au revoir

If I had to sum up this entire experience in 3 words I would have to say..

Intense, Awesome, and...

Obviously I like cliff-hangers. 

Thankfully I'm not subject to just three words and I can go on to say that It was more than I thought it would be. 

God never disappoints and never lets down. 

Needless to say, there is no god like the God that we serve.

And I count it such a privilege to be His servant.

During these past 6 weeks a beautiful transformation has come about and it was better than I thought. I anticipated leaving the country and not coming back the same, and I praise the Lord because I feel like I can honestly say that that is a reality that I have touched. 

All three members of the trio left knowing that this mission was a time to learn and to grow and I am thankful that that is exactly what took place. From the first week, to the last week and prayerfully beyond we have been learning and that in itself  it has been an entirely different adventure. 

But the grace of God is always sufficient and with that in hand, I look forward to all the lessons that are to come. 

Even with goodbyes that are normal and not cyber, I am awful. So the fact that it is a technological goodbye makes things even worse. This blog has meant so much to me, and I can't wait to come back from time to time to reminisce on the wonderful things that our Savior has done. 

To Him be the glory and the honor and the praise. forever. 

-Alyssa.

This is Christine signing off...

I've been known a time or two to say "there is no greater adventure than following Jesus around the world."  And He is always faithful to keep me truthful in that statement.  I'm so grateful to God, my Father, for this adventure.  I believe that we went with open hearts and minds to do what the Lord would want, and I believe we remained faithful throughout to be in sync with the precious Holy Spirit. 

This mission was not without it's battles.  But like we've mentioned in other blog entries- we learned how to fight through.  Before leaving, someone told me that England was tougher ground than the USA.  I didn't really believe them- I thought "have you been to Cleveland?"  But, I stand corrected.  It actually took me returning to the USA to see the depths of what I was experiencing.  I'm honestly still trying to identify and understand some of it, but I just want to keep praying for my brother's and sister's in the United Kingdom to stand firm, remain steadfast, and breakthrough- our God can rescue the UK and bring the nation back into it's ordained purpose as a sending nation.  I have a new perspective and a lot of new friends.

But the most valuable thing that happened during my time in England was very personal and ran very deep.  And although it exposes me to the world, I would like to share it here, because I believe it's a message for the church too.  May God get the glory, may I have grace to convey my heart, and may His people hear the message.

In early 2009, my mom moved into my home with end stage COPD.  Ultimately, my mother moved in to my home dying.  The Lord did much in that time, and though I was not perfect in my caretaking, it was a privilege to serve her in her most vulnerable time in life.  My life was radically changed by bringing my mother into my home.  Every decision I made had to be processed through how it would effect her.  When it came to meetings and social gatherings, I either had to stay home, take my mom along with me, or feel absurdly guilty for not being home with her.  This just became normal living.

But in August 2010, I came under something called "caretaker fatigue."  I also became bitter towards my circumstances.  When someone gave our household a gift of money to go out to eat, I decided that we would take a night away from my mom.  We decided that we would go to a nice Thai restaurant before an all night prayer meeting.  When my mother asked to come, I swiftly and sternly told her "No, you don't even like Thai food and I need some space."  When she begged, I stood firm in my rejection.  I wanted my life.  This was the last interaction I had with my mother alive.  She died the next day while I was at work.

The pain of this memory is deeper than anything I have ever experienced.  I was operating in straight up flesh! The sin is under the Blood of Jesus, but the reality of how I finished this journey remains.   Had I known that this would be my last night with my beautiful mother, of course I would have brought her out!  We would have feasted!  I loved my mother more than anyone else in this world.  It was just one day!  But I did know!  My mother was in her last days, she had a terminal illness, I was very aware of that, but because she had held on for so long, I didn't act as if she was going to die!

Church, we are in the last days!  Many of those reading this will be very aware of that fact.  But the Lord exposed, I am not living as if Jesus is really coming back.  There are days that I walk in the flesh.  I get knocked down and I linger down there before getting back up.  But the truth is, the last days means that the Day of the Lord is approaching.  And we know that no one has knowledge of that day.  Just as the Lord alone holds the keys to death in His hands, so only He knows when He will return.

Friends, let me tell you, the Lord has said that the pain I feel for being found out of position on the day that it counted most in my mother's life is nothing but a shadow of the pain I would feel if found out of position on the Day of the Lord.  How absolutely horrific that would be.  I can't even express what I'm feeling right now, it ruptures language.  I pray that you are understanding this call to urgency.  We need to stay steadfast, there is no time for anything else.  We know the season, we must be ready.

