Reality London

New Location!!

2011-01-08T00:48:00.000-08:00

St. James Clerkenwell Church Crypt

Map Link to our Location

Church Planting & Perseverance

2010-08-12T05:05:00.000-07:00

Below is a blog post on church planting and perseverance that I found convicting, encouraging, and well worth sharing:

Resilience in Church Planting
Dustin Neeley, pastor and planter of The Crossing Church, in Louisville, Kentucky.

Originally published on the Resurgence here.

Church planting is hard. Over the past five years, I have been disappointed, disillusioned and just plain dissed by various people and problems. However, by God's grace, here we stand as a church that is not just surviving, but thriving, and planting new churches.
One of the keys? Resilience.

Good, old fashioned, gospel-driven "sticktoitiveness."
Sadly, this is a quality that I have seen lacking in far too many church planters.

Many men are interested in having a cool website, a Mac, and the latest Driscoll book in their messenger bag. But how many are willing to stay the course even when the going gets tough? Far fewer. In fact, I believe the absence of resilience is why so many church planters flame out, shame out, or tap out in the first five years and close down their churches.

Acknowledging that resilience is a necessity for missional success, what can we do to grow it within us?

Recognize that God commands it.
In Paul's first letter to his apprentice Timothy, he writes, "As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry" (2 Tim. 4:5). He says the same to us today. Be disciplined. Stay the course. Fulfill your ministry through the power of God at work within you.

Learn to take a punch.
It has been well said that wise men turn their critics into coaches. As we grow in the gospel as leaders, we are wise to look for the "diamonds in the rough," even among the most stinging criticism, and seek to learn from (and not repeat) our mistakes.

Consider the examples of those who have gone before.
The "Hall of Faith" in Hebrews 11 is such a great encouragement for church planters. To see that we share the same mission as Abraham, Moses, Joshua, and all of the other heroes is a great encouragement in times of trial. Suddenly, in the light of a man being asked to sacrifice his own son, being kicked out of your building doesn't seem so bad.

Learn to truly depend upon Jesus.
Though all of us would give lip-service to this concept, most of us struggle to give it life-service as well. Pray that God would teach you what it means to abide in Him, listen to His voice, and give you His strength for the hard road ahead. More than anything, this will give you the strength to endure.

There are many, many things that I would change about the last five years of planting. But one thing that I would not change is how God has grown resilience in me through the power of His Spirit at work within me especially during the hard times. May he do the same in you.

2010-03-26T09:07:00.000-07:00

This is a shout out to everyone who has a heart to stand in the gap for Reality and the advancement of the gospel in London! Please cry out with us over the next few days as we intercede for a church venue to meet in. Our lease at the Gate Cinema is up this coming Sunday and the pub we were going to start meeting at fell through last week. God's divine direction for sure! There is another pub that has agreed to let us meet on Sundays but are asking for £1000/month. Now, we are planning on making an offer of £800/month but the owner doesn't seem very keen on the idea and might not be willing to budge... However, we know we have God on our side and know that He can do above all that we could ask or think in this situation so let's band together and lift this up! We will be making our offer on Tuesday. Until then, Let's Pray for God to move Sarah's heart to let us meet on the Lord's conditions, with a price that would be a blessing for everyone, that provision would be made for this to happen, and that Sarah would ultimately be saved! Easy stuff for the creator of the universe, right?

Also, we (Mark & Lizzie) are sending in our visa applications next week as our two years here have already come up! We need prayer for major open doors, wisdom with getting all of the proper details in, safe delivery with the post, and the fullest amount of time possible! We are confident that God is faithful and will make a way for us to stay in London as long as He wants!

Thanks everyone, love you all very much!

Psalm 121:1-2 "I will lift my eyes to the hills, from whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth!"

A Personal Note

2009-07-28T05:58:00.000-07:00

So can we be honest here? Things are getting really exciting, and yet at times feel really insane when we consider what's before us. As many already know we are set to launch church services Sunday, 23 August and are currently making a proposal on a local cinema to gather in, which would be nothing short of a miracle if the Lord opens it up.

However, if we are to be brutally honest, its a crazy thought when you feel the Lord leading you to do something that doesn't make logical sense. It's one thing to talk big and exhort others to step out in faith, but when it becomes personal its easy to find yourself trembling a bit. It makes me think about what the priests must have been feeling when they carried the ark down to the raging waters of the Jordan during flood season (Josh 3). Its just not a logical thing to do, but then faith is not logical either is it? Just imagine the implications if Joshua and the elders would've spent days and days doubting and speculating because of the risks involved!! When God speaks, we are called to move. And oh what a glorious end we are moving toward!

Let me explain our situation a bit more. Right now we are looking into hiring a cinema that can hold up to 180 people even though we are only a small band of believers praying in our flat. One might ask, as I have, what's the point!? I really don't see the need for this... isn't it a bit of a foolish move? Well, you tell me, what do you think about a multitude of people, women and children, crossing the raging Jordan river during flood season?! God spoke, the people moved. We believe this is where God is leading us and it looks a little crazy right now, but we are going to step out in obedience and expect God to spread the waters..

How big is our God anyway?? Do we really think that we can wreck God's plans by stepping out in faith towards something He is leading us to do even when it seems risky and dangerous!? Looking back, would anyone call Gideon a fool for taking 300 men into battle against an army so big it couldn't be numbered!? Why are we always trying to "just play it safe" when we serve the sovereign Lord of the Universe who has unlimited resources at His disposal!! He wants to show His power and strength through us! God forbid that we should rob that from Him because of our pride and unbelief. Too often we are afraid of looking like fools when in reality we are only fooling ourselves if we think we are anything more then what the Bible declares us to be (1 Cor. 1:27).

How about the resources and £££ you need for this launch? Are you mad!? That's just plain reckless and crazy! Would you call Jesus reckless and crazy for telling His disciples to feed 5,000 people with five loaves of bread and two fish (Mark 6:34)?! What about Moses leading a nation of people into the wilderness without sufficient provision (Ex.12:39)? Think about it, if God told him that He would make food from the dust and bring water from a rock do you believe it would be right to doubt Gods abilities? What about Abraham and Isaac on the mountain in Gen. 22? Is there anything too hard for the Lord?

