“between bonfires and marshmallows there is always a bit of time for God”

    Easter weekend has been most full and most productive. Friday for me started at 8.30 when I hopped on the bus to go to Blackley, which is where I participate in two ministries. The first event was a Good Friday service in the morning, followed by an outdoor service. We Americans performed a skit at these services, which I think was well-received by those who were watching. After those services was an afternoon for the 8-12 (or thereabouts) age group, because there was no school. We played some games, watched a movie about Christ’s life, death and resurrection geared towards that age, and talked briefly about it. There were about 30 kids who came, and I was told that a few of them were not regulars, which is really great. You need to understand that there aren’t a whole lot of new people who come to churches or Christian outreach events, so when one person does, it’s a big deal. After that a few of us collected wood from the Church’s Cemetery and moved it to a bonfire pit (which we constructed) in the Vicar’s garden (backyard). I remember stopping in the middle of climbing on this decomposing pile of sticks and leaves, in the rain, cold, on Good Friday, and thinking If you asked me one year ago what I would be doing next Good Friday, my first answer probably wouldn’t have been this. But, it was worth it. About 10 kids came to the bonfire, and there were two new ones I believe–again, a very good thing. There wasn’t any real connection between a bonfire and Good Friday or Eater, in case you were wondering (as I was at the time). It was just a special event we did to bring as many as possible to hear the Easter story, hence the title of this blog. Just for the record, I was adamant about introducing smores to the Brits, because they weren’t sure what they were. I just couldn’t let people have a bonfire and not eat smores. Regardless, I returned that night around 10, which made it a very long, but beneficial, day.
    Today also went well. There were a few new faces this morning at both churches I assist, which was–as you guessed it–a good thing. I could not write a blog around Easter without discussing what I’ve been thinking about this particular Easter. As I’ve read the Gospel accounts of the Crucifixion and Resurrection this season, I’ve been thinking a lot about the sign that was hung on the Cross: “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” What I’ve been thinking about isn’t altogether what was written, but what was said about those words: “So the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, ‘Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but rather, ‘This man said, I am King of the Jews.’ Pilate answered, ‘What I have written I have written” John 19:21-22. I’ve just found that answer from Pilate very interesting, as I wonder what was going through his mind about everything that was happening?
    Now, however, is the official start of my spring break. I’m leaving for the airport tomorrow morning at 4.30 to get a flight to Geneva, Switzerland. It’s always been something between a goal and a dream of mine to see that city, so when one of the low-cost airlines had a reasonable offer, I took it. Because of the cost of the city, I will only be there for about 20 hours total, but I’m sure it will be worth it. Then on wednesday I go way up north to Aberdeen, Scotland. I return from Scotland on friday to go to Worcester (pronounced “woostah”) on saturday. In Worcester are church-planters affiliated with my home church, so I am very excited to see how they go about doing mission work.
    Along with traveling mercies, I would ask that you pray for me concerning the next few years of my life. I heard back from the University I wanted to attend, and they put me on the “wait list,” which means If not as many people they accepted enroll, I will be given a second look. I still am waiting to hear from two more, but I’d just ask that you pray for wisdom on my behalf, and also that I may trust God’s providence. Thanks.