Wales

Next came a few days in Barmouth, Wales. Staying in a B&B, I took advantage of eating Full English Breakfasts every day (the Guatemalan equivalent is just not nearly as good- however much I try to convince myself!), as well as time to just relax on a beach and read a few good books.

Catching up with ex-Striders who are working out their next move after leaving Guatemala
Counting dead jelly fish!
What struck me in Barmouth, was the number of church buildings that were no longer used as churches. In the small town, I counted at least 5 that were now used as bargain shops, and cafes. Is that the legacy of the Wales revival??? or any revival - where conversions lead to quick church growth -- but which perhaps can't be sustained in the following generations?? Warnings to the wise maybe.

Keswick

Next came a retreat week in Keswick.

Amazing place to relax and get some perspective on things - and have a few chilly swims.

The week was led by various people, all with great experiences in mission, but also with experience of the hardship and stress and burnout that can come with it. It was a good time to reflect on what I do in my ministry and how God leads us and uses all the situations we've experienced in order to shape us and develop us in new ways.
(Chilly picnic by a lake - just before I went for a swim.)

Catch Up

So it's been a while since I last blogged. (I hate blogs that start like that!) - so here comes several in quick succession to get up to date!

My excuse is that I've been back in England for a couple of months and been fairly busy.

It was really good to spend a month with Restore church; to catch up with old friends, and make some new ones.

I was also really encouraged to see our Guatemalan Strider, Alex, settled into the church, with good friends, and really growing in his gifts and ministry. This is a part of my job that I really love - having seen potential in someone and having found an opportunity where I thought they could grow, it was fantastic to see him step into his gifting and be confident in who God has made him to be. That sounds very vague and wishy washy - but I hope you know what I mean.

Leadership Forum in Recife

I've just come back from Recife - where I was meeting with a bunch of the Latin Link team leaders and short term coordinators. We had a packed programme of discussions and consideration of theological issues facing the church in Latin America, and managed to make sense of it, even in 35 centigrade heat! I had a swim in the sea every morning before breakfast but was disappointed that there were no shark sightings!!

Occassionally we had time off to visit the local ice cream shop.......... and see the nearby historic town of Olinda.

A beach Tour of northern Spain with Naomi and Luis

In reverse order - Isla

Noja

Castro Urdiales (where I swam)

- and lots of fantastic scenery in between - including views of the snow on the mountains to the south.

A week in Spain with the Core Team

A week with meetings with the Core team includes...

> watching the cows out of my window in the mornings (we were staying next to a farm)

> a lot of talking

> Fresh strawberries

> more talking - updates on our responsibilities

> sampling local delicacies (chocolate y churros)

> talking and praying for Latin Link in each country

> lunch with leaders of Spanish Evangelical Alliance

> visit to Santander - lighthouse and beaches

> a huge paella

> planning a conference

> more talking

> more eating

Random stuff since coming home

Step Orientation Craziness

Beautiful Bantham beach

A few random pictures of being back in England.