First Day
29 05 2006
We arrived yesterday in London at 9:30 AM and got settled in. After lunch we walked around and saw the area we were going to be serving in. Though it is somewhat cooler here and it rained most of the day, it wasn’t too different. The religious diversity here is amazing. Literally it’s Hindu, Muslim, and Siek all mixed together and on just about every corner. The big surprise of the day was a stop at a Hindu temple where there was a very vibrant celebreation going on. They had all the drums and harmonium and dancing, which was really great. Many of our team got into it, when we were all asked to dance to Hari Krishna. We of course knew who we dancing to and they knew too I think. Still they were very welcoming and did most of the verbal communication in English, which isn’t very common for them.
Today we did some team prep for the sports days and then went to the big marketplace callede High Street. We did some face painting which was great and set up tables with free books in many languages. We also passed out flyers for the sports camp during the week. That was really cool and it was great seeing our team jump in there. Jared Akers was especaillly gifted at working with kids and face painting.
We then attended services at New Life Masi Ghar. It was really great to see the diversity of the community represented there and half of the service was in Punjab and Indi language. It was especially interesting to have communion and see the explanation that has to go into it for the different cultures represented there. Bob Heppe did a great job and we were blessed to be there. Then we had a potluck dinner afterwards and got to mingle a bit with the people there. Our guys got seriously schooled in table tennis, but it was fun to see people drop their inhibitions a bit.
I am really jumping out there myself a bit and I think that is the best part for me. Pray for us to be bold this week.
Cool. Update often and I don’t care if you mention Jared often as well! Praying for you all. Blessings.
Karen
[…] Paul is away on a mission trip to London, and so I thought I’d get out of “Dodge” as it were. […]
We’re praying for you. Keep the updates coming!!!
Praying for you…
Thanks for the update. We’re praying daily for the group, that God would use each of you for His glory.
Blessings!
Dear Paul and Team,
Thanks for the update. God is prompting us to pray for you all many times throughout the day. :) You are on our hearts and one of the things God is impressing me to pray is for boldness for the week and for Christ to be evident in how you love each other, how you love people and your interest in their lives. Also to believe God for His works to be accomplished this week through you all and to see Him produce lasting fruit.
Keep up the great work. Thanks so much for the update!
Dave and Jill Beeler
Hi-Just want to say hi to Kristie Beeler and hope everyone is having a good time.
Grandpa and Grandma Beeler
Dear London UPC Team,
We are praying for you to know God’s grace and power in your lives and witness today. You are special ambassadors for the King! We pray the love of Christ will be evident in your lives today.
We miss you Kristie! :(
Love,
Dad