So, the past two posts have been some of the basics of what has happened, as it's been a crazy and very busy past couple weeks. I figured I'd be able to convey more if I broke it up into a few bite-sized pieces! This is the last morsel and it's the tastiest of all; what has God done in my life and the lives of others!
I was so inspired, whilst in Leicester, living with Paul and Vicky. It was amazing to see people who live out in outreach-mode each and every day. There is no designated missions time because everyday they are speaking to people about God and actively showing His love to their friends and neighbors. It made me realize that that is what we are all called to do, myself included. We have all been called to not just preach the Gospel, but to live it out in our lives. Loudly!
Leicester has been one of the cities in the UK where the government places refugees and asylum seekers, being that it is a university town and is so culturally diverse. With this comes a great number of people that end up homeless or having faced difficulties financially and in finding a job. Many of the people that came to the "Open Hands" drop-in were from Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and the Ivory Coast. It was amazing to see so many people from around the world in one place. It broke my heart to know that people were coming to the UK in hopes of a better life and winding up being broke and homeless. Leicester is definitely a place that needs prayer and people to invest and build relationships with those who have been pushed to the outskirts of society.
Coventry was a wake-up call spiritually for me. Perhaps it was because I felt free of judgment being surrounded by so many Christians passionately pursuing Christ, but I finally was able to let go and let the Holy Spirit delve deep in me. I spoke in tongues (which is something I've had great difficulty with for the longest time) and openly wept when I felt my heart being broken for what broke God's heart. There was no shame, no fear, no need to wipe the mascara-tears that dripped down my cheeks; it was simply me and God. And it was wonderful!
One thing God revealed to me was that until I accepted His love for me and could love myself, I could not fully preach His love for others. His heart is so broken for me and it only breaks His heart more when I refuse to acknowledge that. It wasn't until I realized that and asked for forgiveness for not loving myself, His creation, that He could break my heart for the people of Coventry and my own DTS that I'm staffing. During a night of prayer for the DTS, I fell to the ground and openly wept for the DTS. I felt God's heart breaking for the students on this DTS and felt how much He loves and adores them. It was an amazing experience and, though I've always claimed to love this school, it was a major breakthrough in my attitude towards the school. I love everyone involved in this school, staff and students alike!
Not going to lie, I am exhausted from such a seemingly long trip with very little process time. I've missed showers and a mattress. My knees nearly gave way when I was finally able to unpack. But I wouldn't change anything that happened these past few weeks. God has been working ideas and plans into my mind and challenging me on a lot of my attitudes and views on things. So happy to sleep now, but I'm grateful for the push this week has given me!
This is such an exciting and encouraging post, Jade! Brings back memories of (multiple) times in my life where God did similar things. Good times!
ReplyDeletefwiw, remember to pace yourself. If you get exhausted physically, it will affect your mind, your emotions, and your ability to be blessed and also to be a blessing. (And remind your trainees of the same, especially during outreach!)
Love to read what God is doing in your life!