More Than Words

Greetings from cold and snowy England,

If there were a way to combine the deepest, truest, most meaningful definition of the words; appreciation, humbled, gratitude, blessed, and joy, it would still fall short of the overwhelming love we have felt these past 18 months. Time and time again God has chosen to prove Himself strong, and deliver the blessing of His provision through you. Your involvement, love, and support, have helped plant churches in places in desperate need for the Good News. You've helped train pastors, youth leaders, children's ministry workers, and more. You have provided our daily needs, and by doing so, have made it possible for us to be your eyes, ears, voices, hands, and feet, as we work across the continent of Europe.

Your emails, phone calls, Skype chats, Facebook messages, cards, and letters have lifted our spirits, warmed our hearts, and in some cases brought us to tears. Each point of contact helped make the thousands of miles between us and our families and friends seem a little less distant.

We offer a prayer, we raise a toast, and we lift your name as we give thanks to God for the gift our your relationship.

As we head into Christmas and the new year beyond, we are more certain than ever that we are running on faith, but we are not running alone.

Paul and Mary

Stay in touch via email: mary@going4the1.com pjt@going4the1.com.

Paul and Mary Triller 202 Hospital Lane Bedworth UK CV120JY

We are also on Facebook and Skype.

PS. We will know next week where we are insofar as the funds needed for our visas. We'll keep you posted. Thx.

Immigration Man II

In response to my last message, it has been brought to my attention that it would have been a good idea to include some options concerning where to send donations. DUH!!!!

Aside from asking people to make personal deliveries to us here in the UK, there are two other choices:

Paypal: http://www.going4the1.com/paypal.html

Or checks can be sent to:

Next Level International
P.O. Box 10148
South Bend IN
46680

Please make the checks payable to NLI and it is very important to put "Trillers" in the memo. Thank you.

Thanks for your prayers,emails, and facebook messages.

For those who may not have seen the message to which I am referring ...here it is:

It is a rare occasion we have had to ask for any kind of extraordinary" financial assistance but we face a bit of a year end crunch and could certainly use some help, both monetary and prayer. We need to renew our visas and the cost has almost doubled from what itwas just two years ago. On top of that the requirements are much more stringent.

We were prepared for what we expected the cost to be, but not this new amount (Just under $1000 US) (Correction it turns out it is about $1200 US..... each). If you are able to assist in helping us cover this expense, it would be a great blessing.

If we could also count on you for pray support as we go through the application process, we'd love to hear about that too.

Thanks in advance!!!

Paul and Mary

Let There Be More Light

This update is going to be a trifle different. Today you get a glimpse into one of those "this is where is all started" moments. Just two weeks ago I was in Romania, I wasn't meant to be there at this time, how I ended up there is a story in itself. But, I digress, I had the opportunity to see something planted, to be there when first steps were taken, and to be a witness as some wonderful ideas were birthed. 

The location was a converted bowling alley, now church/conference center, somewhere between Oradea and Cluj.

The event was an NLI partnered Organix Conference, a Leadership Development course offered for emerging leaders. Over the past 20 years conferences such as this have been the first step in the lives of many new church leaders and pastors.

But it isn't the where or when that really matters. It is what God did over those three days within a group of over 50 young men and women from all across Romania.

Want to hear more? Feel free to click here for the rest of the story> Enjoy

Mary and Paul
 

Paul and Mary Triller 202 Hospital Lane Bedworth UK CV120JY

We are also on Facebook and Skype.

Oh...we're thinking of doing a recap of 2010 for next month's newsletter. Is there anything in particular you want to know about? Send us an email!  Contact Mary     Contact Paul

It Keeps You Runnin'

Have you ever heard the expression, “Weary not in well doing”? After multiple trips to Slovakia to help train pastors, specifically in the area of Kid’s Ministry, we weren’t sure how it would translate from training to action. All the preparation, travel, training, and weird food was starting to take its toll. Then we received some great news from Peter & Lucia our Church Plant Pastors in Brezno.

