Well on the 16th of December I flew back to the States to spend time with family and friends. I can honestly say that since I touch down on the ground I have been on the go non stop seeing and visiting people. It has been a brilliant time.
Last week I had the pleasure of being in Samuel and Sarah's Wedding. It was a great time and a very beautiful ceremony! Just want to say congrats to them and hope they enjoy their honeymoon down in the Caribbean :-D.
At the moment I am back in Chicago spending time with family. It has been good to catch up and just relax and spend time with them. It has felt a wee bit surreal being back, but it has been very good. I must say however, that I miss many friends back in Northern Ireland. It's been amazing to see how God has given me such a desire and heart for the people back over there. God is good and I've really enjoyed being a part of what He is doing. I look forward to getting back and catching up with everyone and jumping back into the routine of everything.
I hope you enjoy your Christmas/New Year's holidays and continue to keep your eyes on Christ!!
Jason
Monday, December 28, 2009
Monday, December 7, 2009
Hairspray
The weekend to London was really good. There were about 170 people, and we all stayed in the Oak Hall Manor in Otford, which is just Southeast of London. It was a great time to connect and meet people and be encouraged from the Word. I ended up having the last talk, which seemed to go really really well.
As soon as I got back to good ol Kilkeel, it was hittin the ground running. Last week was crunch week for the musical. As usual, everything came together for the dress rehearsal. Now all this week there will be performances in the evenings.....it will be great fun. That will be keeping me busy this week along with the usual mentor groups.
The crazy thing is that a week from Wednesday (Dec 16th) I will be heading back to the states for a couple of weeks for the holidays and Samuel and Sarah's wedding. So hopefully I will get a chance to catch up with many of you and share in further detail all that God has been doing since I've been over here in Kilkeel.
May we continue to keep our eyes on Christ!
Jason
As soon as I got back to good ol Kilkeel, it was hittin the ground running. Last week was crunch week for the musical. As usual, everything came together for the dress rehearsal. Now all this week there will be performances in the evenings.....it will be great fun. That will be keeping me busy this week along with the usual mentor groups.
The crazy thing is that a week from Wednesday (Dec 16th) I will be heading back to the states for a couple of weeks for the holidays and Samuel and Sarah's wedding. So hopefully I will get a chance to catch up with many of you and share in further detail all that God has been doing since I've been over here in Kilkeel.
May we continue to keep our eyes on Christ!
Jason
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Thanksgiving
Happy Thanksgiving (well a few hours early for yous)!! It's funny how many people ask me what Thanksgiving is since they don't have it over here. I tell them that it is a big meal that we have where we take the time to remind ourselves of all the things that we are thankful. Haha, but as soon as I mention Turkey, everyone wants to celebrate it :-). See, over here for Christmas Dinner, everyone always has turkey and ham...and lots of it. So they look for any excuse to enjoy the goodness of it! This year I will be spending Thanksgiving again with some of the other Americans that I know that live here in Kilkeel....and yes, Samuel will be joining us as well (since he will be marrying an American soon enough!)
Apart from that, things have been going really well but has been super busy lately! My mentor groups are going really well and it has been a great opportunity to encourage many of the young men in their day to day walk with Christ. We will be having our Christmas mentor groups partys in the next couple of weeks, so that will be fun as we get out of the after school setting and go to one of their houses and have a bit of craic and carry on together.
Kittys Road has been going well too. It's been great connecting with them and hanging out with them. I had a chance to go down there last week and hang out with a family for the evening...it was brilliant just being treated as part of the family. So God continues to do amazing things :-).
Things down at the high school have been going really well too. I continue to help out with PE in the afternoons...I even had the chance to teach one of the classes how to play American football. They picked it up a wee bit, but more times than not reverted back to rugby....but its a step in the right direction. Also, all the practices are in full swing for this years musical performance of Hairspray. It should be really good....I will be helping out a wee bit with sound and video stuff. The performances are the beginning of Decemeber sometime.
A prayer request for you. This weekend I am off to London....for specifically to the Oak Hall Manor in Otford. I have been asked to be a guest speaker for a training weekend for all the people that help out and speak on the Oak Hall Expeditions....which is the organization that I went to France with back in August. So I look forward to this opportunity. Pray that it goes well and that God will use me to encourage the others that will be there. Also pray for traveling, especially as I maneuver myself around London - hopefully I won't get lost :-).
Anywho, I will keep you posted on how things go :-). Thanks for praying and for your encouragements!! Lets continue to keep our eyes on Christ!!
Yearning for Him,
Jason
Apart from that, things have been going really well but has been super busy lately! My mentor groups are going really well and it has been a great opportunity to encourage many of the young men in their day to day walk with Christ. We will be having our Christmas mentor groups partys in the next couple of weeks, so that will be fun as we get out of the after school setting and go to one of their houses and have a bit of craic and carry on together.
Kittys Road has been going well too. It's been great connecting with them and hanging out with them. I had a chance to go down there last week and hang out with a family for the evening...it was brilliant just being treated as part of the family. So God continues to do amazing things :-).
Things down at the high school have been going really well too. I continue to help out with PE in the afternoons...I even had the chance to teach one of the classes how to play American football. They picked it up a wee bit, but more times than not reverted back to rugby....but its a step in the right direction. Also, all the practices are in full swing for this years musical performance of Hairspray. It should be really good....I will be helping out a wee bit with sound and video stuff. The performances are the beginning of Decemeber sometime.
A prayer request for you. This weekend I am off to London....for specifically to the Oak Hall Manor in Otford. I have been asked to be a guest speaker for a training weekend for all the people that help out and speak on the Oak Hall Expeditions....which is the organization that I went to France with back in August. So I look forward to this opportunity. Pray that it goes well and that God will use me to encourage the others that will be there. Also pray for traveling, especially as I maneuver myself around London - hopefully I won't get lost :-).
Anywho, I will keep you posted on how things go :-). Thanks for praying and for your encouragements!! Lets continue to keep our eyes on Christ!!
Yearning for Him,
Jason
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Rome and Hallowe'en :-)
The last couple weeks have flown by!! To think that it has already been a week ago since I got back from Rome. It was a great trip! We saw many many places in and around Rome and even had the opportunity to go down to Mount Vesuvius and then stay a night in Sorrento, Italy. Check out my PICTURES to get a small glimpse of all that we saw.
After we got back from our trip to Rome, we had a week off of school for half term holidays. So it was a nice relaxing week that gave the opportunity to hang out and connect with many of the young people outside of the usual context. I even had the chance to get together with a couple of my mentor groups and hang out and have a wee bit of homemade, Chicago style pizza ;-), so it was brilliant.
Also, as you know, this past weekend was Hallowe'en. I had the lovely opportunity to join many of my friends down Kittys Road for the day. Let me tell you...never in my life have I experienced a Hallowe'en as this one!! It actually felt a wee bit more like the Fourth of July. The reason I say that is because they had a huge bonfire that we lit in the evening....and when I say huge, I mean HUGE. Then all the young people were shooting off fireworks and bangers and all sorts of stuff. So in my mind, what is typically costumes and trick or treating, was much more like fireworks and bonfires. But it was a great time to hang out and enjoy a few laughs.....and to duck and run every now and then when someone would try and shoot a firework your direction.
Finally today everyone is back to school for the last push til Christmas. Now that Hallowe'en is over the excitement and anticipation is building for Christmas. Even as I walked through the town this morning, all the shops were setting up their Christmas displays with lights and trees and everything else. So the next few weeks will be exciting....not only for that reason, but with everything else that will be going on with Mentor groups, Kittys Road get togethers, and anything else that pops up :-). So I encourage you to continue to pray....God is at work and doing some amazing things! Thank you for your continued support and encouragement as well :-)!!
Yearning for Christ
Jason
After we got back from our trip to Rome, we had a week off of school for half term holidays. So it was a nice relaxing week that gave the opportunity to hang out and connect with many of the young people outside of the usual context. I even had the chance to get together with a couple of my mentor groups and hang out and have a wee bit of homemade, Chicago style pizza ;-), so it was brilliant.
Also, as you know, this past weekend was Hallowe'en. I had the lovely opportunity to join many of my friends down Kittys Road for the day. Let me tell you...never in my life have I experienced a Hallowe'en as this one!! It actually felt a wee bit more like the Fourth of July. The reason I say that is because they had a huge bonfire that we lit in the evening....and when I say huge, I mean HUGE. Then all the young people were shooting off fireworks and bangers and all sorts of stuff. So in my mind, what is typically costumes and trick or treating, was much more like fireworks and bonfires. But it was a great time to hang out and enjoy a few laughs.....and to duck and run every now and then when someone would try and shoot a firework your direction.
Finally today everyone is back to school for the last push til Christmas. Now that Hallowe'en is over the excitement and anticipation is building for Christmas. Even as I walked through the town this morning, all the shops were setting up their Christmas displays with lights and trees and everything else. So the next few weeks will be exciting....not only for that reason, but with everything else that will be going on with Mentor groups, Kittys Road get togethers, and anything else that pops up :-). So I encourage you to continue to pray....God is at work and doing some amazing things! Thank you for your continued support and encouragement as well :-)!!