Please continue to pray for me.  I desire so much to live a life that brings honor and glory to the Lord EVERYDAY!  He is worthy.  Practically, I will be in Orlando for Advanced Missionary Training through May, and then back to Cleveland on June 2nd.  And like Clare, I too have a personal blog if you are interested in keeping up with where this adventure takes me- www.nogreateradventure.blogspot.com

Words cannot express my gratitude for your fasting and prayers for us.  Thank you, thank you, thank you. And I pray that the Lord will reward you greatly for this sacrifice.  You are blessing.  And your feet are beautiful.

Because He's worthy, and we can trust Him.
Christine

A last note from Clare...

“Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.” (1 Timothy 1:17)

All glory, all praise and all honour belongs to the King above all kings.  He alone is worthy!  The One who took us to the UK has brought us back again and has done a work that only He could do.  He is ever faithful.

At this moment I don’t feel like I have many words to bring to an end this blog… it is a wonderful, humbling, un-doing and privileged position to be a servant of the Most High God.  I have loved being on mission in my homeland – it has been the beginning of a new life, a new focus, a new ‘mission’, and the Lord has birthed a deeper burden to carry the land of my birth in prayer.  When we met with Nicodemus last week, he encouraged us to ask the Lord how we were to ‘marry the land’ and to take responsibility for the work in the nation going forward through prayer, even if we are not physically in the land.  There is a sense of momentum and a seeing of the Lord at work in the UK.  We have simply had the joy and privilege of joining Him where He is at work, seeking to allow Him to work through us for His purposes.

"Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me." (Philippians 3:12)

The last six weeks have also been a huge and humbling learning curve.  It is the first time I have 'led' a mission and I have much to learn and much to grow in.  I have loved the way the Lord knit our little trio together - and am thankful for both the joys and the struggles we have walked through together.  In some ways the trip was not what we expected, but all the way through, the Lord was teaching us to have expectation in Him, but to lay down our expectations of what anything would look like - a narrow path to walk!!  Over and again, throughout the mission, the Lord impressed the scripture from John 11:40 'Then Jesus said, "Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God."'  We daily fight the fight of faith, and will continue to do so as this mission ends and the next one begins.  Our life is a life of mission, of living for the purposes of God alone.

I am grateful and thankful for each of you - for your love, your prayers, your fasting, your comments, your being with us on this mission, your carrying us in your hearts - without you I don't know what would have been - I just know that you were needed and though we have been out in the field, your part in the mission has been no less vital.  THANK YOU.  I pray that one day, when you stand before the Lord (if not before!), you see the fruit of your labours and are rewarded for them.

Though this blog is ending - and what a sweet thing it has been to blog (I highly encourage it to be an integral part of all missions!) - the experience of blogging has encouraged me to revive my blog.  So if anyone wants to stay in touch (though I doubt I will be posting daily!) the link to my blog is: http://loveredeemedme.wordpress.com/

Much love and thanks to you, and above all to my Father, my King, my God and Saviour who has done, is doing and will do immeasurably and abundantly more than I can even ask or imagine.  I love Him and live for Him alone.

Yours, 

Clare

Back o'er the pond

The ducks who flew away all those weeks ago have today safely returned to the shores they left.  We give praise and glory to the Lord for that!  It has been a looooong day, with a few tales to tell of our travels - which included a lost passport, an almost lost person, and reduction of my visa from one year to six months - but in all things we praise the Lord!

Once we had finally connected with each other again in Orlando, and were on our way to call in on Brianna at work in the Mall, we heard more of the details of how the day had been.  My favourite (not because it is pretty, and neither was it fun, but because of the work the Lord is doing to train us to praise Him & trust Him in all things) is the picture of Alyssa, separated from Christine who had gone to find the missing passport, being told to run after her (carrying all the luggage) but not knowing where she was or where she was meant to be, crying and praying 'God, I don't know where I am, but you know where I am; I don't know where I am meant to be, but you know where I am meant to be!'  He is worthy to be trusted and He worked all things out - including finding the passport, each other, and getting on the correct flights.

Now we are back with our family/ extended family in the Sorensen home, and I can hardly keep my eyes open, so I will finish for tonight - we are all very ready for bed and some refreshing sleep.

Thank you for your prayers.  We will write again tomorrow when we are a little more awake!
Bless you!
Clare

Last few photos...

The UK team meeting with Nicodemus

Nicodemus & Pr Jonathan outside the Houses of Parliament

Christine & Alyssa leading worship in Heathfield

Sharing a meal with Pr Guy at the Heathfield Weekend Awakening

6 hours

In 6 hours it will be 3:30am in England/10:30pm EST, and the Trio England Team will be loaded up in the car heading to the airport.  Once there we will seperate and Alyssa and I will fly off, and Clare will follow after on another flight.  We'll all arrive back in the States around 5pm EST.  And this adventure will be over.

