Reckless Love

Today is my last day in Gateshead, England. This morning in church, my students and I introduced the song “Reckless Love” to the congregation. I have never felt so loved by God and a group of people in all my life.

This morning we had a beautiful worship service, where my students led the congregation in four songs. It was a proud music teacher moment! After the church service we had our very first guitar and piano recital! The church stayed and watched as 10 students performed piano and guitar solos. At the end the guitars played “My Lighthouse” which is one of their favorite most favorite songs. It has been a joy to teach Dina, Shedrach, Beth, Goodnews, Trinity, Deborah, Chantelle, Vera, Roswita, and Jenny how to play piano and guitar. There have been many memories made, and I know there will be many more memories to come. After our recital, I was gifted with many, many surprises, and I was soon in tears. The first thing they gave me was a song that they had written to me. How could I not get emotional? Their sweet song (which they played on their guitars) brought me to tears. Then they proceeded to give me lots and lots of hand written letters and notes, as well as some sweet items to remember them by. Their over abundance of love shown to me has been overwhelming. I am so touched by their willingness to learn, their open acceptance, and determination to learn.

God has something for me in Gateshead. I am not sure what it is yet, but I am confident that this is a stepping stone in my journey to Croatia. God has something big in store for me and I am sure I will be coming back. This opportunity has given me the opportunity to see what being a full time missionary is like, and I have to say, I love it. I believe that God has called me to the best job in the world. The church on Derwentwater Road has been a place for me to grow in a safe environment while serving the Lord. I have seen the church grow in such big ways in just 6 weeks, and it can only be described as a blessing from the Lord. Since I have been here, I have seen the people at Gateshead Evangelical Church bloom in worship of the King. Thank you Gateshead for welcoming me with open arms, God has something big in store for me, and you are a part of it. You part of the path that is leading me to Croatia. I’ll see you when I come back.