What I learned from starting a church-based international student ministry...

“I became a member of a church that exposed me to the Great Commission, in which Jesus commanded his followers to become his witnesses in Jerusalem (locally), Judea/Samaria (regionally and nationally) and to the ends of the earth (globally). I understood from this that any Bible-based church should engage in all three zones at the same time.  This pattern became my experience because the ‘ends of the earth’ had come to live in my Jerusalem.  I became a cross cultural witness for Christ without leaving my postcode.”  

– Steve Bell (Grace for Muslims: A journey from fear to faith)

When I read these words they resonated with something deep in my heart. A few years after moving to Bournemouth I began attending Gateway Church in Poole. Through the bible teaching it became evident this was a mission-minded church, and often after the sermons I went away with my heart stirred to share the Good News with those who had never heard. A heart for ‘the nations’ had been developing in me from a young age as my parents worked for a mission organisation and I studied cross-cultural evangelism in bible college. As I settled into the community I soon realised there were many students coming from around the world to study in Bournemouth and Poole. I remember thinking what a great opportunity this was and that our church should be reaching them.  

As I sat sipping tea with a friend on a cold January afternoon I shared my heart. Miss Joyce Harding was a retired missionary to India who I came to know through the care agency I was working for. She prayed with me and told me to look up Friends International. In the summer of 2009 I volunteered to be on the local team for the Bournemouth International Outreach. As I welcomed students from Spain, China, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia and Turkey, and found myself in conversations with them about Jesus, a flame reignited in my soul. From there I became a volunteer for the Hub café, and then the Programme Coordinator for Friends International Dorset in 2010.

During my time with Friends International I have served on the Hub Café leadership team and supported café leaders through the SMILE Network (Student Meetings International Local Events).  While helping to equip local churches, I still longed for my own church to be reaching international students.  Our church is not located in the town centre where most student activity happens, but I knew there were many language students residing with host families in our area. I spoke to the elders, who were very supportive and encouraging of any way we could be reaching the nations in our town. I began meeting with a friend who also had a heart for the nations.  We shared a vision to see an English conversation café in the Parkstone area where people could come to improve their English, meet friends and hear about Jesus. We began praying together, believing God had planted this seed in our hearts. 

Through the years I encouraged Gateway members to join the local BIO team and host international students in their homes for meals. I witnessed God at work as our church became more and more international. Students from Austria, Bulgaria, China, Guyana, India and Romania began attending.  

I kept exploring ways we might be able to open an English conversation café. We even looked at boarded-up shops on Ashley Road in Parkstone.  But, nothing seemed to open up to us. It seemed God was saying it wasn’t time, “Be still and know that I am God”. Then during the late summer of 2015 I learned that Gateway was looking into purchasing the Methodist building at 502 Ashley Road in Parkstone. Could this be the open door? A few weeks after the purchase one of our church elders contacted me and asked me if I would like to start an English Conversation Café at 502 and invited me to come into the church office to talk it through.  

On the 10^the of June, 2016 we opened the doors of Parkstone International Community.  God provided us with an amazing team of people with various gifts and cross-cultural experience. Some were language teachers, had hosted international students in their home, or served abroad in Christian ministry or on the BIO local team. In the weeks prior to the launch we had planning meetings, handed out invitations, spread the word on social media and most importantly prayed. From the very first night God blessed us with a good number of people from around the world.

As time went on the numbers of those in attendance fluctuated as language students came and then returned to their home country.  We tweaked the programme as we became more aware of the needs of the students who were coming to us. We included worksheets to help with practising English conversation, games, activities along with food and cultural events. We looked for creative ways to talk about Jesus by using every day English idioms based in the Bible. 

Looking now over our guest book, I notice we have students coming to us from countries where it can be costly to explore who Jesus is.  Yet, during their time with us they have that opportunity.  And this is where I see our part in global mission. We seek to serve our international guests in a very practical way by helping them improve their English. But, ultimately our aim is to become their friend and help them on their journey to knowing who Jesus is. In just over a year and a half, friendships have deepened; some have asked questions about the Christian faith and requested a Bible in their own language. We are planning to offer an international Bible study after Easter.