God will provide for us.

Lastly, when thinking through these steps I believe we get a minuscule glimpse of what must have went through Noah's mind when he was building that massive ark on bone-dry ground in preparation for "things not yet seen"(Heb.11:7) and I take great encouragement in his example . "It looks crazy!" "Are you sure about this??" "Do you know what you are doing?" "It doesn't make sense!" "There is no need for this right now!" "This is going to fail!" The list goes on and on, yet the answer always remains: God has spoken, and we will step out in obedience regardless of how crazy circumstances may appear. Are the steps we take out of God's control? Can we, through our risky ventures of faith in pursuit of obedience to Jesus thwart God's plans?

Be encouraged, and pray with us as we move forward in London. May God's will be done, and may He get all the glory.

2Kings 3:15-18 ... But now bring me a musician.”Then it happened, when the musician played, that the hand of the LORD came upon him. And he said, “Thus says the LORD: ‘Make this valley full of ditches.’ For thus says the LORD: “You shall not see wind, nor shall you see rain; yet that valley shall be filled with water, so that you, your cattle, and your animals may drink.’And this is a simple matter in the sight of the LORD..."

2009-06-25T13:37:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone, just a little update,

Right now Lizzie and I are on a month hiatus in the states visiting friends and family and getting refreshed (not that London isn't refreshing ;) Its been a really sweet time catching up, and seeking to get refreshed in the Lord as well as being a refreshment to others.. We are so thankful for the family and support we have here!

For those that don't already know, our friends the Simas' have got their visa, have arrived in London, and have taken over our flat while we are away! This is an amazing work of God, and if you want all the juicy details check out their blog ( www.prayforlondon.blogspot.com ) and it's all there.. Please pray with us, that God would acclimate them, lead them in His plans for 'em, and provide all their needs in this enormous step.

Though our time in the states has been smashing we are really excited to get back to London and the work God is doing.. Pray that God would go before us and open up a place for us to meet for Church gatherings and for open churches in the city to gather in for the prayer tour in Aug. These are the biggies, outside of God's ultimate glory and exaltation in London...AMEN!?

Here are a couple verses God has given us for this work:

1Cor. 3:6-8 " I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor..."

John 4:34-38 Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work. Do you not say, “There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest! And he who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together. For in this the saying is true: “One sows and another reaps.’ I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored, and you have entered into their labors.”

Much love,

M&L

2009-05-23T15:29:00.000-07:00

Hey friends, things are good here in London-town. Its been a cram session getting ready to visit the States and preparing for the prayer tour. Pray with us, that God would continue to open an effective door to us in London..

Here is a blurb about what we talked about and prayed on this week.

Our calling and mission as a church is to be in community and on mission to the Glory of God. If we are going to live out the N.T. model of church, we must be continually engaging in God and one another through Jesus as a redeemed community identified and built upon the Word of God, the Gospel of Jesus Christ. (Gal. 2:20; Heb. 10:19-25; 1 Pet. 2:1-10)

So the definition of community has never been settled and is an ongoing discussion among the intelligentsia, in whose company I am not, but here is my basic definition for the sake of this discussion.

Community = Common-Unity - Or a group of individuals united in a shared commonality (i.e. location, language, religion, etc.) The expression and byproduct of community is culture (art, media, institutions, customs, traditions, attitudes, etc.) thus a community can be defined by culture. It can be agreed then that what creates and builds community is relationships. Relationship is the key to community.

Now, Prior to the rising influence of western culture and philosophy, individual identity was more or less wrapped up in each individuals respective pre-existing community, established family, or tribe. One would define themselves as part of a whole in contrast to an isolated individual. Naturally, with this relational reference and dependancy followed a measure of responsibility and accountability to the community they identified with. One wasn't so free to live autonomously.

Today however, for the most part in modern western culture, individuality is defined by self actualization, which is more dispositional as opposed to a respective role, distinct, and apart from relationship and community, but is enhanced and solidified through relationships. Hence we have the “Rugged Individualist” that is defined in terms of self-sufficiency and independence. We are living in an age of the autonomous that proclaims, “I AM AN INDIVIDUAL!” “I am independent” and "I will not be defined by any one or anything".

This is contrary to what God has intended : Gen. 1:26 Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness..."

God is relational! God is an individual community of three. Within the trinity, personhood is defined by relationship: father, son, spirit; and yet the three persons are distinct in terms of their relationship. Distinct individual parts of one.

In light of this, past and present theologians have been defining human personhood, in the image of God, to be trinitarian, and defined solely upon our relationship to others (Based on the Vertical and Horizontal levels; our relationship with God and with man).

Thus, rugged individualism, creates greater brokenness and death because it defies our relational nature. We are not our own “individuals” independently free to define and choose who we are of our own volition. We are relational beings, because God created us in his image. We are not self-contained persons, only God is because He is eternal. Therefore, for man to insist upon carrying out an autonomous independent existence is to seek to be like God, which is pride and the epitome of sin (Proverbs 18:1; Romans 1).

With this in mind, all of humanity in general, is defined first and foremost in relationship to Adam, and therefore all are born into and exist in a community of fallen, broken, sinful rebellion that declares, I am God, I am not dependent nor accountable to anyone or anything. I will be and do what pleases my will, which is complete relational brokenness.

What we have then, outside of God’s intervention, is humanity Identified by their relationship to Adam, living in rebellion, relationally broken, driving towards death and destruction and yet calling it sophistication or advancement.

But God has intervened and created a new humanity, identified and enveloped in relationship to Himself, which is a redeemed humanity (humanity as He intended). this began with God’s call upon Abraham and is realized and culminated through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

In Gen. 12:1 Abraham was “called out” from his nation and family (his identity) to become a new nation in relationship to God.

This relationship is established in Ex.19:4-6, 24:1-8 through the law and sacrificial system. Israel's identity was enveloped in their relationship to God, bound by the covenant of the Law, and maintained through the sacrificial system. But it wasn’t complete, nor would it be complete until the messiah, and Israel failed to fulfill their role of revealing the glory of God to the nations. But God was faithful to His initial covenant with Abraham and held a remnant that looked forward to a greater fulfillment (the new covenant).

