It's almost the end of October...

Time seems to fly by really fast... suddenly it's almost the end of October ... where has this month gone...

Life here offers some great encounters, whilst at the same time offering challenges.

Our LIFE is about sharing LIFE and we love it... it's been a joy to open our home to a number of different people and I rejoice that Lynn is such a great hostess. I have to say it is a joy to welcome people into our home and share a meal around the table...

Years ago when we first arrived in this region we had a clear sense that we should meet around a table, in Greece we bought a large rectangular marble table that was more than adequate for the task, here in Albania we created a living room with a couple of round tables, one a coffee table, the other a small low dining table.

It is around these tables that we have enjoyed many coffee times and wonderful meals served up by Lynn who makes every recipe her own due to our not always being able to find the specific ingredients but also because she has a great ability to adapt!

About a year ago we were sitting in the living room asking the question... "What are we doing here?" The very next day Lynn read in the Message... "you are here to be salt that brings out the God flavours in people's  lives and Light that brings out the God colours"...

Every time we find ourselves around these table with guests, we discover Flavour and Colour that simply needs releasing. As we proceed on our journey to discover more of the greatness of God we realise there is so much flavour and so much colour in every individual... with this we are seeing the Kingdom of God come with ever increasing delight.

Finally, last weekend we met around the table with friends from Manchester,  family members and new Albanian friends, it was a full house... what a delight it was when the presence of God came and filled the room ... we are rejoicing that LIFE is finding an outlet and both influencing and drawing people into closer relationship with God...

Back in Albania

Greetings friends,
Lynn & I are now back in Albania after a particularly hectic three weeks...

We left here to travel to Greece where we visited a number of people before I (DW) headed off to the UK. Once in England I went away with a group of young men for a 4 day retreat. The Guys travelled from Stuttgart, Thessaloniki, and different parts of the UK.  Our time together was a great encouragement; we shared our hearts, our dreams and wrestled with Spiritual life in the 21st Century.

Lynn was also busy catching up with local Greek folk with whom she has important relationships. I am convinced that the next season of our lives will be spent encouraging the younger generation into radical christian living.

Following this time, I headed North, first to Birmingham where we spent time with family friends who have a home based fellowship, then attended to some family matters visiting my daughter in Manchester and father in Southport. Whilst in Manchester it was a privilege to meet with a family who will visit us in the next 3 weeks and a group of folk who plan to come down in 2012. This visit was concluded with a really good trustees meeting in Guildford.

On flying back to Thessaloniki, the last of the three weeks was spent packing up more belongings to make our house in Shkoder increasingly a home for the next season. Sofa's, armchairs and shelving where all placed on the bus to find it's way to Albania ... as I write I am waiting for the bus company to call and deliver! We are not deserting Greece, we will be keeping a base there for the future. So much of our life seems to be spent on the road, we appreciate the grace God has given us for so much travel and especially the safety we enjoy on the road.

FIRST THINGS FIRST! - Matthew 8v22 (The Message)

Jesus refused. "First things first. Your business is life, not death. Follow me. Pursue life." 

If you read the context of this scripture, Jesus is dealing with the excuses people make when it comes to following him. People where putting off 'til tomorrow what needed to be done now! 
There is no time to put things off, Now is the time to put first things first... 
Our business is life, and it is our passion to see a movement develop whereby people get past their excuses and pursue Life.
When we choose to follow the call of God, he takes care of the details. 
It was an honour to spend time with the group of young men who are "sons".  It is time for our generation to believe and empower those who will carry the Faith baton for the next great awakening...