Last night we sat around in the warm kitchen, with hot milk and honey, and discussed the mission.  It was nice to recap, and see that in both great and subtle ways, we are different than when we started.  We've been thrown out of our comfort zones, trained in battle, taken deeper, and have a greater sense of the time that we're living in.  This time has been invaluable.

As we travel and adjust home, please pray for humility, rest, alertness, protection, and that the work done here would be sealed by the Blood of Jesus.  We know that coming off mission is often as much a battle as when on mission, and sometimes even greater.  We want to stand in victory for both ourselves and the UK!  Thanks for standing with us!

And I know you've been wondering, so what about the blog?!?  Expect a note from us to let you know about our safe journies home, and also a personal sign off from each Trio Team Member in the days to come.  And then it shall stand as a memorial stone for the glory of God!

What a MIGHTY GOD we serve!
Teens

Heathfield to Cambridgeshire

Regardless of the fact that it is 8pm I was just about to crawl into bed, and then I remembered that today is my blog day. 

We woke up today, got ready and left for church a little earlier so that we could walk, talk amongst the ourselves and pray a bit before we joined with the prayer group that prays before the church service.  It was a blessing to be at Pastor Guy's church again and to get to see the rest of the congregation and those who we met at the conference. 

After we said our good-byes we walked to the car, and embarked on a 3 hours drive back to Paul and Kath's house. The car rides are always fun. Most times we'll just talk about how we're doing, or we'll pray. My favorite part is when one of us just breaks out in a worship song, and then the remaining two join in.  It's just always encouraging and uplifting! Ever discouraged? Sing a song to the Lord. 

Tomorrow is our last full day, and knowing that is a weird feeling. Because it doesn't even feel like it.   We each have a bit of work to do and some final preperations before going to America, and we may even get some cream tea!

And although I'm not discouraged, I personally just enjoy singing to the Father. 

So that is what I'm going to do. 

Have a great night,

Alyssa. 

"What IS that?" : Lessons in Warfare

Wow.  Our God is worthy.  He is holy and He is good.  Always.  Whatever things look like on earth, with our physical sight, or even what we glimpse spiritually, we have a God who is faithful, who never fails and who is worthy of all of our praise.


Today was the main day of teachings in the 'Weekend Awakening' here in Heathfield...it was a long day and we are learning much as we are here on mission.  And there is still SOOOO much more to learn...it feels like baby steps!  But our faithful God is our teacher and trainer, and we praise Him for every lesson He is teaching us.  


We met at the church with Paul, Kath, Keith & Alison at 7.30am to pray and prepare before people arrived at around 9am for the start of the sessions.  I have been much encouraged over the past weeks of the testimony coming out of New York - of how initially, back in October last year, just a few (I think 8) people gathered round a TV in a living room to watch the Awakening Summit streamed from Chicago.  Impacted, four of that group were able to come to Africamp, and from there went back to share with friends, churches, leaders, and even give interviews to the local newspaper!  In February, they held a 'Weekend Awakening' event to which a larger number of people came, and out of that, the whole city of New York has begun to open up, with Pr John & Pr Mark actually going to share there next week and meet with well over 100 pastors from the city.  The Lord is on the move, and He is looking for vessels who will give themselves to Him in surrender and obedience - He will do the rest.  It begins with one or two...


So there is a sense of expectancy and faith for what the Lord is going to do in Heathfield over the coming weeks and months as the few who gathered today and gave themselves in surrender to the Lord, arise to seek God and obey all that He speaks to them.  Though it was just a small number who gathered today, it was clear (and encouraging) yesterday to really sense and know that the ground has been softened and prepared as Pr Guy has sought to take hold of the message, walk it out and share it with his congregation.  There is a core group who have been praying and who are hungry for more.  It has been a blessing to see the Lord bring revelation, understanding, encouragement, challenge and direction through the teachings in the Weekend Awakening.


And, especially where the Lord is working, the enemy is seeking to devour, to steal the seeds, to tear down, to kill and destroy...the battle is oh, so real.  We are definitely learning lessons in warfare, lessons in how, what, when, where to fight, lessons in discernment and we need the Lord to teach us so much more.  There were a couple of incidents today that highlighted these realities to us - the reality of the enemy at work and the reality of needing to learn how to fight. It is fascinating, humbling and really does cause one to ask "What IS that?"  Please pray for us as we ask the Lord to teach us more and to prepare us the for deeper realities of this yet to come.  We need wisdom, discernment, understanding, and above all, faith and grace to walk in the overcoming authority and power that is found in the name of Jesus Christ.  And love.  We fight not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers in the heavenly places.  Our God is our Defender, our Shield, our Fortress, our Strong Tower, our Victor, our Mighty Warrior.  In Him we rest, in Him we hide, in Him we overcome.