Jeremiah 31:31 - This new covenant was founded upon and completed through Jesus’ Christ’s work in His life, death, and resurrection, has been sealed in His blood, and held through His faithfulness (Luke 22:14).

Therefore, when we repent of our sin, and put our faith upon the sacrifice of Jesus Christ in the place of punishment for our rebellion in Adam, we are saved, and born in to God's redeemed humanity bound in the New Covenant. We become identified with and in Christ through faith and repentance.

Thus we have God’s redeemed humanity in completion, identified and existing in relationship with God the Father, through God the Son, in God the Holy Spirit, and called to be a testimony of salvation to all nations to the Glory of God.

This community, this redeemed humanity, is the CHURCH - Matt. 1616-18 -The Church is the “called out” or “assembly” of people who share in the life of God together as individual parts of a whole, which is Biblically called the body of Christ. We are complete in Christ alone.

The Problem today in the church, is the fact that we live in a secular pluralistic society which testifies that religion is and should be a personal individual and private matter only. This mind-set invades the christian community with the attitude that says “I can be a believer and not be committed or share in christian community. Church is only part of my individual life because I don’t have time to give myself to community."

This is a grievous hypocrisy. Each one of us is the Church! When we give ourselves to Jesus, we are joining in relationship with God and subsequently everyone else who have given their lives to Jesus! You cannot be independent of the Christian community because to be in Christ is to be in community.

Heb. 10:19-25 Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

1 Peter 2 also teaches us that we are a new people, a redeemed people, being built together upon and identified in Christ who is the foundation. Christ, The Word is at the center, and we are built together, upon, and around Him alone (not us and Him).

Knowing this, we need to begin viewing the Church as the center and core of our identity as opposed to part of our individual and self-centered existence, and the essence of this Biblical view is the surrendering, sharing, and giving of ourselves to God and each other in community. We must engage!

This is what fellowship / communion is: 1 John 1:3 - that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.

This is what the early Church experienced! Their lives were completely enveloped in Jesus and each other. They lived their lives not independently, but shared in community together as distinct individual members of a whole.

Acts 2:46-47 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.

We are God’s “called out” people. Called to live as a redeemed community, identified and centered upon Jesus, The Word of God, proclaiming to this world the salvation of God through our worship of God, to the Glory of God. When this is lived out, God is most glorified and the church is most fruitful.

If we are going to live out the N.T. model of church, we must be continually engaging in God and one another through Jesus as a redeemed community identified and built upon the Word of God, the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the glory of God.

2009-05-14T07:33:00.000-07:00

"My presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest..." -Ex. 33:14

One encouraging book I've been reading is by C.H. Spurgeon entitled "Only a Prayer Meeting", which is a compilation of different studies on prayer and various prayer meeting addresses I highly recommend. The subject of prayer and the role of the church prayer meeting was central to Spurgeon and I am always stoked up when I read his discourses concerning prayer.

We are currently calling upon God to build His church in this city by saving the lost, and by supplying a place for us to gather corporately for worship in the future. Though we know that we are taking part in the greater work of God, it's still a daily temptation to get overwhelmed knowing that we are God's instruments to accomplish His mission. Much like Moses, we are often led to that place of desperation that cries out to God, "show me now Your way, that I may know you and that I may find grace in your sight." and "If Your presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here."

This leads to the exhortation Spurgeon gives concerning the above verse. *

Moses, in Ex. 33 cries out to God in need of some superior help to which God replies, "My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest." Spurgeon comments:

"What more could Moses want then that, and what more can we want? We are so foolish that we look about for strength away from God, but there is none except in Him."

Whatever great work God has called us to be used in, "... this is the assurance that you want in going forth, 'My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.' You will want much help in journeying from place to place; and that help lies in the constant fellowship of your heart with the Lord, the continual presence of God consciously enjoyed...We are only strong as we are overshadowed by the Eternal."

"My presence shall go with thee."

Moses, "is about to start on a journey of great importance, a journey that is to last for forty years; but this is all the provender that he needs, and God himself could not give him more... The most important thing to a Christian worker, as it was with Moses, is to have rest..."

It's so refreshing to rest in the truth that God IS working, even if we feel like we are, like Moses, somewhere out in the middle of the desert. To know that God's presence goes with us, and that His rest will sustain us through the difficult path before us. Praise be to God that He will never leave us nor forsake us, and that He will complete that good work which He has began in and through us...

Oh Lord, if your presence doesn't go with us, do not bring us up from here...

Please pray with us, that God would show us where to have future church gatherings, and that He would build His Church!

Much love to ya'll

M&L

* C. H. Spurgeon, Only a Prayer Meeting

" Another Spiritual Honey-Drop" Pg.83-84

2009-05-05T03:14:00.000-07:00

This is a long one...

We had a blessed time at the prayer meeting this last week focusing on the power of true worship and its place in our lives. God has been so faithful to meet up with us during our prayer meetings, and its really been refreshing and encouraging.

Lately, we have wanted to, and have already started a little (a few blogs back) posting the focal point of our prayer meeting each week. This way people can know the heart of what's goin' on with us and can join in our prayer and discussion. Actively speaking, there is nothing more valuable and powerful then prayer in the life of the church. Not mere monotonous, dry religious prayer, which flows from a heart preoccupied with the worship of things created; But pure and true prayer that pours out of a heart of worship to God, from a reservoir filled with the life and presence of God the creator. We want to see the power of God move through our prayer, and it surely will if it is truly a response of worship to God. Otherwise we are wasting our time and energy, not to mention our entire existence.

Which leads me to the point of worship. Here's a definition in general concerning all people:

Worship is our (anyone's) response to what we BELIEVE will bring TOTAL satisfaction in life, which can and should be a single object (i.e. Jesus), however for many it is a plurality of things.

Every human being that walks this earth worships, simply because we were created for that purpose. Worshiping isn't just something we do, it's what we are. We exist for God's glory, and God is glorified through our worship, therefore our existence is continually made up of worship, either of the creator or the created.

It's in the action of worship that we give (offer or submit) ourselves fully to the object of our worship (that which we believe brings total satisfaction), ultimately exalting and giving glory and authority to that object, and sacrifice everything in relation to ourselves for the object of our worship (i.e. time, money, relationships, work etc.) naturally making glory, worship, and sacrifice all bound up together, but glory is the ultimate end and thirst or desire of the initiator.