Here’s Lucia’s story…A few weeks ago three ladies from NLI come to our town to help us with the kids club. To our surprise more kids than usual came that day and there was a group of gypsy kids among them. The gypsies really enjoyed the clubs and started to come regularly. There were many opportunities to talk to them about God and they were really listening. They were so pleased anyone would spend time with them. Most of them are dirty and smelly, but we still like them. Sadly, their parents do not take proper care of them. They do not: wash their clothes properly, teach them basic hygiene, how to speak proper Slovak, about going to school regularly, and because of these, and other things, there are racism problems in our town.

In our hearts we knew there has to be some way to help. One day we visited the town hall and to our surprise social workers from all Brezno communities were in the middle of a meeting, but they were very keen to know what we needed. We explained we are a church working with kids and we came because we work with some gypsies as well and would like to help in some practical ways.

Since that visit, the partnership of the church and town government officials has grown. In mere months children that have been left behind are receiving attention:

-With the help of the church, the social workers have now started some new projects with the gypsies. There are now 2 social workers and a young teacher assigned to this community. The teacher works with preschool kids and teaches them basic things, including hygiene, speaking Slovak, drawing, counting, colors, all needed if they are ever to attend school.

-Classes were being held outdoors, twice a week, in a meadow to play and learn. The church realized the need for a proper meeting place, so they have offered their church building.

Although this is just a beginning, we are very excited about the future. Peter and Lucia were asked to help in other communities in the area. They have been praying to God to show them how to reach out to their town and to fulfill the many needs. Lucia sums it up like this, ”This is a great need and we really want to be a part of it’s accomplishment. Please pray for us and this new ministry of ours. We need God’s leading, wisdom and strength in this hard work. We want to be a light to this people and to bring them the Gospel as well. A very encouraging thing is that the social workers know we are Christians and they have permitted us to talk to gypsies about the Biblical truth and how Jesus Christ can change life completely.”

This is just one story of what is currently happening in Europe. Peter and Lucia are giving all they have for their community just as you are giving to be a part of the new stories in places like Brezno and beyond. Paul and I want to thank you for your prayers, your encouragement, and your financial support so we can be a part of these lives. Stories like these continue to explain why we are here, why we were called, and why all of you are so necessary to be part of the solutions, adventures, and the blessings. God bless you all and thanks from the bottom of our and Peter and Lucia’s hearts!

Mary and Paul

Stay in touch via email: mary@going4the1.com paul@going4the1.com.

Paul and Mary Triller 202 Hospital Lane Bedworth UK CV120JY

We are also on Facebook and Skype.

Isn't It Nice To Be Home Again?

Sorry for this one being a trifle delayed. With being home only three days between 7 June and 12 July there has been a bit of catching up to do.

Well, the Magical Mystery Tour is finished. But what a great trip. It all started with an evening of prayer and fellowship in Pembroke Pines (you know who you are), then onto Fort Myers to connect with our church family at Next Level Church (great name or what?). Then some family time with Mary's dad and her step-mom before a 4 day whirlwind tour of Central Florida. "Thank You" to our two hosts in Seminole County. Thank you to everyone who was able to share some of their busy schedules with us. Thank you for every cup of coffee, breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, and those precious times of prayer, and knitting too.

From Florida to Georgia and 3 days and nights of some great Southern Hospitality and more blessings and prayer. To those of you in Baxley, we'll be back. It was fun to spend Independence Day in Decatur GA. To the Fusion Church family now in Atlanta, we'll be back. Oh yeah...we have Georgia on our minds.

North now and onto Tennessee, and time to reconnect with some friends we knew from Orlando, back in the day. More love, blessing, and friendship. Trust me, it was diffucult to leave every place we stopped.

The last 3 days were almost 100% family time in Lake George, New York celebrating Mom's 85th. It isn't often I get a chance to spend time with all 11 of my siblings. With something like 70 plus in attendance, it was quite the event. Yes, I did get a chance to do some bass fishing.