What I have learned from this journey is that if God plants a seed in your heart you can trust Him to grow it. As with any seed, it will require a lot of prayer and patience.  How you communicate with your church leaders is extremely important. Like me you may feel passionate about international student ministry, but keep the big picture in mind. Consider the diversity of people your church is reaching and the range of ministries your elders oversee. Learn humility. Be willing to serve. Seek out those in your congregation who have a similar heart for the nations and form a team with your elders’ blessing.  Make use of the many resources and support available to you through Friends International.  No matter how experienced you are, be willing to learn new ways of reaching international students as the needs of the students and their cultures continually change.  Be flexible and keep looking to God for direction.

What I learned in 2017

 

Three months of sabbatical certainly provides plenty of time and space for reflection.  As we approach the end of this year I thought I would share a few things I've learned along the way.  They may not be that deep or meaningful to you, but it's important for me to share them here.

1. God is eager for us to stop, rest and focus on Him

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.  James 4:8

It took nearly a month for me to get into a full sabbatical mode.  Eventually I gave myself permission to lay down responsibilities and learn how to say "no".  With this came a wonderful freedom to rest, read and spend time with God.  I normally make a point to spend a few minutes in devotions before starting my day.  Being able to just sit in His presence, not having an agenda or timetable was so freeing, and it became a sacred time.  This often happened in our bedroom, on a bench by the sea or on a walk in the New Forest.   God and I chatted through a lot of things.  And I did a lot of listening.  He seemed eager to spend this precious time with me and revealed a lot to me about His character and my relationship with Him.   

2. Many things are not a quick fix

Over the past few years I have been experiencing some health problems.  For a long time I have just found myself pushing through it to do what I love. But, our bodies have a way of telling us we better stop or else.  So, I was grateful for this time of rest because I had become exhausted beyond words and I needed to focus on getting a diagnosis and treatment.  I thought three months would provide the perfect amount of time to make any adjustments needed, receive treatment and return to life as normal.  Only a few weeks in I learned that I have fibromyalgia.  I have known several people with illnesses like fibromyalgia and M.E. and witnessed as they experienced chronic fatigue, but really never fully understood how deep this goes.  It was a relief to know what I had but in some ways it brought even more confusion and questions.  I should be grateful I do not have a terminal illness.  But, I found the label vague.  

Since then I've been placed in a fibro support group.  I have made necessary changes to my diet and lifestyle.  I have done a lot of research and learned a lot.   One thing I have learned is, apart from a miraculous healing, there is no quick fix.

3. The honest cries of breaking hearts are better than a Hallelujah

Most days I experience inflammation, pain in my joints and connective tissues.  I struggle with insomnia (the inability to wind down and go into sleep mode).  The physical and mental fatigue cannot be explained in words.  It also greatly affects my cognitive skills.   Most people see me on a good day, or when I'm putting on a brave face, but that is usually followed by several days of pain and exhaustion.  It's a difficult thing to help people understand.  I'm finding it hard to understand myself.

This illness has often pressed me up against the wall, forcing me to cry out to God for help, for answers and a positive way forward.   Some will find this hard reading, but for many it will resonate.  I can tell you that in those darkest and most difficult times it is then that I have found Jesus in the most tangible ways I have ever experienced.  It shouldn't be surprising, because what I read of Him is that He is close to the broken hearted and crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18). He is familiar with our weaknesses (Hebrews 4:18).  As we suffer we enter into His sufferings, we come to know Him in a deeper and fuller way (Phil 3:10).

I learned to be honest and real with myself and God.

The woman holding on for life,
The dying man giving up the fight
Are better than a Hallelujah sometimes
The tears of shame for what's been done,
The silence when the words won't come
Are better than a Hallelujah sometimes.

We pour out our miseries
God just hears a melody
Beautiful the mess we are
The honest cries of breaking hearts
Are better than a Hallelujah.

4. Resorting to Plan B could be God's Plan A all along

An unexpected illness, a circumstance out of one's control, or a sabbatical can cause you to take stock and make necessary changes.  It can be very difficult, but necessary, and it often feels like you may need to resort to plan B.  But, it could be God's plan A all along.