Yearning for Christ
Jason
Saturday, October 17, 2009
American Football and ....the Colosseum!!?
We've been having brilliant weather lately, which has provided with many opportunities to enjoy God's beautiful creation. In fact, I had the opportunity to do a very first this past week - teach a group of high schoolers (and their PE teacher) how to play American Football. It was great craic. I explained the very basics of the game and started playing two-hand touch with them. They seemed to really enjoy it. To be honest, it ended up being a mix between American football and rugby...but it was brilliant nonetheless. It was funny to watch because most of them were clueless and even after played for half an hour were still lost as to what the sport was all about. But ah well, its a step in the right direction ;-)!
Another highlight has been going out to Kittys Road for Friday coffee mornings. It's a great time to relax, have a cuppa tea and scone and talk and laugh with some of the wonderful people down in Kittys Road :-).
A really exciting thing coming up is this Wednesday, I will be going on a 5 day trip to Rome with a group of 30 high schoolers for an RE (Religious Education) Expedition to learn about the church history in Rome and see all the sites. It will be a VERY packed 5 days.....and we hit the ground running by leaving at 3am on Weds!! Everyone is really looking forward to it and seeing all the different places in Rome...and to spending 5 days together. It should be really good - and the Italin Gelato (ice cream) should be really good as well :-). You can be sure to look forward to seeing some pictures up after the trip too!
Well thanks for continuing to follow all that God is doing over here! May we continue to keep our eyes on Christ!
Yearning for Him,
Jason
Another highlight has been going out to Kittys Road for Friday coffee mornings. It's a great time to relax, have a cuppa tea and scone and talk and laugh with some of the wonderful people down in Kittys Road :-).
A really exciting thing coming up is this Wednesday, I will be going on a 5 day trip to Rome with a group of 30 high schoolers for an RE (Religious Education) Expedition to learn about the church history in Rome and see all the sites. It will be a VERY packed 5 days.....and we hit the ground running by leaving at 3am on Weds!! Everyone is really looking forward to it and seeing all the different places in Rome...and to spending 5 days together. It should be really good - and the Italin Gelato (ice cream) should be really good as well :-). You can be sure to look forward to seeing some pictures up after the trip too!
Well thanks for continuing to follow all that God is doing over here! May we continue to keep our eyes on Christ!
Yearning for Him,
Jason
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Encouraged!
I had the great opportunity to preach for the evening service this past Sunday at Mourne Presbyterian Church. It was a youth service, so we had the praise band and other youth involved in the service....it was a great evening. We have been going through a Family Life series, and in doing so, looking at the different roles and responsibilities of each of the members within a family. So my talk was geared towards children, and the responsibility of honoring and obeying parents. In doing so, I looked at Phil 4:8-9 and how Paul encourages us to live a lifestyle that is all about Jesus. So if we live this lifestyle, in return, we then best honor and obey our parents.
Overall it was very encouraging and many people came up afterwards saying that they were encouraged.....so praise God!!! If you would like to listen to the service, feel free to click HERE.
Along with that, other things have been going well too. Samuel and I continue to work on E.T.C. (the curriculum to encourage and equip our young poeple to live pure lives and embrace Biblical Manhood and Womanhood). We have given an overview to the local churches who will be discussing it and giving feedback about it over the next couple of weeks, so I do ask for you to be praying for this. Pray that God will direct and guide us as we seek the best way to present and communicate these sensitive, yet very important issues with our young people.
Onto other things...I got a haircut today :-)....AND decided to shave off the gotee :-o....which is the first time in about a year and a half (the first time ever in Northern Ireland without it), so many people have been looking twice, which has been funny. So we'll see how it goes, maybe I will miss it and start growing it agian, but I figured why not give it a go without it for awhile (especially since there was a growing interest of people wondering what I looked like without one lol).
Apart from that, it is starting to feel like October as well. We have been having a nice stretch of beautiful weather with some lovely sunshine, but today the rain came back a wee bit and I must admit, the coolness has come with it as well. So we look forward to the autumn season and the many exciting things that will be coming up in YF, SU, Kittys Road, and everywhere else. So I will keep you posted on all the craic that's happening ;-).
Thank you for your continued prayers and support.....and for all of you who take the time to read these updates....it is very encouraging!! May we continue to keep our eyes on Christ.
Yearning for Him,
Jason
Overall it was very encouraging and many people came up afterwards saying that they were encouraged.....so praise God!!! If you would like to listen to the service, feel free to click HERE.
Along with that, other things have been going well too. Samuel and I continue to work on E.T.C. (the curriculum to encourage and equip our young poeple to live pure lives and embrace Biblical Manhood and Womanhood). We have given an overview to the local churches who will be discussing it and giving feedback about it over the next couple of weeks, so I do ask for you to be praying for this. Pray that God will direct and guide us as we seek the best way to present and communicate these sensitive, yet very important issues with our young people.
Onto other things...I got a haircut today :-)....AND decided to shave off the gotee :-o....which is the first time in about a year and a half (the first time ever in Northern Ireland without it), so many people have been looking twice, which has been funny. So we'll see how it goes, maybe I will miss it and start growing it agian, but I figured why not give it a go without it for awhile (especially since there was a growing interest of people wondering what I looked like without one lol).
Apart from that, it is starting to feel like October as well. We have been having a nice stretch of beautiful weather with some lovely sunshine, but today the rain came back a wee bit and I must admit, the coolness has come with it as well. So we look forward to the autumn season and the many exciting things that will be coming up in YF, SU, Kittys Road, and everywhere else. So I will keep you posted on all the craic that's happening ;-).
Thank you for your continued prayers and support.....and for all of you who take the time to read these updates....it is very encouraging!! May we continue to keep our eyes on Christ.
Yearning for Him,
Jason
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Birthday thoughts...
Well two days ago was my birthday....thanks for all of the birthday wishes!! To answer the main question - birthdays are celebrated in much the same way over here as they are in the states - so unfortunately for many, no Irish Jigs :-). It was a good day...nothing too out of the ordinary. The Chestnutts made a lovely meal and desert for me and another great family, the Dodd's made a Birthday cake for me as well....so I was well looked after. I am grateful for all the family and friends that God has blessed me with!!
Another thought that I had on my birthday, was that it was the morning of my birthday 1 year ago that I received a phone call from Samuel giving me the official invitation to come over and partner with him in investing in the lives of the young people here in Kilkeel.....wow to see what all God has done since then!!!
In terms of what's been happening, Youth Fellowship had its official start this past Sunday, it was brilliant. We had pizza, played a game, and just had great craic and carry on....and many showed up as well, so it was very encouraging.
The big thing coming up that I am looking forward to is this coming Sunday evening I will be preaching at Mourne Presbyterian Church :-). I am really looking forward to it. We have been going through a Family Life series and talking about the different roles and responsibilities that each person has within a family. So my talk will be geared towards the young adults and encouraging them to not only obey and honor their parents, but to live their lives in such a way that they are proclaiming who Jesus is. I will be teaching from Philippians 4:8-9....so if you remember, be praying for me as I prep and preach on Sunday evening :-).
Thanks again for all of you who wished me a happy birthday...it was great to hear from everyone! May we continue to yearn after Christ and keep our eyes fixed on Him :-).
Jason
Another thought that I had on my birthday, was that it was the morning of my birthday 1 year ago that I received a phone call from Samuel giving me the official invitation to come over and partner with him in investing in the lives of the young people here in Kilkeel.....wow to see what all God has done since then!!!
In terms of what's been happening, Youth Fellowship had its official start this past Sunday, it was brilliant. We had pizza, played a game, and just had great craic and carry on....and many showed up as well, so it was very encouraging.
The big thing coming up that I am looking forward to is this coming Sunday evening I will be preaching at Mourne Presbyterian Church :-). I am really looking forward to it. We have been going through a Family Life series and talking about the different roles and responsibilities that each person has within a family. So my talk will be geared towards the young adults and encouraging them to not only obey and honor their parents, but to live their lives in such a way that they are proclaiming who Jesus is. I will be teaching from Philippians 4:8-9....so if you remember, be praying for me as I prep and preach on Sunday evening :-).
Thanks again for all of you who wished me a happy birthday...it was great to hear from everyone! May we continue to yearn after Christ and keep our eyes fixed on Him :-).
Jason
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
48 Hours of Prayer
We began our 48 hours of prayer for Scripture Union today. Many of the students have signed up and are very excited to seek the Lord as we prepare and plan for the year in SU. The 48 hours will end on Thursday as we kick off our first official Scripture Union meeting after school.
I want to encourage you, if you have the chance, to pray along with us over the next two days. Pray that God would work in the lives of the students at the high school, that through SU they would be encouraged to live their faith out Loud, and that God would awaken a passion for His glory among the upcoming generation. We are looking forward, with eager expectation, to see what He has in store for the upcoming year.
Thanks for praying!!
