Two by Two

We had a later start today, so I was able to go out for a run!  I wish I could say that I ran by Big Ben or Buckingham Palace, but I’m not staying anywhere near that at the moment.  So, I had to settle for some random streets in London.  It was great to get outside and be active for a bit.

After breakfast, our group split into two groups.  One group served in a church Toddler’s group, during a women’s prayer group.  After that, they worked at a book table and went door-to-door near the Stonebridge church.  My group went to another area with a book table and sketch artist, and handed out tracts to people on the streets.

This was my first experience with this type of evangelism.  It was a much better experience than I had anticipated!  I was paired up with Valerie.  She had done this a few times before, so I was learning a lot from her.  There are so many cultures represented in London!  We saw Somalians, Muslims, Arabs, Iranian, Nigerian, English men, Pakistanis, Portugeuse, and so many more! 

Valerie and I had several conversations with people.  The Muslims were very interested in talking to us about their faith and they wanted to listen to us, too.  We talked to several Muslim women, too.  We spoke to two women about Christmas, and they shared that it was a difficult time of the year for them since they had lost a loved one around this time.  I could definitely relate to them and understand where they were coming from.  We were able to share with them the hope in Jesus and invited them to church.  We gave out several invitations to a Christmas program at the church for Sunday.  Please pray that those we invited (who seemed interested) will come this Sunday.

Today was the first day I have experienced the COLD weather in London that everyone was telling me about.  When you are standing in one place talking to people, your feet and fingers definitely feel the deep chill here.  We took a break and went into a coffee shop to warm up.  While there, we visited with an English man and were able to encourage him.

Several others on our team had some great conversations as well.  One of our teammates bought a meal for a homeless man and shared some conversation with him.  Others were at the book table and also ministering to those watching the sketch artist.  One of our teammates sings opera and she was able to even use that gift in sharing with several people in a coffee shop.  That was so cool to see her being used in that way.

There were times today that I was discouraged because not everyone would take information.  I also felt inadequate in sharing my faith sometimes.  I didn’t always have the “arguments” to share why I believe what I do, but I’m learning.   I have so much to learn.  Please pray for “J” and Lucy; Michael; Venus;  and Ashiah.  These are the names I’m remembering.  Pray that they would receive the truth they received today and that God would continue to work on their hearts.

At the end of our day, a few of us visited a mosque nearby, just to see what it was like inside.  The Imam (pastor) actually gave us a little visit and information about the mosque.  Then, he sent us out with some literature and a cookie.  I had been in a mosque before but some of the others had not.  There was a very heavy feeling inside.  We did a lot of praying—all day, throughout the day. 

When we returned for the evening, we debriefed as a team.   As we were waiting for dinner to cook, I had time to share my testimony with several other teammates.  I am so surprised how God is using me in this way with this team.  I had come here totally expecting to minister to those here in London or on the streets, but so much more is happening within our team.  Please pray that I would continue to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit as I am here ministering to those around me—whether it be those in the city or those on my team.

Tomorrow is another day of training.  Thanks so much for your continued prayers.  We could not be doing what we are doing without your partnership.