New Wine is so refreshing!

The weeks continue to go by so quickly. The week before last, I finished work and said my goodbyes to the staff and pupils of Garth Hill College for the second time in three years. I have really appreciated God's goodness in giving me a second spell their and the opportunity to build relationships and to feel a part of one school. At the end the modern languages staff all went out for a meal together, which was really nice.

Following that, I barely had time to draw breath before I was jumping into the car to drive up to Newark for the northern New Wine conference, where I was manning the WEC stand for the week. Sadly Caroline was still working, so she stayed home with Naomi. However, it was a really interesting week of often contrasting emotions. I was often disappointed that not more people stopped to look at the stand, which was quite a powerful display, but I was blessed and challenged by the teaching and worship, particularly in the evening celebrations. It was for me a time of real refreshing and re-focusing on God. I was particularly challenged by the thoughts of Lesley-Anne Leighton, speaking about what she called "downward mobility" i.e humbling oursleves before the Lord and "holy intimacy." The following morning I was reminded of an old worship song, which contains the line: "Oh break our hearts with the things that break yours." This has two senses: the things that break God's heart in my life and the things that break God's heart in the world. I found that I came back, having been touched deeply by God and I am really grateful that He gave me this opportunity before we go out to Burkina. Truly for me, New Wine was a time of refreshing!

Getting Ready!

Our preparations for our impending departure for Burkina Faso continue to go well and we sense the hand of the Lord upon our arrangements. Mark has been very busy at work, but finishes this week.

This weekend another part of the jigsaw fell into place with the purchase of a Mitsubishi Pajero 4 x 4 to be shipped to Africa, where it should be waiting for us upon our arrival on 7th September.

We have also been blessed by a couple, who recently left Burkina and who have donated all their furniture and household items to us.

We praise God for His goodness and provision.

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Praise God, Deputation tour of Western Isles
went really well. We were extremely well received and had good oppprtunities to share in the churches. We very much enjoyed the fellowship with the different team members and the hospitality offered by the people on the islands. The team was lead by the WEC Scottish Co-ordinators, Wilf and Pat Urquhart and it was great to get to know them. They are an experienced missionary couple, having served in Burkina Faso for 18 years.