This will be our last blog before we reach home! We are all amazed now at how fast this has all gone. Today was a long day - we began with practices and planning and praying for the morning service. The service began at 10.30 and didn't finish until 2.00pm!!!! It was a great morning, the team did three dramas, two songs and Beth sang a solo - Chris and Richard gave their testimonies and Dave preached. We also were able to bless the folks here with gifts and they also blessed us with prayer and with testimony of how they believe the Lord has worked through us during the mission. Needless to say we felt really, really encouraged. There was a good response to the message too and folk were prayed for at the end of the meeting.
We had lunch at the church before Johnny Blue Eyes came to take us to a rodeo. He first gave testimony of how, after he became a Christian, he had been thrown by a bull and stamped on - he could have been killed and gored - he showed us the jacket which had been torn.
We then followed him into Arizona to the rodeo which was an amazing event. It wasn't a huge event but it was really quite an experience - the team even got a welcome and some of us had good conversations with some of the people there. Everyone was curious about why we were there and so there was plenty of opportunity to witness. We then took our time driving back into Gallup and stopped at a trading post on the Arizona border. The shopkeepers all got given our testimony leaflets!
We finished the day with a meal and then Pam treated us to a dessert - guess what? Mac Flurry's all round - to celebrate her birthday tomorrow (well today your time!)
We'll try and post some photos now - but just to say bye to you and thank you all for your comments - it has been really encouraging to read them each day. Also thanks for your prayers - we've really felt the Lord's blessing.
See you all SOON!!!!!
Alice
Sunday, 13 April 2008
Saturday, 12 April 2008
Saturday 12th April
Hay Ya'll,
Colin here writing from the usual McDonalds WiFi hot spot. Can I just take this opportunity to say hi to Matt Flurry.
Today started slightly disappointingly with news that the Rodeo had been cancelled. Someone mentioned that it was due to a Bull strike but this is yet to be confirmed. The good news was that the Rodeo is still on tomorrow after the Church service, so we can go and evangelise and promote the church in the area.
Today we spent some time researching local trades (i.e. shopping) and the rest of the day practicing dramas for tomorrow. We will be taking the majority of the service tomorrow morning with Dave P preaching and we will be performing 3 dramas and a couple of songs. Please pray for this.
God bless. Lots of love - the team.
PS the plane situation has now been resolved - so no need to worry about that any more - Walmart has delivered.
Colin here writing from the usual McDonalds WiFi hot spot. Can I just take this opportunity to say hi to Matt Flurry.
Today started slightly disappointingly with news that the Rodeo had been cancelled. Someone mentioned that it was due to a Bull strike but this is yet to be confirmed. The good news was that the Rodeo is still on tomorrow after the Church service, so we can go and evangelise and promote the church in the area.
Today we spent some time researching local trades (i.e. shopping) and the rest of the day practicing dramas for tomorrow. We will be taking the majority of the service tomorrow morning with Dave P preaching and we will be performing 3 dramas and a couple of songs. Please pray for this.
God bless. Lots of love - the team.
PS the plane situation has now been resolved - so no need to worry about that any more - Walmart has delivered.
Friday, 11 April 2008
Friday 11th April
Hi everyone! Here we are again in MacDonalds whilst the guys are in Walmart. Chris and Sue, Pam and Margaret, Beth and Kathryn are tucked up in bed. Alice and I are drinking coffee at an unhealthy time of night updating the blog.
Healthwise most of the team are pretty good but Chris has felt under the weather and tired, Dave has a chest infection which is pretty bad but he is determined not to let it stop him. Pam also has a bad headache tonight. So please keep on praying for us.
Today was a great day. Not just because it was our day off but because we used the time to visit Canyon de Chelly (pronounced Canyon d'shay). Wonderful scenery and a proper safari in Jeeps which for a lot of the time were splashing through the wash (a river has a constant source - a wash only runs when there is snow melting in the mountains). They've had a lot of snow this year so there was plenty of water and you wouldn't have known the difference between a wash and a river just by looking! By the way just out of interest another difference between a wash and a river is that a river will probably have fish and a wash doesn't have any marine life in it.
The walls of the canyon were beautiful - with many different shades of colour from a sandy colour to a rich red. At various points there were markings left by ancient people and remnants of ancient dwellings. There were also small houses with peach trees, livestock and blue corn but no sanitation or electricity.
After the safari we returned to JGFJ for an evening with several churches to thank God for the recent production of The Passion of Easter which was an evangelistic dramatisation of the gospel. We saw highlights on a DVD and joined with the people for food, where we were given blue corn mush to try. Checkout the photo of Pam! The corn is a type of maize which grows as a staple here but instead of being yellow is a kind of dark blue. During the evening PeeWee (the pastor's wife) told the church about the impact of our visit which was very encouraging for the team.