"When our plans are interrupted, his are not.

His plans are proceeding exactly as scheduled,

Moving us always (including those minutes or hours or years

which seem most useless or wasted or endurable)

toward true maturity."

~Elizabeth Elliott

In late November we travelled to Nottingham, where we visited a dear Friends International colleague, Rachel Chard. Over two days I attended training in how to deliver the Al Massira course.  Al Massira means journey.  This course is designed to take the student on a journey through the prophets, revealing the Messiah.  As we watched the DVDs and read through the scriptures I was reminded of Adam and Eve's sin and shame in the garden that separated us from God, of the many burnt sacrifices offered by Noah, Abraham and others, all pointing to the ultimate sacrifice.  In biblical terms, when referring to God's promise to the Jews and the covenant He opened up to all Gentiles, we often refer to the 'old covenant' and 'new covenant'.  Through the course I was reminded and convinced that when the Jews disobeyed God, God did not resort to plan B.  Jesus the Messiah was His ultimate plan A all along.  When Paul preached and wrote about grace through Jesus Christ, he was not bringing a new gospel.  He was bringing the Gospel.  What Paul spoke of was not anything that the prophets had not already told them. (Romans 1:1-7) Okay, you already knew that but it's always good to be reminded.

Time and time again we read of what looks to us like obstacles or hindrances to the spreading of the Gospel.  But, God is sovereign.  Even through Paul's chains, the Gospel was advanced. What a comfort not only in my own personal life, but in a world where men of lies and collusion rise to power.

 

5. God shows up in unexpected places

A few months ago I unexpectedly ran into an acquaintance.  A friend of a friend.  At first I didn't think much about it, but as our friendship developed I realised God had our paths cross again just at the right time.  We seemed to connect and bond without much explanation or back history.  We were both in a place of grief and brokenness.  We were tired of polite chit chat, of pretending everything was okay. We understood each other.  We gave each other permission to be real.  And God met with us in a special way as we prayed for each other in the corner of a busy coffee shop.  

I also felt God near when I looked into the eyes of a refugee child who I have been doing art therapy with.  As we painted a zebra together he began to open up and share with me all that he had seen and witnessed as the only home he knew was destroyed by war and his childhood friends were killed in the street.  Even there I saw reflections of a lonely manger and glimmers of hope and restoration.

God came very near when a friend found the courage to stand before our congregation during worship and spoke about his journey through depression and how His faith in Christ had carried him through.

6. Focus on what He requires

I learned more about what I feel so passionate about and what is important to God.   I've learned to simplify and focus my energy and time on what matters most.  And not to become overly concerned about what people think or with meeting other's expectations.   I believe even more passionately that this Gospel life doesn't have to be either/or when it comes to preaching the Gospel versus social action.  I believe Christ's teachings compel us to both preach and live out the gospel by caring for the most vulnerable in our society.  And what God requires of us is most important.

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8

7. Let go and Let God

As I took a step back, I marveled as I watched God work. Perhaps this isn't something you should say to someone who finds it hard to be motivated to get off the sofa.  But, for someone who often works beyond her contracted hours and is a bit of a perfectionist, it is Good News.  I was so encouraged to see the ministry I lead at Parkstone International Community grow.  Each team member began to realise his or her own individual potential and the importance of the role they play within the team.  Gateway also became more aware how essential this local ministry is to the global mission we are called to.  God blessed this ministry that is dear to my heart and I watched it grow.

8. Hold to His hand

There are deeper and more intimate conversations between God and I that will be left unwritten.  There are other special moments I will always treasure.   Thank you for supporting me and following me on this part of my journey.  My prayer is that as we take a step into the foggy unknown of 2018 that we will hold tightly onto the hand of He who holds the future and wants only the very best for us.

Learning the unforced rythems of Grace...

When I sat down with my supervisor to compile a list of goals for these three months of sabbatical, I had full intentions of updating my blog weekly with reflections and also some articles that I have been wanting to write for some time.

