Computers, Coffee Shops and Conversations

I have to keep this one short, not because there is not much to say but fully because there is not much time for me to write. This week has been very busy but very productive. I have spent a lot of time thinking and praying about and for people and things, as well as running and planning a lot of program and ministry for the upcoming weeks. Basically I've spent an obscene amount of time in front of the computer (which now miraculously has power after an odd run in with a broken power adapter) writing and even more time in meetings. And for all of those who care, I've done three loads of laundry and have sausages thawing on the kitchen counter... which all adds up to make the most productive week yet. I am now really beginning to find a good groove in my ministry placement and enough comfort with the culture to lose my awkwardness with the people. I am ever more pleased and excited about this experience and all that it's teaching me.
Quite a few posts ago I mentioned at least two people who I was meeting pretty consistently in coffee shops and through different ministry outlets... well I am overjoyed to say that they have both decided to follow Jesus with their lives. Praise the Lord with me, and pray for their journeys for they both have very hard times ahead. This is extremely encouraging for me to see the Lord working through me this way, and it has made all the money and time of this trip well worth it. There is nothing better, and I praise and thank the Lord for using me.
There are still plenty of people I am in regular contact with who still need prayer. That people here would come to see and know the greatness of God. Also if you would continue to pray for me - I have a lot of decisions to be made in this next week about my near future and figuring out where God wants me, so please pray that the Lord would be with me and guide my thoughts and decision making.
I am in Edinburgh, Scotland over the next week so my next post may not be for two weeks rather than one.
Thank you, your prayers are felt and yet evermore needed.

Like streams in the Negev

"Captains Log stardate 04267892. We have had another run-in with the cling-on's and I'm beginning to fear that Ensign Harry Kim is getting a fever" (Sorry I had to start one like that)
Back to Earth. I must admit, if I have never said it before, I am due for a new blog update. The title of the last entry is " 'Tis the season to be jolly," and that sure doesn't hide it's age. There has been so much that has happened in the past 3 weeks that I couldn't even conceivably put it all into one blog entry. I've had a wonderful Christmas, and I did quite a bit of cheap traveling to visit friends in England over New-Years - and somehow managed to catch Tonsillitis somewhere in between.
Currently everything in the Church work is back to normal. I am working with the Youth again, running small groups during the week and speaking on Sunday Mornings to Youth. It's been giving me quite a lot to do and I have spent a surprising amount of time in the office this week getting things going and stirring up energy that might have been lost during the extended Christmas break. We are running an acoustic Coffee-House this Tuesday as an outreach event and to kick-off the new year with our small groups, at which I am doing an acoustic set (any song suggestions?). Please pray that newcomers would show up to that and that they'd feel welcome. And at Church this Sunday I am speaking on 1 Corinthians 12 and the Body of Christ and our duty as Christians (not quite like that though), so please also pray that it goes well and that the Lord uses me as He pleases. I also have a few meetings with curious non-Christians in Coffee shops this week to answer questions and build friendships, so be praying, please, for those times and that God would give me the right words to say.
Things seem to be back to normal for me as well, I've gotten back to waking up as early as my body will allow and reading. Please pray for me as I walk in faith and that God would bless me with His presence and grace, which I am ever in need of. I have had a little bit of a time schedule shift as well because the coffee shop that I was working for has just about gone under, and I have been one of the few to be "laid-off". Money is very tight, infact it is "Nil" as they say in this country, so please be praying that God, who has power over that, would help me financially in some way. Restore our fortunes, O Lord.

Thanks for your prayers,