Yearning for Christ,
Jason
I want to encourage you, if you have the chance, to pray along with us over the next two days. Pray that God would work in the lives of the students at the high school, that through SU they would be encouraged to live their faith out Loud, and that God would awaken a passion for His glory among the upcoming generation. We are looking forward, with eager expectation, to see what He has in store for the upcoming year.
Thanks for praying!!
Yearning for Christ,
Jason
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Scripture Union
Its been really great getting back into the school and helping out with PE in the afternoons. As typical, now that everyone is back to school, we have BEAUTIFUL weather!! It's almost like we are finally having the summer that we didn't get (since it rained sooo much!!). Anyway, it has been nice to have the sun shining and the opportunity to go outside and enjoy God's creation.
This past weekend I had the opportunity to go up to Belfast with 6 fellow youth Fellowship leaders that will be helping out this year. We attended a conference called Training Trevor, which had some great workshops to help and encourage the local youth workers. It was not only a great day to be encouraged, but it was also a great time to get to know some of the other adults that we will be working alongside of this year.....it was a great day!!
Now that school is underway, we are eagerly looking forward to Scripture Union to start up again. SU is a place where students can come along with their friends to be encouraged in the Word and to share in a time of praise and fellowship as well. Within SU, we also have mentor groups and a weekly prayer meeting. It is a great ministry within the high school. We are hoping to officially start next Thursday. As part of that, we are have a 48 Hour prayer time starting on Tuesday, September 15 at 3pm and will last until 3pm on Thursday at which point we will hold our first SU meeting immediately following.
I want to encourage each of you, as you are praying and supporting me....to take a half hour, or hour during that time period and pray for our SU. Pray that God would give us direction and guidance on what to discuss and cover for the year. Pray that students would be encouraged and equipped to live their faith out loud within school and look for opportunities to share about the Truth of Jesus. We are eagerly looking forward to what God will do this year through SU. So please join with us in praying that God will show up and show off in a great and glorious way!!
Thanks again for your continued encouragement and support :-). I love hearing from you, so don't be afraid to leave a comment and say hi :-). Until next time, may we all continue to keep our gaze on Christ, yearning for more of Him in our lives!!
Yearning for Christ,
Jason
This past weekend I had the opportunity to go up to Belfast with 6 fellow youth Fellowship leaders that will be helping out this year. We attended a conference called Training Trevor, which had some great workshops to help and encourage the local youth workers. It was not only a great day to be encouraged, but it was also a great time to get to know some of the other adults that we will be working alongside of this year.....it was a great day!!
Now that school is underway, we are eagerly looking forward to Scripture Union to start up again. SU is a place where students can come along with their friends to be encouraged in the Word and to share in a time of praise and fellowship as well. Within SU, we also have mentor groups and a weekly prayer meeting. It is a great ministry within the high school. We are hoping to officially start next Thursday. As part of that, we are have a 48 Hour prayer time starting on Tuesday, September 15 at 3pm and will last until 3pm on Thursday at which point we will hold our first SU meeting immediately following.
I want to encourage each of you, as you are praying and supporting me....to take a half hour, or hour during that time period and pray for our SU. Pray that God would give us direction and guidance on what to discuss and cover for the year. Pray that students would be encouraged and equipped to live their faith out loud within school and look for opportunities to share about the Truth of Jesus. We are eagerly looking forward to what God will do this year through SU. So please join with us in praying that God will show up and show off in a great and glorious way!!
Thanks again for your continued encouragement and support :-). I love hearing from you, so don't be afraid to leave a comment and say hi :-). Until next time, may we all continue to keep our gaze on Christ, yearning for more of Him in our lives!!
Yearning for Christ,
Jason
Monday, August 31, 2009
End of Summer...
Well this week officially marks the end of summer in the minds of many of the young adults. Why, you may ask......back to school. By this Thursday, everyone will be back to school and back into the routine of life. It actually is exciting for many, not that summer is over, but that a new year lies ahead with many things to anticipate in school, Youth fellowship, Scripture Union, mentor groups, and everything else in between.
The last two weeks have been really good. I have been working with Samuel as we pray, plan, and cast vision for the upcoming year in Youth Fellowship and Scripture Union. We are very excited about where the Lord is leading us and are eagerly anticipating the great things that He will do in and through us and the young adults. It's also been great to have a little time to just kick back, relax and hang out with some young people before everyone gets ready to go back to school.
Another highlight over the past couple of weeks has been our weekly get togethers down and Kittys Road. Every Friday for the past couple of weeks, we've continued to go down to Kittys Road to hang out and have a bit a craic with everyone, as well has having Bible discussions. It has been a really great time being able to open the Bible and see the Truths that Jesus teaches us and share that with our friends :-)
I've also been able to break in my new ride :-). I've been driving this for about a month now. It has been quite handy to get me around places and even give me more freedom to go and connect with young people. So I thank God for providing me with the means to have transportation!
As I look ahead to the next week, I ask that you would continue to pray for Samuel and myself as we finalize the plans for YF this year. We are very excited and are hoping and praying that God will do immensely more than we can ask or imagine. I continue to thank you for all your prayers and support...it doesn't go unnoticed...I am very grateful!! May we continue to keep our eyes on Christ.
Yearning for Christ,
Jason
The last two weeks have been really good. I have been working with Samuel as we pray, plan, and cast vision for the upcoming year in Youth Fellowship and Scripture Union. We are very excited about where the Lord is leading us and are eagerly anticipating the great things that He will do in and through us and the young adults. It's also been great to have a little time to just kick back, relax and hang out with some young people before everyone gets ready to go back to school.
Another highlight over the past couple of weeks has been our weekly get togethers down and Kittys Road. Every Friday for the past couple of weeks, we've continued to go down to Kittys Road to hang out and have a bit a craic with everyone, as well has having Bible discussions. It has been a really great time being able to open the Bible and see the Truths that Jesus teaches us and share that with our friends :-)
I've also been able to break in my new ride :-). I've been driving this for about a month now. It has been quite handy to get me around places and even give me more freedom to go and connect with young people. So I thank God for providing me with the means to have transportation!
As I look ahead to the next week, I ask that you would continue to pray for Samuel and myself as we finalize the plans for YF this year. We are very excited and are hoping and praying that God will do immensely more than we can ask or imagine. I continue to thank you for all your prayers and support...it doesn't go unnoticed...I am very grateful!! May we continue to keep our eyes on Christ.
Yearning for Christ,
Jason
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Back from France :-)
Well my trip to France was brilliant!! I had a great time teaching through the book of Philippians and everyone on the trip seemed to be encouraged and challenged by it, so praise God for using me to make much of Him!! We did quite a bit of cycling in and around the town of Avignon and the surrounding area. All together, we cycled about 185 miles!! If you want to see some of the pictures from my trip feel free to check them out at Provence Pictures.... I hope you enjoy them :-)
So now I am back into Kilkeel. The summer holidays are nearing an end. Yet it is still quite busy! Samuel and I are fast at work preparing, planning, and praying for the upcoming year in Youth Fellowship, Scripture Union, and Kitty's Road. So please be in prayer for us as we spend time planning and preparing over these next couple of days. We are eagerly anticipating and excited about what God will do this year. Our hope is that He will do even far greater things than we can plan or imagine!!
Thanks for your continued prayers and support :-)!! May we continue to keep our eyes on Christ.
Yearning for Christ,
Jason
So now I am back into Kilkeel. The summer holidays are nearing an end. Yet it is still quite busy! Samuel and I are fast at work preparing, planning, and praying for the upcoming year in Youth Fellowship, Scripture Union, and Kitty's Road. So please be in prayer for us as we spend time planning and preparing over these next couple of days. We are eagerly anticipating and excited about what God will do this year. Our hope is that He will do even far greater things than we can plan or imagine!!
Thanks for your continued prayers and support :-)!! May we continue to keep our eyes on Christ.
Yearning for Christ,
Jason
Friday, August 7, 2009
Off to France for 9 days!
Tomorrow I leave for Provence, France for 9 days. I have been blessed with the opportunity to be the speaker for a group of 85 people that are on holidays in France. I will be giving six talks throughout the course of the trip. My hope is to teach through the book of Philippians and point to how we should look to Christ as our Treasure. The trip is a cycling trip, so we will be doing day trips bicycling around sights in France...so it should be great craic!!
A few prayer requests while I am away...
1. Pray that I would be able to connect and get to know the people that will be in the group. I only have a short amount of time to build relationships and learn names (which I'm horrible at). But God is good and my prayer is that He will provide me with the ability to do that.
2. Pray that God would use me as His tool to speak His Trust and His Wisdom from the book of Philippians.
3. Pray that I would have traveling mercies as I fly over to London and then get on a coach bus with the rest of the group and travel down to France.
4. Pray that those coming on the trip will see the need to Treasure Jesus above all other things!!
Thanks for your continued prayers and support. May we continue to keep our eyes on Christ!
Yearning for Christ,
Jason
A few prayer requests while I am away...
1. Pray that I would be able to connect and get to know the people that will be in the group. I only have a short amount of time to build relationships and learn names (which I'm horrible at). But God is good and my prayer is that He will provide me with the ability to do that.