We are physically very tired and as we have been seeking to fight the fight of faith today we are also knowing that it is costly.  Please pray that the Holy Spirit would revive, refresh, renew, heal, restore and strengthen us for tomorrow.  We covet your prayers (in a good way...just like God is jealous) and bless you for standing with us and fighting for us and covering us with your shields of faith too!!  


It's well past bedtime (although there's no such thing as a missionary...the Lord is in control of all time!) but I wanted to share a couple of things that have blessed us today:

• The couple we are staying with made sweet little packages with chocolate and a scripture in for each of us, which we found on our pillow's when we came home tonight...a very thoughtful surprise!
• Pr Guy blessed us with a takeaway from the local Chinese this evening, which we shared at pre-school sized tables whilst sitting on pre-school sized chairs, accompanied by much laughter and discussions of the way ahead.  It was good.
• The sun shone...even though we were inside pretty much all day the favour of the Lord with regard to the English weather still is upon us!!  We are blessed.  I've never known it so sunny, so consistently, at this time of year (or in fact at any time of year!!).
• Knowing the our brothers and sisters in Cleveland are going through the Weekend Awakening at the same time, labouring for God's purposes and fighting that same fight of faith on another continent - it is a privilege and blessing to be a part of the arising army.

May you find in Christ your hiding place this night.  He is all-sufficient.

Love,

Clare

Hungry for More

Tonight there was a clear hunger and expectation from the group that was gathering in Heathfield for our last Awakening Weekend while on mission together.  Amidst the battles, we pressed on to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, and to lift high His Name.  He alone is worthy to be praised.

It is clear that the ground here has been being plowed, and the people are ready to go deeper with the Lord.  We pray that the day tomorrow proves to be fruitful, and lives will be recklessly abandoned to the purposes of God.

Paul and Kath Brown, as well as Alison and Keith Hayden have joined us for the work in Heathfield.  So what ever a group of 7 is called, that is what we are for the time being.  Please pray that we would be one in heart and mind as we seek to draw the Presence of God to this area.

Earlier today we met with some others who are key in the work here in the UK.  It was a lovely time of praise, adoration, intercession, and encouragement from our Ugandan brother, Nicodemus.  One of my favorite things about being on mission is joining my heart with the people of England to see the UK transformed.  It brings a global and eternal perspective to the work that God has layed for His people in the Great Commission.

And then I think about the Awakening Weekend that is starting in Cleveland (my hometown) as I write this, and all the people reading this blog who have been praying for our mission all over the world, and I am amazed at the vastness of God and His Body.  That has to be encouraging!  God is alive!  He is active!  He is faithful!  And He's moving, right.this.minute.  Hallelujah!

I'm blessed, and hope you are too.
Christine

One rule: don't die!

**Apologies for the delay in this being posted...the blog site crashed and would not let us post yesterday or this morning, so now you are going to get two updates in quick succession!  We missed you and are sorry we weren't able to fill you in on yesterdays happenings on the day!**

This morning we were out the door at 6:30. We met up with Keith and Alison first in Seven Oaks and then continued our journey. Clare had a meeting with Pastor Jonathan and Nicodemus, so Christine and I were on our own to travel the streets of London.  We got an all day travel card so we could ride the tubes and trains as much as we liked. As the adventurer’s that we are, we really headed there with no game plan. I spotted a sign that pointed us in some direction (after walking around aimlessly for a bit). The sign led us to Buckingham Palace and there we found ourselves in a massive sea of people. Thousands of people were gathered around behind different sections of police tape - some of then were sitting on shoulders or standing on the railings - and there were many with cameras and camcorders ready to capture the moment that seemed imminent.  Except that we had no idea what the moment we were waiting for was.  At one point we even asked someone near us if they had any idea what was happening… They said they didn't know either.

A policeman called the mob of people that we were in to come forward and fill in the space in the front. We asked the guard and he told us that the ‘Changing of the Guards’ was taking place.  We 'oood' and 'ahhhed' whilst watching, and then we walked over to Piccadilly Circus and continued to roam. We found our way back into the tube station and rode it over to Oxford Street to grab some lunch. We joked that if I had had my passport with me we would have gone to France for lunch! :)

A lot of walking took place, which meant crossing lots of busy roads. Some of the locals are crazy and jog to the other side of the cross walk when the little man signaling is still red. We decided that the rule of the day was not to die: hence the title.

We made it safely back and met up with Clare, Nicodemus and Pastor Jonathan.  Whilst on the train Nicodemus challenged us all to live a more deeply surrendered life - what a beautiful challenge!

Back at Paul and Kath's home we ate dinner and the gathered. Even though we were all individually exhausted it was a pleasant time in His presence.

Please be in prayer for us in these final days. Tomorrow we leave to go to our last awakening weekend in Heathfield.

And for us to stay energized until the very end!