Tomorrow we head out for a couple of hours shopping time and then onto a rodeo where we plan to invite people to Sunday's service which is planned to be an evangelistic high point of our mission here. Johnny Blue Eyes (really that is his proper given name) is the worship leader at JGFJ and also champion bull rider. Joe Nelson eat your heart out.
God bless Dave and Alice
Healthwise most of the team are pretty good but Chris has felt under the weather and tired, Dave has a chest infection which is pretty bad but he is determined not to let it stop him. Pam also has a bad headache tonight. So please keep on praying for us.
Today was a great day. Not just because it was our day off but because we used the time to visit Canyon de Chelly (pronounced Canyon d'shay). Wonderful scenery and a proper safari in Jeeps which for a lot of the time were splashing through the wash (a river has a constant source - a wash only runs when there is snow melting in the mountains). They've had a lot of snow this year so there was plenty of water and you wouldn't have known the difference between a wash and a river just by looking! By the way just out of interest another difference between a wash and a river is that a river will probably have fish and a wash doesn't have any marine life in it.
The walls of the canyon were beautiful - with many different shades of colour from a sandy colour to a rich red. At various points there were markings left by ancient people and remnants of ancient dwellings. There were also small houses with peach trees, livestock and blue corn but no sanitation or electricity.
After the safari we returned to JGFJ for an evening with several churches to thank God for the recent production of The Passion of Easter which was an evangelistic dramatisation of the gospel. We saw highlights on a DVD and joined with the people for food, where we were given blue corn mush to try. Checkout the photo of Pam! The corn is a type of maize which grows as a staple here but instead of being yellow is a kind of dark blue. During the evening PeeWee (the pastor's wife) told the church about the impact of our visit which was very encouraging for the team.
Tomorrow we head out for a couple of hours shopping time and then onto a rodeo where we plan to invite people to Sunday's service which is planned to be an evangelistic high point of our mission here. Johnny Blue Eyes (really that is his proper given name) is the worship leader at JGFJ and also champion bull rider. Joe Nelson eat your heart out.
God bless Dave and Alice
Thursday, 10 April 2008
Thursday 10 April
Today started out with Marks daily trip to walmart at an earlier time of 7:30am! to get milk for breakfast, breakfast was served at 8:00am with tea and toast. Which was followed by a team meeting to plan the day ahead. Today was the last day of the holiday club, and because the weather was better Dave was able to take the younger people out for football, although it was very cold and some of the tiny children froze. (For the record Colin would like to thank Rod's support of his football skills)
The holiday club went well, with each child recieving a gift bag, complete with a book, dvd and the 4 points info. The children where most receptive today out of the 3 days and really warming to the team, with 20 of them signing up to be pen pals of children in the UK and at least two families are going to come to Church on Sunday, AMEN!
In the afternoon and evening the team split in two, with the ladies running a ladies meeting and the men going to a local detention centre for young people.
The detention centre was a really good experience, basically there was 12 young people who are being held in custody for drug abuse or related offences. They had the option of coming to hear us and they all did apart for 2 as they where in lockdown but they stood at their cell doors to hear what we had to say.
Richard, Dave and Chris shared their testimony and Colin shared a drama skit with Rich, Dave and Chris assisting and then during the question and answer time Colin was asked to share his story. At the end of the meeting we had a time of questions with a couple asking about why we love people and another on the Bible. We was also able to give out tracks and when Chris asked who would like his Bible about six hands went up, Chris left his Bible behind and we hope to get some more for the rest. Basically its rather sad to see such young people in this situation, they are just people that have made wrong choices.
The ladies meeting was great, all the ladies on the team took part and we included creative elements in the meeting finishing with prayer ministry, including the two churches praying for each other.
At the moment we are siting in macdonalds which has become a bit of a daily thing, with an amazing Matt Flurry for only a dollar, much better taste than at home. We might even pop to Walmart which will be Marks 4th visit for today!
See you soon.
The holiday club went well, with each child recieving a gift bag, complete with a book, dvd and the 4 points info. The children where most receptive today out of the 3 days and really warming to the team, with 20 of them signing up to be pen pals of children in the UK and at least two families are going to come to Church on Sunday, AMEN!
In the afternoon and evening the team split in two, with the ladies running a ladies meeting and the men going to a local detention centre for young people.
The detention centre was a really good experience, basically there was 12 young people who are being held in custody for drug abuse or related offences. They had the option of coming to hear us and they all did apart for 2 as they where in lockdown but they stood at their cell doors to hear what we had to say.
Richard, Dave and Chris shared their testimony and Colin shared a drama skit with Rich, Dave and Chris assisting and then during the question and answer time Colin was asked to share his story. At the end of the meeting we had a time of questions with a couple asking about why we love people and another on the Bible. We was also able to give out tracks and when Chris asked who would like his Bible about six hands went up, Chris left his Bible behind and we hope to get some more for the rest. Basically its rather sad to see such young people in this situation, they are just people that have made wrong choices.