2. Pray that God would use me as His tool to speak His Trust and His Wisdom from the book of Philippians.
3. Pray that I would have traveling mercies as I fly over to London and then get on a coach bus with the rest of the group and travel down to France.
4. Pray that those coming on the trip will see the need to Treasure Jesus above all other things!!
Thanks for your continued prayers and support. May we continue to keep our eyes on Christ!
Yearning for Christ,
Jason
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Take a Look!
Well, the American Team has come and gone, and so has Kittys Road Festival week. However, there is much to look forward to! God is a great God and is doing tremendous. Rather than write it all out I figured I would give you a wee taster of what God has done and continues to do in a small, but special place called Kitty's Road :-)
Friday, July 24, 2009
Kittys Road
This week we have been down at Kittys Road and it has been absolutely brilliant!! We've had the opportunity to continue old relationships that were begun last summer and even begin some new ones as many of the American Team this year was their first time. It has been great sharing the craic (fun) with everyone out there. We have been doing things from playing activities on the football pitch, having coffee mornings for the women in the community, going to the cinema, having a jazz band and rapper perform, having meals together, and even having the opportunity to open up the Bible and talk about Jesus. It has been really good and everyone has been enjoying it.
Today we are getting ready for another day full of Treasure hunters Bible club in the morning with the wee ones, a mountain hike in the afternoon with everyone, and then a camp out on the pitch tonight with all the high schoolers. It will be loads of fun and hopefully very encouraging.
I continue to thank you for your prayers and encouragement...it has been great. May we continue to keep our eyes on Christ!! :-) ..... and don't forget to check out the team blog too!!
Yearning for Christ,
Jason
Today we are getting ready for another day full of Treasure hunters Bible club in the morning with the wee ones, a mountain hike in the afternoon with everyone, and then a camp out on the pitch tonight with all the high schoolers. It will be loads of fun and hopefully very encouraging.
I continue to thank you for your prayers and encouragement...it has been great. May we continue to keep our eyes on Christ!! :-) ..... and don't forget to check out the team blog too!!
Yearning for Christ,
Jason
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
The Americans are Here
Well the team from Bethlehem has arrived safely to the Kingdom of Mourne. We picked them up from the airport about about 9:30 this morning. After a fun-filled day of getting them acquainted with everyone, they are finally able to sleep and catch up on some much needed rest.
We are very excited about the next couple of weeks. Things kick off this weekend with a Youth Retreat here at Mourne Presbyterian Church with a bunch of youth from the church...it should be great craic. Then next week we jump into the Kittys Road fun week, where we will be returning to continue to build upon the relationships that were started last year. Then the week after we will be down to Annalong to connect with some of the high schoolers down there and encourage them in there faith.
I encourage you to be praying for all of these different things over the next couple of weeks. There will be many opportunities to share from the Word, and we are very excited to see what the Lord does. The team from Bethlehem has set up a blog that they will be updating while they are here, so feel free to check that out as well over the next couple of weeks. The address is http://northernireland09.wordpress.com/ so check it out!!
Thanks again for your prayers and support.......The earth is the Lord's and everything in it!!! Continue to keep your eyes on Christ,
Yearning for Christ,
Jason
We are very excited about the next couple of weeks. Things kick off this weekend with a Youth Retreat here at Mourne Presbyterian Church with a bunch of youth from the church...it should be great craic. Then next week we jump into the Kittys Road fun week, where we will be returning to continue to build upon the relationships that were started last year. Then the week after we will be down to Annalong to connect with some of the high schoolers down there and encourage them in there faith.
I encourage you to be praying for all of these different things over the next couple of weeks. There will be many opportunities to share from the Word, and we are very excited to see what the Lord does. The team from Bethlehem has set up a blog that they will be updating while they are here, so feel free to check that out as well over the next couple of weeks. The address is http://northernireland09.wordpress.com/ so check it out!!
Thanks again for your prayers and support.......The earth is the Lord's and everything in it!!! Continue to keep your eyes on Christ,
Yearning for Christ,
Jason
Monday, July 6, 2009
Americans Around the corner
Well the past week or so has been full of preparations for the American team that is coming next week from Bethlehem Baptist Church. Everyone is eagerly anticipating there arrival. We will be doing many things with them, including going back down to hang out with our wonderful friends on Kittys Road for their fun week.
Apart from sorting those details out, there has been much tennis playing :-). The recent Wimbledon has perked the interest of many of the young people to want to play tennis. So with the beautiful weather, I've had loads of opportunities to get a few matches in with many of the lads that I've been connecting with....its been great craic.
Also, there has been another very exciting addition to the team....a SCOOTER!! Yep, that's right! I got a scooter (moped) last week. I will have pictures shortly of it. I will mainly be using it to get around the town to visit family's houses and such...anything much further and I would probably choose to take other means of transportation. The down side is that I have to get it registered first, so it will be another couple of weeks before I will be able to hit the roads with it. However, it has been good craic driving it around the church car park :-).
I hope everyone had a great fourth of July. Obviously things here were much quieter. May we continue to keep our eyes on Christ...thanks for your prayers and support!
Yearning for Christ
Jason
Apart from sorting those details out, there has been much tennis playing :-). The recent Wimbledon has perked the interest of many of the young people to want to play tennis. So with the beautiful weather, I've had loads of opportunities to get a few matches in with many of the lads that I've been connecting with....its been great craic.
Also, there has been another very exciting addition to the team....a SCOOTER!! Yep, that's right! I got a scooter (moped) last week. I will have pictures shortly of it. I will mainly be using it to get around the town to visit family's houses and such...anything much further and I would probably choose to take other means of transportation. The down side is that I have to get it registered first, so it will be another couple of weeks before I will be able to hit the roads with it. However, it has been good craic driving it around the church car park :-).
I hope everyone had a great fourth of July. Obviously things here were much quieter. May we continue to keep our eyes on Christ...thanks for your prayers and support!
Yearning for Christ
Jason
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Sermon on the Mount....ok, not really :-)
Things have been going quite well over the past several days. It has been great getting back into the swing of things and investing into the youth of Kilkeel again. It has been a wee bit crazy since the school year is coming to a close this week, but it also has provided great opportunities to hang out at the school more with the youth since they aren't doing much.
Sunday was our last YF for the year. So we walked up Knockree (part of the Mourne Mountains) and I had the opportunity to give an end of the year encouragement. It was quite brilliant!! It was absolutely gorgeous and being able to teach on the side of a hill was an incredible experence.
This week I am just down at the school hanging out as things are wrapping up. Along with that, I am helping with events and activities that we will be having this summer. And also, helping develop E.T.C which stands for Every Though Captive. It is a 12 week seminar that Samuel and I are working on developing that is geared towards young men and women to equip them with the wisdom and skills to approach relationships and sex in a healthy, God-glorifying way. And to do that, our overall encouragement is to "Take every thought Captive to Him." So please be in prayer as we are working on this. Our hope is to have it ready to launch a test run of it in the autumn.
Thanks for your continued prayers and support. Feel free to say hi...I would love to hear from you :-).
Yearning for Christ,
Jason
Sunday was our last YF for the year. So we walked up Knockree (part of the Mourne Mountains) and I had the opportunity to give an end of the year encouragement. It was quite brilliant!! It was absolutely gorgeous and being able to teach on the side of a hill was an incredible experence.
This week I am just down at the school hanging out as things are wrapping up. Along with that, I am helping with events and activities that we will be having this summer. And also, helping develop E.T.C which stands for Every Though Captive. It is a 12 week seminar that Samuel and I are working on developing that is geared towards young men and women to equip them with the wisdom and skills to approach relationships and sex in a healthy, God-glorifying way. And to do that, our overall encouragement is to "Take every thought Captive to Him." So please be in prayer as we are working on this. Our hope is to have it ready to launch a test run of it in the autumn.
Thanks for your continued prayers and support. Feel free to say hi...I would love to hear from you :-).
Yearning for Christ,
Jason
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Settling Back In :-)
Well after a long wait and much anticipation, I am finally getting settled back in my flat in Kilkeel. The past day and a half has been in once sense, very surreal. It's been great seeing people again. Often times it feels like I was just here yesterday. But then when I look around and realize that the school year is pretty much over and that summer is right around the corner, then I see that much has gone by.
God is good and it is very exciting to be back in the swing of things as we plan for the future. The biggest thing that we have coming up is about 4 weeks from now when a team of 15 people will be coming out to join us for a couple of weeks. They will be helping us out in many areas, but most significantly out on Kittys Road. We (and they) are very much looking forward for their arrival and to continue the relationships that were begun last summer. So as you think of it, please be in prayer for them as they get ready for the trip and travel here.
Otherwise, for the next week or so I will just be hanging about the school going on various trips with students. Tomorrow I get to go with the Year 11's up to Lisborn for the day, so that will be great craic (I'm pickin up the lingo again quite quickly ;-) ).
One other thing that I would ask your prayers for is for the families of the poeple who were involved in a local plane crash last week. The funerals will be tomorrow and it will be a very sad day through Kilkeel and Annalong. This tragedy has been devastating to the local community, so please be in prayer for the families and friends as they mourn. The tremendous blessing in the situation is that all three who died were believers!
