I MADE IT TO ENGLAND

Wow. I made it to England in one piece yesterday! Barely though. I made my train from London to Derby by approximate 31 seconds. The journey was a little hectic and difficult but the goodbyes were way more difficult. I, so thankfully, got to see my father that morning before I left later that night. I miss him so much. From playing golf together to just hanging out and watching Seinfeld episodes we have seen probably 150 times it is just hanging out with you I miss. My airport escorts were fantastic and kept me calm (until we all started crying) while going through security. My amazing big bro Jonathan, his girlfriend Brooke (aka B.I.L-that means Bae in Law), my bae whom I love with all my heart Rachel, my hilarious step-dad Chuck, and last but by no means least, my incredible mother who has been by my side since I entered this world. I mostly call her mom. I can't describe how much I miss you all, but we will be reunited at Christmas and then again for good in June. 

In no way does this mean I wish I wasn't here. We all knew the day and the tears were coming. I am so grateful for all of you and am so so grateful for the technology of iMessage, wifi, and FaceTime that allows me to communicate with all of you. Being involved in missions means sacrificing things. This time that sacrifice means time with family and my bae. I love you all so much but I will see you soon!
Now, as for the first couple of days here in Derby, I am so elated at everything that is going on. Everyone on the team, including the leaders of course, is so in love with Jesus and have a heart to tell the world of the gospel. I am so grateful to God in bringing all of this to fruition and making this a part of "my dash". We have really just been getting to know each other the first couple of days here at the house and it's been so fun! We even went on a tour of the city of Derby and I am already in love. I can't wait to taste some of the local food on weekends and not to mention the big festival this weekend! I have no idea what the festival consists of but it will be smashing I am sure. I'm trying to work on my English slang. My leaders informed me of the local places that do lots of open mic nights so maybe I will even get to spread the beauty and perfection of the gospel in my favorite way.


I wanted to also share my quiet time form 1 John this morning with the handful of you that will read this.


1 John 1 from the NAS reads: "What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of Life—and the life was manifested, and we have seen and testify and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was manifested to us—what we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. These things we write, so that our joy may be made complete. This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us."

One of my favorite things from this entire chapter is located in verse 4. "These things we write, so that our joy may be complete." One of the main purposes for John is to create joy in His readers. In this chapter of the bible we are directly exposed to the true purpose of fellowship. I love how John shares on fellowship. Fellowship in this context is certainly not simply a social construct in which people gather together to enjoy each others company. What is the fellowship here? Well it is an eternity with Christ. "...so that you may too have fellowship with US." John is writing about Him and the other disciples who write and preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. However, our fellowship is not simply with those we know in this life. Our fellowship with fellow believers is wrapped up in an eternity with The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. That is exactly what salvation has done for you. IS THAT NOT SO DOPE? Well let me answer for you. Yes. Yes it is.

How did you enter into this fellowship? By common faith. We all share the same faith in the same God and in the same savior. Titus 1:4 tells us that. That is where there has been some confusion possibly for some in verse 6 and verse 7. A genuine Christian walks habitually in the light (holiness and truth), not in darkness (falsehood and sin). A Christian with genuine faith cannot be the bond-servant to two masters-sin and Jesus. I feel that verse 6 and 7 is talking to non believers for I feel that would bring contradiction to the verse in Titus and other passages. Most specifically, to me at least, 1 Thessalonians 5:4-5. "But you brethren are not in darkness, that the day would overtake you like a thief; for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor darkness." This tells us that there is no such thing as a believer who walks in darkness. This is even more support for the perseverance of the saints as well. A genuine believer cannot ever lose his or her faith. 

Wow. That is such a beautiful promise to any believer and brings encouragement and truth. We may sin now and then (I know I do) but we still walk in the light. We will forever walk in the light. Once in the light, always in the light. Well John has succeeded at bringing me joy for sure. THANKS JOHN! I can't wait to be in fellowship with you brother.

So that is it for now folks. I love you all very much and will talk to you next saturday. Have a fantastic week tomorrow and bring a friend to church tomorrow! We don't want to just fill churches with those walking in the light. We need those who are currently in the darkness and without Jesus to fill up seats. Love you!