The ladies meeting was great, all the ladies on the team took part and we included creative elements in the meeting finishing with prayer ministry, including the two churches praying for each other.
At the moment we are siting in macdonalds which has become a bit of a daily thing, with an amazing Matt Flurry for only a dollar, much better taste than at home. We might even pop to Walmart which will be Marks 4th visit for today!
See you soon.
Wednesday, 9 April 2008
The Day - today 9th April
Hello friends, it is I Richard writing today, the first thing to clear up is that I have not been left in the prison!
Today has been busy, stressful and tiring but also good. This morning was day two of the holiday club, due to the weather the football group ended up staying inside, and myself, Dave, Colin and Mark had a session with them playing the animal game and Dave did a talk about God being the best ref in life. The group were quite shy to start but have been opening up more to the group as the time has gone on.
Chris and Sue continued the kids club today and had some new children come along, I was able to help at this in the afternoon. The small children are real sweeties, especially when they smile at you with a big grin! It seems most of the kids come from poverty or broken homes, which is sad. But it is great to be able to input into these kids lives. Please pray that the church is able to follow this work and continue to reach these tiny lives that live in such tough places.
This evening the team have been involved in a praise and worship time, which have been a blessing to us, but the church have also explained how they are blessed by what we are doing. This evening the team performed dramas (or skits in America) some songs as well as testimonies. Dave Turner preached which saw a good response from the church and followed a time of prayer. Myself Kathryn and Beth took the young people out for a while and talked to them about sharing their faith. And Chris and Sue spoke to the little tiny children.
So far the mission over here has been really interesting for me, it has been amazing to see so much of God in people and the landscape over here. There are amazing sights everywhere and in the rocks and amzing formations you can see the very finger prints of God!
Please pray for the team as we are all feeling really tired, and there is still loads to go. The holiday club has one more day to go, and then in the evening the ladies are taking a meeting and the guys are going to a young people detention centre.
AMEN <><
Today has been busy, stressful and tiring but also good. This morning was day two of the holiday club, due to the weather the football group ended up staying inside, and myself, Dave, Colin and Mark had a session with them playing the animal game and Dave did a talk about God being the best ref in life. The group were quite shy to start but have been opening up more to the group as the time has gone on.
Chris and Sue continued the kids club today and had some new children come along, I was able to help at this in the afternoon. The small children are real sweeties, especially when they smile at you with a big grin! It seems most of the kids come from poverty or broken homes, which is sad. But it is great to be able to input into these kids lives. Please pray that the church is able to follow this work and continue to reach these tiny lives that live in such tough places.
This evening the team have been involved in a praise and worship time, which have been a blessing to us, but the church have also explained how they are blessed by what we are doing. This evening the team performed dramas (or skits in America) some songs as well as testimonies. Dave Turner preached which saw a good response from the church and followed a time of prayer. Myself Kathryn and Beth took the young people out for a while and talked to them about sharing their faith. And Chris and Sue spoke to the little tiny children.
So far the mission over here has been really interesting for me, it has been amazing to see so much of God in people and the landscape over here. There are amazing sights everywhere and in the rocks and amzing formations you can see the very finger prints of God!
Please pray for the team as we are all feeling really tired, and there is still loads to go. The holiday club has one more day to go, and then in the evening the ladies are taking a meeting and the guys are going to a young people detention centre.
AMEN <><
Tuesday, 8 April 2008
Tuesday 8th
Hi all,
What a great day we had today!
We met early to prepare for the Holiday Club and Soccer School. Chris and Sue were great as usual, although the numbers of children attending was pretty low. We split (or is it multiplied?) the group into two and sent about two thirds of the children to Dave Turner's Soccer School.
After preaching and Dramas in the prison, Chris's voice was showing some signs of strain, but lasted long enough for more Dramas tonight.
The theme of the Holiday Club (Kids Club over here) is creation, and after buying supplies from Wall Mart, we supervised the children in craft activities as well as games and teaching. Dave taught all the children in his group to be David Beckhams of the future.
After the Kids Club/Soccer School we had a debrief, and then a devotional time. We then went for half an hour in a local Indian Trading Post (Richardsons) and then headed back for our evening meal, rehearsals of songs and Drama, and then on to a worship time that lasted from 6:30 to 9:30. There were three groups involved, a Spanish Pastor from a local church, the people from Joshua Generation Church and ourselves. We had worship in Spanish, testimonies songs and Dramas from Johnny Blue Eyes (the JGFJ worship leader) and the JGFJ drama group. Dave Turner gave his testimony and then we ministered our dramas, 'Ka ching' (Home produced by Pam)and 'Figaro' The stars were Pam, Beth and Kathryn (brilliant) and then Chris and Kathryn supported by Alice, Colin, Pam, Margaret and Beth.
