Greetings brothers and sisters, I hope this finds you well. It’s been a little while since I’ve blogged so thanks for reading!
This week the topic was intentional living, so much wisdom and advice that I needed to hear, as organising my time and finding balance in life is something I’ve been aiming towards for a while. The speaker talked about creating time to concentrate on gifts and passions in our schedules so that we don’t bury them or lose these things that God has given and can be used for His glory. For me as most of you know I am very passionate about music and writing, and I’ve been inspired to put more focus on that and not to feel guilty about it, so I’m in the process of organising myself and my time and making sure there is space for that. Please pray for me in this area that I journey in.
I think what I’ve most enjoyed over the past two weeks has been preparing the missions trip to India in December. I’m so excited to be going back and for my team who are a real joy to lead. God has been moving in us and through us as a team and its wonderful to see how God is stirring up a heart for India and I am so privileged to be able to share my heart with them and be an inspiration.
God has been blessing me recently as head knowledge becomes heart knowledge and vice versa, and as I grow more of a hunger for His word and presence. A verse that came up this week was really inspirational and a verse that I lived by during outreach to Poland earlier this year- Jeremiah 29:13.
In other news, I am heading home next weekend to see family, friends and church folk. If you’re around it would be lovely to catch up. I will be sending out a newsletter next week, they’ll be around to grab at BCC or alternatively by e-mail - if I haven’t got your e-mail address already then please let me know and I can send you a copy no worries.
So to sum up, I’ve had a good two weeks. I can feel God moulding my heart and inspiring my thoughts. It hasn’t been easy at times but I know God is making lasting change in me; Gods heart is breaking inside of me for justice, for the lost and for those that are hurt, confused and suffering in His very church. There is a tremendous amount of pain and discomfort in this process but I know God’s heart is what drives us into action and the pain I feel is minimal in comparison to our Father who sees everything.
Some prayer requests for this week.
-As I choose to be more intentional in my living, being more organised and using time effectively, please pray for wisdom in this and for new paths to be worn in.
-Please pray for the students generally, for breakthrough, revelation and lasting impact for Jesus. Please pray as I lead my small group and also the India team. That God would continue to minister to them.
-I am learning a great deal about God, and have been taking some big steps in my relationship with Him. Please pray that I would continually lay down my rights, take up my cross and always pursue a deeper relationship.
-I’m heading home next weekend! Please pray that my time at home would be joyful, restful and encouraging and that I’d be an encouragement as well. For protection spiritually.
-Finance. If you have offered/agreed to support me monthly, just a gentle reminder if you haven’t already signed up could you let me know either way what the situation is so I have more of an idea of my budget. Please pray for wisdom in handling finances and clarity, I’ve been challenged recently not just to receive in faith but also to give in faith, please pray for freedom in this.
-India prep. Please pray over all the practicalities such as flights, visas, injections, budgets, communication with contacts and team building. For God’s heart, strength and wisdom in this.
Thank you so much for reading. God bless you for all your support and service.
‘I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than the watchmen wait for the morning, more than the watchmen wait for the morning.’ Ps 130
Act justly, love mercy
With love.
Adam
Saturday, 24 October 2009
Saturday, 10 October 2009
truth feel replace heal
Good afternoon all. How’s life?
I’m currently enjoying a fairly relaxed Saturday; the sun is shining which is wonderfully refreshing after a week of gloomy skies and rain. There’s something special about the summer ending, some people aren’t such fans, but I really enjoy the way the sunlight and cool air mix. It makes me smile on the inside, reminds of me of my childhood, and I am filled with hope. I am always thankful, but it is days like today that this deep sense of joy within me gently rises to the surface, and I know love.
This past week has been many things, it has been our first ‘proper week’ so to speak where we had lectures and training from a guest speaker (Daniel Susenbach = the man), small groups and one on ones began, outreach locations were revealed and much was learned. I didn’t expect that staffing a school would be so crazy busy, it’s quite the rollercoaster ride. I was just thinking about rollercoaster rides, they’re scary, but we know they are trustworthy and that we will reach the end in one piece. If we put our lives in the hands of and trust something that is manmade, how much more can we trust this rollercoaster of life spoken into being by our very creator? We can trust completely.