Yearning for Christ,
Jason
God is good and it is very exciting to be back in the swing of things as we plan for the future. The biggest thing that we have coming up is about 4 weeks from now when a team of 15 people will be coming out to join us for a couple of weeks. They will be helping us out in many areas, but most significantly out on Kittys Road. We (and they) are very much looking forward for their arrival and to continue the relationships that were begun last summer. So as you think of it, please be in prayer for them as they get ready for the trip and travel here.
Otherwise, for the next week or so I will just be hanging about the school going on various trips with students. Tomorrow I get to go with the Year 11's up to Lisborn for the day, so that will be great craic (I'm pickin up the lingo again quite quickly ;-) ).
One other thing that I would ask your prayers for is for the families of the poeple who were involved in a local plane crash last week. The funerals will be tomorrow and it will be a very sad day through Kilkeel and Annalong. This tragedy has been devastating to the local community, so please be in prayer for the families and friends as they mourn. The tremendous blessing in the situation is that all three who died were believers!
Yearning for Christ,
Jason
Friday, June 12, 2009
Answer to Prayer!!!
Well after a long wait and much prayer, God showed up and showed off His Greatness by allowing me to finally get my Visa!!! I am sooooo excited. I just want to thank everyone for your prayers and support over the past couple of months....it has been very encouraging!!
I will be leaving Tuesday evening to fly back to Dublin. I will arrive at 8:30am and within a couple of hours be back in the lovely town of Kilkeel! I am very excited to get back over there and jump back into things. I ask that you continue to pray for my ministry over there with the youth in the community. There are many exciting things that we are looking forward to, so make sure you check back regularly for updates on what's happening.
As of now, I am packing things up and spending the last few days in the states with family. Again I want to thank you for your prayers and support....God is Great!!! Psalm 24:1 "The earth is the Lord's and everything in it!"
Yearning for Christ,
Jason
I will be leaving Tuesday evening to fly back to Dublin. I will arrive at 8:30am and within a couple of hours be back in the lovely town of Kilkeel! I am very excited to get back over there and jump back into things. I ask that you continue to pray for my ministry over there with the youth in the community. There are many exciting things that we are looking forward to, so make sure you check back regularly for updates on what's happening.
As of now, I am packing things up and spending the last few days in the states with family. Again I want to thank you for your prayers and support....God is Great!!! Psalm 24:1 "The earth is the Lord's and everything in it!"
Yearning for Christ,
Jason
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Nearly there....please PRAY :-)
Well I can finally send in my Visa application again. So I ask that you would pray that God would grant me favor in the eyes of the British Consulate. The goal is to have my Visa by the end of the week so that I will be able to head back to Northern Ireland on Tuesday, June 16th. I am really excited that things are moving again. So please be in prayer with me as I wait to hear back about my Visa.
Thank you so much for your prayers and support. May we continue to keep our eyes on Christ. I will keep you posted on my Visa!!
Yearning for Christ,
Jason
Thank you so much for your prayers and support. May we continue to keep our eyes on Christ. I will keep you posted on my Visa!!
Yearning for Christ,
Jason
Friday, May 22, 2009
Continue to Pray :-)
"The earth is the Lord's and everything in it" Ps 24:1
I am absolutely amazed at God's grace!! These past four month, though frustrating at times, have been very fruitful especially as I look at my own relationship with the Lord and my now greater understanding of His incredible Grace that sustains me each and every day.
I want to give you a quick update on what is happening with my life. Unfortunately I still don't have a concrete date to give you in terms of when I will be heading back to Northern Ireland. However, our goal is still to be heading back in that direction by mid-June, which is very EXCITING!!
Right now, Mourne Presbyterian Church has applied to become a certified sponsor. We are waiting for that to go through. Once they have been approved, then they will submit an application for me to become one of their sponsoree's. The home office will look over the application and Lord willing, approve me to come over. When they do, they will issue a reference number, which Mourne will forward onto me. It is then that I will be able to reapply for my VISA, and hopefully shortly after be issued it :-).
So I continue to ask for your prayers through this process. I am really excited about finally making some progress, and I continue to hope and pray that God would open the door for me to return. Pray for favor in the eyes of the British Government and for expedience so that I will be able to return soon.
May we continue to keep our eyes on Christ, especially as we enjoy the beautiful creation around us as we see plants and flowers blooming in full beauty.
Jason
I am absolutely amazed at God's grace!! These past four month, though frustrating at times, have been very fruitful especially as I look at my own relationship with the Lord and my now greater understanding of His incredible Grace that sustains me each and every day.
I want to give you a quick update on what is happening with my life. Unfortunately I still don't have a concrete date to give you in terms of when I will be heading back to Northern Ireland. However, our goal is still to be heading back in that direction by mid-June, which is very EXCITING!!
Right now, Mourne Presbyterian Church has applied to become a certified sponsor. We are waiting for that to go through. Once they have been approved, then they will submit an application for me to become one of their sponsoree's. The home office will look over the application and Lord willing, approve me to come over. When they do, they will issue a reference number, which Mourne will forward onto me. It is then that I will be able to reapply for my VISA, and hopefully shortly after be issued it :-).
So I continue to ask for your prayers through this process. I am really excited about finally making some progress, and I continue to hope and pray that God would open the door for me to return. Pray for favor in the eyes of the British Government and for expedience so that I will be able to return soon.
May we continue to keep our eyes on Christ, especially as we enjoy the beautiful creation around us as we see plants and flowers blooming in full beauty.
Jason
Sunday, May 3, 2009
A light at the end of the Tunnel!!
Well there is definite progress in getting back to Northern Ireland, and as each day goes by, I get more and more excited!! I just found out that the Elders at Mourne Presbyterian Church were able to meet and they officially gave me the thumbs up and have invited me to come back and partner with them for next year!! God is good and I continue to be in awe of how awesome He is!
Now the next step is for them to become an official sponsor. Once they have done this, then I will be able to reapply for my VISA and LORD WILLING, will be able to return sometime around the beginning of June. The hope and prayer is that I will be able to get a VISA that will enable me to stay 12 months, which is the max amount of time you are allowed with the VISA. Therefore, the plan is to be there from June 2009 to May 2010.
So I urge you to continue to pray over this process...and especially for me getting the VISA. It seems like this is the final stretch. I must say though, that I am very thankful that I have had this time at home to take a step back to be able to think and evaluate different things. It has been tremendously refreshing and insightful....especially as I look as I look to how I can best use the gifts that God has given me for His glory.
Also, within the next couple of weeks, I will be sending out an update via snail mail, so that you will know my latest updates and prayer points as I look to return to Northern Ireland soon. I again want to thank you for your continued prayers and support....it has been tremendously encouraging.
Until next time....may we continue to keep our eyes on Christ!!
Yearning for Christ and Longing to return to Northern Ireland,
Jason
Now the next step is for them to become an official sponsor. Once they have done this, then I will be able to reapply for my VISA and LORD WILLING, will be able to return sometime around the beginning of June. The hope and prayer is that I will be able to get a VISA that will enable me to stay 12 months, which is the max amount of time you are allowed with the VISA. Therefore, the plan is to be there from June 2009 to May 2010.
So I urge you to continue to pray over this process...and especially for me getting the VISA. It seems like this is the final stretch. I must say though, that I am very thankful that I have had this time at home to take a step back to be able to think and evaluate different things. It has been tremendously refreshing and insightful....especially as I look as I look to how I can best use the gifts that God has given me for His glory.
Also, within the next couple of weeks, I will be sending out an update via snail mail, so that you will know my latest updates and prayer points as I look to return to Northern Ireland soon. I again want to thank you for your continued prayers and support....it has been tremendously encouraging.
Until next time....may we continue to keep our eyes on Christ!!
Yearning for Christ and Longing to return to Northern Ireland,
Jason
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
An update!...
About a week ago I finally received a phone call from the Consulate. The lady I was talking to was very helpful and informative. She pretty much told me that the problem with my Visa application was that I applied for the correct Visa but the incorrect sub type of the Visa. As a result, they were unable to issue me a Visa here in Chicago. She informed me that I could continue the appeals process, but they would have to send it back over to the UK and that could take quite some time. However, she advised me that the quicker option would just to be to reapply altogether under the correct Visa. So, that is what I am doing.
However, rather than just reapplying right away just to rush back so that I can be there until August, I am talking with Mourne Presbyterian Church and the elders are meeting to discuss the possibility of me staying through next year since this year had a little hiccup. With the new visa that I will be applying for, it will enable me to stay up to 12 months. So the hope is to wait until June to go back and then stay through May 2010. So God is good and works through all things.
Looking back on my time here in the States, I am very thankful for it because God has been teaching and me and showing me many different things that I might not have learned otherwise. I ask that you continue to pray for the situation as the Elders at Mourne talk as well as when I will end up reapplying for my Visa. Thank you so much for your continued prayers and support. May we continue to keep our eyes on Christ!