Sue as been excellent with the technical support throughout.
For many of us, the testimony from the Pastor's daughter Jessica and the following drama that illustrated her story was unforgettable. I think that it was probably the most moving drama I have seen, to see the Pastor take the role of Jesus and his daughter play herself, and her boyfriend play himself in a story of drug addiction, attempted suicide and spiritual rescue. Amazing.
We are unable to upload any photos tonight. It is surprisingly difficult to get the time and a good signal to be able to complete the photo upload, but we promise to make it a priority tomorrow.
God bless,
Dave
What a great day we had today!
We met early to prepare for the Holiday Club and Soccer School. Chris and Sue were great as usual, although the numbers of children attending was pretty low. We split (or is it multiplied?) the group into two and sent about two thirds of the children to Dave Turner's Soccer School.
After preaching and Dramas in the prison, Chris's voice was showing some signs of strain, but lasted long enough for more Dramas tonight.
The theme of the Holiday Club (Kids Club over here) is creation, and after buying supplies from Wall Mart, we supervised the children in craft activities as well as games and teaching. Dave taught all the children in his group to be David Beckhams of the future.
After the Kids Club/Soccer School we had a debrief, and then a devotional time. We then went for half an hour in a local Indian Trading Post (Richardsons) and then headed back for our evening meal, rehearsals of songs and Drama, and then on to a worship time that lasted from 6:30 to 9:30. There were three groups involved, a Spanish Pastor from a local church, the people from Joshua Generation Church and ourselves. We had worship in Spanish, testimonies songs and Dramas from Johnny Blue Eyes (the JGFJ worship leader) and the JGFJ drama group. Dave Turner gave his testimony and then we ministered our dramas, 'Ka ching' (Home produced by Pam)and 'Figaro' The stars were Pam, Beth and Kathryn (brilliant) and then Chris and Kathryn supported by Alice, Colin, Pam, Margaret and Beth.
Sue as been excellent with the technical support throughout.
For many of us, the testimony from the Pastor's daughter Jessica and the following drama that illustrated her story was unforgettable. I think that it was probably the most moving drama I have seen, to see the Pastor take the role of Jesus and his daughter play herself, and her boyfriend play himself in a story of drug addiction, attempted suicide and spiritual rescue. Amazing.
We are unable to upload any photos tonight. It is surprisingly difficult to get the time and a good signal to be able to complete the photo upload, but we promise to make it a priority tomorrow.
God bless,
Dave
Monday, 7 April 2008
Monday 7th April
Kathryn Salkeld’s impressions of Monday
Today has been really awesome, we started with devotionals led by Margaret, it was really good spending time praying together and going through a study to keep us focussed and it really blessed me as I realised that God had been trying to tell me some things and having time to stop meant I could hear.
We could not visit the Catholic school unfortunately but we went out to local trailer park projects and distributed “pamphlets” advertising our Kids and Soccer club.
After lunch we went to window rock “which was a rock with a hole in it” – quote from Beth. It was nice to spend time with Dennis and Peewee and see one of the natural wonders which they are so proud of.
The best part of the day was that we visited a local prison! We were all really apprehensive as we had our own stereotypical thoughts and a few of us were panicking about dramas! But it was such an amazing experience and not what any of us expected, there were a few last minute changes but we could see God leading what we did – which was so good! It was really wonderful to experience Gods love for those men. We had a full house and loads had to be turned away because of safety regulations! Which was really emotional for us, please pray for those men.
We have just had a McDonalds in America – which is not any different! We can fill our own drinks though!
Thanks for all your prayers, really good stuff is happening
Today has been really awesome, we started with devotionals led by Margaret, it was really good spending time praying together and going through a study to keep us focussed and it really blessed me as I realised that God had been trying to tell me some things and having time to stop meant I could hear.
We could not visit the Catholic school unfortunately but we went out to local trailer park projects and distributed “pamphlets” advertising our Kids and Soccer club.
After lunch we went to window rock “which was a rock with a hole in it” – quote from Beth. It was nice to spend time with Dennis and Peewee and see one of the natural wonders which they are so proud of.
The best part of the day was that we visited a local prison! We were all really apprehensive as we had our own stereotypical thoughts and a few of us were panicking about dramas! But it was such an amazing experience and not what any of us expected, there were a few last minute changes but we could see God leading what we did – which was so good! It was really wonderful to experience Gods love for those men. We had a full house and loads had to be turned away because of safety regulations! Which was really emotional for us, please pray for those men.
We have just had a McDonalds in America – which is not any different! We can fill our own drinks though!