Our Conclusion then: God alone is Glorious, we were created to give glory through worship to that which is worthy of glory, therefore all of creation must worship the true and living God to reach complete fulfillment. For us to worship anything else in any other way would fall short of God's glory, which is idolatry, and the essence of sin.

Romans 1:18-23 - The crux of all sin is that created man has taken God's glory and has given it to something created.

This brings us to the heart of the matter. Are we fulfilling our purpose and existence by being completely fulfilled and satisfied in God? Do we believe that only God can satisfy and fulfill us completely?(Psalm 16:11 - "You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.", Psa. 34:8 "Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!") Are we living lives of worship to God, seeking and being satisfied completely in Him, enjoying and experiencing Him through Jesus? Or are we living in unbelief, looking and giving ourselves to created things for comfort and satisfaction, thus giving worship and glory to things that fall short? Here is the truth: The world, flesh, and the devil tell us to look to ANYTHING but Jesus for satisfaction, but God says NOTHING will satisfy and complete us but Him.

And so our prayer is that God would lead us in identifying the idols in our lives and culture, recognize that they fall short and will not satisfy us, and turn ourselves and return to the fountain of living waters in Jesus.

If our worship of God is not satisfying and completely fulfilling then we are missing the mark, living in unbelief, and worshiping idols. As John Piper is renown for saying " God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in HIM"

2009-04-30T09:06:00.000-07:00

So we have had an exciting last few weeks! Last week we were blessed to be able to visit Chicago for the Gospel Coalition 2009 National Conference , which was an absolutely amazing and encouraging time. It was so nice to see our church fam again and get to know some of the new additions to the staff of LA.

It was also so awesome to see the diversity of denominational backgrounds and styles represented at the conference in the unity of the Word and Spirit. There's nothing more refreshing then to see the body of Christ unite under the banner of the Gospel of Jesus. We all like to talk about it, but it is a whole other thing to witness it. And man, the messages we heard rocked us, convicted us, and stirred us up with excitement for the ministry in London! Words about identifying and destroying idols in culture, facing and defeating fear in life and ministry by God's power, and Preaching the gospel to culture in word & deed, all which were so applicable to us in London. We are so thankful for the amazing opportunity to go. May the Lord use it to impact our lives and community for His glory.

We also got to walk around the streets of Chicago and actually see a game at Wrigley Field! The Cubs lost, as they do often, but it was incredible to see and experience such a historic park, and of course eat all the ballpark junk-food we possibly can.

Now that we're back though, its all about continuing upon the foundation of prayer and engaging in preparation for the prayer tour in Aug. For those of you that don't know, we are planning to host a prayer tour of London Aug. 19-24 with our church family from LA and Carpinteria along with those in our London crew. The Plan is to gather together over the span of several days in different areas of the city for worship and prayer. We believe the Bible, and there we find the single most important work when stepping out in ministry is the work of prayer. We know thats because when we pray we are entrusting the work to God, and it is His work! When Jesus looked upon the lost multitudes, He had compassion on them as a shepherd has for faint and scattered sheep, and He commanded His disciples, not to get right to work, but to first PRAY to the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into His harvest (Matt. 9:36). So we are praying for GOD to work in our city to reach the lost, to use us in His mission, and send more laborers into the harvest. Also, when Jesus looked over the city of Jerusalem He cried "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, [thou] that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under [her] wings, and ye would not!" The heart of God Breaks over the lost cities of the world, and we want our heart to break with His. So we are also going to pray and seek to receive the heart of Jesus for this city as He longs for all to be saved in this great city!

We also want to catch God's vision for this city and grab hold of it through prayer, and for those that are visiting, we want them to be stirred up for the work in London so they can return home and continue praying and interceding for this great city with a fervent heart.

Furthermore, we know that God breaks down strongholds and sends the hosts of hell running when His people pray, and we want the name of Jesus to be proclaimed and glorified in the streets of London, Amen!

We will also be, Lord willing, launching our official church services during the prayer tour as well!

So, to say the least, we are more then stoked about this upcoming summer! With that, there is a lot of prayer needed in all this preparation, as our plans will come to nothing unless the Lord goes before us, and provides for us. May His will be done in all of this for His glory.

Thank you all for your continued love & support in the Lord!

All for Jesus,

M&L

2009-03-24T03:02:00.000-07:00

"...But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

- Acts 1:8

Simply put, The sole purpose of the church is to glorify God through the witness of Jesus Christ to the ends of the earth. This purpose is fulfilled only by God, the Holy Spirit, through His redeemed people, the church.

It's God's glory, God's revelation, God's witness, and God's work through the agency of God's people.

And so we must remind ourselves that as the church, we are God's instrument, God's vehicle for the accomplishment of God's mission to the nations.

What we need then is not more self-generated power of plans, programs, or personalities; we need the power of God through the person of the Holy Spirit. We need more of God, the Holy Spirit in us, to drive us, to use us as His instrument; like a microphone in His hands to amplify His message to the world.

" Unless the LORD builds the house,

They labor in vain who build it;

Unless the LORD guards the city..."

- Psalm 127:1

We need the power of God in us, driving us, and using us to achieve His mission!!

We must, therefore, with all we have, seek God to permeate every part of our lives. knowing simply that the more we surrender to God, the more He will be able to use us as His vehicles of blessing.

This is our prayer. We want God to use us for His glory, as we were created for that purpose. We must wait expectantly, in faith, knowing that it is God's will to fill us and use us. We must wait persistently, knowing that God has spoken, that His promises will not be broken, that He is at work in this world, and that He will answer us when we call. Finally, we must wait actively, in worship, responding to God in active surrender and repentance as God reveals Himself to us, stepping out with faith in every opportunity presented to us expecting God to work.

God is on mission. His mission is salvation to every tribe, tongue, and nation for His glory. His means of accomplishing His mission is the church. In every testimony of salvation in the New Testament there was a human instrument used by (God) the Holy Spirit to bring life to the dead.

We are desperate for God. Pray with us.