We didn't dare keep track of how many miles we flew or drove, how many meals we ate out, the number of people we met with, the number of people we missed, or how many times we had to say, "It has been great seeing you, but we really have to go." But we cherish every hug, every prayer, every laugh, and every tear.

The afternoon of 11 July came far too soon but the flight to Birmingham UK awaited us. With a bit of tan and some much needed American food items (Hey I happen to really like Miracle Whip) stowed in the luggage, we were ready to go..... home.

Yes we really consider England to be home, for now. With the work of the ministry expanding all across Europe, who knows where we might end up next? It is also becoming more and more evident our initial three year agreement will easily become five or six or seven or eight or... you get the idea. It is humbling God could use us for this purpose. It is encouraging how many wonderful people help make this a reality. We are blessed beyond comprehension. We are running on faith, but we are not running alone.

Paul and Mary

Another Time, Another Place

Wow...what a year...what a month...what a past two weeks. Just got back from a two week, three country trip which included Romania, Moldova, and Slovenia. We lost track of how many kilometers we flew and/or drove, but what an experience.

C'mon , think about it, don't countries with names like Moldova and Slovenia just sound intriguing? Can you find either of them on a map? Last year my answer would have been "no". Can you pronounce Ljubljana or Chişinău? Truthfully I couldn't until just a few weeks ago. Oh yeah and there was Romania too, one of the few places in Europe you can still see shepherds.

Where to start? What to share? What story to tell?

> Do you want to hear about the church started in Slovenia during the Communist occupation, by a woman with nothing more than her prayers and a Bible?

> Do you want to hear about the passion of the Messianic Jews we met with in Moldova?

> Do you want to hear about how a Turkish Muslim in Romania is turning a small group that meets in his house into a church?

> Do you want to hear about people so passionate to learn more about how they can best serve Jesus they are willing to risk their jobs just to attend a training conference?

> Do you want to hear about how you can be involved? Make a difference? Be part of the solution? Become part of the story yourself?

Where it might be impossible to sit down with everyone reading this and share these stories, it is possible to get together with many of you on our trip back to the US. We will be landing in Fort Lauderdale on 25 June and leaving from Albany NY on 11 July. We'll be in Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, and New York before heading home. We are arranging some "Open House" get-togethers in Central Florida, keep an eye on your email for the invitations. We'd love to meet up with as many of you as possible. If you are somewhere along (or near) our path, drop us a line, we'll do our best to spend some "face time" together. The stories are worth it.

We are running on faith, but we are not running alone.

Paul and Mary


Stay in touch via email: mary@going4the1.com paul@going4the1.com.

Paul and Mary Triller 202 Hospital Lane Bedworth UK CV120JY

We are also on Facebook and Skype.

...and the flowers bloom like madness in the Spring....

We have jokingly told people we moved to the UK from Florida for the weather...and have yet to be disappointed. We're a few weeks into Spring, the tulips and daffodils are everywhere...mowed the lawn this weekend past...getting a small veg garden ready...why then oh why did I have to scrape frost off the windscreen this morning!!!????

Into the Great Wide Open

Here we are eight months into this adventure, and still loving it. Much has happened, and much of what we're doing has evolved into new areas of growth, learning, and a healthy dash of " and now for something completely different." We surely feel like clay in the hands of the Potter. But what better place to be? Each day truly brings something new.

Past updates have been stories of things in the works, or recent trips, or coming plans. This month things are a trifle different. Would you allow us to use this update for some prayer request? Thank you.

First: Your prayers for Next level Int'l would be appreciated. With the goal of being in all nations of Europe by the year 2020 before them, it will take more than just well-laid plans to make it a reality. Please pray for the staff, current and future, the church partner relationships, and wisdom, as NLI moves into new nations.

Second: On a personal note: Mary and I would also be most thankful for your prayers. We find ourselves being stretched and tested; physically, spiritually, and mentally. Mary is moving into some new areas of responsibility within the Kid's Ministry, and I am helping develop processes and ideas to help expand the ministry's reach into places like Moldova, Slovenia, and Albania.