Thanks for all your prayers, really good stuff is happening
Sunday, 6 April 2008
Sunday 6th April
Hi everyone. Today was a great day. First off it was Margaret’s birthday, so we all had a small celebration for her at breakfast. Pretty soon it was time for the morning service – they only have one on Sundays. First of all they led a worship time and then after the notices they handed over to us.
Our programme included ‘He loves me, he loves me not’ drama from Alice and Sue, followed by Mark bringing a powerful and emotional testimony that resonated with many in the church. That was followed by two songs, ‘The greatest day in history’ and our blessing song ‘Go peaceful’ which we’d used yesterday at the wedding and will use throughout the week. It has already been a real blessing and received well.
The songs were followed by ‘The Heart’ drama with Richard, Beth, Pam, Dave T, Colin and Kathryn in the lead role. Beth and Kathryn then sang ‘The Father’s Song’ which was really powerful. The service then prayed for the children as they filed out to children’s church led by Chris and Sue with Beth, Colin and Kathryn. Dave preached and many came forward for ministry at the end. It was a real privilege to pray with folks who had different things going on in their lives.
Afterwards we travelled to nearby Kit Carson’s cave which is a spectacular site of historical importance. We joined with the Church Rock fellowship who hosted us and fed us Navajo Tacos which is hard to describe, we were warned too taste the chilli before we committed ourselves to it as it can be really, really hot. Actually it was very nice and different from Uncle Ben’s!
We then walked across very dry, dusty desert landscapes with cactus and large anthills to the spectacular cave. We had to ascend into the cave by rope up a very steep soft sand incline to a ledge where we all gathered at the back of the cave. The view through the cave opening was magnificent. We had three versions of the history of Kit Carson and his involvement with the Navajo. The first was from a local Navajo man who had studied Kit Carson for a history exam. Then Dave was invited to share what he had studied prior to coming out here and then finally a Navajo lady gave her version. All three agreed but all added something to the story. Then Pastor Dennis went through a reconciliation prayer and anointed Dave and Alice plus three local Navajo people with oil from a special ram’s horn anointing oil vessel from Israel. It was very profound and the Navajo shed tears as prayers were offered and hugs exchanged. Later Beth was anointed separately with the same oil by Dennis. Eventually we made our way back to the vehicles, some of the team walked around to a nearby cliff to look at the view before we headed off to set up the church ready for this week’s holiday club. On the way back we stopped on the side of the main road to take pictures of prairie dog colonies which was really exciting especially for Chris who took many photos in tribute to Trevor!
This evening we went to the local Walmart to buy things for club and chatted with some local people. Dave’s Royal Marine history has opened many doors to many Navajo former US Marines. We invited the families to bring their children along this week to the church.
Our programme included ‘He loves me, he loves me not’ drama from Alice and Sue, followed by Mark bringing a powerful and emotional testimony that resonated with many in the church. That was followed by two songs, ‘The greatest day in history’ and our blessing song ‘Go peaceful’ which we’d used yesterday at the wedding and will use throughout the week. It has already been a real blessing and received well.
The songs were followed by ‘The Heart’ drama with Richard, Beth, Pam, Dave T, Colin and Kathryn in the lead role. Beth and Kathryn then sang ‘The Father’s Song’ which was really powerful. The service then prayed for the children as they filed out to children’s church led by Chris and Sue with Beth, Colin and Kathryn. Dave preached and many came forward for ministry at the end. It was a real privilege to pray with folks who had different things going on in their lives.
Afterwards we travelled to nearby Kit Carson’s cave which is a spectacular site of historical importance. We joined with the Church Rock fellowship who hosted us and fed us Navajo Tacos which is hard to describe, we were warned too taste the chilli before we committed ourselves to it as it can be really, really hot. Actually it was very nice and different from Uncle Ben’s!
We then walked across very dry, dusty desert landscapes with cactus and large anthills to the spectacular cave. We had to ascend into the cave by rope up a very steep soft sand incline to a ledge where we all gathered at the back of the cave. The view through the cave opening was magnificent. We had three versions of the history of Kit Carson and his involvement with the Navajo. The first was from a local Navajo man who had studied Kit Carson for a history exam. Then Dave was invited to share what he had studied prior to coming out here and then finally a Navajo lady gave her version. All three agreed but all added something to the story. Then Pastor Dennis went through a reconciliation prayer and anointed Dave and Alice plus three local Navajo people with oil from a special ram’s horn anointing oil vessel from Israel. It was very profound and the Navajo shed tears as prayers were offered and hugs exchanged. Later Beth was anointed separately with the same oil by Dennis. Eventually we made our way back to the vehicles, some of the team walked around to a nearby cliff to look at the view before we headed off to set up the church ready for this week’s holiday club. On the way back we stopped on the side of the main road to take pictures of prairie dog colonies which was really exciting especially for Chris who took many photos in tribute to Trevor!