2009-03-17T07:12:00.000-07:00

"The coming together of the saints is the first part of Pentecost, and the gathering of sinners is the second. It began with 'only a prayer meeting' but ended with a grand baptism of thousands of converts." - C.H. Spurgeon

As 'Church-planters' our first plan of action really a reaction. We don't initiate anything in this whole process, which is a truth we gladly embrace. Jesus is the beginning and end, and Jesus spoke loud and clear that HE would build HIS Church.

Planting Churches isn't our mission, it's God's mission, and we are simply partnering in that. God is the true 'pioneer' missionary as He came into this world to bring the Gospel and is calling us to take part in His mission today. We are only responding to what Jesus has already begun in this world and more specifically in our city.

God works, we respond.

That said, as man's response to God always begins (and continues) with prayer, we are engaging in a prayer meeting corporately on a weekly basis. Prayer is the lifeline of the church and we will live and die together in prayer if nothing else. If reality London is forever known as 'only a prayer meeting' than we would be one of the most notable and effective churches in the world as far as God is concerned. So, we will pray.

As a church there are two foundational points, or pillars, that we are endeavoring to lay through all this. These foundational truths are our very heart and lungs, are of equal value, and must never be neglected lest we die a slow death, Which are:

I. JESUS holds the POSITION of Preeminence in His Church PERSONALLY.

I. PRAYER holds the PLACE of Preeminence in the Church ACTIVELY.

I. Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church Positionally (Col.1:18) and personally. Therefore, the supreme purpose for our gathering together is to seek Jesus and Jesus alone. Jesus holds all the authority, and deserves all the glory. Jesus is the source of our life and salvation (personally & corporately); therefore we will seek him and wait upon Him alone. Our faith is founded on and sustained upon our relationship with Jesus. Ultimately, If you could sum up the purpose of the Church in one word, its Jesus. The position of Jesus Christ in His Church is the position of Preeminence.

I. Our relationship with God begins with prayer for,"Whoever calls upon the name of the LORD shall be saved" The church, as revealed in the Book of Acts, was born through a prayer meeting, making prayer both the lifeline of the church and the primary call of the church. Jesus, echoing the voice of the father declared, "My house shall be a House of Prayer." Over and over, the scriptures declare the first and primary activity of the Church is prayer. The place of prayer is the place of preeminence.

And so we are beginning as a church by responding to God in prayer with our eyes upon Jesus alone, and will continue in this fashion until He returns. We believe it will be upon this foundation that God will build His church in this city as we partner with Him in His mission to the world.

A New Season

2009-03-11T06:24:00.000-07:00

The Last three years of our lives have been one of the most incredible testimonies of God's grace, love, and faithfulness. We couldn't have even dreamed this up! 2008 was truly a year of new beginnings for us as we left Los Angeles in transition to London in February of '08, at which point we really started to get that sense of independence that can be both liberating and terrifying all at once. It seems that God has had us on some kind of "one year step plan" up till now. Let me explain:

Lizzie and I started working full-time in Los Angeles during the summer of '06 and got married :) It was then that we started praying about church-planting in Europe, but primarily the U.K.. Now, it was during the Summer of '07 (one year later) that we got to scope out the land during Creation Fest in Devon and spent some time in London where we heard the call to move over. Naturally, we started taking steps towards making the move landing us here a year later in July '08. That leads us to the current time, as we find ourselves at last in central London at Notting Hill Gate. It was exactly a year from when we left L.A. to when we landed our place in the middle of London. And now we are praying about starting church services in Aug. Lord willing, which would make it around a year since we made the move over. HA! Whatever the case, we can say for sure that it gets better and better every year.

So, here we are in a new year entering into an exciting new season of ministry without loosing any time. Since Christmas we have been floored with ministry and moving. During the month of January to kick of the new year we filled in at C.C. Twickenham while the Dingman family made their U.S. visit. That meant four Sunday morning services, where we studied the Epistle to the Philippians , followed up with a weekly prayer meeting and Bible study. We had a great time with the church and learned a ton. We were also looking for flats in London during that time as well, which took us to a level bordering Chaos, but exciting none-the-less. We will spare you the details of our flat hunt, but in summary just about when we were ready to give it up for awhile, God led us to the perfect place.

It was just a week after we found a place and finished filling in at Twickenham that Britt and Tim (our pastors from California) came for a visit. That was an awesome time of hanging out and sharing in what the Lord is doing here. We spent one whole Sunday visiting four different churches from morning till evening, which was both extremely encouraging and extremely concerning. It was encouraging to see that God IS moving in England and that there is a faithful remnant here serving Jesus and preaching His Word and that there is also a MASSIVE need for more of that in every way. However, it was also terribly concerning to see and hear some of things that are being declared as the Word of God and done in His name. For this reason we are praying and trusting that God will use us in any way to help fill the need here and bring some Biblical correction with truth and in love.

We had an awesome time visiting with those guys. It was so nice to connect with them and share about how the Lord is leading us. They are some of the coolest, most encouraging, and hilarious people we have ever known, and we are so blessed to have them as brothers and to be partnered with them in ministry.

And so here we are in our new place looking forward to a new season of life and ministry with Jesus. We had our first official reality london prayer meeting last week, which has left us so excited and encouraged about what the Lord has in store, but we will save that for the next update!

Thank you all for your love and support!

Much Love,

M&L

2008-12-25T02:45:00.000-08:00

As we look back in reflection upon the last year of life we are thankful for so many things the Lord has done. Just thinking last year at this time we didn't even have our visa status for the U.K. yet! God has provided for us in every way and has truly leveled mountains for us to move to London. It is truly nothing short of a miracle. Yet, without the miracle of God becoming a man, dwelling among us, and dying in our place its all worthless. We find that it's so easy to forget the enormity in the reality that the almighty God humbled Himself and became poor, that we through His poverty might become rich... Thank you Jesus for the greatest Gift of all..

"Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord..." Luke 2:8-11

We are so thankful to all of you that have been there through this last year and are so blessed by all of your encouragements, prayers, and support. We pray that this Christmas and New Year will be one filled with blessing and joy!

Much Love & Blessings,

Mark & Lizzie

Lord, Teach Us To Pray...