Yearning for Him and Longing to return to Northern Ireland,
Jason
However, rather than just reapplying right away just to rush back so that I can be there until August, I am talking with Mourne Presbyterian Church and the elders are meeting to discuss the possibility of me staying through next year since this year had a little hiccup. With the new visa that I will be applying for, it will enable me to stay up to 12 months. So the hope is to wait until June to go back and then stay through May 2010. So God is good and works through all things.
Looking back on my time here in the States, I am very thankful for it because God has been teaching and me and showing me many different things that I might not have learned otherwise. I ask that you continue to pray for the situation as the Elders at Mourne talk as well as when I will end up reapplying for my Visa. Thank you so much for your continued prayers and support. May we continue to keep our eyes on Christ!
Yearning for Him and Longing to return to Northern Ireland,
Jason
Thursday, April 2, 2009
♫ Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord ♫
The song "Everlasting God" has gone through my head many times during the last 9 weeks. The wait continues as I continue to wait and trust in God's perfect timing. Unfortunately, there still hasn't been any news or updates even in light of the letter that I wrote at the beginning of last week to the Consulate.
I continue to take each day as it comes, one at a time...continuing to keep my hope and trust in my Sovereign God knowing that He has a reason and a purpose behind everything that He does. I am grateful for the time I've had at home. I've had some great opportunities to connect with some of my old youth group guys from nearly six years ago, help out some old friends, as well as get a little more acquainted with the college ministry 631 which prior to this, haven't had much exposure to. So there definitely is good behind all things.
I encourage you to continue to pray for me and for my situation. I can honestly say that my heart for those in Northern Ireland hasn't fainted at all...in fact, it's probably gotten stronger. I miss them tremendously and cannot wait to return and continue to encourage them in their faith. So pray that God would enable me to go back soon by granting me a VISA from the British Government. May we continue to keep our eyes on Christ, putting our hope in the Grace that He shows us each and every day!
Yearning for Christ and Longing to return to Northern Ireland,
Jason
I continue to take each day as it comes, one at a time...continuing to keep my hope and trust in my Sovereign God knowing that He has a reason and a purpose behind everything that He does. I am grateful for the time I've had at home. I've had some great opportunities to connect with some of my old youth group guys from nearly six years ago, help out some old friends, as well as get a little more acquainted with the college ministry 631 which prior to this, haven't had much exposure to. So there definitely is good behind all things.
I encourage you to continue to pray for me and for my situation. I can honestly say that my heart for those in Northern Ireland hasn't fainted at all...in fact, it's probably gotten stronger. I miss them tremendously and cannot wait to return and continue to encourage them in their faith. So pray that God would enable me to go back soon by granting me a VISA from the British Government. May we continue to keep our eyes on Christ, putting our hope in the Grace that He shows us each and every day!
Yearning for Christ and Longing to return to Northern Ireland,
Jason
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Hmmmmm.....wow
First of All I want to thank all of you for your continued prayers and support during this crazy period of my life!!
Unfortunately I am still in the states. Who would have thought that I would be around an extra 7 and a half weeks now (and counting). I think that this past weekend might have been the hardest period of my wait thus far. Why??...well this weekend was the SU Retreat, where the Senior SU went away for a weekend retreat. The downside is that I was supposed to be the speaker for it. So it was a bummer to face the reality that I didn't make it back for that.
However, I still continue to keep hope. Nearly every day I remind myself of the verse that is starting to become my life verse - well for this period of my life at least! Psalm 24:1 "The Earth is the Lord's and EVERYTHING in it...!" Sometimes things just don't make sense, but that's because we are not God and we cannot fully grasp the infinitely awesome plan that He has for each of our lives. It's usually after the fact that situations begin to make sense. That's probably what is happening right now with me. I have no clue why He doesn't want me over in N. Ireland at the moment, but I know that it's for a reason and a purpose. So I just need to continue to trust and put my hope in the reality that my God is sovereign and knows what's best for me!!
So, in light of that, I continue to wait. I just wrote a letter to the British Consulate here in Chicago asking for a status update on what is going on and when I should expect to hear something. I ask that you would continue to pray about my situation and especially for this letter...that God would grant me favor in the eyes of the British Government and that they would be willing to grant me the VISA so that I can get back over to Northern Ireland. Also, pray that I would continue to trust in God's timing....it definitely has gotten frustrating at times, but I need to continue to trust in God and truly rely on His Grace.
May we all continue to keep our eyes on Christ!
Yearning for Christ and Longing to return to Northern Ireland!
Jason
Unfortunately I am still in the states. Who would have thought that I would be around an extra 7 and a half weeks now (and counting). I think that this past weekend might have been the hardest period of my wait thus far. Why??...well this weekend was the SU Retreat, where the Senior SU went away for a weekend retreat. The downside is that I was supposed to be the speaker for it. So it was a bummer to face the reality that I didn't make it back for that.
However, I still continue to keep hope. Nearly every day I remind myself of the verse that is starting to become my life verse - well for this period of my life at least! Psalm 24:1 "The Earth is the Lord's and EVERYTHING in it...!" Sometimes things just don't make sense, but that's because we are not God and we cannot fully grasp the infinitely awesome plan that He has for each of our lives. It's usually after the fact that situations begin to make sense. That's probably what is happening right now with me. I have no clue why He doesn't want me over in N. Ireland at the moment, but I know that it's for a reason and a purpose. So I just need to continue to trust and put my hope in the reality that my God is sovereign and knows what's best for me!!
So, in light of that, I continue to wait. I just wrote a letter to the British Consulate here in Chicago asking for a status update on what is going on and when I should expect to hear something. I ask that you would continue to pray about my situation and especially for this letter...that God would grant me favor in the eyes of the British Government and that they would be willing to grant me the VISA so that I can get back over to Northern Ireland. Also, pray that I would continue to trust in God's timing....it definitely has gotten frustrating at times, but I need to continue to trust in God and truly rely on His Grace.
May we all continue to keep our eyes on Christ!
Yearning for Christ and Longing to return to Northern Ireland!
Jason
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
6 Weeks!
Tomorrow marks 6 weeks - it was 6 weeks ago that I was originally supposed to be heading back to Northern Ireland. I am continuing to wait and trust in my Sovereign God, who I know has a perfect plan and purpose behind me being here. I am tremendously grateful for His Word, which continues to encourage me and give me hope to trust in Him - I don't think a day has gone by where I haven't reminded myself of Psalm 24:1 and the reality that "The earth is the Lord's and EVERYTHING in it!." I am also thankful for worship songs. One in particular that has really been encouraging is Everlasting God by Christ Tomlin. It opens up by saying "Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord." How true is that!!! He truly is the Everlasting God!!
I changed the main picture (above) today. It is a picture of the Ebenezer that we built this past summer on the shores of the Irish Sea in Annalong, Northern Ireland. We built it because an Ebenezer is a symbol of God's help and faithfulness. God showed up and showed off while we were in Ireland and we wanted to thank him for that just like Samuel did in 1 Samuel 7:12.
I recently read a book called The Prodigal God by Tim Keller...it reminded me that I live for a a Great God! Every now and then as I sit around waiting to go back to Ireland, I sometimes think that somehow I deserve to go back because everything was going so well and God was using me to further the Gospel and to encourage the youth there. However, the reality is that I never deserve anything!...well except one thing....hell. It is by God's Grace that I am able to do what I do. He is the one who puts me in situations and places where I can bring Him glory. He is the one that rescued me and sustains me. I've come to realize how great God's grace is and it is great! So even though I am not back in Ireland yet, I am thankful that I have the one thing that is more than enough for me...and that's Jesus!
I want to thank all of you for your encouragements during this period of waiting...its been great! I urge you to continue to pray that I would get my VISA soon and be able to return to Kilkeel. God has a plan and a purpose! May you continue to keep your eyes on Christ!
Yearning for Christ and Longing to return to N. Ireland!
Jason
I changed the main picture (above) today. It is a picture of the Ebenezer that we built this past summer on the shores of the Irish Sea in Annalong, Northern Ireland. We built it because an Ebenezer is a symbol of God's help and faithfulness. God showed up and showed off while we were in Ireland and we wanted to thank him for that just like Samuel did in 1 Samuel 7:12.
I recently read a book called The Prodigal God by Tim Keller...it reminded me that I live for a a Great God! Every now and then as I sit around waiting to go back to Ireland, I sometimes think that somehow I deserve to go back because everything was going so well and God was using me to further the Gospel and to encourage the youth there. However, the reality is that I never deserve anything!...well except one thing....hell. It is by God's Grace that I am able to do what I do. He is the one who puts me in situations and places where I can bring Him glory. He is the one that rescued me and sustains me. I've come to realize how great God's grace is and it is great! So even though I am not back in Ireland yet, I am thankful that I have the one thing that is more than enough for me...and that's Jesus!
I want to thank all of you for your encouragements during this period of waiting...its been great! I urge you to continue to pray that I would get my VISA soon and be able to return to Kilkeel. God has a plan and a purpose! May you continue to keep your eyes on Christ!
Yearning for Christ and Longing to return to N. Ireland!