There are several reasons why six weeks later this is my first post. The first being that it was only when I took a step back from my responsibilities that it became overwhelmingly apparent to me how truly exhausted and spent I had become. I so needed rest.  Secondly, these past few weeks have proved to be the most sacred and special time spent with Jesus.  Many of the things I've been learning from His word and chats I have had with Jesus are too personal to share here.

Sitting at the feet of Jesus, 

Oh, what words I hear Him say!

Happy place! so near, so precious!
May it find me there each day;

Sitting at the feet of Jesus,
I would look upon the past;
For His love has been so gracious,
It has won my heart at last. 

Sitting at the feet of Jesus,
Where can mortal be more blest?
There I lay my sins and sorrows,
And, when weary, find sweet rest;
Sitting at the feet of Jesus,
There I love to weep and pray;
While I from His fullness gather
Grace and comfort every day.

Bless me, O my Savior, bless me,
As I sit low at Thy feet;
Oh, look down in love upon me,
Let me see Thy face so sweet;
Give me, Lord, the mind of Jesus,
Keep me holy as He is;
May I prove I’ve been with Jesus,
Who is all my righteousness.

This is a song I came across near the beginning of sabbatical.  As I listened to this familiar old hymn written by Joseph L Hall, I vowed in my heart that I would not waste this precious time given to me.  There are still goals I want to accomplish and a list of things I want to do but by the end of this sabbatical I want to prove I've been with Jesus.

How timely it has been to celebrate and reflect back on the 500th year anniversary of the Reformation.  I've been learning how the Reformation changed the culture of Western civilization.  Like many churches we had a sermon series where we focused on the five solos.

1. Sola Scriptura (“Scripture alone”): The Bible alone is our highest authority.
2. Sola Fide (“faith alone”): We are saved through faith alone in Jesus Christ.
3. Sola Gratia (“grace alone”): We are saved by the grace of God alone.
4. Solus Christus (“Christ alone”): Jesus Christ alone is our Lord, Savior, and King.
5. Soli Deo Gloria (“to the glory of God alone”): We live for the glory of God alone.

In our Christian evangelical circles, we speak and sing of grace through Jesus Christ so often that we forget how truly unique this gift to us is.

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.  Ephesians 2:8-9

As evangelicals it may be our default position to point at individuals and churches who are caught up in religious rituals which add to who Jesus is and what He accomplished through His death and resurrection.  In my time of Bible study and reflection I have been reminded how easy it is for us all to forget that grace through Jesus Christ is enough.  It is more then enough. Is our Christian identity rooted in our upbringing, the church we attend, the Christian circles we socialise in or the ministry we are called to?  Do we find our self worth and value in these things?  They are all good things.  But, it is Christ alone who we should identify with.  

I am grateful for this calling God placed on my life.  I have often referred to one of my favourite quotes from Amy Carmichael. “Give me the Love that leads the way, The Faith that nothing can dismay, The Hope no disappointments tire, The Passion that'll burn like fire, Let me not sink to be a clod, Make me Thy fuel, Flame of God”  It is wonderful to have a clear purpose, focus and drive.  But, there are times when there is such a longing to do more. It can be a torture.  This sacred time of sabbatical has given me the space and time to reflect and realise again what my priorities should be, where I should channel my energy and to live a life that is well balanced.  I love how the Message version reads in Matthew 11:28.

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

What we've been up to:     

•  Celebrated our 15th Wedding Anniversary at the Old Wardour Castle in Shaftsbury
• Attending training on relating to Muslims: 'Who is your Neighbour'
• A trip to Cambridge to visit FI colleagues, international cafe, Bible study and an art gallery 
• Make some lifestyle/diet changes for my overall health.
• Enjoying time with Gary as we have walked along the coast and in the New Forest. 
• Enjoying my favourite season, Autumn in the beautiful area we are so blessed to live in.
• Started a Bible study overview.
• Join in on a Lifegroup at church (we missed being a part of a Life Group while launching PIC).
• Meet up with friends for tea.
• Art: drawing and learning how to do watercolour.
• Clear out a closet and clean the fridge (how therapeutic).