Third: Outside of our work with the ministry, would you pray for our continued health, happiness, and marital stability. There are times where being away from family and friends can be a strain. We are happy, and we are still very much in love. But we are also only human.

If you are able to lift any of these requests in prayer, would you please let us know? And please let us know how we can join you in prayer for the needs in your lives.

We are running on faith, but we are not running alone.

The journey continues.

Paul and Mary

Stay in touch via email: mary@going4the1.com paul@going4the1.com.

Paul and Mary Triller 202 Hospital Lane Bedworth UK CV120JY

We are also on Facebook and Skype.

PS. We'll be headed to the US in late June. We are looking forward to seeing as many of you as we can.

Darkness on the Edge of Town

During the reign of a certain regime a number of government "pro-natal" programs were implemented in an effort to increase the population of a certain country. From the mid-1960's through the 1980's, women in this nation, regardless of their economic situation, were expected to have at least 5 children. These laws resulted in the birth of hundreds of thousands of children which the parents could not afford to feed. With no other choice, many parents were forced to abandon their children. So over the decades the governmental orphanages swelled to overcapacity.

What was once an ill-conceived government plan is now a living nightmare. At age 18 these children are now considered to be adults, and no longer responsibility of the government. With no life experience but that gained within the walls of a government-run orphanage, many of these now young men and women, are homeless, addicted to drugs, and living in empty derelict buildings and in underground sewers. Abandoned by their families, turned out onto the streets by their government, shunned by society, they are almost non-persons.

Yes, the story of this lost generation a tragic tale. But it is only one of so many, many stories. We could talk about a group of people, who are considered to be a scourge on society and so shunned, their true numbers are unknown. We could talk of the ethnic tension between between more than just neighbouring nations, but between neighbouring cities, and the neighbours next door. We could talk about the atrocities of ethnic cleansing and ancient hatreds. We could talk about not just decades of repression, more than just centuries replete with bloodshed, but millennia of tumultuous history, and yet just scratch the surface of what this area and its people are all about.

All these stories are from Southeastern Europe, or what is also called the Balkans. The lost generation belongs to Romania. The "scourge" is the Roma people, or gypsies, who could number from 4-14 million. The ethnic tension is between your choice of Albanians, Croats, Serbs, Romanians, Muslims, Eastern Orthodox, Western Orthodox, new order, old order, take your pick. As to the history of the region, you could blame today's problems on the Communists, The Ottoman Turks, The Hapsburgs, The Romans, The Slavs, or any other invader and/or occupier of this part of the world. You could point the finger for the regions political instability at the numerous treaties made and broken during any of the Balkan Wars, or the World Wars.

This would be a perfect place to quote some statistics, or cut and paste some poignant personal testimonies, all in an attempt to pluck your heart strings. But my intent isn't to create an emotional response, complete with some temporary guilt. I don't even want to use the desperation of this situation to subtlety ask for any kind of support. My only goal today was to open your eyes. To show you part of the world in where I now work. To do more than just identify the problems, but to share the potential for a mighty move of God.

There might be a shadow hanging over the Balkans, a darkness on the edge of town, but if this area was important enough for visits from Paul the Apostle, then God has something wonderful in mind. You now have a front row seat.

"That night Paul had a dream: A Macedonian stood on the far shore and called across the sea, "Come over to Macedonia and help us!" The dream gave Paul his map. We went to work at once getting things ready to cross over to Macedonia. All the pieces had come together. We knew now for sure that God had called us to preach the good news to the Europeans." Acts 16:9 (The Message)

The journey continues.
Paul and Mary
Stay in touch via email: mary@going4the1.com paul@going4the1.com.
We are also on Facebook and Skype. We'd love to hear from you.
Paul and Mary Triller 202 Hospital Lane Bedworth UK CV120JY

Brothers in Arms

14 January 2010
0345...why is my alarm clock going off? Oh yeah, need to get showered and dressed, riding to the airport at 0400. Who's idea was this?
0450...at BHX waiting for flight to Amsterdam. Thankfully Burger King is opening soon. I wonder if they have Dr Pepper?
0610...off the ground and on our way.
0800...waiting in AMS for flight to OTP. No great deals in the duty free store.
1215...in the air and cruising towards Bucharest, Romania. It is going to be a long day...but full of potential.
1345...safely in Romania, but we have a 5 hour wait until our next flight. A ride from the airport to a Lebanese restaurant is arranged, very nice.
2030...one more flight. Should be Oradea in about 2 hours. I need a hot shower and a pillow.
2315...at the hotel. Awake now for almost 17 hours. No Dr Pepper. Why am I here?

