Day Four [monday] 06-17-13

Today was another sight seeing day which so far it seems like that's all we're doing even though we have done quite a bit of ministry. Sam left us last night for a pastor's convention or something but I don't know if we'll see him again well we are on this trip. It was sad to say good bye. He's so full of energy and life that he just makes you happy whenever you're around him. Whenever I would see him he would never seem serious he might a little subdued for a minute or two but that would soon pass and he would be smiling again.

Anyways Tim who helps at ECC took us around London to see the sites. We rode the tube for most of the day which is like the American subway. When we first got to the Tube Station, Andrea and Tim said that the tube is very fast and waits for no one so if we didn't get on when we were supposed to we could very well could have become lost in London. She assigned Moos as the caboose since he'd been there so we call just called him CaMoos. Regan would occasionally back up and walk with him but not very often. He just seemed so lonely back there. None of us got lost though probably because none of us wanted to get left behind.

I think the second tube we jumped on we all rushed to get inside since we were all scared of not making it on. However all of us jumped onto one car but little Adam jumped onto the car next to ours with no one else he knew on it. So as we were riding to our next stop I look over and this is all I see. Creeper much?

Throughout the day we went to Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace. As soon as we came out of the tube station: BOOM! You saw Big Ben staring right at you with the gorgeous building underneath.
It's amazing to me how close a lot of the famous buildings we saw or have heard of are to one another.

 After we took several pictures with Big Ben and clearly marked ourselves as tourists we headed on to the next big thing: Westminster Abbey. It is absolutely gorgeous and pictures could never capture the true beauty of this chapel. However it cost something like 40 pounds to go in so we stuck with just admiring the outside. The line to go inside also wrapped around the building. Next door however there was a little Chapel, St. Mark's I think which didn't cost anything. So we went in there however after I snapped one picture of this chapel one of my team mates showed the no photography sign. Oops! Oh well. It was still beautiful. Sadly I can't download the pictures from my mind onto the computer screen though.

It was cool to think about how people have been going to this church and praying for hundreds and hundreds of years. Again, who knows who could have walked inside that very chapel just like I did. There was also a wall of candles. Tim explained to me that when you say a prayer there your supposed to light a candle and put it along side the others sitting there. It was really pretty to see the candle light reflecting off the mural of our Savior painted on the wall behind.

We then jumped on the tube again for another short trip. Once we exited this station we happened upon this beautiful park but we had no idea where we were going, well at least I didn't know where we going. I thought to myself while we walked how perfect this park was and how sad it was that crime might occur here when the darkness closes in. For now the paths were perfectly lined and rows of tall strong trees and we simply treaded on. I doubt anyone truly marveled at this park like how it deserved. They might have been more focused on our destination than on their journey.

We eventually came upon a really pretty fence that looked pretty familiar so we walked down to the sidewalk opening to cross the street and then I saw it. We had walked to Buckingham Palace. No one had told me so I was in complete shock. Sadly I didn't take a picture of myself in front of it which makes me feel stupid now that I think about it. I guess I'll just have to go back and get a picture with it. Anyways we sat outside this palace for a little bit and just enjoyed the atmosphere. To think this was the place that royalty visits all the time. I remember seeing William and Katherine waving from the balcony when they got married.

Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Gate

Buckingham Fountain?

We also went shopping all before we had to go back to ECC for their Monday Night Prayer Meeting which we were leading. The prayer meeting was good. Cameron played piano and sang beautifully as usual. I so wish I could sound like that just so easily and effortlessly like Cameron does. Anne led the meeting and we followed their daily prayer guide. I got up and prayed on the mic once which was good.

Day Two [saturday] 06-15-13

Today we went to the church and had rehearsals for three hours which was kinda weird since the other choir wasn't with us but it was still good. I loved it! I just wish I had a better voice or a voice people would like to listen to. The church is actually located in a restored theater in Ealing. It looks like one of those buildings from the 1920's. If it had vintage theater chairs I could totally picture one of our American stars from the golden era performing up there.

 After rehearsals, Sam and his beautiful sassy wife Rachel took us on the town. We had kebabs which apparently are really popular in the UK. Then we drove out to see Windsor Castle and shop a little bit at the shops near the castle. The castle was super cool and I couldn't help but think about the tales of knights and princesses I had grown up listening to as a kid. To think royalty walked this same cobblestone street or through these majestic carpeted halls. Apparently there was a royal family member at the castle that day since there was a flag flying but sadly it wasn't queen. It is rumored though that Windsor is one of her favorite places to stay though.

When we first got there it was pouring rain but it lightened up as we drove up to the castle and then stopped leaving the ground nice and moist. It was strictly prohibited to take pictures inside the castle though but for different reasons than you might think. We were told that we weren't allowed to take pictures because most of the furniture, decorating, etc. was actually copyrighted. Most of the team couldn't afford the castle or just didn't want to go inside with us so they went shopping. The boys love shopping Cameron and Regan most I think. We walked out of one store and Regan walked in and told us that he just had to get this one pair of nice shoes before they closed. It was super funny. I'm pretty sure for the rest of the trip they will be teased about how they shop more than anyone I know.

Me in front of the entrance to Windsor Castle

Now we were allowed to take pictures of the grounds since there is nothing they can do to stop you from doing so, so we took hundreds of pictures outside.

Or even imagine this castle under attack at night. The stars twinkling overhead while underneath torches blazed and shouts filled the night. The Brits would now be called to defend their prize, Windsor.

As we toured we prayed for the future of this country. We prayed that good decisions would be made to improve their lives. We prayed that these people would cherish their history as they advance into the future.