 

 

Through the Storm

I've been keeping a close eye on hurricane Irma. Thanks to online hurricane tracking websites, my computer screen has been filled with live radar images and hurricane data.  At moments I pretend to be a meterologist as I study the data and pradictions for the path of this storm.  Perhaps a different career in another life.

It is quite alarming to hear that this is the strongest storm in recorded history to hit the United States with wind strength up to 184 miles an hour.  A category 5 storm, the strongest in the ratings.  We've witnessed what Texas and Lousiana are still trying to recover from.  And we imagine how destructive it could be for Florida.  

Besides being fascinated with weather patterns, this storm has become quite personal to me. Presently it is sweaping through the Carribean Islands where I have friends bunkering down.  There is a little Bible college on the south east coast of Florida that is preparing even now to evacuate the campus.  

Hobe Sound Bible College and church will always hold a special place in my heart.  For my friends in England I often compare it to Moorlands College.  A small body of students compared to most colleges and universities, everyone knows each other and the staff and instructors are very invested in the individual lives of their students.  It was at Hobe Sound that I studied Missions and Cross-Cultural Evangelism.  I sat under the teaching of godly men and women like Dr Brown, G.R. French and Mrs B.  It was there that I settled in my heart to follow Jesus and make Him known among the nations.  I would often walk down Bridge road to the beach, sometimes with my class mates, sometimes on my own to look across the sea, to imagine where God would send me and to talk with Him.   

Unlike my small home town in North Carolina, this area of Florida is very diverse.  During my time at Hobe Sound I was involved in local ministries such as the Spanish Church, Chinese church and Belle Glade ministries.  This place prepared me for the international student ministry I'm involved in now here in Bournemouth, England.  I witnessed first hand there what it was like to have the world come to my doorstep.  Over the doorway leading out of our classroom was a sign that read, "You are now entering your mission field."

August through to late October is hurricane season.  Every year we encounter a storm.  The campus of Hobe Sound has faced many storms over the past 60 years.  But, this one is the most powerful.  As it sits on the east coast of Florida it is open and vulnerable to the strong winds and waves.  It touched my heart to see a photo of a sister college in Ohio praying protection over Hobe Sound Bible College during their morning chapel service.

Once hurricane Irma hits Florida it will become more clear what direction it may head.  Will it strengthen or weaken, will it move more eastward out into the ocean?  We hope, we pray.  One of it's predicted paths is to carry on through Georgie, South Carolina and into my home state of North Carolina where my father lives.  This is of great concern to me as I know his health is so frail that the upheaval of an evacuation could really compromise his health.  Out of my control and vulnerability are words that come to my mind.  So, I pray for God's mercy and protection on the ones I love.

The storms in our life

This had me thinking about the storms in our life: illness, loss of loved ones and financial difficulty. Maybe it's one of those ordinary days when you battle with the printer to print the document you so carefully prepared for an important meeting.  Or you struggle to bathe, dress and feed the children before going to church or school. Or the roof leaks and the car breaks down. It can all be happening at the same time and can leave you feeling open, vulnerable and beaten down. This past year has seen me facing some difficult storms.  And as I look back over this time I recognise a spiritual battle going on.  At times I wondered if I would be beaten and wiped out for good.

Spiritual warfare

Earlier this year I attended the Friends International staff conference.  This year we learned about the spiritual forces that are at work in our world and what many of the international students we meet and disciple are dealing with as they seek to follow Christ.  I listened to personal stories from Chinese students who had been involved in ancestry worship and of the superstitions and practices in some cultures.  If I am discipling a student from such a background then it should not be too surprising if I encounter spiritual warfare.  I believe the Bible teaches us the importance of not being passive or dismissive but to recognise it for what it is and to be reminded that 'greater is He who is in me then he who is in the world'.  Jesus has already won the battle against Satan by shedding His blood on the cross and I can claim that at any time.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.  Ephesians 6:11-13

The importance of prayer

That is why I make it a priority to start my day with prayer and to meet together with others for cooperate prayer at church and prayer breakfasts.  The longer I am involved in this ministry the more I cherish the prayers of my prayer partners. If you receive my prayer newsletters I want to thank you for taking the time to read them and for your daily prayers. Without your prayers I am vulnerable to the storms.