Jason
Monday, March 2, 2009
Still Hoping
Well its the start of a new week, and there is no new news yet. I am still hoping and praying that I will find out something soon. In the mean time I have just been chilling at home hanging out with family and friends around the Chicagoland area. I have had a couple opportunities to go up to Minnesota to visit friends as well and that has been really good.
I continue to ask you to pray for God's mercy and grace upon the situation, that way we can get things figured out. May we continue to keep our eyes fixed on Christ knowing that He is indeed sovereign over everything!
Yearning for Christ,
Jason
I continue to ask you to pray for God's mercy and grace upon the situation, that way we can get things figured out. May we continue to keep our eyes fixed on Christ knowing that He is indeed sovereign over everything!
Yearning for Christ,
Jason
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
4 Weeks...........
Well, 4 weeks ago today I was originally planning on being back in Northern Ireland. I would have never thought it was going to take this long to get the VISA. Every day I wake up hoping and praying that it will be the day that my VISA comes in the mail. The hardest part about waiting and being patient is that I have no clue what's going on with it. I just continue to hope that it will come, and come soon!
I continue to ask for your prayers. Pray that God would not only grant me favor in the eyes of the British Consulate, but also that He would expedite the process so that I will be able to return to Northern Ireland soon and continue the ministry that He has tremendously blessed me with.
Yearning for Christ and Longing to return to Northern Ireland,
Jason
I continue to ask for your prayers. Pray that God would not only grant me favor in the eyes of the British Consulate, but also that He would expedite the process so that I will be able to return to Northern Ireland soon and continue the ministry that He has tremendously blessed me with.
Yearning for Christ and Longing to return to Northern Ireland,
Jason
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Hope...
"Nevertheless, I am continually with you;
you hold my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will receive me to glory.
Whom have I in heaven but you?
And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever...
...But for me it is good to be near God;
I have made the Lord GOD my refuge,
that I may tell of all your works."
Psalm 73:23-26,28
Yearning for Christ,
Jason
Friday, February 20, 2009
Nothing yet.....
Just wanted to give you a quick update and let you know that I am still awaiting word from the British Consulate pertaining to my VISA. It has been about a week and a half since I sent in my appeals information, so hopefully they will be coming to a decision soon. I am hoping that I will hear something towards the beginning of next week. I ask that you would continue to pray. Pray that I would find favor in the eyes of the Consulate and that they will issue a VISA...soon :-)! Also pray that I would continue to have patience to trust in God's timing. It has now been a little over 3 weeks since I was originially supposed to go back...so if I wasn't antsy before, I definitely getting to that point now. I thank you for your continued prayers and support!!!
Yearning for Christ and to return to the ministry He has blessed me with in Northern Ireland,
Jason
Yearning for Christ and to return to the ministry He has blessed me with in Northern Ireland,
Jason
Friday, February 13, 2009
Still Waiting....Still Trusting
Well earlier this week I finally was able to send in my appeal application along with further supporting documents from both Mourne and Bethlehem. So now I am waiting again for a response from the British Consulate in Chicago. I am hoping and praying that they will look at the new evidence and decide to overturn their decision and thus issue me a VISA.
So as I continue to wait, I ask that you would continue to pray for the situation. It has now been two weeks since I was supposed to go back over to Kilkeel. In it all, I continue to trust in my King knowing that it will be in His timing that I will go back. Thank you all for your prayers and support during this craziness! As soon as I find out anything I will let you know.
Yearning for Christ,
Jason
So as I continue to wait, I ask that you would continue to pray for the situation. It has now been two weeks since I was supposed to go back over to Kilkeel. In it all, I continue to trust in my King knowing that it will be in His timing that I will go back. Thank you all for your prayers and support during this craziness! As soon as I find out anything I will let you know.
Yearning for Christ,
Jason
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Continue to Pray....
My trip down to the British Consulate wasn't tremendously helpful. As I somewhat expected, there was no way getting past the security officer. The security guys said that pretty much no one is allowed to make visits to the consulate without having an appointment and being accompanied by a US Marshall....and he said the last time that happened was in 07.
This means that I will have to go through the appeals process and mail everything back to them. So what I am doing is getting TONS of supporting documents to show what I am doing over there and to convince them that my goal isn't to go over there to make money. My hope is to mail in everything at the beginning of this coming business week and then hope and pray they overturn their decision based on the supporting documents. Once they take a look at it again, there is two things that can happen. The first is the best thing.....that is that they look at the new evidence and feel that they can overturn their decision, Thus issuing me a VISA. The second option (which would be not good) is that they look at the evidence and feel that they made the correct decision. At this point, they then mail my appeal back to mainland UK for an official appeal, which can take up to 3 months!!! So if the first case happens, I could have a VISA within a couple weeks, but if the second happens........oh dear!
So I ask that you would be praying over this situation. Especially pray that I would find favor in the eyes of those looking at my application. Also pray that I would be patient and content knowing that "The earth is the Lord's and everything in it!" I thank you for your continued prayers and support.....I continue to be tremendously grateful!!
Yearning for Christ and Trusting in His Sovereignty,
Jason
This means that I will have to go through the appeals process and mail everything back to them. So what I am doing is getting TONS of supporting documents to show what I am doing over there and to convince them that my goal isn't to go over there to make money. My hope is to mail in everything at the beginning of this coming business week and then hope and pray they overturn their decision based on the supporting documents. Once they take a look at it again, there is two things that can happen. The first is the best thing.....that is that they look at the new evidence and feel that they can overturn their decision, Thus issuing me a VISA. The second option (which would be not good) is that they look at the evidence and feel that they made the correct decision. At this point, they then mail my appeal back to mainland UK for an official appeal, which can take up to 3 months!!! So if the first case happens, I could have a VISA within a couple weeks, but if the second happens........oh dear!
So I ask that you would be praying over this situation. Especially pray that I would find favor in the eyes of those looking at my application. Also pray that I would be patient and content knowing that "The earth is the Lord's and everything in it!" I thank you for your continued prayers and support.....I continue to be tremendously grateful!!
Yearning for Christ and Trusting in His Sovereignty,
Jason
Thursday, February 5, 2009
The Unexpected....please PRAY
There is never a dull moment when living for the King of Kings. Today I finally heard back about my VISA....the crazy thing is that I was totally caught off guard. I opened up the envelop that was from the British Consulate all to find out that I was denied a VISA. This is something I didn't see coming at all. It definitely was a complete bummer and has added to the frustration that has been the past couple of days.
I would ask for your prayers! Tomorrow morning I am going to take a trip down to the British Consulate to see what steps I need to take in order to appeal the decision. Pray that I would have favor in thier eyes and that they would be willing to talk and guide me in the right direction. Pray that it would be a quick process. Pray that I would have the patience and the ability to Trust in God knowing that "The earth is the Lord's and everything in it..." And finally, pray that I would GET the VISA.
I will keep you posted as I find information out. Thanks in advance for your prayers in this crazy and confusing situation.
Yearning to continue to Serve Christ in Northern Ireland,
Jason
I would ask for your prayers! Tomorrow morning I am going to take a trip down to the British Consulate to see what steps I need to take in order to appeal the decision. Pray that I would have favor in thier eyes and that they would be willing to talk and guide me in the right direction. Pray that it would be a quick process. Pray that I would have the patience and the ability to Trust in God knowing that "The earth is the Lord's and everything in it..." And finally, pray that I would GET the VISA.
I will keep you posted as I find information out. Thanks in advance for your prayers in this crazy and confusing situation.
Yearning to continue to Serve Christ in Northern Ireland,
Jason
Monday, February 2, 2009
Groundhog Day......the irony...
Last night as I was eagerly looking forward to today, hoping that I would hear news on getting my VISA, I was flipping through the channels on TV and came across the movie Groundhogs Day. It's an older film with Bill Murray who wakes up every morning with it still being Groundhogs Day - no matter what he does, he still wakes up to it being Groundhog's Day.
As I was lying in bed last night thinking and asking God to give me the patience to wait on His timing, I began to think about that movie and how my current situation is somewhat like that. Rather than waking up and be faced with the challenge of the same day, I wake up every morning hoping that it will be the day that I will get my VISA and go back to Northern Ireland. The more that I am away, the more that my heart aches to go back. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the extra opportunity to spend time with family and friends here in the states, but you always get to that point in your vacation where you just want to get back to normal and back into the regular flow of life. I must say, I am eagerly looking forward to jumping back into ministry in Northern Ireland...I definitely miss it and miss all the guys that I am working with and I CANNOT WAIT to get my VISA and head back over there :-)!
So as I continue to wait for my VISA to come, I continue to seek the Lord and ask Him for patience and understanding. The reality and truth is that "The earth is the Lord's and EVERYTHING in it..." and I need to trust in my Sovereign God who will, in His timing, allow me to go back and continue the ministry that He has blessed me with in Kilkeel. But until then, I need to trust in Him and be content where He has me right now....and that is chillin in Brookfield, Illinois. So please be praying that my VISA will come and that I will have the patience and understanding to be content in my Sovereign God.
