The last three weeks of my placement with Myton church have been
brilliant and varied – hard to believe it’s ended! It’ll be a struggle to
explain it all so I understand the teasing I’ve been getting about not updating
this for a while. I thought I’d spend this spare time on the train home from
Warwick to Sunderland to write it up.
I can’t believe in just 1 week and a day I will be reminiscing in the
sky as I fly past my old home Sudan on my way to Zambia! I had a few days off a
couple weeks ago so took the chance to get some things for my time there –
(shopping in Birmingham is quite stressful!). There are a few more practical
things that I need to equip myself with but I’m hoping my week back home won’t
be taken up too much with that as I’m hoping to spend as much time as possible with
family and friends.
I was very thankful for the days off I had halfway through the placement before 2 busy weeks as I was able to visit family friends in Birmingham with my brother which was
fun – we took advantage of the March snow and went on a search for a snowy hill
to sledge on! I then had a lovely day out with three sweet girls from Myton
church who took me to the interesting town of Stratford and I spent a
reminiscent Easter Sunday with a lovely Egyptian lady called Natalie and her
family who have connections with Khartoum. It was brilliant being reminded
about the amazing truth of Christ’s life, death and resurrection over Easter
and I hope you had the same experience too!
Then the busy week began down south in Fareham at Duncan Road Church! I
was part of a team of 5 from Myton helping out at the holiday club for 4-11s–
Space Academy and youth club for 11-17s – iTruth. In the mornings I was team
leader of the red stars who had the most points by the end of the week, might I
say. My first experience of helping at a holiday club was very fun – I really
enjoyed getting involved in the songs, games and crafts for the kids. It was
great seeing their reactions throughout the week and this reminded me how
important these events are for kids growing up! The youth had fun afternoons as
on a couple of days we played games in the park then on the other two we had
indoor activities, much to the relief of those who don’t like the cold – I
thought it was supposed to be warmer down south! Then we were back in the
evening for food, more games, a testimony, a talk and discussions – yes we
managed to fit all that in! I really enjoyed getting to know the youth at
Duncan Road church and was so encouraged by their responses to the teaching
they got. I read Ephesians chapter 1 verses 17-18 during the week and it became
my prayer for them.
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| The leaders at Space Academy on Onsie Day |
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| Busting out some moves with the youth in Fareham |
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| We had brilliant discussion groups |
I had a quick turnover on the Saturday back with Eileen to get some
washing done and packed ready to leave at 7 the next morning to travel to New
Word Alive in Prestatyn, Wales. I had been put on the 0-5s team, helping
looking after the babies under 18 months. I soon realised how you really do
need at least a 1 to 3 ratio of leaders to babies and to be creative and
enthusiastic about playing and singing to keep them occupied and happy. Although
tiring, I found it quite fun and learnt a lot about looking after the little cuties! I then had the
rest of the day off which allowed me to take advantage of the many things that
go on at New Word Alive including fun activities and brilliant teaching in the talks.
Here’s a little shout out to the wonderful group from West Street Baptist
church in Dunstable and all the others whom I met there, and spent the week
with – cheers, guys! Was so thankful to have a really great time with a bunch
of people my age. It was amazing to be encouraged by God in the worship and
teaching there as well. I especially felt the teaching was helpful preparation
for starting university in September. An unforgettable week to finish my UK
church placement!
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| Great worship in the evening meetings |
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| Hoping the babies want to play sleeping lions for the last session |
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| Hurray for human pyramids! |
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| Felt like kids taking advantage of the activities on offer |
‘This power working in us is the same as the mighty strength which he
used when he raised Christ from death and seated him at his right side in the
heavenly world.’ Ephesians ch1 vs19-20