Today I visited the Bournemouth beach as I often do to have a talk with God.  As I gazed west across the horizon, my mind went back to the little Bible college where I surrendered to God's calling.  With tears in my eyes I prayed that God would keep His hand of protection over them as they continue to inspire and equip young people to 'Go and make disciples of all nations'.

Reflections during my sabbatical

During my sabbatical with Friends International I will be taking a break from social media and will be spending more time here writing on my reflections during sabbatical.  I also plan to write some articles on subjects such as present culture, politics and media, and how it is affecting the local church, and how we as Christians can engage more with mission locally and abroad. Being married to a writer and editor should prove beneficial.  You may subscribe to this blog by clicking on the subscribe button on the right.

A simple gesture: A single yellow rose

To say it has been a strange time to be living in the United Kingdom is a real understatement.  I will not go anymore into my views regarding the EU Referendum.  It is what it is and I am trying to get my own mind wrapped around what all it implies.  I know that people who voted leave did it for a vast variety of reasons.  If you asked 12 people on the street why they voted to leave, they would all give you a different reason.  I know that not everyone who voted leave hates foreigners.  But, for many the results have validated their racist beliefs and they feel it has given them the right to openly express their hate toward immigrants.  These are not just stories on the news.  I have friends who have experienced an increase in racial slanders being expressed to them since Thursday.   Personally, I have been going through a grieving process and my spirit has been crushed.

Monday morning as I woke up, instead of turning on the news or looking at social media, I prayed and read scripture.  Dear God, how do I respond to what is going on in this beautiful country I’ve called home for the past 13 years?  I’ve expressed my views on social media with little to no affect and mostly have been misunderstood.  So, I decided that instead of taking in any more negativity from the news or social media, I would go and make a positive difference.  I would do what Jesus has called me to do… to be His hands and feet.  What could I do to help make foreigners who are living or studying in the UK feel welcomed and accepted?  I’m only one person.  I can’t do much.  I can only reach out to so many people in the time I am given.  What can I do to make a positive difference?  How can I reflect the love of Jesus?

Then I believe God reminded me of the yellow rose.  For centuries it has been a symbol of friendship and welcome.  I chatted with Gary about what was running through my mind.  Monday is my normal day off of work when I catch up with chores around our tiny flat or do something completely different from work to recharge my batteries.  But, I was too distressed to do laundry or dusting.  I needed to do something positive to mend my broken heart and the heart of others around me.  

During lunch I purchased a pack of blank note cards and two dozen yellow roses.  As I slowly sipped my cup of tea in a café, I wrote in each of the cards what the yellow rose symbolises.  After I finished writing the last note, I prayed.  I felt a bit anxious.  How would people react?  Would they understand why I was doing it?  Would it just look like another cheesy American thing?  Would those walking past dislike what I was doing and threaten me?  Still, I had this deep conviction in my heart that this is what God wanted me to do.  Gary was not able to go with me because he had a meeting arranged with an author he is editing a book for.  I didn’t have time to organise a group and felt it was something I needed to do.  Gary and I both prayed that God would keep his hand of protection over me, that He would place the right people in my path and would use me to be a blessing to others.   More importantly we prayed that I would reflect the love of Jesus and those I spoke to would be drawn to Him.

At about1:30pm I set off to walk down the road near the English Conversation Café I recently helped my church open up a few weeks ago.  Still feeling a little jittery I walked down the street with my big bundle of yellow roses.  First I saw an East Asian lady.  As with each international person I spoke to, I simply took a few steps toward her and held a yellow rose out to her.  I said, can I give this rose to you?  She was a bit taken back as she gasped and asked “Why?”.  I said, the yellow rose stands for friendship and welcome.  England doesn’t seem very welcoming right now.  I want you to know that I value what you bring to this country.  Immediately, tears came to her eyes, she wrapped her arms around my neck and began to sob.  Through her sobs I heard her say, this has come at the perfect time.  She then stepped back and looked deeply into my eyes with tears streaming down her cheeks.  I felt a bit overwhelmed with this being my first encounter.  I handed her a card explaining more about the rose and and I told her she was always welcome to our English Conversation Café on Wednesday evenings.  