The subject of this last week has been grace, even though I was taught this subject last year on my DTS by the same speaker. My main revelation this week has been the truth that living in grace is a journey; it is a constant reminder and realisation that we are truly saints and no longer sinners. For that is how God sees us. Reconciliation is quite possibly my new favourite word, illuminated by the understanding of what Jesus did for us.
I’ve been struggling this week a bit with the schedule, getting to grips with it is taking its time and I think the hardest thing has been trying to fit jobs in that need to get done within a busy program as it is, and ongoing preparations for outreach. I do take the blame for not managing my time effectively while I had it, but hey we live and we learn and time management is going to take me sometime to master.
I’m learning patience as I tread the paths of discipleship; I’ve been comparing it to teaching one how to play a musical instrument. When I was a young drummer and I attempted to teach my friends the basics I would get frustrated and give up easily because from my perspective I struggled to see and remember my journey and how the truth is that it takes time. I guess that’s how I’ve been feeling as I transition into training in discipleship, it takes time. Discipleship doesn’t happen in a day, but daily.
Prayer requests this week.
-Time management. Please pray for strength and wisdom in the busiest times, for the things I have yet to sort, and ongoing tasks.
-Health. I’ve been having some issues with my wisdom teeth growing in an awkward angle which in turn is causing discomfort and affecting my bite and they’re bossing my teeth around. Please pray.
-Preparations. Please pray as I continue to pray into outreach. For productive and fun team times, and all the practical things such as liaising with contacts and arranging a God inspired itinerary.
-Relationships. Please pray that my relationships with staff and students would continue to grow and solidify.
-Ideas/ambitions/dreams. I feel God has been speaking to me a lot these past few weeks. Please pray that I would continually be open to what God wants and for peace and that I wouldn’t be afraid to dream with God.
-Love. Please pray that I would remember that all I do is worthless if I do not serve in love. That love would be my priority.
Thanks for reading, thanks for your encouragement and support. Thank you for your prayers. They mean so much. I feel so blessed. Grace and peace be with you always.
Filling up to overflow.
Love.
Adam
I’m currently enjoying a fairly relaxed Saturday; the sun is shining which is wonderfully refreshing after a week of gloomy skies and rain. There’s something special about the summer ending, some people aren’t such fans, but I really enjoy the way the sunlight and cool air mix. It makes me smile on the inside, reminds of me of my childhood, and I am filled with hope. I am always thankful, but it is days like today that this deep sense of joy within me gently rises to the surface, and I know love.
This past week has been many things, it has been our first ‘proper week’ so to speak where we had lectures and training from a guest speaker (Daniel Susenbach = the man), small groups and one on ones began, outreach locations were revealed and much was learned. I didn’t expect that staffing a school would be so crazy busy, it’s quite the rollercoaster ride. I was just thinking about rollercoaster rides, they’re scary, but we know they are trustworthy and that we will reach the end in one piece. If we put our lives in the hands of and trust something that is manmade, how much more can we trust this rollercoaster of life spoken into being by our very creator? We can trust completely.
The subject of this last week has been grace, even though I was taught this subject last year on my DTS by the same speaker. My main revelation this week has been the truth that living in grace is a journey; it is a constant reminder and realisation that we are truly saints and no longer sinners. For that is how God sees us. Reconciliation is quite possibly my new favourite word, illuminated by the understanding of what Jesus did for us.
I’ve been struggling this week a bit with the schedule, getting to grips with it is taking its time and I think the hardest thing has been trying to fit jobs in that need to get done within a busy program as it is, and ongoing preparations for outreach. I do take the blame for not managing my time effectively while I had it, but hey we live and we learn and time management is going to take me sometime to master.
I’m learning patience as I tread the paths of discipleship; I’ve been comparing it to teaching one how to play a musical instrument. When I was a young drummer and I attempted to teach my friends the basics I would get frustrated and give up easily because from my perspective I struggled to see and remember my journey and how the truth is that it takes time. I guess that’s how I’ve been feeling as I transition into training in discipleship, it takes time. Discipleship doesn’t happen in a day, but daily.
Prayer requests this week.
-Time management. Please pray for strength and wisdom in the busiest times, for the things I have yet to sort, and ongoing tasks.