Your sister,

Alyssa

Seeking the Lord - the Prepared Life

Following on from yesterdays encouragement to finish well, this morning we determined that we were in agreement to be sprinting to the end and giving our everything to overcoming & fulfilling God's purposes for the remainder of this trip.  Except that the end of this mission next week is only the beginning of the next mission!

So this morning we spent time in worship and prayer, seeking to go deeper and stand firm in our positions, to pray into a place of faith and trust for what is ahead of us this week, and to pray for the transition of going back to the US next week.  The darkness is so real and the enemy is constantly prowling seeking to take us out (as he is with everyone!), and there is need to be on the offensive in the battle, rather than the defensive.  We read Ruth and half of 1 Samuel together, through which the Holy Spirit was speaking to us on many levels.

One of the things I love about the first book of Samuel, is seeing how a life dedicated and given to the Lord, lived out seeking to minister to the Lord, being taught how to hear the voice of God and serving His purposes, brings such glory to the Lord as the days and years pass and maturing from child to adult happens.  The way and detail with which Samuel heard the Word of the Lord and pronounced it to those he was directed to, is something I long for more of and aspire to.  The power of God is revealed through him on so many occasions throughout his life, and it encourages us to press on and give our lives more and more to the only One who is worthy.

This afternoon we sat in the warm kitchen and each worked on the assignments and tasks we are seeking to complete in the midst of all else that is happening this week.  Tomorrow we are leaving early to drive down to Bromley as I am meeting with Pr Jonathan & Nicodemus in the morning, and Christine & Alyssa are popping into London on the train to visit the Palace and Westminster Abbey, so we are hoping for a good night's sleep and to awaken refreshed!

We are ever grateful for your prayers, love, comments and emails.  May you be strengthen and blessed by our faithful God!

Much love,
Clare

Finishing Well

Today marks what I would call "the final countdown".  And I'd probably sing a little "doot doot doo" along with it.  In one week's time we will be in flight home to the USA, back to Orlando for some further missionary training.  I found in physical training and races, whenever the end of the course is in sight, there are 3 possible reactions. 

1.  Sprint to the finish line
2.  Slow down in relief and exhaustion
3.  Get caught up in thoughts of what you're going on to next.

I hope that you will join us this week in prayer that we will finish well.  Today is a much appreciated rest day.  The Presence of the Lord is so sweet and refreshing to the weary soul. There is still a work ahead of us, and this is not the time to slow down or get distracted by thoughts of home (though it is good to know all that the Lord is going to require of us then as well.)  There is administrative work to be done, school work, and we have an Awakening Weekend to serve at this Friday and Saturday, and we must be ready to stand firm through the battles that these weekends bring.

There have been questions that the Lord has posed all along our journey.

Is He worthy?  Can we trust Him?  Do you know my Jesus?

and now He brings the familiar question that will drive any athlete to the finish- what more can you give?

As we pray to finish well, I pray that you will finish well also.  You are a gem to us. 

Because He is worthy,
Christine

Every missionary needs to know how to read!

After a brief stay in Bristol we left this morning and headed to a mall to get the bridge of Clare's "wonky" glasses fixed so that they sit on her face correctly. We had a quick walk around to try to find gifts for Clare's niece, nephew and brother. After she had found what she needed we got back in the car and went to Clare's Mom's house.
We stayed, had lunch and played a bit with Clare's niece. We left and drove over to Oxford to meet Emma, one of Clare's friends, at Starbucks.
For the majority of the car ride back to Paul and Kath's I was doing English work and the rest of the car ride I was attempting to read a map to get us back to their home.
Clare knew the way back, but she felt it would be good training and fun to hand me the map and have me figure out the way home.
I only got a little lost but I did find out the way back and with no prior map experience , I have to say that I don't think it was too bad. :)

I am now sitting on my bed, anxiously awaiting sleep that has been beckoning me for quite some time now.
Personally, I'm exhausted and I'm sure that I can say the same things for Clare and Christine.

we send our love and blessings.

-Alyssa

Moving onwards...

Bristol, UK.

Sunday evening 11pm

Dear blog companions,

It is great to have you along on our travels.  Every day we are thankful and blessed that you are with us, and that you pray for us, fast for this mission and send us love, hugs and comments. 

Today we left Liskeard after 10 fairly full days down there.  We went to the Sunday service at Hilarie, Maureen, Pete & Angie's church this morning, then had lunch with Maureen before driving the few hours up to Bristol.  Driving the scenic route through Dartmoor National Park took a little longer, but the rugged moorlands, pretty valleys, expansive views and occasional sheep, cows and horses wondering in the road all added to the experience of being in rural England.  Once on the motorway we hastened to Bristol as we sensed we should go to the evening service at the church of the friend we were picking up the keys to the flat from.  We were a wee bit late to the service, but it was a sweet time of fellowship with a wonderful array of people - homeless guys, old ladies, men in suits, young people, black and white, able bodied and disabled - and a simplicity and freedom in worship...and some great old hymns!  Christine asked if she could have a copy of the old hymnal, as some of the words of the old hymns have a richness that is missed in more modern songs.

