An afternoon tea.

I hosted a fellowship at my house in Oct. This is the

second of many I pray that will naturally develop

into a time of devotional and Bible study time.

This is the setup after the Devonshire cream and jam were consumed as

well as the finger sandwiches. I had made 16 scones; only

4 were left!

Our intimate group of ladies on a Thursday afternoon.

Tiff, Michelle, Kate, and Caroline.

Kate, Michelle and me on a walk after tea!

I had the privilege of being a part of and serving in healthy women's Bible studies for the past 10 years. I came here imagining that we would head in the direction of starting one here sooner than later. I knew it would start small, but it would be in His timing or not at all.

Of course with with the challenges of life being as they are, I have waited.

Well, being here for almost 2 years in Feb. of 09, I can tell you first hand that having a formal study has not been on the agenda. As Joey and I have sought the Lord, we see the need to draw the brethren together outside of a formal setting and create an opportunity for fellowship.

Joey is faithfully teaching the Word to the body, but we see the need for outside friendships to be made. Of course no one can force relationships, but we can create atmosphere that encourages it. So that is the heart behind these hang-out times.

It is such a joy to look around a room and see people engaging in conversation. There is always the nervous twitch in my stomach when I think about having people over and wondering if I will have to carry the conversation. Of course that is stupid and the Lord always takes care of it.

That day flowed so nicely and there was great joy shared by all.

I love these ladies and the ones who were not there as well. My heart

desires to be a blessing to all, but to encourage the

woman in their walks with God especially. What a wonderful

opportunity to serve the Lord this way! It truly is amazing.

Our fellowship meeting

What an awesome time of fellowship we all had here yesterday!
Joey and I held our first "Bring and Share" here at our house. We included a time of games, food, an update on how everyone can get involved with serving and a time of communion. It appeared that all had a wonderful time and left feeling uplifted and excited about what the Lord has planned for the future of this fellowship of believers.

The Picture above is Heather, our sitter and friend of course!
The Picture on the right is of Ang., Monika, Heather and Maddie.
The pic. on the bottom right in a group shot with Isaac in front.

Joey and I are so honored that the Lord continues to use us to encourage and bring Jesus to this community. We are amazed at how ignorant so many are here about what the word of God says and those who are numb to what society deems as okay.
It grieves my spirit as I know it does the Lords to know that so many are okay sleeping with their boyfriends or living with their "partner". So many Christians are unaware about what the Bible says about this issue and other controversial topics. We know that the Holy Spirit will correct this in time for those who come to hear what the Lord is guiding Joey to teach about. The Spirit is faithful to do the Lord's bidding and He desires that His children to walk in truth.

We love the people that He has placed in our lives for this season. He continues to place people in our lives without us doing any striving work. AMAZING! We are required to seek Him and be diligent to work the plow. He will bring the increase! Please pray for those who come to the Fri. night fellowship:
Monika
Ang.
Heather
Andrew
Sam
Mike
David
Mike and Tracy, Daniel and Joshua
James and Susan, Carin and Isaac
Shelia
Samuel
Mark and Julie, JJ and CJ
Rob and Michelle, Georgina(nina)

The top bunch are Uni. students and will go on Holiday next week. Please pray the Lord keeps them while they are on break and that the Lord draws them to stay in fellowship and refreshes them.

--Pray for our families. For wisdom as they raise their kids and as they pour into them spiritually.
-Pray for Julie's healing from depression and for restored joy and motivation.
-Pray for healing for Shelia and Samuel due to lack of father influence and lack of Godly guidance. Praise the Lord for their hearts for intercessory prayer!
-Pray for David, an American who has become a dear friend of the family and needs direction on where the Lord wants him to be. He needs provision for a place to stay here in England and for his business to take off and be successful.
Last but not least, for Joey and I to remain focused on the Lord, for Maddie, Josiah and Jordan to love the ministry and never feel second to the work God is doing. To fall deeper in love with each other and the Lord!
Love you all!
picture of David, Joey and Sam.