This evening we went to the local Walmart to buy things for club and chatted with some local people. Dave’s Royal Marine history has opened many doors to many Navajo former US Marines. We invited the families to bring their children along this week to the church.
Saturday, 5 April 2008
Saturday 5th April
At last we got access to the internet (thanks to Macdonalds!) and we are able to update you all over the last two days.
Whilst in Albuquerque and just after our last blog update we picked up two magnificent vehicles which will stay with us for the rest of the trip. We then met up with Charles and Eleanor and had a great time with them over brunch at the Flying J. It was great to see them looking so well.
After leaving them behind we drove to Gallup and took a break from the long journey down Route 66 (where we obviously got our kicks!) at Acoma Pueblo (Sky City historical site - the oldest continuously inhabited town in the US). Very interesting to hear the Acoma tribes history.
Once we arrived at Gallup we met up with Pastor Dennis and his wife Corinne 'Peewee' Gallegos. We had a meal and then unpacked our bags and boxes. Dave and Alice, Mark, Colin, Richard and Dave T are all staying in the church. Chris and Sue, Pam and Margaret are staying with a family on the reservation and Beth and Kathyrn are staying with a family from the church.
Today (Saturday) we all got together from breakfast in the church, had devotions and then headed out to a fleamarket for some outreach. We set up a tea and biscuit stall where we gave away cups of PG Tips tea and Hobnobs and passed out tracts and invitations. We spoke to many Native Americans from many different tribes including Navajo, Zuni, Hopi, Comanche and even a scattering of former US Marines and one Army Windtalker from WW2 days.
We gave children balloons and invited them to the Kid's club and Soccer School.
Dave and Chris prayed for one guy together and Chris prayed for a recently bereaved man, and Dave prayed with a backslider who promised to come to church.
After the market we had lunch and returned to the church to take part at a wedding service where we sang a blessing as a team choir. After the wedding we spent time together practising songs and drama for tomorrow.
We are all tired but very happy that already we feel that we are seeing results and that we are being used by the church and by the Lord. Please pray for stamina as we have a busy week ahead and for good health as the atmosphere is very hot and dusty and dry.
Whilst in Albuquerque and just after our last blog update we picked up two magnificent vehicles which will stay with us for the rest of the trip. We then met up with Charles and Eleanor and had a great time with them over brunch at the Flying J. It was great to see them looking so well.
After leaving them behind we drove to Gallup and took a break from the long journey down Route 66 (where we obviously got our kicks!) at Acoma Pueblo (Sky City historical site - the oldest continuously inhabited town in the US). Very interesting to hear the Acoma tribes history.
Once we arrived at Gallup we met up with Pastor Dennis and his wife Corinne 'Peewee' Gallegos. We had a meal and then unpacked our bags and boxes. Dave and Alice, Mark, Colin, Richard and Dave T are all staying in the church. Chris and Sue, Pam and Margaret are staying with a family on the reservation and Beth and Kathyrn are staying with a family from the church.
Today (Saturday) we all got together from breakfast in the church, had devotions and then headed out to a fleamarket for some outreach. We set up a tea and biscuit stall where we gave away cups of PG Tips tea and Hobnobs and passed out tracts and invitations. We spoke to many Native Americans from many different tribes including Navajo, Zuni, Hopi, Comanche and even a scattering of former US Marines and one Army Windtalker from WW2 days.
We gave children balloons and invited them to the Kid's club and Soccer School.
Dave and Chris prayed for one guy together and Chris prayed for a recently bereaved man, and Dave prayed with a backslider who promised to come to church.
After the market we had lunch and returned to the church to take part at a wedding service where we sang a blessing as a team choir. After the wedding we spent time together practising songs and drama for tomorrow.
We are all tired but very happy that already we feel that we are seeing results and that we are being used by the church and by the Lord. Please pray for stamina as we have a busy week ahead and for good health as the atmosphere is very hot and dusty and dry.
Friday, 4 April 2008
We've arrived in the US!!
Hi everyone - we arrived in the US on our flight from Heathrow on time however due to an amazing amount of security we missed our connection at Denver and had to wait until 9.05pm US time to catch the next flight into Albuquerque.
After a very short flight we arrived to be whisked to the comfort of our first night's stay in a nearby hotel. I (Alice) am writing this blog in our room prior to meeting the team at 9.00am US time when we will be picking up our hire cars and heading west! We already had opportunities to speak to people on our journey including a lovely lady at Denver airport, a pueblo indian, who gave me her earrings! Dave and I were sharing with her about the team and what we were planning to do.
Today we are going to meet Eleanor McKinney at the Flying J here in Albuquerque. Her and her husband Charles have pastored churches for over 60 years! Then we will set off for Gallup which is our ultimate destination.
Anyway we are all safe and well despite a very tiring 24 hour day yesterday. We are seven hours behind you in the UK.