Sometimes we obey the leading of the Lord and are never quite sure why we go where we go... sometimes there can the question of whether we heard correctly, whether we missed the point - and that is part of stepping out in faith - but we have to trust Him.  He does work all things together for good.  At both the services today, as we chatted with people afterwards, conversations were had and connections were made.  These can seem insignificant.  Yet if we are walking in His will, what may seem insignificant to us, can be like sparks of fire being spread, kindling vision, hope, purpose, destiny.  It is Christ's work, not ours.  We are called to simply be vessels He can work through.

Back at the flat we had some fellowship with a friend of mine and her friend.  Christine chatted, laughed, joked on skype with her house-mates back in Cleveland and Alyssa caught up on some communications too, AND has been working hard on her schoolwork.  We are all pretty much now ready for some sleep before tomorrow's onward travels.

Bless you!

Lots of love to all.

Clare

Crossing a Line

It's a powerful moment when God calls you to cross a line.  Something happens in the atmosphere when we commit to a deeper level with the Lord.  It's a holy moment.  And it can only happen between an individual and God.  I can't make a man cross a line.

But.

I can rejoice with him when it's done.  The past two days, it has been a privilege to stand with others as many crossed a line into a deeper place with the Lord.  Solidarity is powerful thing.

Brothers weeping together.  Youth crying out for their destinies.  A man so hard of hearing that he didn't understand a word of the first 3 teachings, but kept coming, and by the end of the 4th he had experienced what he called one of the greatest breakthroughs of his life.  These were the people we stood with tonight.

God is stirring His Church in Cornwall, join us in praying that the work He has done over the past two days would be sealed with His Spirit.  In the Name of Jesus.

In no specific order

:) Top 5 things that YOU need to stop and pray for right now.


1.There was a bit of technical issues in the beginning of the weekend awakening;so be in prayer against all issues of that nature.
2 We're having late nights and early mornings for the rest of this weekend; be in prayer for rejuvination every morning and lasting energy throughout the day
3.My school work also needs to come to a point of conclusion sometime soon, and well, i'm struggling with juggling all of these events and getting my schooling done;
pray pray pray.
4. be in prayer for fruitfulness from this conference in Cornwall
5. & last; but not least.. team unity!


we love all of you and thank you that you are carrying us with your prayers
Have a great weekend!
with all my love,
Alyssa

The Fight for Faith - take 2

Seeing as it is the foundation of our walk,  it isn't really a surprise that this is the second post with this theme!  It was alternately going to be called 'Weep with those who weep', after a few communal outbursts of tears today, but even encompassing that is the fight for faith.

As Christine shared yesterday, we have been feeling pressures and battles and are recognising the need to go deeper as shakings come.  Not that any dramatic shakings have been going on, but just internal battles, pressures of carrying the work, of being team, of walking together and desiring to see God be God.  Time seems to be flying by, and we have each been feeling the struggle of how to do all that we are called to do - prayer, reading, pressing in to go deeper and seek harder, time corporately preparing for the coming Awakening Weekends with the team on the ground in the area, schoolwork & WTM work, communicating with friends & family, to name but a few - the hours in the day seem short, but in all that we have to fight for faith, fight to trust that our God is faithful and will make a way for all things to be done.  As we depend on Him we find that nothing is impossible.

This evening the three of us had time just worship together, and I glimpsed the privilege we have in being able to come before God...that it is a privilege to be invited into His presence, to have Him as a Father, to know Him as a friend, to be able to bow and worship at His feet.  It is a privilege to be called by His name, to be chosen, to be called, to be His servants.  A privilege I never want to take lightly or for granted.  As we worshipped, setting our eyes and hearts on the One who is above, as the song goes '...and the things of the earth grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.'

He is the One who is Faithful.  He is the One who supplies our every need.  He is the One who knows the thoughts of our hearts.  He is the One who never fails, never forsakes, never lies.  He is able to do ALL things.  He is the One who comforts those who are broken hearted.  He is the One who covers us with the shadow of his wings.  He is the One who keeps us from falling.  He is the One who watches over us whilst we sleep.  He is the One who surrounds us with His angels and sends forth a multitude of warriors to fight on our side.  He is the One who can open our eyes.  He is the One who softens our hearts and melts us with His love.  He is the One who rejoices in His children, who delights when we call Him 'Abba'.  He is the One who runs to us with arms open wide.  He is the One who heals us.  He is the One who holds us in the palm of His hand - and every detail of our lives.  He is in control.  He is Sovereign.  He is at work.  He is desiring His will to be done, more that we are desiring it to be done.  He is GOOD.  Always.  Every moment.  Every day.  Good.  Towards ALL that He has made.  Which is everything, everywhere, beginning to end.  Nothing exists apart from Him.  This is our God.  Actually, this is only the tiniest, littlest reflection of who our God is.  No words can do Him justice, or describe His beauty, majesty, power, wonder, love, mercy, grace.  He is far beyond words.  He is far beyond our imagination.