2008-11-18T10:42:00.000-08:00

I will never forget how the Lord brought us to R.L.A. in ’05. God was at work in such a wonderful way and I was completely clueless, which is no surprise. From meeting Tim C. during ministry school and seeing God connect him with Nick T., while I was having to move to L.A. and finish school in Costa Mesa, meeting my lovely, beautiful, wonderful wife to-be Lizzie, to seeing a small group of 10 to 15 people gather in Nick’s house to pray that Jesus would build His church in Hollywood. A word God gave me during one of these meetings was Isaiah 55:6-13. Specifically, verses 10-11 :

“For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, And do not return there, But water the earth, And make it bring forth and bud, That it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater,

So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it."

When remembering that, I think, how awesome is the Word of God coupled with prayer in the power of the Holy Spirit! These are the greatest resources given to man for the work of God!

Now, our heart and vision is for church planting, or better yet church birthing, and is founded upon and rooted in the word of God and prayer in the power of the Holy Spirit alone.

When Jesus spoke to His disciples just before the ascension He told His disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the promise of the Father, and said, “you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Up until then the disciples had the Word of God and Prayer, but Jesus said they needed to wait for the Holy Spirit to come bring life and power and the church would be born as a result. We see this over and over again in the book of Acts. The word of God comes to the people, the people pray and receive it, and the Holy Sprit follows and brings life. A new church is born...

Now, we know that the day of Pentecost has passed and the Holy Spirit has come and is active in this world today, but we are using this as a template for us as we have seen it effectively accomplished in church planting. That is, we are going to labor in the word of God and prayer and wait on the Holy Spirit to bring life.

That being said, the next step for us here in London is starting a prayer meeting. Jesus said that He would build His Church, and He also told His disciples that the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray to the Lord of the harvest to send laborers. So, we are counting on God to do the work He said He is going to do and we are going to pray until He brings life and direction by the Holy Spirit. AMEN!?

So please pray for us as we go into the city to find a place to pray. Right now we are considering a place in North Central London called “ The Upper Room”. Now how appropriate would that be, right!!!?

Also, pray that God would bring laborers to join in His harvest. Right now there is a couple named Christian and Michelle with their son Trent that are praying aboutr taking steps to move to London after visiting us recently. During their visit we had an awesome time of fellowship, bonding and prayer time. This is prayer being answered before our eyes. God is moving in people’s hearts to go into the harvest!

God has been so merciful to us here and we thank you for all your prayers, support and love. Blessings! M&L

“Now it came to pass, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased,that one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray…”

Duel Purposes

2008-09-13T22:31:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone, Hope you are all doing well and are being blessed..

Things are beginning to settle more and more here everyday. Its funny, we are both so amazed at how comfortable we are living here. It feels like such a natural transition, almost like we've been here for years.. I remember us both feeling that way when we started seeing each-other. We both felt like we had known each-other all of our lives, like we grew up on the playground together, yet we were just getting to know one another. Guess that explains the reason why we got engaged within pretty much a months time, totally skipping the "dating" period, and was married four months later..

When the Lord's in it, it's right in every way, which makes it feel so natural and effortless. That's of course because it's what God has prepared beforehand (Eph.2:8-10), Amen!? So, all that's to say, we are very excited about the new season of life and ministry God is bringing us into.

Now, the reason for this update is to tell you about something new we want to use the blog for.. Obviously, we want to keep you updated as to what Jesus is doing in our lives and ministry, but its been impressed on our hearts to use this blog to also communicate to ya'll what the Lord is speaking to us in His Word and any other Jesus related stuff... hopefully to have some dialogue with you for the purpose of fellowship.

...Then those who feared the LORD spoke to one another,And the LORD listened and heard them; So a book of remembrance was written before Him For those who fear the LORD And who meditate on His name. “They shall be Mine,” says the LORD of hosts, “On the day that I make them My jewels. And I will spare them As a man spares his own son who serves him.”

Mal. 3:16-17

We love Jesus, and want to talk about Him as much as we possibly can! So lets be Biblical and talk about the Lord!

Blessings!

M&L

The latest.

2008-08-20T03:00:00.000-07:00

A great many things have happened since we wrote last. All of which testify of the great goodness of our Lord Jesus and what He can do in a life that is fully submitted and willing.

We want to tell everyone about the wonderful things God has done for us as a way to encourage and strengthen believers everywhere to step out and step up in their walk of faith. And to show those that do not believe yet that there is a God that loves them so purely and wholly that He has left no stone unturned to find them and bring out of darkness and into the light of salvation.

God has answered every prayer in abundance and with compassion. We were able to get a bank account right away, cell phones and even a sweet little two bedroom cottage to live in within a few weeks of being here. He has continued to provide miraculously for our expenses and even moved on a sweet sisters heart to send us $2000 to buy a car to get around in. Praise God!

He has provided not only financially and practically but spiritually as He has comforted us with ALL comfort during this huge transitional period. He has been speaking to us about the importance of studying His Word, praying without ceasing and battling our enemy with our spiritual armor and without fear. Because He has overcome even death.

Our weeks in England have been a bit unorganized and random since we have moved here. Filled with getting our house in order, getting to know people at Calvary Twickenham and going into the city to pray about where God would lead us to plant Reality London.

We have felt it on our hearts to go into the city (we are just outside of it) once a week to pray and scout out the land for possible future ministry. We have been drawn to the North since before we even moved here and feel confirmed more and more that that is where we will end up. There are two areas in particular that we are seeking God's guidance for; Camden Town and Notting Hill. Both are very different but equally desperate in their need for Jesus.

Camden Town is sort of like stepping into the warped and twisted world of a Tim Burton movie. There are vendors of every kind there, which mainly cater to the rebellious and dark side of the human heart. A lot of goth and punk shops on the high street (main street) along with shops that promote eastern mysticism and pagan culture. When we stepped off the tube there we immediately felt a sense of oppression and despair and thought, "wow these people really need to hear the good news of the gospel!" Which is true of all places but we felt it more keenly here. In the Camden area there is such an oppressive and rebellious spirit among the youth and we see that as a cry for help and a sign of hope that they are ripe to hear about Jesus' love and forgiveness.