-Health. I’ve been having some issues with my wisdom teeth growing in an awkward angle which in turn is causing discomfort and affecting my bite and they’re bossing my teeth around. Please pray.
-Preparations. Please pray as I continue to pray into outreach. For productive and fun team times, and all the practical things such as liaising with contacts and arranging a God inspired itinerary.
-Relationships. Please pray that my relationships with staff and students would continue to grow and solidify.
-Ideas/ambitions/dreams. I feel God has been speaking to me a lot these past few weeks. Please pray that I would continually be open to what God wants and for peace and that I wouldn’t be afraid to dream with God.
-Love. Please pray that I would remember that all I do is worthless if I do not serve in love. That love would be my priority.
Thanks for reading, thanks for your encouragement and support. Thank you for your prayers. They mean so much. I feel so blessed. Grace and peace be with you always.
Filling up to overflow.
Love.
Adam
Saturday, 3 October 2009
The start of something beautiful. Early days of the DTS.
Good afternoon all, I hope this finds you very well.
A few weeks have passed by already! Time has been flying. The students are all here thanks to God and seem to be settling very well. I find it simply amazing when folk come from all over the world, of varied ages and backgrounds, but all have the same desire, one that brings us all together as brothers and sisters. It is such a privilege to be here to lead, support, encourage and serve during months that have the potential to transform lives, to bring freedom and for dreams to birth.
I’ve had a busy few weeks, for the introduction week of the school, we as school staff took on responsibility for teaching on some practical and general subjects. Last Tuesday I spoke on discipleship which was a great experience as this was the first time I have given a proper teaching. I enjoyed every aspect really, preparation is something I need to work on, and so I plan to write up material for teachings casually in practice for future opportunities. A big part of the first week has been getting to know each other better; with activities such as walk in the countryside, playing capture the flag in the woods, and sharing our testimonies as a group. It’s been simply wonderful.
The ball has already been set rolling as far as outreach preparations, at this stage I’m waiting on God to highlight particular places, but it’s also been a case of being active and pushing some doors and making enquiries. I can’t say much as we haven’t revealed the exact locations to the trainee’s yet (and some are facebook friends), some of you may have an idea. I can be completely open about it from Tuesday, which is when we reveal the locations.
From next week, things will become busier as small groups and one on ones begin, more outreach prep is done, basic leadership training kicks in some more, and lots of other bits and pieces to get sorted such as organising a worship songbook for the trainees, heading up the worship side of dts and getting trainees as involved as possible, and looking after the guest speaker for this week.
Prayer requests
-Relationships.
Thank God that folk are settling in well and are getting along nicely, please pray for good solid relationships to form and please pray for good relationships between us as staff and the guys on the school. Please pray that God would continue to grow a servant heart in me and that He would bless me with wisdom and understanding to be a blessing, an encouragement and an inspiration.
-Small groups/One on ones.
As small groups and one on ones begin this coming week, please pray that I would not lean on my own understanding or strength in this position of leadership I am in, but that I would lead in love and humility. Please pray for some special times, and that God would grow me as a leader.
-Outreach preparations.
Drawing up a budget, getting in touch with contacts and praying into where exactly to go and what to get involved in will be a challenge, it is very exciting but also slightly daunting. Please pray for me in this journey as I work through all the practical things. That God would be completely in it and as in everything, that I’d find balance.
-Personal.
Praise God that He is ever moulding me and shaping me in this new season. I’ve experienced tremendous amounts of grace these past weeks in working through attacks on identity and from the past. Please pray that I’d always lean on the truth, and nothing but the truth. Also that I’d be open to whatever He has planned and that my relationship with Jesus would grow deeper every day. Please pray for me as I figure out my dreams and ambitions that God would grow me more in the gifts He has given me and reveal His plans in His perfect timing.
-Time management, Finance, Contact.
In a place and role where I need to be more organised than I have ever been before, please pray that I would grow in this and that I wouldn’t waste time but that I’d be wiser in this area. Thank you all so much for contributing towards my missions financially, If you feel prompted to sponsor me over this next year, donations as much as £10 are so incredibly beneficial. Please do get in contact if you are able to help. As far as contact goes, my aim is to update my blog/prayer email - weekly/fortnightly depending on time and I am aiming to post a newsletter monthly or bi-monthly again depending on time and location. Please pray for me in these areas, especially with contact- that with busyness and slow internet God would give me the strength and grace to keep in good contact with you all.