Keep praying for us!
After a very short flight we arrived to be whisked to the comfort of our first night's stay in a nearby hotel. I (Alice) am writing this blog in our room prior to meeting the team at 9.00am US time when we will be picking up our hire cars and heading west! We already had opportunities to speak to people on our journey including a lovely lady at Denver airport, a pueblo indian, who gave me her earrings! Dave and I were sharing with her about the team and what we were planning to do.
Today we are going to meet Eleanor McKinney at the Flying J here in Albuquerque. Her and her husband Charles have pastored churches for over 60 years! Then we will set off for Gallup which is our ultimate destination.
Anyway we are all safe and well despite a very tiring 24 hour day yesterday. We are seven hours behind you in the UK.
Keep praying for us!
Wednesday, 2 April 2008
5 - 4 - 3 - 2 - 1 Countdown to Mission
This time tomorrow we will flying across the Atlantic on our way to the USA. Our first stop is Albuquerque where we will stay overnight - meet up with friends for breakfast and then onto Gallup via Route 66/Interstate 40. On Friday evening (4th April) we will be met by Pastor Dennis at the Joshua Generation for Jesus in Gallup, New Mexico - our host church.
We'd love to hear from you all while we're away - just sign up and you can leave us comments and encouragement!
Wednesday, 19 March 2008
Final Preparations
Hi everyone! We are now getting really excited - only two weeks to go and we will be flying out to the USA. Our last team meeting is tomorrow evening and then we have a social event on Sunday 30th March with all the team and their families. Please pray for us as especially for our health as we want to be all fit for the mission!
Wednesday, 5 March 2008
Saturday, 9 February 2008
What is love?
What is love? The team took to the streets of Rayleigh - complete with a red Elvis to ask the question 'What is love?' We gave out chocolates and chatted with people about love and told them that God loved them.
Thursday, 7 February 2008
What is Love?
The Beacon Mission team is hitting the streets of Rayleigh this Saturday to ask the question 'What is love?' - watch out for the 'red Elvis!' Watch this space for photos of the outreach!
Mission Sunday Service
'If I were not upon the stage' performed at the Mission Sunday service at TCC!
Sunday, 27 January 2008
Mission Sunday
The team took part in our Missions Sunday services with drama, testimony and preaching.
Saturday, 26 January 2008
Thursday, 24 January 2008
Team Profile-Kathryn Salkeld
Hi, I'm Kathryn and I love Jesus, I also love being involved with the work in my church and I help with a youth club, dramas and taking a Sunday school for 5-8 year olds. I am really excited to be part of this mission team, this will be the first time I go on mission abroad, and the first time I visit America! I don't think I am totally prepared yet, but I have faith that God will be right by me and be my help and support. I am very excited!
Team Profile - Dave Turner
Hi my name is Dave. I'm a youth worker in TCC, play bass guitar in the worship group and am involved in drama. I've been to Romania on mission but this is my first time to the US.
Team Profile - Mark Whitney
Hi my name is Mark and I am married to Julie. I have 3 sons Darren, Luke and Jordan, step daughter Colette and step son Austin. I became a Christian almost 4 years ago. I am a recovering alcoholic being sober for 9 years this year. For many years I drank too much which would lead to me neglecting other things. When the drinking stopped I started to look for something to replace it. Through the whole of my life even when I didn’t know God or pretended he wasn’t there he was and he looked after me waiting for right time for me.
This came when I met my now wife Julie. He used her to get me into church and close to him. Ever since then I have been on a wonderful journey not easy at all. I have had to make some tough decisions but I know that what ever happens Jesus will be with me by my side. I have a new job which is exciting and scary. My children, who are not really children ranging from 22 to 17, keep me on my toes. When I am not doing things at church being a small group leader and choir leader and not at home I love to play golf being an active member of my local club Belfairs. This will my first mission experience and although I am scared I am really looking forward to our trip to America.
Thursday, 17 January 2008
Team Profile - Pam Kingham
I'm Pam I am married to John I have two children Bobbie 24 and William 21 I came back to the church when I was 24 but Jesus became real to me some years later when at a youth camp at around the age of 30 I had an encounter that would change my life forever. Since then over many years (I'm approaching 50) God has been painting a picture of my life of how he sees me, sometimes I don't recognise myself but its very exciting.
I am at present involved at TCC as an Area Pastor for Cell Groups and am also involved with Creative Worship I also have the priviledge of working with people through the "Freedom in Christ" course. I also run a support and prayer group for Christians with unsaved partners. What are my desires ? Loads since knowing Jesus he just opens so many doors, I love to see people growing and maturing in Christ including myself, to see friends and especially family come to know Jesus, Music, I love music all kinds and Dancing and doing creative stuff I love playing around with flowers, I also like meeting new people so I am really looking forward to going on Mission to hopefully encourage but also to learn from the people I meet. I'm really excited about spending my 50th Birthday in New Mexico And all that God has for me in the future.