Notting Hill is the other area that we have visited and felt lead to pray for. There is a lot of interesting history about this borough of Northern London that gives it a very vibrant and diverse flavor. It was for a long time, an area where "civilized" people were urged to stay away from because of the instability and violence during the 50's and 60's. During that time there was a large Caribbean population that faced a lot of racial discrimination and the hard life of poverty. But since then, Notting Hill, has really emerged as one of London's trendiest areas to live whilst maintaining it's rich diversity and eclectic lifestyle. But to contrast that there is a huge spiritual void that is not being filled. Even though the outward has grown in amazing ways over the past few decades the churches' influence has not and we want to see God change that!

Lord give us wisdom and clarity of mind to see where you would have us go!

There is much ministry to do here and the depravity is almost too overwhelming for us to see at times. There are stories of teenagers being knifed in bar fights weekly, we see little children walking around with no respect for life or honor and the church declining daily as a place of authority, truth or respect. But, God has shown us that He loves these special people and the love with which God loves demands action and care. We want to partner with Him to do that!

Partnering with us.

There are several ways in which you can be apart of what God is doing here with Reality London.

1) Intercession. Please join us in battle as we intercede on behalf of London and the churches here. Jesus put such an emphasis on prayer through word and deed and we want to follow that example diligently and ask that you would do the same as you are lead by the Spirit.

-Spirit filled life. We NEED God to pour out His Spirit on us so that we would be equipped and empowered to share Christ with the dying and lost and that God would bring a conviction of sin to all that hear the precious message of salvation.

-Mark's study time. Satan loves to attack this area with distractions and even seemingly good things like ministry but he has felt very strongly that as a Pastor he needs to spend a lot of time at Jesus' feet and not busy himself with too much ministry and service.

-Marriage. How sweet and wonderful it is but what an area of great attack as well. We want to stand firm in the Lord and maintain a tight and loving relationship until we meet our Lord face to face.

2) Laborers. The harvest is so enormous but so few people are here to help plant, water and disciple. Please pray that God would speak to those that He is calling to come and help us in this great and wonderful city.

3) Financial support. God has really been moving in peoples hearts to help share the load by supporting us financially as we minister out here. Thank you! But the reality is that once we move into the city the cost of living will rise dramatically. And not only that but we will need financial provision to rent a venue to have church in and to do outreaches. God WILL supply all our needs but pray and see if God would use you to help in this way.

That's it for now.

We love you guys and want to thank you for being such an amazing church family. What a blessing it is to hear from you, pray for you and partner with you. Praise God that He uses fools like us!

Mark & Lizzie

London Arrival !

2008-07-14T12:12:00.000-07:00

Wow, This is an amazing time! We are so excited at times we feel like we could explode! God is so good!! Our arrival to London has been so blessed. The family we are staying with and will be helping out with are amazing! They have been such an example of the Lord by giving up their lives and making us feel comfortable and welcomed. They drove us around most of the day Fri. to look at flats to possibly rent. We are still looking but have been bartering for a flat up the street we are staying on, but are not sure how its gonna go. Please pray that God hooks us up with the place He has for us.

London is such an amazing town! We went into central London the other day for a pastors prayer meeting with local guys around the city and I got so excited about ministering in the inner city I didn't want to leave. We keep getting this sense that God is going to do something so beyond what we can imagine and we can't wait to get started. Please pray as we will be going around the City each week to pray over different areas and seek the Lord about where He wants us in the future. This week we are going into North London as it is a place that has been really impressed upon our hearts and mentioned to us a few times to check out. Specifically a place called Camden-Town, which is a pretty edgy, younger area where alot of the street kids and goth kids hang out. We are going to take our camera up there and take some footage so we will place it on our facebook page for ya'll to see. We love you all and are so thankful for all of your love, support, and prayers. London is ripe for the Gospel!! Pray that God would move in the churches that are already here and the ones that are going to be established in the future!! The harvest is truly plentiful, but the laborers are few, pray to the Lord of the harvest to send laborers and bring a great harvest of souls in these last days!! Love & blessings to you all!! M&L

2008-07-11T10:54:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone,

So, the time has arrived for us to depart for London!! It has been an amazing year of seeing God be faithful to set everything in order for this adventure piece by piece. Thank you so much for all of your prayers & support during this process. It is quite miraculous that we are able to move to the second most expensive city in world to minister, and I will be the first to say that we are the least likely candidates. I think of Gideon's response to the Lord's calling on his life when he said I am the least of the least, this must be a mistake.. Never the less, this is what God has chosen to do so we won't argue, but instead, rejoice!!! Another section of scripture that gets us excited about all this is 1Corinthians 1:26-2:5

"For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence. But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption—that, as it is written, 'He who glories, let him glory in the LORD.' And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God."

This brings such an encouragemnt to us because when we think of London, one of the most creative, sophisticated, intellectual, and influential cities in the world, we imediately begin to sink into the realization of how insignificant and base we are left to our selves. HOWEVER, with God, There is the possibility to turn the city of London upside down!!!!! The nations are a drop in the bucket to the Lord! No matter what happens we are confident that GOD WILL WORK. His word will not come back void, His power will be evident, His Spirit will be present, and His Glory will be revealed in London!!!! We love you all and are so thankful for your support!!

Much Love & Blessings,

Mark & Lizzie

We will be updating you more about London soon, but for now here are some things to pray for:

1) God's wisdom in every decision

- Finding an apartment / flat

- Managing our time

- Ministry opportunities

2) Diligence

- Prayer times

- Devotional times

- Studies

3) Marriage

- Unity / Love

- Communication

- intimacy

4) Getting Acclimated to British culture

2008-05-09T16:53:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone. We wanted to send out another update from the land 'o' potatoes so that you would know what is going on with us. I can't guarantee that this will be the most exciting update you've ever read but it's our life none the less!

So, we have finally settled into a nice little routine since we have moved here in February. Markus was able to set up a sweet study room where he can claim "sanctuary" and go off to be alone with just Him and the Lord to study, pray, read and hear from God. This has been very exciting for him because he has never had a special place of his own like this and has greatly desired it for a long time. (Pray that we get blessed with such a space in London too!)

We have also felt that it is very important for us, as a couple, to pray daily together in the mornings. So, we wrote out a little daily list of prayers (missions, church, marriage, etc.) These have been some of the most precious moments we have had together with the Lord and we have seen Him answer prayer after prayer, which has been so encouraging and awesome!