Oh yeah, because about 18 years ago four teenage guys were acting as translators for someone from the UK. This person was traveling through some of the former Soviet nations searching for opportunities to help people either start or rebuild a relationship with Jesus.

That person was Ian Green, founder of NLI, and those 4 guys are now a pastoral team. Through knowing Ian, and the training available through NLI, they now lead an independent church of about 300 members here in Oradea. The church is about 6 years old and the pastors realise they are ready for some new challenges and growth. But they have an uphill battle. Communism may have fallen, but the mentality lingers. Life is ruled, decisions are made for you. This mindset is affecting their church and they seek to bring the freedom of Christ. They want church to be something you do, not just somewhere you go. They want church to be involved in the day-to-day lives of friends, co-workers, and neighbours. They want to be the kind of church that would missed by the community if they left. They want to be the church as Jesus intended.

It gets better. Have you ever been involved in a community outreach with your church? Did it involve seeking out the lost and lonely who live in the sewers and abandoned buildings of your city? Did it involve dealing with a group of people despised and mistrusted by almost everyone? You see, after the trip to Oradea we headed back to Bucharest and reconnected with one ministry who works with teens and another who works specifically with the Roma (gypsy) peoples. Two vibrant, blessed ministries, also looking for partnership to help increase their reach, not for their own glory, but for the Kingdom.

So, to answer my first question, this was God's idea, and I'm blessed to part of the ongoing work here in Romania. Yes there are logistics and funding and travel and processes involved. Yes there are staff members both here and across the world. But it all balances on the quality and depth of relationships. We are in this together, whether you are a financial supporter, a prayer partner, or a cheerleader, you are part of this. You share in the victories and the blessings. We've said it before, and we'll say it again....we're running on faith, but we're not running alone.


Stay true,
Paul and Mary.

And so this is Christmas

Happy Christmas to everyone. In the midst of all the travel, shopping, more shopping, cooking, visiting, even more shopping, and the occasional Christmas Party that must be attended, we hope you have the time to reflect on the real reason for this day. (Subliminal suggestion: Turn off the phone, the computers, the game consoles, and make some popcorn, then gather as much of your family as you can and watch " A Charlie Brown Christmas")

So how is everyone doing out there? How has this year been for you? What's new on your planet? How have these past few months been? What are you planning for the next year as 2010 looms closer and closer? Have you been naughty or nice?

These last two months have been an interesting mix of work, life, and new discovery.

Mary and the kid's ministry team successfully hosted Kidshaper 2009. This is an NLI sponsored event created to share exciting and innovative ideas for kids ministry. Over 150 delegates, from England, Scotland, Wales,Ireland, and Australia, came together for 3 days to learn, share, and be encouraged. Kid's ministry is so sorely needed, this current generation has had the least exposure to the Word, and thus, the least knowledge of their purpose and the source of their hope.

I've been on a near vertical learning curve regarding the creation of plans to help expand the ministry's reach into a number of new nations. This is whole new ground for myself, and for NLI. Your prayers would be appreciated as we seek new contacts in such places as Moldova, Slovenia, and Kosovo. Plus, to keep me from going completely insane, I'm assisting with the production of NLI's yearly publication "The Dream". Needless to say, I'm not bored.