Thank you all so much for reading, thank you all so much for your prayers, encouragement and support. I thank God for all of you. It is such a blessing to have you on this journey with me.
I pray that out of His glorious riches HE may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge- that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen
Eph 3v16-21
Your brother in Christ
Adam
A few weeks have passed by already! Time has been flying. The students are all here thanks to God and seem to be settling very well. I find it simply amazing when folk come from all over the world, of varied ages and backgrounds, but all have the same desire, one that brings us all together as brothers and sisters. It is such a privilege to be here to lead, support, encourage and serve during months that have the potential to transform lives, to bring freedom and for dreams to birth.
I’ve had a busy few weeks, for the introduction week of the school, we as school staff took on responsibility for teaching on some practical and general subjects. Last Tuesday I spoke on discipleship which was a great experience as this was the first time I have given a proper teaching. I enjoyed every aspect really, preparation is something I need to work on, and so I plan to write up material for teachings casually in practice for future opportunities. A big part of the first week has been getting to know each other better; with activities such as walk in the countryside, playing capture the flag in the woods, and sharing our testimonies as a group. It’s been simply wonderful.
The ball has already been set rolling as far as outreach preparations, at this stage I’m waiting on God to highlight particular places, but it’s also been a case of being active and pushing some doors and making enquiries. I can’t say much as we haven’t revealed the exact locations to the trainee’s yet (and some are facebook friends), some of you may have an idea. I can be completely open about it from Tuesday, which is when we reveal the locations.
From next week, things will become busier as small groups and one on ones begin, more outreach prep is done, basic leadership training kicks in some more, and lots of other bits and pieces to get sorted such as organising a worship songbook for the trainees, heading up the worship side of dts and getting trainees as involved as possible, and looking after the guest speaker for this week.
Prayer requests
-Relationships.
Thank God that folk are settling in well and are getting along nicely, please pray for good solid relationships to form and please pray for good relationships between us as staff and the guys on the school. Please pray that God would continue to grow a servant heart in me and that He would bless me with wisdom and understanding to be a blessing, an encouragement and an inspiration.
-Small groups/One on ones.
As small groups and one on ones begin this coming week, please pray that I would not lean on my own understanding or strength in this position of leadership I am in, but that I would lead in love and humility. Please pray for some special times, and that God would grow me as a leader.
-Outreach preparations.
Drawing up a budget, getting in touch with contacts and praying into where exactly to go and what to get involved in will be a challenge, it is very exciting but also slightly daunting. Please pray for me in this journey as I work through all the practical things. That God would be completely in it and as in everything, that I’d find balance.
-Personal.
Praise God that He is ever moulding me and shaping me in this new season. I’ve experienced tremendous amounts of grace these past weeks in working through attacks on identity and from the past. Please pray that I’d always lean on the truth, and nothing but the truth. Also that I’d be open to whatever He has planned and that my relationship with Jesus would grow deeper every day. Please pray for me as I figure out my dreams and ambitions that God would grow me more in the gifts He has given me and reveal His plans in His perfect timing.
-Time management, Finance, Contact.
In a place and role where I need to be more organised than I have ever been before, please pray that I would grow in this and that I wouldn’t waste time but that I’d be wiser in this area. Thank you all so much for contributing towards my missions financially, If you feel prompted to sponsor me over this next year, donations as much as £10 are so incredibly beneficial. Please do get in contact if you are able to help. As far as contact goes, my aim is to update my blog/prayer email - weekly/fortnightly depending on time and I am aiming to post a newsletter monthly or bi-monthly again depending on time and location. Please pray for me in these areas, especially with contact- that with busyness and slow internet God would give me the strength and grace to keep in good contact with you all.
Thank you all so much for reading, thank you all so much for your prayers, encouragement and support. I thank God for all of you. It is such a blessing to have you on this journey with me.
I pray that out of His glorious riches HE may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge- that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen
Eph 3v16-21
Your brother in Christ
Adam
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