running on faith, but we are not running alone.
Stay in touch via email: mary@going4th1.com paul@going4the1.com.
We are also on Facebook and Skype. We'd love to hear from you.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Country Road
Somehow or other between acclimating to a new home, starting our jobs with NLI, unpacking our shipping crate, and the oh-too-variable weather we were able to take a few hours on Sunday and go for a "ramble". We found our way to a local county park and with walking sticks in hand, started out across some of the most beautiful countryside we've ever seen. Rolling hills, green meadows, and occasionally some squishy organic stuff on the trail.
A very simple time to get some fresh air and revel in God's creation. But more than that it was some quiet time where we could stop along the way and chat ( as we caught our breath) about our new lives here and how much blessing has been mixed into every moment.
The coming weeks are going to be quite busy; Mary heads to Slovakia next week, I'll be in Romania the week after, we're both in Spain in October, and hopefully we'll be taking a personal trip to Nicaragua before the year is out. As crazy as it all sounds, this is just what we signed up for...and we're loving every minute!
Our mmonnthly newsletter is in the works....stay tuned
A very simple time to get some fresh air and revel in God's creation. But more than that it was some quiet time where we could stop along the way and chat ( as we caught our breath) about our new lives here and how much blessing has been mixed into every moment.
The coming weeks are going to be quite busy; Mary heads to Slovakia next week, I'll be in Romania the week after, we're both in Spain in October, and hopefully we'll be taking a personal trip to Nicaragua before the year is out. As crazy as it all sounds, this is just what we signed up for...and we're loving every minute!
Our mmonnthly newsletter is in the works....stay tuned
Monday, August 3, 2009
Roundabout
Thank you, thank you, thank you, a million times, thank you! Thank you for your prayers, love, support, concerns, and friendship. Thank you for sharing in the dream, the vision, and the adventure. We’ve hit the ground running.
The last couple of weeks were spent getting acclimated to the weather, finding our way around the area, meeting people, finding a new home, (still) searching for a car, checking out where is best to shop for groceries, visiting IKEA, visiting IKEA again, learning about council taxes, roundabouts, TV taxes, Sat Navs, rules of the road, pay-as-you-go electricity; consider this adjusting to “Life in the Left Lane”.
Obviously things are different here, just different, not wrong. Yesterday at the grocery store it took us about 5 minutes to decipher just what we were buying insofar as pickles, yes pickles!!!! Also, with the prices in pounds, and things weighed in grams and kilograms, it takes some mental gymnastics to realise the beef minced (ground beef) is about $3.00 a pound.. After all these years of thinking we spoke the same language as the Brits, we have started to learn some true English. A few examples: USA dryer=UK tumbler USA stove=UK cooker and one of my favourites; USA soda/pop/tonic=UK fizzy drinks. Oh, and if someone is stopping by for a brew, they mean tea or coffee. No complaints, just observations.
Today (3 August) is the official first day at work with NLI. The schedule calls for orientation and training to familiarise us with how things work here. Of course we are both chomping at the bit to get into the thick of things as soon as possible. Neither of us can remember ever feeling so motivated to actually get up in the morning and go to the office. We are a trifle awestruck by the magnitude of what we are now involved, but, it feels so right to be here. Fortunately, God knows what He is doing.
What’s next?? We keep running, learning, growing, and praying. The Adventure continues, stay tuned.
Paul and Mary.
The last couple of weeks were spent getting acclimated to the weather, finding our way around the area, meeting people, finding a new home, (still) searching for a car, checking out where is best to shop for groceries, visiting IKEA, visiting IKEA again, learning about council taxes, roundabouts, TV taxes, Sat Navs, rules of the road, pay-as-you-go electricity; consider this adjusting to “Life in the Left Lane”.
Obviously things are different here, just different, not wrong. Yesterday at the grocery store it took us about 5 minutes to decipher just what we were buying insofar as pickles, yes pickles!!!! Also, with the prices in pounds, and things weighed in grams and kilograms, it takes some mental gymnastics to realise the beef minced (ground beef) is about $3.00 a pound.. After all these years of thinking we spoke the same language as the Brits, we have started to learn some true English. A few examples: USA dryer=UK tumbler USA stove=UK cooker and one of my favourites; USA soda/pop/tonic=UK fizzy drinks. Oh, and if someone is stopping by for a brew, they mean tea or coffee. No complaints, just observations.
