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May 31, 2002
[Lisa
writes:] Greetings,
family and friends around the world! Ken and I have had a blessed, eventful
spring: Ken's second CD, "All Things New: a grace odyssey," was released
in late May; we launched a fun Web site in late April for our Through
the Gates Ministries Inc., www.throughthegates.com (where you can hear
excerpts from "All Things New"); we have recently completed and filed
the paperwork requesting tax-exempt status for the ministry; and Ken and
I experienced a pivotal ministry tour in April and May in the United Kingdom.
When I think of the United
Kingdom now, I think of the United Kingdom of God. The first reason is
because I saw the uniting of believers from different churches and denominations
in advancing God's Kingdom in the U.K. In Hemel Hempstead, for example,
about 30 miles north of London, we ministered at Haven House, a church
located in the former offices of a gas company and which has granted space
for other ministries at the site as well. Among the groups with offices
there is a Christian football league (meaning "real" football, similar
to soccer in the States) and a ministry focused on Muslim countries. In
the Belfast area of Northern Ireland, a few churches of different denominations
have launched a joint ministry to reach youngsters and teens by parking
a bus in a neighborhood one night a week where young people drop by as
they're roaming the streets. I believe God is also at work in uniting
Catholics and Protestants there. A Protestant woman told me, for example,
that she was certain she had no prejudice toward Catholics until she began
working for a Catholic agency. With God's help, she has addressed various
heart issues that have arisen and has become an example of how members
from the two groups can function together in harmony.
The other reason I think
in terms of the United Kingdom of God when I hear U.K. is because of the
unity Ken and I experienced as we ministered together there. This was
my first extended ministry trip with Ken since the fall of 2000 – I've
been home working full time while Ken has often ministered alone – so
we were thrilled as we flowed together in playing music, in prayer and
other ways.
One example is when we
attended a home-group meeting for members of Glenvarna Christian Centre,
near Belfast. I found myself praying specific prayers over each person
there, and Ken often expanded my prayers with song, accompanying himself
on guitar.
In a Sunday service involving
the same church, Ken on guitar and I on flute played spontaneously as
the Spirit led Ken to medley songs. Then Ken paused to ask whether I had
something to share. I felt the Father give me an exhortation, which seemed
well-timed and well-received.
Also, through music Ken
and I helped the congregation experience God's presence in distinct ways.
Ken ushered in the joy and liberty of the Lord, which inspired three teen-age
or young-adult guys to form a dance line behind Ken at the front of the
church. And when Ken and I played as an acoustic duo, God was felt in
a healing, intimate way. After one service a woman who is facing divorce
told me that as I played, long-closed areas of her heart were touched.
So, Ken and I have richly
tasted how the Lord can use us both together, making us yearn more to
minister together on a regular basis.
We also were thrilled
that ministry often happened outside of church walls. Ken sang and presented
a brief Gospel message in a stadium north of London at the cup finals
for a Christian football league; we fellowshiped with a newly saved woman
and her Christian husband in their home, where Ken presented a private
concert; Ken had a chance to share a brief word and song about building
on the Rock of Jesus when he was spontaneously invited to perform at a
birthday party in a community room at our hotel; one evening we joined
the staff operating the bus ministry to young people near Belfast; and
one afternoon while we were touring the Northern Ireland coast, we had
a providential encounter with a member of the U.K. House of Lords.
[Ken
here!] Lisa returned home May 7, while I stayed in the U.K. for another
two weeks. I ministered at two churches in the London area and then at
Sussex Street Baptist Church in Rhyl, Wales. The evening meeting there
was café-style, with tables, beverages, and a very informal atmosphere.
Some folks from the pub across the street even came in, drawn by the sounds
quite different from most folks' concept of "religious music!"
I then had a couple of
extra days during which I was able to visit my friend Norm Barratt, who
played guitars on my first album. This precious brother (and awesome musician)
brought me to the YMCA in Crewe, England, where he teaches at-risk young
people how to do sound engineering. The kids there actually recorded me
doing guitar and vocals for a couple of songs, and later I had an opportunity
to talk with them about Jesus and how He changed my life.
Overall, the thing that
stood out most to me in all the churches where Lisa and I ministered was
the beautiful way in which the churches are connecting with and influencing
their communities, breaking out of the confines of what often becomes
ingrown church life. And my heart was more stirred than ever for the many
young people I met who are so desperately in need of the grace, life,
love, peace and joy that is only to be found in Jesus.
May He fill us all more
and more with His very heart, so we more fully portray Him to those around
us! Grace and peace!