My next stop was the Polish Delicatessen where I had visited before and chatted with the shop owner about our English Conversation Café, so he knew me well.  Again, I gave him the yellow rose and shared its symbolism.  He smiled, reached out his hand to me and shook mine with tears welling up in his eyes.  I asked him to display the rose and card for all of his customers to see.  Then he offered me a Polish marmalade doughnut.  Possibly the most delicious doughnut I’ve ever eaten.  

As I approached the Middle Eastern grocers I prayed again.  Father, make me a blessing, help me not to be misunderstood.  As I walked past all of the vegetables and fruits imported from the East, many of which I did not recognise nor know how to cook with, and overheard customers speaking in other languages, I was greeted by the Middle Eastern man stocking the shelves.  Again I held the yellow rose in front of me and said, I value what you bring to this country.  He shook his head in amazement.  He asked if I wanted any money for the rose.  I said, no this is just in friendship.  In that moment he looked deep into my eyes with a warm smile, with one hand over his heart, he slipped the other hand into mine.  As we shook hands I felt the dry hard calluses on his hands that represented hard work.  

Next I walked into the tea shop across the street that sells teas from around the world.  As I waited for the shop keeper to come to the counter my senses were overwhelmed by the beautiful aroma coming from all the variety of tea leaves.  I shared the yellow rose with the shop keeper who I think was East European.  She exclaimed that many believe that immigrants take, take, take, but she said we contribute so much.  I smiled in agreement while she placed the yellow rose in a vase on the counter by the till.  

I walked to the Asian market near the mosque and asked God to help me meet a lady there.  As I entered I noticed the wife of the shop owner was at the counter.  I handed her the rose and gave my explanation. She seemed a bit suspicious of my motives.  But, she took the rose and the card.   As I left I prayed that she would know the love of Jesus.

Then I noticed an East European family standing at the bus stop.  I handed the yellow rose to the mother as I shared its meaning.  Her hand went over her heart, she tilted her head and gave me such a warm smile.  I explained my own experience as an immigrant and in that moment we crossed language and cultural barriers and understood each other’s hearts.

As I walked further down the street I noticed that even though there was a closed sign on the door to an Asian resturant, the door was open.  I felt prompted to step in and I stood by the counter.  There was a private party event going on and the restaurant was full of East Asian ladies.  The owner of the restaurant approached me and I said, I know the restaurant is closed but I want to give you this yellow rose, it symbolises friendship and welcome.  Before I could say much more, she brought me over to the group of ladies and asked them to listen to me.  I told a group of 35 or more ladies what the rose was for.  I told them I valued what they brought to this country.  We are all humans created and loved by God.  The room erupted in applause while several ladies walked up to me and gave me a hug and then I waved good bye.

Still feeling quite overwhelmed by the whole experience and pondering on how such a simple gesture can make such a huge positive impact, I then walked into the mini-Asian market.    A Filipino lady came to the counter holding her baby.  I handed her the yellow rose and asked her to display it for all of her customers to see.  I shared with her my own experience as an immigrant and that we all have value and purpose because God created us.  She seemed quite overwhelmed by this simple gesture.   As I walked away, waving, smiling and looking back over my shoulder, I saw her smile as she kept saying, “You are so kind.  God bless you!”

Yesterday I posted briefly about my experience and I've been overwhelmed by the response on facebook, the likes and shares.  I have shared my experience here not to draw attention to myself.  In all of this I want to bring Glory to God.  “..for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfil his good purpose.” Philippians 2:13.  I share it to inspire you and to remind you that it is in those simple gestures of kindness and friendship that make the biggest difference.  Many times we can feel parallelized by the thought of our limited resources or time.  Or we feel we cannot make that much of a difference so we do nothing at all.  May I encourage you to reach out to the international student on the bus, to the foreigner who works next to you in the office, to the family who lives a few houses down the street or the one serving you in the restaurant and let them know they are welcomed, accepted and more than that… loved by God.  

The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the LORD your God. Leviticus 19:34