Looking forward to 2010;
Mary will be in Slovakia for Boost Tour, a two week,four city, traveling kid's ministry production. Not just a "flash in the pan" show, but a mix of preaching, fun, music, play,and prayer, held in conjunction with the local churches, as a way to reach kid's who have yet to hear The Good News of Jesus Christ. So if you're looking for something exciting to do next summer, contact Mary: mary.triller@nlieurope.com

Paul is in the midst of creating an Advocacy Programme to help raise awareness of the great need in the Balkans Region. This area is comprised mostly of nations carved from what was once Yugoslavia. Centuries of ethnic struggle and decades of Communist rule have left the current population stripped of identity, uncertain of the future, and nearly void of any knowledge of Christ. If you want to hear more about the Balkans, and how you can help, feel free to drop me an email: paul.triller@nlieurope.com

On the home front, we brought a little bit of America to the UK when we celebrated Thanksgiving Day with our neighbours. Mary actually found a small shop in Coventry that carries American products. Trust me on this, after what we paid for 2 cans of Libby's Pumpkin, those pies were great!!!!
We had the opportunity to visit Megan, Wayne, Alison, and Emily, in Nicaragua a few weeks ago. Megan had a great itinerary planned. We hit the beach, caught barracuda, went horseback riding, enjoyed a hike to a waterfall, saw countless fireworks, and enjoyed some wonderful grand daughter hugs and kisses. For those of you who don't know, Megan (our favourite eldest daughter) and her amazing husband are missionaries to Nicaragua. If you have a heart for the lost in Nicaragua I suggest you check out their website.

May 2010 be blessed beyond your wildest imagination.
Thank you for your friendship, support, and prayers. We miss all of you.

We are running on faith, but we are not running alone.

Stay true,
Paul and Mary.

Stay in touch via email:
paul@going4the1.com or mary@going4the1.com.

We are also on Facebook and Skype. We'd love to hear from you.
Paul and Mary Triller 202 Hospital Lane Bedworth UK CV120JY

The Two of Us

So here we are four months into this adventure, and a number of people have been asking the same question; some via email, or Skype, or over the phone, or even on Facebook. Regardless of the way it is asked, or how it is worded, it comes down to this, "How are you guys "really" doing?". It appears these updates have focused mostly on the what , or where or why, but too little on just us. (This might just be the most difficult update we've ever written) Here we go.

Paul: Can I just say "I'm fine" and be done with it? Because the truth is, I am fine. Is everything here 100% what I expected? Is this whole gig some Never Never Land experience? No and No. Yes, I miss our daughters and their families. Yes, it hurts to watch Alison, Emily, and Penny growing up via pictures and video chats. Yes, I miss Wing Night with the guys from Fusion Church. Yes, I miss bass fishing. I even miss driving on the right side of the road. But this is where I belong. This is where I need to be.

Please understand I am not trying to tout myself as some selfless hero. I'm just a man in a funny red sheet. I knew coming into this there would be a price to be paid. I knew there would be sacrifices. But at the end of the day I go to sleep with a peace like I've never known. I am here through the grace and support of so many wonderful people. I know there are prayers being said for me like never before. I'm happy. I'm challenged. I'm stretched. I spend every day with the love of my life.
I'm OK. Thanks for asking.

Mary: A simple question yet so difficult to answer. These last four months have been full of changes and growth. All of this could be very scary at my age or at any age really, but with God's Word to guide me, the fear is removed from every situation. I rely on the Lord to give me strength, boldness, creativity and whatever else I need for the day now more than ever. God has placed some great people in our path and it has softened the changes. Also, surprises such as finding out our container had arrived early, filled me with joy as I anticipated unpacking so many memories I thought I would be okay without, their arrival helped complete the feeling of home. And I do feel like I am home and I am so happy to say so.

I've been so blessed with the experiences in my life ; being a mom, a Nana, a daughter, a friend, a sister and a sister in Christ, and now He is doing something greater and He has chosen to let me be a part. I keep praying every day that I am willing to be available for what He has in mind as well as keeping me from missing all my loved ones. In the meantime, I do ask you to continue praying for our transition especially as we enter the holiday season being so far away from the ones we love. Technology keeps us close, but hugs on Skype only take you so far. Thanks for being there for us and I hope you know we are praying for you and thank God for you each day. Love and miss you all!

