Our God is Greater

We just sang this song, "Our God" by Chris Tomlin at church and when I turned on the radio, it came on. God must be telling me something...

Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome in power
Our God, Our God…
Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome in power
Our God, Our God…

And if Our God is for us, then who could ever stop us
And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?
And if Our God is for us, then who could ever stop us
And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?
What can stand against?

So powerful and true. At church we prayed for the churches to be united and the Olympics would bring more people to Jesus...it was so awesome to hear everyone praying and I know God will answer that prayer. Prayer changes things! When I think of my time in London, Acts 20:24 comes to mind..."I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me." God has given me the task of sharing the gospel in Woodford, being a mentor to the youth, and building community and I pray I will finish the race by His strength.

A highlight of my weekend was a ministry called Street Pastors. On Friday night at 10pm, four of us from the church went to the streets of Ilford (rough area in London) and talked/prayed with homeless, prostitutes, and drug dealers on the streets. People asked us "what's a street pastor?" as we wore labeled clothing and we would say we are just volunteers from churches trying to be a positive influence on the community. As we were talking to people outside a pub, I will remember a conversation I had with a 20 year old girl who had an 8 month old son. She was telling her story of having a baby with an ex-boyfriend, then he unexpectedly left her. She kept warning me to not get pregnant unless I was married and not get stuck as a single parent. My heart went out for her...she even wanted to speak at our youth group! It made me realize that could have been me as she isn't much younger...I just pray she would find Jesus somehow. The night was tiring walking around till 3:30 am...thank goodness I slept in till 12 the next day!

On a side note, I've been eating lovely meals by my host family Ian and Eunice...even though they are in their late 60's, they are young at heart and so in love! (46 years of marriage...what an example!) Homemade British meals include: English roast (chicken, potatoes, veggies), blackberry crumble, prosciutto salmon, Indian curry with chickpeas and kale, bacon and cabbage with potatoes (of course), and just had toast and cheese for our after church snack while watching "Educating Essex." Thank you Lord for good food!

Happy Fall!

"Can't you see that it's just raining, ain't no need to go outside..." -Listening to Banana Pancakes by Jack Johnson.

That's how I feel today. It's rainy and time to sit inside by a warm fire, read a good book, and drink hot chocolate. :) I love fall. I love how the leaves are changing colors to bright yellow, orange, and red. Poor Hawaiians are missing out! At least we have palm trees. Yesterday, I decided to take a bike ride...in the rain. Then met up with a fellow youth worker, Ruth for Costa Coffee! Such a lovely lady and on mission for God. Since it's half term, most of the church staff have taken the week off and it's my reading week. I've been reading books on Christian leadership and Youth work as it's much different in the states. In the evening, I had my first cinema experience and watched Johnny English Reborn...so funny! Parts of the movie was filmed in England so it was cool seeing places I've already been to.

Another highlight of my week was receiving a care package from my old roomie, Andrea! We were freshman/senior roommates at Westmont...she sent me Halloween candy (haven't seen reese's peanut butter cups or twix in London yet), pumpkin spice candle (my favorite scent), Japanese seaweed (to get back to my asian roots haha!), nail polish, and crayons to draw Totoro pictures. :) So blessed by her thoughtfulness...I miss my American friends!

"I will meditate on the glorious splendor of Your majesty, and on Your wondrous works." -Psalm 145:5

Wales Weekend

Friday- spent the night at Grachelle's house, ate yummy Filipino food (reminded me of Hawaii) and sleepover with 4 other girls from Reality London. It's so great having a new church family from the states. Saturday- woke up at 6 am to drive to Cardiff in Wales...only took 3 hours! We spent the day at St. Fagans National History Museum...looking at castles, feeding sheep, eating scones and toffee apples. :) We took the bus back to the town, ate lunch inside the mall (because it was too cold), and walked to the bay for an Italian dinner. What a night!



Sunday-woke up at noon for Reality, fellowship, and ate dinner in China-town...almost like Beijing! Such a lovely weekend being with friends.

Olympics 2012

Today I had the wonderful opportunity to take a tour of the Olympics site...can't wait for it to be finished in 2012 and get ready for the games! Part of the reason I'm here is to spread the word to churches how we can get involved with the Olympics, plan events for the community and use it as a gospel outreach opportunity.

More than Gold helps churches get involved with the games. The world is coming to London next summer...get excited as it is going to change the UK! Pray for the lost people who need to hear the gospel, churches to unite, and God's light would shine through us.

Isaiah 60:1-5
Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising. Lift up thine eyes round about, and see: all they gather themselves together, they come to thee: thy sons shall come from far, and thy daughters shall be nursed at thy side. Then thou shalt see, and flow together, and thine heart shall fear, and be enlarged; because the abundance of the sea shall be converted unto thee, the forces of the Gentiles shall come unto thee.

Faith

God has been teaching me about faith the past couple of days...it's been a struggle being away from my family, friends and comfortable surroundings. I know He is growing me and making me stronger. It's hard not being able to call my mom whenever I want...but thank God for skype.

