It's been a minute fam. I didn't do a post this week because I just never had the chance to really get around to it, but here I am! I hope everyone is having a fantastic week and is getting into the Christmas spirit. I obviously know that Thanksgiving over in the UK makes no sense because it's an American holiday. HOWEVERRRRR the idea of simply eating until you're about to explode sound marvelous for all cultures if you ask me. So #ThanksgivingWorldwide. I just love food. I don't know if you have figured that out by now but food is amazing. Thank you Father in heaven for making food so delicious and so many different kinds of foods to eat.
Anyways, these past couple of weeks have been so remarkable. God has been moving so much in all of our lives here at YWAM Derby. I have really been able to grow in my own personal faith as well been able to grow in being a part of a team and a leader within a team. Last Friday-November 7th- was a huge learning experience for me. We had our first full Friday outreach in the Sin Fin area of Derbyshire. The outreach consists of a few of my YWAM Family and myself going to a "Rocket Park" for a couple of hours in which we talk to the youth and tell them about them about the youth club that happens at a local church. After that we have the youth club at the church, where we will play games, have a message, etc. for the youth from year 7-9 (8th grade-10th grade). It is really just like any other youth group/club anywhere.
What was difficult is that there were many young men show up that are well outside the age range who wanted to be a part of this year 7-9 youth club. We just didn't have the manpower or the space to have all of these young people in the church at that time, which is what was so frustrating. We just wanted to love them all and have space for all of them but logistically it just wasn't possible that week. However, through much prayer and planning yesterday evening, we think that have figured out a way to build the new relationships with these new year 7-9 kids, and keep the ones that were developed with the young men that used to be a part of them youth club when they were of age.
The experience as a whole taught me that I really do not have all of the answers and that frustration/anger alone really never solves anything. It showed me that I still am always needing to work on my patience, and other eight characteristics found in the "fruits of the spirit". I am so grateful for my leader and friend Clarence for his amazing and wise guidance. I am so thankful to God that out of all the YWAM bases found around the globe that I ended up here in Derby, England. I truly do feel at home and I know that I am exactly where I belong. ON A SIDE NOTE ONE OF MY HOUSEMATES HAS A BARITONE I AM SO HAPPY.
Now, we also had some INCREDIBLE teaching from a man named Michael Montgomery. He taught us on the "Father Heart of God." Which is basically looking at God and his Father characteristics. It was truly a wonderful reminder of how we are not just people. We are children of God. We are His chosen people. I am a son of the creator of the entire universe. I am made in the likeness of God and was originally made to hold a place of leadership amongst God's other creations. Michael and his wife Gale really challenged me to strive to a new level of holiness. We are made in the "likeness" of God. As a believer, I am-according to Paul-a saint. Which literally means "set apart". That is truly a privilege. Not a right. By God's grace alone am I able to even have faith in Him and Michael has challenged to take that truth to a new level.
I want to challenge you all to strive for the same thing. Intentionally live a life that pleases the Father. John Piper once said, "God is most glorified when we are most satisfied in Him." That is just so true isn't it? What more do we possibly need than the creator of everything we see and more? Have you ever thought about that? God created the billions and billions of stars in the universe and yet, out of sheer love and grace, has created us in His image. That's just amazing and still overwhelms me when I stop and think about that. So thank you Michael for everything that you and your wonderful wife brought this week. This journey here in YWAM Derby may only be 22% finished, but I have already learned so much more than I could have imagined.
Thank you to Jeanine, Clarence, and Annalie for your amazing leadership and thank you to Shannon, Sabrina, and Cassie for just being awesome friends and family. I truly cannot wait to see where God continues to take us all on this journey in this particular phase of our lives. And thank you to my family and my lovely lady Rachel for being there with me through this whole journey from Marietta/Kennesaw Georgia. God has beyond blessed me with such phenomenal people in my life back home. I love you all so much and I will see you soon for Christmas! IT IS SO SOON! I really hope it snows but at the same time I don't because I seriously want to play golf with my father and brother. ANYWAY onto the next paragraph.
On another note, I also had an amazing day last Sunday afternoon. I got to go to a recording studio here in the city and record a few tracks for only 20 pounds. If you would like to purchase my first single, simply visit http://www.reverbnation.com/drew92/songs. Or, if you would like to just listen to all of my songs I have available at the present time, simply visit www.soundcloud.com/drew-andrew-couch. Thank you all again so much for your support in finances and in prayer. I love you all so much!
Peace/deuces/bye/seeya/ByeFam/LuhYouAll
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