Yearning for Christ,
Jason
As I was lying in bed last night thinking and asking God to give me the patience to wait on His timing, I began to think about that movie and how my current situation is somewhat like that. Rather than waking up and be faced with the challenge of the same day, I wake up every morning hoping that it will be the day that I will get my VISA and go back to Northern Ireland. The more that I am away, the more that my heart aches to go back. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the extra opportunity to spend time with family and friends here in the states, but you always get to that point in your vacation where you just want to get back to normal and back into the regular flow of life. I must say, I am eagerly looking forward to jumping back into ministry in Northern Ireland...I definitely miss it and miss all the guys that I am working with and I CANNOT WAIT to get my VISA and head back over there :-)!
So as I continue to wait for my VISA to come, I continue to seek the Lord and ask Him for patience and understanding. The reality and truth is that "The earth is the Lord's and EVERYTHING in it..." and I need to trust in my Sovereign God who will, in His timing, allow me to go back and continue the ministry that He has blessed me with in Kilkeel. But until then, I need to trust in Him and be content where He has me right now....and that is chillin in Brookfield, Illinois. So please be praying that my VISA will come and that I will have the patience and understanding to be content in my Sovereign God.
Yearning for Christ,
Jason
Friday, January 30, 2009
A Slight delay....
Well...I've been back in the States for two weeks now. It has been really good to spend time with my family and go on a holiday with them, and it was also good to have the opportunity to go up to Minnesota to visit all my friends there. While I was up there I even had the chance to teach the high school Sunday school....that was a wee bit weird, it almost felt as if I had never left (except that I had a different accent this time!) It is amazing how fast a trip can go by, but I was glad that I had a chance to see people....and I apologize for those that I didn't have a chance to see too :-).
I was supposed to head back to Northern Ireland this past Wednesday, but as you can tell, I am not back there yet. Since the next part of my stay over there will be longer than 6 months, I had to apply for a VISA. I was hoping to have this ready to go by the time my flight was to leave on Wednesday, but that didn't happen. So instead, I am hanging out in Chicago with my family until my VISA comes back (which should be any day) At the moment, I have reschuduled my flight for Monday night, hoping that I will have my VISA by then. Pray that it comes, that way I don't have to change it again.
Even though I miss being in Northern Ireland tremendously and CANNOT WAIT to go back....I know that God has a purpose and a plan behind everything. So I am reminded of the verse a couple months ago that I clinged to then, and continue to cling to now....Psalm 24:1 "The earth is the Lord's and EVERYTHING in it....!" ...... including VISA's and when they come ;-).
I continue to thank all of you for your continued prayers and support....as each day goes by, I am more and more grateful for the ways that God is using you to further the ministry that He has put me in. Well, continue to keep your eyes on Christ! I will let you know as soon as I know :-)
Yearning for Christ,
Jason
I was supposed to head back to Northern Ireland this past Wednesday, but as you can tell, I am not back there yet. Since the next part of my stay over there will be longer than 6 months, I had to apply for a VISA. I was hoping to have this ready to go by the time my flight was to leave on Wednesday, but that didn't happen. So instead, I am hanging out in Chicago with my family until my VISA comes back (which should be any day) At the moment, I have reschuduled my flight for Monday night, hoping that I will have my VISA by then. Pray that it comes, that way I don't have to change it again.
Even though I miss being in Northern Ireland tremendously and CANNOT WAIT to go back....I know that God has a purpose and a plan behind everything. So I am reminded of the verse a couple months ago that I clinged to then, and continue to cling to now....Psalm 24:1 "The earth is the Lord's and EVERYTHING in it....!" ...... including VISA's and when they come ;-).
I continue to thank all of you for your continued prayers and support....as each day goes by, I am more and more grateful for the ways that God is using you to further the ministry that He has put me in. Well, continue to keep your eyes on Christ! I will let you know as soon as I know :-)
Yearning for Christ,
Jason
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Holiday in the States
Well tomorrow (Thursday) I am heading back to the States for a two-week holiday. It will be good fun seeing family and friends and sharing all that God has been doing thus far while I have been in Northern Ireland. Hopefully no one will get sick of my newly found accent ;-). Pray that God would grant me traveling mercies as I fly home and then as I travel about seeing people. Also, I will be applying for my VISA to come back for the second part of my trip. Please pray that that process will go smoothly and that there would be no complications.
Maybe I will see you....if not, continue to keep your eyes on Christ!
Yearning for Him,
Jason
Maybe I will see you....if not, continue to keep your eyes on Christ!
Yearning for Him,
Jason
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Congrats!!....and great Cafe one80!!!
Well, first and foremost, I want to congratulate Samuel and Sarah on their engagement....it was absolutely brilliant. I am so excited for the you two and pray that God would continue to work through both of your lives to further his kingdom. If you haven't heard "the 5 surprise engagement" you should talk to Sarah and I'm sure she would love to tell you how Samuel "whoo-ed" her!!!
Moving on to other things, Cafe one80 was brilliant!! We finished up our last weekend and we had a tremendous turnout! Each night we had a different band that came and played music. It created a great atmosphere to sit back, relax and just have some good craic (fun). Not only that, but we had some great dramas as well as speakers who shared from their own experience how much Christ has impacted their lives. Besides all that, I've heard many stories of young people who made a commitment to follow Christ....so praise God for that!!! So I just want to thank everyone everywhere who was praying for Cafe one80....God definitely showed up and showed off, and it was really encouraging.
There was also a challenge that was put out the last night of One80. Samuel challenged Andrew (my roommate) that he could have the mini that we did up for Cafe One80 (which currently has no engine) up and running by February 15 otherwise Samuel will do Andrew's laundry for a month, was his car for a month, and make him an evening meal once a week for a month. So this has become the talk of the town, and it will be interesting to see what happens. Clearly I have an inside scoop on the situation, but I will not indulge so as to leave the suspense there!! :-)
Thanks again for your prayers and support. God continues to show His faithfulness and sovereignty, and it really has been encouraging! I urge you to continue to keep your eyes on Christ!
Yearning for Him,
Jason
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Brilliant!
Well the first weekend of Cafe one80 has come and gone. Let me just say that it was absolutely Brilliant!! We had a great turnout....nearly every night over the weekend the hall was full. There has been a encouraging buzz amongst the young people - they have really been enjoying it. We've even had some people come that we've never seen before, which has been really encouraging.
We are preparing for this coming weekend, which we have three more nights. We are excited because the word is spreading about it and we are hoping to get even a greater turn out. Pray that God would work through Cafe one80 to encourage those that are questioning what Christianity is all about. Pray that opportunities would come about to share about Jesus with some of the young people. Also, Saturday afternoon we have a program for some of the younger kids. This program is called FBIJ (Federal Bureau Investigating Jesus) and I am speaking at it. So pray that God would use me as His tool to speak truth to these young men and young women :-).
I am continully thankful for all of you that follow my blog and are praying for me. It means quite a lot, so I thank you!! Continue to keep your eyes on Christ!!
Yearning for Him,
Jason
We are preparing for this coming weekend, which we have three more nights. We are excited because the word is spreading about it and we are hoping to get even a greater turn out. Pray that God would work through Cafe one80 to encourage those that are questioning what Christianity is all about. Pray that opportunities would come about to share about Jesus with some of the young people. Also, Saturday afternoon we have a program for some of the younger kids. This program is called FBIJ (Federal Bureau Investigating Jesus) and I am speaking at it. So pray that God would use me as His tool to speak truth to these young men and young women :-).
I am continully thankful for all of you that follow my blog and are praying for me. It means quite a lot, so I thank you!! Continue to keep your eyes on Christ!!
Yearning for Him,
Jason
Friday, January 2, 2009
Cafe one80
Today we started our youth outreach called Cafe one80. It is going on this weekend and next weekend and it is open to high school age and upwards. For the first night, i twas a great turn out! The nights consist of dramas, testimonies, bands, and guest speakers.....and a cool mini ;-).
It is a great opportunity for young adults to invite their friends into an environment that is laid back so that they can enjoy a bit of craic. Tonight went really well and we continue to be excited for the several nights to come. Pray that God would use these opportunity to bring young men and young men in so that through the dramas, the speakers, and just the conversations, they may hear the Gospel.
The mini was a wee project that we took on because we figured people would love it. Unfortunately, it is just the shell of the mini - it has no engine!! But it is absolutely brilliant! We re-did the interior and put in carpet and did up the back seat. We then put a video camera in it so that people can get into it and have "mini" moments. I'm then taking the little clips that people share on the camera, and turning it into a video that we will then show at one of the other Cafe one80 nights. It definitely is a lot of fun, and the young people love it! (oh and a special thanks to Beau from back home for designing the logo...it turned out great!!)
In terms of prayer requests, pray for Cafe one80. Also on both Saturday afternoons, we are doing a smaller version of it for younger kids (about junior high age), so pray that that goes well too!...especially for next Saturday in regards to that because I will be the speaker for that. Pray that God will use Cafe one80 as a opportunity to reach the young men and women of this community!
I thank you for your continued prayers and support. It is evident that God is working in mighty ways and all of you have played a huge part in that, so I praise God! I encourage you to continue to keep your eyes on Christ! Talk to you soon :-)
Yearning for Him,
Jason
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