Later that night we walked down the streets to a quaint little fish and chips shop, okay maybe not so quaint. It was next to the river though which did make it more appealing. There were nearly a dozen swans gathering near the docks begging for food from passers by. We also saw boats sail down to the dock and then float away. On one occasion when the boat stopped we saw this bride and her wedding procession come out. However it would not be what you think, for this bride was from India so she was wearing a silk vibrant orange sahri. She and her groom walked down the dock and then along the edge of the river into the distance. We were all memorized because of the unusuality of this happening. After they left we soon went back to our fish and chips. Then the boys went on to feed the swans.

Moates feeding the swans with Andrea cracking up in the background

 Overall it really was a good day to just relax and kinda recover from jetlag.

The Swans near the boat

Wales Prayer Calendar

Alright my prayer warriors here it is! The director of my trip helped create this day by day calendar for us all to pray through while we're in Wales. I am so excited and thank you so much for all of your prayer and support!!!!!

June 13/Thursday   Pray as team sets out, that God will bless this trip in a special way.  We pray that there will be no delays in their travel schedule, that their luggage arrives safely with them, and that each team member will be able to rest during their time on the plane.  Psalm 34:8

June 14/Friday   Arrive London.   Pray that each of the team members will remain healthy and strong now, and through the duration of this trip.  Job11: 18,19

Pray for unity as the team begins to serve the Body of Christ.   Psa 133: 1-3

June 15/Saturday    London -Pray that each member have on the full armor of God, Ephesians 6:13-18.  Again, pray for unity as the team spends time in rehearsal, and prayer walking today.  Colossians 2:2…that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love.

June 16/Sunday    London -Team leading worship at Elim Christian Center today.  Pray that each team member will have the full anointing of God – that they will minister boldly, wisely and passionately as they serve today.  1 John 2:27

June 17, Monday   London -Pray that each team member would remember that they carry Jesus’ light within them everywhere they go.  Let your light, Lord Jesus, shine brightly, drawing others to you.   Ephesians 5:8-10.  Some sightseeing today,  pray for fun, laughter and great fellowship.

June 18, Tuesday   Today as the team is travelling to Cardiff, pray that the Lord would give them ears to hear what the Spirit is saying about their specific purpose.  John 10:3-5

June 19, Wednesday   Cardiff –Prayer tour of the city -  Pray that the Word of God would go forth to accomplish the Father’s purposes.  Psalm 119, Ephesians 6:17

June 20, Thursday    Wales – mini tour (Moriah Chapel and Ffald-y-Brenin).   Pray that the “winds of revival” would be stirred as team tours/and prays over different cities in Wales.   Let a spirit of “expectation” be on each person.  Acts 2:17, Acts 4:31, Romans 13:11, Gen. 1:2

June 21, Friday    Ministry at Aberystwyth Elim (church) – pray that the team would be a blessing to this church body.  Pray that they would have a servant’s heart as they reach out in ministry.  Romans 12:1, Galatian 5:13.

Team travels back to Cardiff.  This will be a long day for team.  Pray for God to bring refreshment and renewal to team.  Psa. 1:3

June 22, Saturday   Cardiff – Ministry at City Temple – worship training day.  Pray for a “joyful heart” as team does this training.  Psa. 98:6,  Isaiah 55:12, 2 Chron. 29:30

June 23, Sunday   Cardiff- Ministry at City Temple Services – Pray for Brad as he leads worship and preaches.  Evening services – Daniel, Angela,  Anne and April preach – pray for anointing for each of them.  Let the teams worship in Spirit and in truth, and giving all glory to You, Lord Jesus.  Psalm 29:2,  Psalm 33: 1-3

June 24, Monday   Cardiff – Songwriting with Elim Sound (Brad and 2 others).  Pray for God to fill their hearts and minds with His songs. Psa. 40:3

Team:  Outreach ministry and prayer with CT church plant in Llanishen – Pray today that the team would receive a special revelation of God’s love,  and that they can then share with others.  1John 4:16-18

June 25, Tuesday   Cardiff -  “Caleb Prayer” from Ffald-y-Brenin – O high King of Heaven, have mercy on our land.  Revive your church.  Send the Holy Spirit for the sake of your children.  May your Kingdom come to our nation.  In Jesus’ mighty name.  Amen

June 26, Wednesday   Cardiff- Prayer walking, and team running “Breakthrough Prayer Event”. Habakkuk 3:2 – Lord, I have heard of your fame.  I stand in awe of your name, O Lord.  Revive your work in the midst of our days and in our time.  In wrath, remember mercy.

June 27, Friday Travel to London –  team’s final day and night in U.K.. Pray that the Lord will be honored as the team spends time saying good-bye and talking about all that the Lord has done.  “Then those who feared the Lord talked with each other, and the Lord listened and heard.  A scroll of remembrance was written in his presence concerning those who feared the Lord and honored his name.  Malachi 3:16

June 28, Saturday   Travel home – Pray again for protection for travel, no lost luggage and sleep on the plane.  Psalm 91, Psalm 4:8

General Prayers for Wales:

• ·         Pray for church leaders and fellowships with a clear vision to witness and serve faithfully, many of them in hard and unreceptive areas.
• ·         Pray that revival may come again and that the entire country will again sing the praises of Jesus.·      Pray that the Holy Spirit might breath upon the Welsh culture and revive congregations to again be a blessing to the world   
• ·         Pray for Wales’ team leaders:  Brad and Andrea Parsley 

Co-leaders: Jonathan Moos, and Anne Porter

TADA!

Hi Guys!

So for the past few years I have been creating blogs for each of my missions trips that I have gone so you all can keep up on what God is doing in my life. But here's the thing, even I am losing track of how many blogs I have made so I decided to just make this one and try to just have all my missions stuff and ideas here. It'll probably take a few days until I have this all configured but for now enjoy what I have posted! I will be posting about my upcoming trip to Wales in a little bit!

God bless!

~bethy leigh