Continued thoughts...

Ok, so i can't shake the excitement and i wanted to post again.

Housing is getting lined up and tomorrow i cancel my ticket home. I can stay for 6 months as a tourist and during that time i can earn money through "gifts" from friends. So now to get the word back out to former supporters of my new situation...

There is a bit of tension in the air i think for both sides, considering it's totally new territory for all involved! It's a really good thing we all think, but working out the logistical details is kind of a challenge when you're not totally sure how it's all going to come together.

My title may not exactly be "youth pastor" and i'm ok with that. there are a number of young people aged 11 to younger 20's who they are hoping i could draw along side and help disciple. so the plan is to take the next 6 months and then review where the plan is at. a bit of tension there as well at least for me cause it's stepping out in a new place. I think God has equipped me for this task, and i feel he's opened this door so it's just walking out stuff i know in a new setting. yet somehow that seems really challenging.

the young people are really active here. There is an event they are doing called Raise Ya Hands which is a night of music (10 local bands) and other events to raise money for a charity in South Africa! It's happening in October and it seems really cool and I'm amazed at the passion that's driving it forward.

Oh yes, tonight was FOAM (Friends On A Mission) which is the 11-14 year olds. It was a good group, and they really like Pink Spot (a youth group game I learned in the states). I have yet to introduce other games like fruit basket or the i like/ don't like game. Ahhhh....the looks on their faces when it's a new silly game they've never played before. It was also a good night to challenge their faith with stepping out more and take risks to pray for people they might not normally pray for. They really had good questions on how to approach someone if you feel God is leading you. I thought it was good. I'm excited to see where things go.

Tomorrow night is Troop (the older crowd 15-18 although i think the oldest we have is 16 or 17). I think i'll be talking on standing in God's strengh in the midst of trials and temptations.
Oh, James, the young guy who was worried about moving away from the group got news that his folks have decided that if he's old enough to stay in London then he's old enoough to stay in Bognor! So Sara was happy about that tonight. Also i heard James was really happy to hear i'm staying on as well. it's just amazing how God has prepared hearts for this time, and it leaves me speechless to see it all just unfolding!

Anyway, off to bed now. I may get back over to Portsmouth tomorrow to see the D-Day museum...or not. I don't really know. thank you for reading this. it's such a great way to get out thoughts and stories, and even though i'm so far away from home i at least feel some connection with this. come visit if you get a chance!!