LOOKING DOWN

I am not able to publish posts regularly whilst in Hong Kong so will be adding posts as I can - Sorry!

MONDAY 23rd AUGUST
This week I am sat at Heathrow waiting to board the flight to Hong Kong. I am a little apprehensive, not for the flight but for the adventure that awaits me just 12 hours away. It is the unknown that scares me. I am feeling intimidated by the organisation that I am about to encounter due to the reputation that it has, rather than I suspect the reality I will find, and I wonder if I will be capable of the task. And therein lies the problem. What I think I am capable of can stand in the way of what God is capable of and I don't want that to happen. It's an age old problem and one that God seems to take in his stride!

After all, the ministry I will spend time with was started 44 years ago by a 22 year old young woman who got on a boat to follow God's whisper in her life and who has stayed for the long haul. She probably felt inadequate and ill equipped but God has used her, not to build a church, but to build a community and to dig deep into the culture and become immersed in the lives of people living on the margins.

That's exactly why I am a little nervous! But I think that is okay today. Erwin McManus reminds me that being in the centre of God's will is the best place to be but it is also the most dangerous. Daniel in the lions den, Paul in prison, the long list of heroes in Hebrews 11, all in the centre of God's will, all in a dangerous place.

I had to call into LHFC last night (Sunday) and as I opened the door and stepped in I noticed at my feet a clothes peg. I immediately thought that it must be one of Catherine's so stooped down to pick it up. But I don't think it was Catherine's so there must be another clothes peg lover around. As I held it in my hand I noticed it had been written on. On one side - Jeremiah 29:11, and on the other - God has amazing plans for you!

It was just what I needed to read the night before going to Hong Kong and I have it in my bag and it will be on my shelf next to my bed. Thank you secret clothes peg writer. Thank you for dropping it. You have played your part in God reminding me of His presence and His purpose in my life today and in the dangerous places over these next 3 weeks.