Also, we have been doing a bit of worship together at Calvary Boise, randomly. Something that we feel God will use when we are living across the pond and through out our lives together (maybe when we start having a family we can be like the Van Trapp Family Singers in Sound of Music..... or not.)

This past week we were also invited to attend a Pastors retreat for the various Calvary's in Utah, Idaho and Oregon. It was such a blessing to go and to learn from these people that have been plowing for a long time. God has been growing us in leaps and bounds since we have been in Boise through correction, encouragement and the knowledge of His grace. Which is a major answer to our prayer, "Help Lord!"

We had our first UK prayer meeting in Boise a few weeks ago and it went really well. It was super good to see some old freinds and to share what the Lord is doing with us currently.

We are also in the process of planning a UK night at Calvary Boise's Red Letter Cafe, May 30th, where we will share our video, have some music, food and prayer time with people. Please pray that we would be able to get the word out to many so they can come and hear about Reality London and what God is doing in England.

Also, we have finally booked our flights for London. By faith! We are going to be staying in LA the last week of June and will fly out from there to London on July 7th. Please continue to pray for all of the logistics and support that we still need to come together before we go. We have such a great peace and excitement about this and KNOW that the Lord will come through for us in every way! He always does, doesn't He?

We really miss everyone of you and pray for you ALL the time. Please keep us informed on how you are doing so that we can intercede for you.

May the Lord bless you and keep you in the sovereignty of His will and the palm of His mighty hand.

Mark & Lizzie D.

General Prayer Needs

2008-04-19T15:06:00.000-07:00

Urban Conditions of England

“England’s inner-cities have become physical and spiritual wastelands, riddled with drugs and crime. Dying congregations, closed churches, and churches converted into Muslim Mosques, and Hindu temples are common place. Pray that God may raise up an army of workers with effective ways of meeting the needs of these multi-lingual and multi-cultural areas.“

- Operation Word

Pray for the Church

- C.C. Twickenham (We will be serving with Rob & Joanie as we wait on the Lord for the future church plant)

ú Pray for vision, direction, and empowerment from God to accomplish His will in London

ú Pray for Joanie and Rob’s health.

ú More permanent help at their church.

City of London - There are few successful church-planting models in the inner-city which leaves a huge population of people not being reached. Pray that God would bring a break through and reach the lost.

Church of England – Pray for revival of sound Bible teaching within the Church of England.

- Because of the influx of non-Christian religions in the U.K. ( Islam, Buddism, etc.) and The Old World Occult (paganism, astrology, witchcraft, Satanism, etc.,) the voice of the truth is being drowned out.

- There is increasing compromise in the Church where fundamental truths are being watered down and denied.

- Pray for Unity within churches and leaders in London and the rest of the U.K.

- People are not committed and unwilling to serve in the church and are more interested in self-fulfillment and finding an experience.

- Sunday School is fading out of church-life and is being replaced with modern methods that don’t emphasize the life and ministry of Christ.

- Church growth has either declined or plateaued while Islam has been spreading rapidly.

- Lack of effective Bible teaching, discipling, and training up of new leaders. Pray God would reverse this.

Secular Society

- Increasing Violence in city’s, divorce, drug abuse, and suicide.

- A New generation of people without any kind of contact with the Gospel message is emerging,

- People generally have an unrepentant, post-Christian attitude causing them to form

a belief that the Bible is inapplicable and archaic.

- Post-Modern liberal beliefs towards Christianity resulting from the influence of secular society and religious pluralization has eroded the effectiveness of the truth in the hearts of the people.

Education

- Pray for revival on campuses in the U.K.

- Students are being exposed to godless and materialistic influence at an early age in schools.

- Christian Union Groups and all other Christian clubs (Campus Christian Clubs) – pray they would grow and multiply.

- Pray for over-seas Christian students to have positive evangelical influence on their campuses.

- Religious Education – Schools need more religious education teachers in the schools and favor within the public school system.

Specific / Personal Prayer Needs

#1 WE NEED GOD’S WISDOM AND DIRECTION FOR MINISTRY AND PROVISION

“Senders” Support

Having a team of supporters or “Senders” is just as important as the missionary being sent. There is a tremendous need for senders. And the need goes far beyond the traditional token involvement of showing up for a farewell party or writing out a check to missions. A cross-cultural worker needs the support of a team of people while he is preparing to go, while he is on the field and when he returns home.” - Neal Pirolo (author of Serving as Senders). Pray that God would raise up a team of people who feel called to support and minister as “senders” on our behalf. Here are some areas to pray for concerning this ministry:

Moral Support – Simply giving an encouraging word from time to time.

Logistical Support – Assisting in working out the details of administration

Financial Support – Giving as the Lord leads to help with everyday expenses. (Note: we are not able to work on a religious worker visa)

Prayer Support – Entering the spiritual battle through prayer.

Communication Support – Bridging the gap of distance, time and place.

Re-Entry Support – Being available during all the adjustments of coming home from the mission field.

NOTE: Each of these areas is accomplished to the fullest through the gifts working within the Body of Christ and these are areas of ministry and therefore one must be called to “send” in the same way a missionary is called to be “sent out”. All of us can “support” and we welcome and encourage that, but some are called to “send”, which involves a higher level of commitment and responsibility, as does any calling to a specific ministry.

Support letters / Response Letters

- Pray for God’s favor and direction to those who received our support letters.

- Pray God would use the letters to call those people whom He desires to partner with us.

Provision

- Pray that God would provide every practical need we face. (Financially, Logistically, Prayer, etc.)

ú Monthly Expenses (The English pound and dollar is at least a 2:1 ratio.)

§ Rent

§ Public Transportation

§ Food / Supplies

§ Furnishings (we will be starting all over as we can’t take much with us when we move.)

§ Travel

§ Utilities / Communications

§ Monthly Council Taxes

Lizzie’s Personal Requests

- Health

- Weather and Culture change

- Children J

- Balancing being a wife and serving in ministry.

Mark’s Personal Requests

- Clarity, faith, and confidence in God’s leading.

- God’s strength as a husband and leader.

- Wisdom and discipline concerning my schedule and time management.