As I was reading the Bible, Genesis 12 spoke to me:
"The LORD had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. “I will make you into a great nation,
and I will BLESS you;
I will make your name great,
and you will be a blessing.
I will bless those who bless you,
and whoever curses you I will curse;
and all peoples on earth
will be blessed through you.”

He has told me to leave my country...now it is up to me to trust in Him...step by step, day by day. Thank you Lord you have a purpose of bringing me here...you will be my strength. I encourage all of you to trust Him when things seem confusing and unsure of how it will all work out...He knows the bigger picture and everything works together for our good.

Thanksgiving in Spain

Yes, I booked my ticket to Spain! :) So excited to visit a dear friend and roomie, Clarissa. We will be having our own turkey dinner as England does not celebrate this wonderful holiday. It will be nice to get away from the cold...I heard I won't be seeing the sun for another 6 months. How sad!

Finally saw Big Ben, Parliament and the London Eye up close...a m a z i n g. As I was taking pictures, I just stood for a moment and took it all in. I'm actually in London...crazy! Went to Reality Bible study at South bank center and even went to the top of the Shell tower to see a night view of the city. Beautiful. This weekend I'll be gone at a Global Leadership Conference with the church staff...worship, speakers, and fellowship.

Now it's time for youth group...hanging out with youth=one of the highlights of my week. :)

Reality London

Just got back from Reality London...so wonderful to be connected with other believers from America again. :) Most were from CA, but a few from England. A totally different setting from Reality Carp...much more intimate, but the worship is still the same. Today the message was just what I needed to hear...we get our identity from JESUS and no one else. He gives us our confidence, security and purpose. Such a good reminder. I know God is going to do awesome works in this city!

What a weekend. I am amazed with all the history and beautiful buildings. Nothing like Hawaii...even though we have the best beaches, hands down. :) Explored Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, Tate Modern, Kensington gardens, the famous Harrod's and St. Paul's Cathedral. Almost has been 3 weeks and feeling more like a local.

Love the lyrics to "Marvelous":

You are the bread of life

Jesus, I’m hungry for You

Your Word can satisfy

My every need

My cup cannot run dry

Your water flows within me

Your love has satisfied

My every need

Marvelous and holy

The King upon the throne

I will serve You only

Make my life Your own

I’ll follow You forever

Give You all my love

It’s only You I worship

Only You are God

My true and faithful friend

I cast my cares upon You

Your mercy draws me in

Jesus

The mighty rushing wind

Brings me into Your presence

So I call your name right now

Jesus, Jesus

Sailing on a Ship

Phil Wickham "Sailing on a Ship"...this song describes my journey in London.

A voice is on the wind
It calls me further in
I’m heading deeper into Your heart
Your mark is on my chest
My sails filled with your breath
You guide me by the light of the stars

I’m sailing on a ship that’s bound for life
I wrestle with the wind against the tide
I'd leave it all behind to reach for more
I’m sailing on to Your golden shore

The skies go blue to gray
And I’m thrown from wave to wave
You still will hear these lungs singing hard
With every storm I face
I have found a greater grace
That pulls me deeper into Your heart

I’m sailing on a ship that’s bound for life
I wrestle with the wind against the tide
I'd leave it all behind to reach for more
I’m sailing on to Your golden shore

I’m sailing on a ship that’s bound for life
I wrestle with the wind against the tide
I leave it all behind to reach for more
I’m sailing on
To where the water’s running sweet and bright
The sun is rising in the eastern sky
I'd leave it all behind to reach for more
I’m sailing on to Your golden shore
To Your golden shore

Thank you Lord for time away at the Time for God conference. It was awesome to spend time with other volunteers across the world. I made new friends from Hungary, Germany, Korea, France, Sweden and America. Even though we all have different backgrounds, cultures and languages, we were all worshiping the same God and serving in the UK. :) So encouraging to meet other people who I could talk to and learn from. Philippians 3:12-14 says, "forgetting the past and straining towards what is ahead..." I know this year will be difficult being away from family and friends and in my "comfort zone", but I'm ready to grow by His strength.

Time for God is a time to stop, think, dream, decide, give, live, love, move, speak up, step out, and change the world. Thank you God for this opportunity...please be praying for all the TFG volunteers and UK.

Sunny days

Thank you Lord for the sunshine...we have been so lucky to have 85 degree weather this past week! :) Feels like Hawaii. Yesterday I hungout with Americans all day...it was different not hearing British accents! Took a tube (by myself!) to Marylebone High St to meet Diane, a fellow Californian in London, for lunch at Strada...best spaghetti I've ever had! Now I'll have to go to Italy to try "real pasta." Then Picadilly Circus with Michelle and Natasha from Westmont! So lovely to see familiar faces again. We ate the best ice cream at the "Icecreamists Boutique"...tastes a bit like gelato, but better! I love Covent Garden...such a cute little town of restaurants and street performers.

Now I'm about to meet Kat (another Time for God volunteer/Westmonter) for lunch/coffee near Greenwich...cheerio!


THE SERENITY PRAYER...

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next.
Amen.