I am at present involved at TCC as an Area Pastor for Cell Groups and am also involved with Creative Worship I also have the priviledge of working with people through the "Freedom in Christ" course. I also run a support and prayer group for Christians with unsaved partners. What are my desires ? Loads since knowing Jesus he just opens so many doors, I love to see people growing and maturing in Christ including myself, to see friends and especially family come to know Jesus, Music, I love music all kinds and Dancing and doing creative stuff I love playing around with flowers, I also like meeting new people so I am really looking forward to going on Mission to hopefully encourage but also to learn from the people I meet. I'm really excited about spending my 50th Birthday in New Mexico And all that God has for me in the future.
Team Profile - Colin Wingham
I am married to Sarah and have two wonderful children, Jessica and Hannah.
I became a Christian when I was 13 years old. 20 years on and I have enjoyed some great experiences with God and learnt a lot about His character with so much more to learn. He has shown me his heart for unsaved people and unity between Christians so I’m really excited to be going on the mission to work with other cultures and churches.
Wednesday, 16 January 2008
Team Profile - Margaret Larwood
Hi I’m Margaret. I am married to John and have one daughter Emma. I came to the realisation about sixteen years ago that there was more to being a Christian than believing in God, and in so doing started a journey that has been life changing. Having Jesus in my life has given me the confidence to take on things I would not have believed possible. I love being part of the cell groups at TCC and at the moment lead the cell on Canvey. My passion (after Jesus of course) is travel and being part of this team means I combine both the things that are close to my heart.
Team Profile - Dave Pickett, Senior Minister of TCC and team leader
Looking back I can see that God placed a passion for adventure and travel in me way before I really knew Jesus as Lord and Saviour of my life. In fact I was in my late 20's, after having served as a Royal Marine Commando and seen active service, when I gave my life to him. Although I'd already had many 'adventures' more were to come as I began to serve God with my whole life. I am really excited to be heading up the Beacon Mission Team 2008 to Gallup, New Mexico - the adventure with God never ends and seeing lives transformed and changed makes all the difference.
Tuesday, 15 January 2008
Team Profile - Chris and Sue Govus
Hi. My name is Chris, I am 55 years old and married to Sue and we’ve been active members of TCC for over 30 years. I became a Christian at the age of sixteen and for the past 20 years Sue and I have dedicated ourselves to sharing the gospel with children through a ministry called Back 2 School.
In my spare time I enjoy walking, fishing and wildlife photography.
In my spare time I enjoy walking, fishing and wildlife photography.
Hello, I’m Sue. I’m married to Chris and we’ve been active members of TCC for over 30 years. I became a Christian when I was thirteen and for the past 20 years Chris and I have dedicated ourselves to sharing the gospel with children through a ministry called Back 2 School.
My hobbies are reading, cross-stitch and bird watching.
Thursday, 10 January 2008
Team Profile - Richard Keeler Deputy Team Leader
I became a Christian when I was around 18, I had been attending church for a while and hearing loads of things about God, when somebody asked me if I wanted to meet God, so I said yes! and my life has changed ever since.
Im passionate about young people hearing about Jesus and wanting to follow him, im also passionate about them realising the importance of themsleves and how much they are loved and valued by God.
Im involved in loads of activities within the Church, but my main area of work is within the local secondary schools taking clubs and lessons, I also run two youth events that tie this work together which are Radiate and Ignition.
Team Profile - Beth Maycock
I became a christian at out church holiday club at the age of 7 I realized that I wanted Jesus to be my best friend and so I accepted him intoi my life and since then I have had a great relationship with God. I was also baptised when i was 16 because I wanted to obey God and be baptised
I am passionate about sharing the gospel, and seeing people become chritians.Also seeing peoples lives change because of Jesus. I am passionate abut young people, and seeing them grow into a stronger relationship with Jesus.
I am involved in childrens and youth work at our chuch I lead a Girls brigade group and youth club, also I am a worship leader at our church and am really passionate about this as I believe God has laid it on my heart to be a worship leader. I also lead a Sunday school group and help at boys brigade.
Wednesday, 9 January 2008
The Mission Team
This is a picture of the team heading off to the USA, it was taken at the recent Medieval New Years event, which was held to raise funds for the Mission trip.
First Blog
Hello and welcome to the home of Mission activites at TCC. This blogsite will contain all the latest information for the up and coming mission to the USA on April 3rd - 15th 2008
Keep checking back, as we will so have profiles of the team posted as well as our plans and prayer requests for this mission
Yours
The Beacon Mission Team 2008
Keep checking back, as we will so have profiles of the team posted as well as our plans and prayer requests for this mission
Yours
The Beacon Mission Team 2008
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