'If our God is for us, then what can stand against us; if our God is with us, then who can stand against?'

We need not be afraid, only trust.  For those who put their trust in the Lord shall be saved.  They shall not be ashamed.

Please pray that we will fight for, and remain in, a place of trust, faith, confidence and abandonment in the Lord.  The Weekend Awakening event in Liskeard begins tomorrow evening - please pray for all the preparations for this.  Pray too that we truly trust and wait on God for direction as to where we are to be and what we are to be doing next week - that the Lord would make the way very clear to us, wherever and whatever and however that looks!

Father, I pray that you would bless and protect and rain down your presence upon each one who reads this blog and prays for us.  Would You hear from heaven and answer their prayers, and would you reward them richly for their labours?  Thank you Father.  I ask it in Jesus' name.

We love you!
Clare

Team Time

Jesus, all for Jesus, all I am and have, and ever hope to be.
All of my ambitions, hopes, and plans, I surrender these into Your hands
For it's only in Your will that I am free
Jesus, all for Jesus, all I am and have, and ever hope to be.

After a day filled with prayer in the morning and fun adventuring in the afternoon, we had a bit of team time to catch up.  It was a long overdue time just to see how everyone was doing.  It didn't take long to realize we were all feeling a little pressed in some way.  We are mostly experiencing tiny pangs of disappointment/discouragement, with some minor miscommunications.  The good part is, we are learning to trust the Lord in all things, and to not be knocked out of a place of faith when things don't look as we expected.  Nothing horribly disappointing has happened, we just want so much to see God breakthrough!  We don't want to be satisfied with little fruitsies here and there, we want God to get His bushels full!

And so we press on.

We choose to walk by faith and not by sight.

Love you all through Christ, who first loved me.  Bless you!
Christine

History Lesson



Alyssa pointing to America from where the Pilgrims started their journey for religious freedom on the Mayflower



Getting out of bed.

I heard this story one time and it was the most beautiful love story I had ever heard. 
This man loved this woman so much - he wrote her love notes, sang over her, called her beautiful when she was her ugliest, and comforted her when she was hurting.  When she was broken down on the inside he reassured her of his love for her, but it didn't matter.  She didn't love him back. 
She ridiculed him, spat in his face and had pure hatred for him. 


You can imagine; when you love someone, care for them or even just have a crush and you find out that they don't feel the same way you become devastated. 
I believe that the Lord has said that we are the woman in this depiction. We as a generation have come to the place that we would not come out and say that "we hate God" But, with our actions we very much resemble that statement. 


God wants to lavish His love on us, but we reject Him. We turn Him away when we need Him the most. 
His heart grieves because He knows that we think that we don't need Him, that the things of this world fill our desires better and that we feel that we are even better off with out Him. 
Even throughout this all, I know that God still loves us. He is still wooing His people, including this generation. 
He is still calling us back. He wants us. He desires to have all of our heart, forever. 




The entire final day the Lord had really been moving within me.  He really re-kindled the fire in my heart for my generation and really stirred me to just cry out for it.  During the last night, Pete and Angie had asked me to share, so I gave part of my testimony.
After that there was a drama, which Clare mentioned. While it was going on I pretty much broke down and was just weeping. I swiftly left the room after it was done, went up to the prayer room and continued to cry out for all who were in the room downstairs. After all my tears dried up and I was done wailing, I proceeded back downstairs to join in for the remainder of worship.

I got to the back of the crowd and got down on my knees. While I was praying I felt in my heart a burning to say what was written above.  (That is the best that I could remember it. But to be honest, it does no justice to what the Lord said).  As I wrestled with it for a second I realized that it was for sure from the Lord or else I wouldn't be arguing with it in my mind. I had the familiar feeling like the one you get when you have to get out of bed, but you don't want to.  So, just like getting out of bed I took baby steps. I stood up, and as I did Christine and I caught each other's eyes and we stared at each other. She smiled at me, and I began to walk towards the stage. I picked up the microphone; and as a "kid" term I "called them out, hardcore"
Which was embarrassingly painful, but obviously the Lord knew it was needed.
The good news is, my thoughts were proven wrong.
I felt like everyone was going to hate my guts.
But, as I am multi-tasking with writing the blog and partially on facebook all of them are talking to me and thus I am being proven wrong.

