Step Up to the Mic

Hiya!

Wow!!! I can’t believe it, but we only have till the end of June before we graduate! It really only seems like we've been here for a couple months and honestly, I don’t wanna leave! :D  I've grown to love these people and this country in a way that I never would have imagined. 

Every month we get a new prayer focus, here at New Life Church, which consists of one city that is local and one that is global.  For this month our global target city is in Norway and our local city is our very own Glasgow!  When I heard that in service a week ago my heart literally skipped a beat.  I don’t know what it is about this city, but praying for it always brings me to tears.  There is such a deep longing for the truth of God in this country and it’s nothing like I've ever felt before.  I can actually feel the cloud of darkness and deep roots of hopelessness because of a lack of understanding.  People have been steeped in religion for so long that they've become numb to the presence of God.  While walking down Buchanan Street in City Center and looking into the faces of each person, it just gives me more of a hunger to reach the lost in Glasgow.

Last Wednesday I had the privilege of preaching for service and I spoke on how we, as believers, need to “Step Up to the Mic.”  What I spoke on was how we have the greatest and sadly, the best kept secret in the entire world.  The joy, peace, rest, strength, and light of Jesus shouldn't be a secret that we keep to ourselves!  We should be letting our light shine through us on a daily basis to spread the everlasting love that Christ has for us.  Now sometimes we think that stepping up to a microphone is only something that people in ministry should do.  Leave that kind of stuff to the Pastors and Deacons of the Church, right?  Well actually we are all told to proclaim the gospel to the entire world!   Psalm 96:1-3 states, “1 Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth.  2 Sing to the LORD, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. 3 Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.” 

Yes, it can be scary sometimes to reach out to those you don’t know, but I Timothy 1:7 says God hasn't given us a spirit of fear.  We are able to do anything if we take on Christ’s spirit and pray for His boldness in any situation.  It doesn't take that much either!  A simple smile to someone that walks past you is enough.  Or answering the question, “How are you?” with, “Great! God is good to me!” will change the direction of the conversation.  God is already everywhere so why don’t we put Him into our daily chats with those around us? 

That is my challenge for you… somehow bring God into every conversation and situation that you have!  Don’t be fearful, but declare His love unto the nations!

P.S. – Praise Report!!!  We had one receive the Holy Ghost and was baptized two Sunday’s ago, a second last week, and two Sunday Schools received the Holy Ghost this week!!!  Praise God, we are in the midst of revival!  Thank you for your love, prayers, and support! 

The Lost Sole/Soul

Luke 15:3-6 KJV

³ And he spake this parable unto them, saying, ⁴ What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? ⁵ And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. ⁶ And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.

I had the privilege of speaking this past Wednesday service and I wanted to share my notes on my topic with you guys. I hope it ministers to you like it did me...

Definition of SOLE

1. the bottom or under surface of the foot.

2. the corresponding under part of a shoe, boot, or the like, or this part exclusive of the heel.

3. the bottom, under surface, or lower part of anything.

Sometimes we feel like a Sole and we are constantly trampled over.  Because of this, we will begin to constantly ask God, “Why me?!?!?” But, having this mindset is selfish and isn't centered on what Christ would want.  Having this mindset while going through little situations can sometimes get under our skin.  We will make a huge deal about of a tiny issue which can even delve into our salvation.  Losing our Soul over the trials or difficulties in our life just isn’t worth it!

Definition of SOUL

1. the spiritual part of humans regarded in its moral aspect, or as believed to survive death and be subject to happiness or misery in a life to come:

2. the emotional part of human nature; the seat of the feelings or sentiments.

3. a human being; person.

The word Soul is written in the King James Bible 498 times. Sole only 54.

The first time Soul is mention is in Genesis 2:7 - And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

Then again in Matthew 22:37 - Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

Acts 2:41 says - Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

·       God is longing after the Souls of His people. 

·       He will not leave or forsake them. Both Luke 19:10 & Matthew 18:11 say that the Son of man is come to seek and save that which was lost.

·       Every person in this world is His child.

·       But, there are those who have never heard of Jesus Christ.  That there is a loving and merciful God who wants them.  Scotland

We are also warned against what can happen to a lost soul in Acts 3:23 - And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people.

We are called, as Christians, to be that prophet that will reach out to the lost.  The responsibility relies on us to be a witness and reach their souls.  ESV Genesis 42:21 - Then they said to one another, “In truth we are guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the distress of his soul, when he begged us and we did not listen. That is why this distress has come upon us.”

We have been called!  We are able!  We can reach our world!  But, we have to have the fire of the Holy Spirit ignited in us to actually go out!  ESV Hebrews 10:39 - But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.

Are you going to keep the selfish mindset of, “I am just a Sole!” Or are you going to change your mindset to, “I must reach a Soul!”

Merry Christmas!

"For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations." - Psalms 100:5 KJV

God is so good!  Who would have guessed of all of the things that have been taking place here in Scotland!  The Church has been growing, the students have been ministering, and God is doing mighty works around us!

We are coming to the end of the first term of Bible College here.  Each and every student has grown so much and we have grown together as a family.  God definitely has brought us together for such a time as this!