We are running on faith, but we are not running alone.

Stay true,
Paul and Mary.

Stay in touch via email: mary@going4the1.com paul@going4the1.com.
We are also on Facebook and Skype. We'd love to hear from you.
Paul and Mary Triller 202 Hospital Lane Bedworth UK CV120JY

Life in a Northern Town

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!!!!

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

In God's Country

Why don't our brains come with a rewind feature? Granted we have our memories, or at least part of them, but they can be fickle and unreliable. As the clock ticks towards our July departure I was recounting the amazing series of events that have occurred over the past two years. What started as a conversation in a car has turned into one of the single most life changing decisions we've ever made. Part of me would love to have a video of everything that has happened, and everyone involved, to bring us to this point. We know there has been sacrifice, blessing, prayers, tears, and support both spiritual and natural from so many people. We are blessed to know you're part of the team.

So what lies ahead? Where to next? Or as many people have asked...why are you doing this???
Granted the who/what/when/where/how answers are easy to communicate. The "why" is so multi-faceted, kaleidoscopic, and rather hard to define. But in an effort to provide an answer, we've provided a short video that helps share what we've see with our eyes, know in our minds, and feel in our hearts. You'll want to have your speakers on.

For those of you on Facebook, the a larger format of the video is also posted there in our group "going4the1"

Questions? Comments? Recipes? Feel free to contact us: mary@going4the1.com or paul@going4the1.com

We're running on faith, but we're not running alone.

Where do we go from here

Wow!!!! What an incredible month it has been. Each day has contained yet another answer to prayer and more confirmation God is involved in this adventure.

The biggest news is the house is sold!!!!!!! In one of the worst housing markets in decades, God used a garage sale and someone who has a cousin in Brazil looking for a vacation home, to help us over one of the largest hurdles in our path.

There's more; we could not, in good conscience, expect to be out in the mission field and burdened by personal debt. As of about two weeks ago we paid off our last creditor. C'mon Jesus!!!!!!

It keeps coming; 12 June will be Paul's last day at work, just in time for birthday # 52. This will free us both to finishing packing, saying good-byes, and getting the last of the support base together.

So, where do we go from here??? After almost 18 months of preparation we're about 10 weeks from the final move. Now we know how runners and cyclists feel when they "hit the wall". You feel like you've poured everything you have into the race thus far. You ache, your limbs are threatening to leave you, and the next few seconds determine if you stop or rally that last erg of energy to push on through.

We've decided to push on through. We are fully trusting God in this, because only insane people would sell their house, quit their jobs, and seek their financial support from others, without divine intervention. Now more than ever we covet your prayers. Because, as you know, we're running on faith, but we're not running alone.

The vision is too big, the mission to important to back down. Mary sums it up quite nicely;
"My vision for the next 3, 6, 9 years is to see nations changed from the children up. As leaders from different countries come into partnership with NLI, the children's ministry will have an impact on each church, each town, each province, each nation. God has given me a heart for kids and I look forward to being a “Nana to the Nations” wherever He calls us to work. The first step will be bringing the children to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. When the adults see the faith of their children, my prayer is they will be softened and become curious about this Jesus. Thus begins the saving of a nation, one child, then one family at a time. Will it be easy? Who knows, but whoever said doing what is right is easy?"

Praise report: Scroll back to the top of the page.

Prayer needs: We know God has called us to Europe. We also know He has made provision for the wherewithal to make this a physical reality.
Our prayer requests would be;
>Wisdom, as we seek those who would be part of the support team
>Boldness, as we overcome our doubts and anxieties.
>Favour, as we share the vision, the adventure, and the opportunity to join in what God is doing in Europe.
>Patience, as we trust in God's timing, not ours.
>Provision, as we complete the raising of the last $1800.00 of monthly support needed.

We thank you for your continued interest, prayers, and encouragement.
Paul and Mary.

We are running on faith, but we are not running alone.