The Lord is so faithful.
I don't know the effects that what I shared had, or the effects it will have.. if any at all.
But I know that nothing is wasted in the kingdom of our God.


Today was our "No expectations" day! So, as the title of this beloved day states there were no expectations.
Having a rest day was much needed to revamp and its always nice to just chill.
Clare, Christine and I walk around Liskeard for a bit looking for an optometrist for Clare to see if they could help fix her wonky glasses. No solutions were found, but we did stumble upon a park. And for a few minutes we all acted like little kids and played on a play ground.
As our rest and relaxation day comes to a close Christine and I are probably going to write another song, so that's something to look forward to!

I pray that each and everyone of you are blessed on this lovely day. Please continue to keep the trio in your prayers.
XxoXOXxoXoXOOxOXoXOoXOx
-Alyssa.

A work complete: God's weekend tapestry

It was fun to camp.  And we greatly appreciate having a bed to sleep in tonight!   The weekend was full and good, and the Lord brought many strands together and wove them into a beautiful picture - one which we had the privilege of being part of.   


Pete & Angie, the youth pastors who organised the weekend, felt that the Lord was directing them to not plan the teaching or theme for the weekend, and to trust Him to lead and bring what was needed at the right time.  It was a wonderful thing to see faith in action!  On Friday night a leader from another youth group shared a great introductory testimony and message about the potential each young person has, and a number of things that can hinder that potential being realised.  God stirred in Christine and she shared on Saturday morning on the need to become desperate to know Jesus.  Bringing testimony and looking at some of the miracles Jesus' worked, she asked "Do you know Jesus?"  On Saturday evening the Lord had me share about the battle we are born into, the need to know our destiny & purpose to walk the narrow path and how we respond to suffering, based around a scripture in Exodus 1:12 "But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew".


On Sunday morning we joined the local congregation for their Sunday service, which was a communion service, and in the evening, Miriam and Alyssa emphasised the call to be surrendered, set-apart from the world and given to a life of worship and prayer, through what the Lord has been doing in them and speaking to them.  Jonnie wrapped up the evening by bringing some of the strands together and calling for each person to respond to Jesus' call to them.  As hearts responded to God, it was precious and glorious to see His faithfulness to have brought all things together.  All glory belongs to Him.


Today, having had fun taking down our tents in gale force winds (which saw one young lad having to run hard across the field after his tent!), we packed up, helped with some clearing up and then were released to head home, which this week is with Hilarie and Maureen.  It was good to shower and do laundry, then after spending some time reading Hosea and Joel together, we either napped or worked through the afternoon.


We are looking forward to a day of rest tomorrow - I am falling asleep writing this!  Thank you for your prayers for us.


We love you & thank God for you.
Clare

Some post-camp photos

 A view from the car on the journey to Cornwall

Games on the first evening whilst waiting for the BBQ

Playing 'Lord's & Ladies' - the trio excelled at this game!

 Alyssa & Clare in the semi-final

 Alyssa sharing with the youth

Christine leading worship

'Set me free' - a powerful drama presentation

Responding in prayer & worship

Packing up camp

16 year old heroes

There was a definite sense of a need to really press into the Lord for the youth of Cornwall that have been at this weekend camp.  Clare locked herself away up in the prayer room and all the other leaders joined as much as possible throughout the day, crying out for this generation, specifically the 40 students we've been pouring our everything into these 3 days.  Right before the evening meeting we got together, and gave one last "shout" to the Lord for these kids.

In the end:  God broke through.

God chose to raise up two 16 year old girls for the task.  Humbly these girls rose to testify about the Presence of God in their lives.  Miriam, a Cornwall local, shared what God had been speaking to her through the book she'd been reading, Fire and Fragrance and from Jeremiah, and our own Alyssa shared passionately her desire to see God take hold of her generation, and her own personal testimony of how He has set her apart for His use.  I praise God for these 16 year old heroes of the faith. 

During a time to respond, the leaders went to the back and all cried out together for the students.  All those that needed to come out and pray came, and all those that didn't watched on as their leaders travailed in prayer for them.  It was quite the sight to see, and I believe that God's work was accomplished in this time.

Please be in prayer for Miriam and Alyssa.  We know that they are young, and God used them both greatly today.  We want to pray for protection and encouragement.

Clare and I are also spent.  We've been pouring out everything in prayer, worship, and just building bridges with these kids that would then hold the weight of the message we were bringing.  Not to mention, sleepless nights. Please pray that God would fill us up.  

Okay, I HAVE to turn the computer off because of pitch black hide and seek.  LOVE YOU!
 ps. I HATE HIDE AND SEEK!

Love,

Christine