Today (3 August) is the official first day at work with NLI. The schedule calls for orientation and training to familiarise us with how things work here. Of course we are both chomping at the bit to get into the thick of things as soon as possible. Neither of us can remember ever feeling so motivated to actually get up in the morning and go to the office. We are a trifle awestruck by the magnitude of what we are now involved, but, it feels so right to be here. Fortunately, God knows what He is doing.
What’s next?? We keep running, learning, growing, and praying. The Adventure continues, stay tuned.
Paul and Mary.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Crossroads
Well, the time has come. We leave Orlando on 10 July for a few days to visit family in New York and Vermont. On 13 July we board a plane in Boston for the flight "home".
What has been a lifetime in coming is now just mere days away. What has been a dream, a plan, at times a mirage, is now all too real. We've never been so excited, scared, awestruck, humbled, amazed, dumbfounded, giddy, crazy go nuts, puzzled, pumped, and blessed all at the same time.
We'll be in Bedworth on 14 July, and the first couple of weeks will be spent finding a place to live, acclimating to the new weather and time zone, figuring out how to get around town, getting phones, finding a new internet provider, wondering if Paul can adapt to the UK formulation of Dr Pepper, waiting for our stuff to arrive, learning to ride the bus 'til we buy a car, learning the language, finding a knitting club for Mary, and then somewhere in early August, officially assuming our positions with NLI.
This could not have happened without the grace of God and the love and support of so many friends and family members. Our deepest thanks to you all. We will be sending updates as we get settled in and more as we start the work for which you've sent us.
We have asked time and time again for your prayers, and unashamedly will continue to do so. In fact we'll do it right now;
There is one specific financial need for which we seek fervent prayer; as of this morning, to meet our monthly budget, we need $850/mo to make this adventure a sustainable reality. Between the generous gifts already provided, and the monthly and yearly pledges, we have the first two years covered. The balance is needed to secure the third year of our commitment. We know God would not have set us out on this trek without providing for our financial and physical needs. If you have questions about how this whole support thing works, why it is needed, or how you can join in the adventure and the blessing Please contact us
Would you please also pray for our safety as we travel, for finding a new home, for our health, for our sanity as we adjust to being away from so many we'll love and miss, for patience, not so much for us, but for those who will be training us and teaching us, for Europe and the work NLI is so deeply involved with, for the safe arrival of our clothing and other items being shipped to the UK, and for our faith, this is the first time we have ever been so reliant on God's provision.
This might be the road less traveled, but it is the road we take.
Paul and Mary.
We are running on faith, but we are not running alone.
Stay in touch via email: mary@going4th1.com paul@going4the1.com.
We are also on Facebook and Skype. We'd love to hear from you.
What has been a lifetime in coming is now just mere days away. What has been a dream, a plan, at times a mirage, is now all too real. We've never been so excited, scared, awestruck, humbled, amazed, dumbfounded, giddy, crazy go nuts, puzzled, pumped, and blessed all at the same time.
We'll be in Bedworth on 14 July, and the first couple of weeks will be spent finding a place to live, acclimating to the new weather and time zone, figuring out how to get around town, getting phones, finding a new internet provider, wondering if Paul can adapt to the UK formulation of Dr Pepper, waiting for our stuff to arrive, learning to ride the bus 'til we buy a car, learning the language, finding a knitting club for Mary, and then somewhere in early August, officially assuming our positions with NLI.
This could not have happened without the grace of God and the love and support of so many friends and family members. Our deepest thanks to you all. We will be sending updates as we get settled in and more as we start the work for which you've sent us.
We have asked time and time again for your prayers, and unashamedly will continue to do so. In fact we'll do it right now;
There is one specific financial need for which we seek fervent prayer; as of this morning, to meet our monthly budget, we need $850/mo to make this adventure a sustainable reality. Between the generous gifts already provided, and the monthly and yearly pledges, we have the first two years covered. The balance is needed to secure the third year of our commitment. We know God would not have set us out on this trek without providing for our financial and physical needs. If you have questions about how this whole support thing works, why it is needed, or how you can join in the adventure and the blessing Please contact us
Would you please also pray for our safety as we travel, for finding a new home, for our health, for our sanity as we adjust to being away from so many we'll love and miss, for patience, not so much for us, but for those who will be training us and teaching us, for Europe and the work NLI is so deeply involved with, for the safe arrival of our clothing and other items being shipped to the UK, and for our faith, this is the first time we have ever been so reliant on God's provision.
This might be the road less traveled, but it is the road we take.
Paul and Mary.
We are running on faith, but we are not running alone.
Stay in touch via email: mary@going4th1.com paul@going4the1.com.
We are also on Facebook and Skype. We'd love to hear from you.
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