 

Over this first term, I have had the privilege to travel to the capitol city in Scotland to minister with two other students.  Every other weekend on Sunday's, Brier Scott, Kiele Hayden, and I have been able to go to the Edinburgh Church to help with Specials, Worship Leading, and Preaching.  We have had such a wonderful time getting to know the saints of New Hope Church and ministering to them.  We were humbled by their kindness and willingness to support our young work for God. 
Here are some pictures from our last week there!

 

 

 

At the local Church, we have been in charge of holding student Prayer on Tuesdays and student Chapel on Fridays, praise singing in the services, and having a student preacher every Wednesday night minister.  I have also had the privilege of joining/teaching the Bible studies.

Busyness is definitely our business!  We are all excited for Christmas break to have some time to recharge and then come back to a new term!  Have yourself a very Merry Christmas! :D

Glasgow, Edinburgh, and London, Oh My!

I can't even begin to believe that I've been at Harvest Bible College for one month already!  On one hand, I feel like I just got here a few days ago.  Then on the other hand, I feel like I've been here for forever!  Since being in Scotland, I've had the chance to go on a few trips to go sight seeing between studies.  

First off there is Glasgow, the city where the College is located.  There are so many cool things to see in Glasgow.  From giant old buildings, to lighthouses in the middle of town, to modern art.  You just can't go wrong here!  One of my favorite spots that I've found is in City Center.  As you are walking down the main stretch, if you happen to glance up, you'll see this lovely work of art gazing down from above.  

It is a metal peacock that has been integrated into the architecture.  You can't tell from the picture, but this thing is massive!  Love Glasgow's flair.

Yup, that's a guy, on a tight rope, playing the fiddle... :D  Only in Glasgow!

The next place that I visited was Edinburgh.  Now this place is beautiful!  It is known for its many architectural feats and the huge Castle that overlooks the city. 

Gorgeous!

Last, but certainly not least... London!!!  I was privileged to go down to London for a Youth Rally over last weekend.  On Friday night, Allison and I got in town and had a prayer walk.  On Saturday, there were classes and service until 4 pm.  After dinner, Allison, Kara, and I went sight seeing!!!

 

 

Thank you Jesus for what I've already seen and thank you for the trips I have yet to go on!

So It Begins!

Up, up and away

8/26/2014 9:42 PM

Today was the day… I got up at 3:37am, showered, hugged everyone, and headed up to PDX with mom.  We arrived at 5:53am and we went to go check in.  We ended up accidentally getting in a line that was for canceled flights, but we got that figured out pretty quick with the help of a lady who was behind us and was also on my same flight, and got my two suitcases checked in.  Security was a breeze (surprisingly) and I headed over to my gate.  It only took about ten minutes before we started boarding.  I found my seat, which was a window seat thank the Lord, and got settled.  Two other girls my age were sitting in my row and we were able to chat about our adventures.  The girl right next to me, Georgia, said that she is getting her Masters overseas in Vienna and is from Saint Paul, Oregon.  (It's a small world after all!...Now that I've got that song stuck in your head, I will continue…) This is the start of her 4th year and she only has to do one year more to achieve it.  I told her that this was my first time traveling overseas and all my plans for Bible college. 

 

After getting off the plane, we ended up exchanging contact info and she told me to get a hold her if I ever needed any help or if I was ever in Vienna.  So cool!  Also, the lady who helped me earlier who was on my flight, came and found me to show me where the flight board was.  She made sure I knew where to go and what to do before she left.  Again, so cool!  God was blessing me and keeping an eye on me. After we figured out where the flight board was, I found some food and tried to kill time.

 

I had over three hours before my flight so I charged my phone a bit and texted everyone.  Finally, it was time to get in line to board and I met a family that was going to Edinburgh with their daughter who is going to study abroad for a semester and study music.  We all boarded the plane and I got another window seat (yay!). This time I was sitting by a couple that is flying back home to Scotland.  They live right outside of Edinburgh so I was able to chat with them about the country and such.

 

The second flight was about 7 1/2 hours and only had a few times of turbulence.  The sunset was gorgeous so I was able to take a few pictures.  After it got dark, we went through a huge lightning storm!  It was so beautiful, and slightly scary, but kept me entertained for quite a while.  It started out small and random with a few thunder clouds that you could make out when you saw the flash of light.  After a bit, a huge thunder cloud appeared with tons of lightning bolts throughout the cluster.  It didn't seem like we were going through it, but rather sliding past.  When the lightning bolt would flash, it would light up the entire cloud!  The clouds being all bright made it look like we were in some kind of deep canyon instead of being 1,000's of feet in the air.  While watching the "show", we were served dinner, chicken penne with salad, bread, and a brownie for dessert.  The lightning storm reminded me of the lyrics of the hymn "How Great Thou Art" which caused me to sing it too myself.  "Oh Lord, my God.  When I in awesome wonder, consider all the worlds Thy hands have made.  I see the stars, I hear the roaring thunder, Thy power throughout the universe displays." 

 

Thank you Jesus for keeping me safe and putting a song in my heart in the midst of the storm!

Only 13 more days!!!

Since 13 is my favorite number, I thought I'd let ya know that's how many days I have until I fly out to Edinburgh, Scotland!  From there I will travel to Harvest Bible College in Glasgow, Scotland! :D

Scotland!

I'm so excited that it is only 19 more days till I will be flying to the beautiful land of Scotland to attend Harvest Bible College GB&I in Glasgow!  I can't wait to see what God has in store!!!