Family.
It's been a long time.
...where to begin?
Currently I'm sitting on my couch in my apartment in Langley. I'm in the middle of my second to last semester at TWU, where I'm studying Christianity and Culture and Biblical Studies. I've recently started dating a lovely young lady named Kristin (that seems to be, apparently, the most important update, so I thought I'd get it out of the way early), which has been pretty great. These last few years have been some of the most incredible of my life. I have learned so much, met some of the most wonderful people and had some of the most amazing experiences. While I had hoped that my time at TWU would be a time of learning and of growth, I had never expected it to be the incredible blessing of community and adventure that it has been.
I have had the immense privilege of being involved in a new church plant in Langley (journeychurchlangley.ca) for the past year and a half. To be a part of something new and to see God bring together such a diverse group of people, from all stages of life, to build his kingdom through this new church is certainly something special. The church has grown, we've had many opportunities to serve and love our community, and Jesus' name is being proclaimed. It's a really exciting time.
Also, some of you know I had the chance to go to Israel last summer on a travel study for school. I took two classes in three weeks all the while visiting places like Mount Sinai, Jerusalem and the Galilee. I really wish I could sit down and talk with each one of you about that experience. It was so much more than I could have ever imagined.
Over the past year, God has been teaching me so much about compassion, solidarity, and the idea of bearing one another's burdens. While in Israel, we were able to witness, and to learn about, the intense tension that exists between the Palestinians and Israelis. God began to stir in me a desire to come alongside both Israelis and Palestinians, whether Jewish, Muslim, or Christian, in the work of reconciliation. When I left Israel, it was just one idea among many, but over this past semester it has grown into something much more. For the past few years, TWU has sent a summer missions team to Israel and Palestine to work with organizations that are seeking reconciliation and healing in Israel and Palestine. About 3 weeks into last semester, a friend of mine who had gone on this trip last year asked me if I would consider leading the trip this year. While my initial reaction was, "That would be so incredible!," it was coupled with, "Paul, be responsible." Long story short, in November I decided to commit to going to Israel and Palestine for seven weeks this upcoming summer. It's something i am both unbelievably excited and nervous about. Our team has just started meeting, and it's already an adventure and a half!
I've revived an old blog (inviewofhismercy.tumblr.com) where I have begun to post details/updates about the trip and I will continue to use it as a primary means for posting updates and prayer requests as we prepare for this ministry and head to the Middle East in May/June. Please check it out.
It would mean a lot to us if any of you would commit to partnering with myself and our team in prayer. There are so many ways that you can be praying for us...
- Pray for our team as we prepare in the next few months. Pray that we would grow as a unit and that we would engage our hearts and minds as we prepare for this ministry
- Pray that our team will have open hearts and minds as we hear stories of people in a land that is marked by conflict and tension. Pray that our team will be able to present the love of to everyone we encounter, both to Israelis and Palestinians, whether Christian, Muslim or Jewish
- Pray that each member of our team would be able to balance all that we have going on this semester from school to work with our preparation for this trip.
- Pray for Israel and Palestine. There are numerous religious and political tensions in the area. Pray that our team would be able to be ambassadors of Christ's transcending peace and unfailing love. That we could be agents on the road to reconciliation. Pray against violence and towards shalom.
- Pray for finances for our entire team. Pray that our support raising events will go smoothly and that our team would continue to grow by gaining finacial supporters and prayer warriors.
Also I have written a support letter (a modified electronic version can be found here: http://inviewofhismercy.tumblr.com/post/74263842502/there-and-back-again) and if any of you would like to receive a hard copy letter in the mail I would be more than happy to get one to you! I just need your address! Also, if any of you feel inclined to support the trip financially, our team would be incredibly blessed. If you click on the link just above and scroll to the bottom of that blog post (but really, you should read it) you'll see information about how you can support our team.
I wish I could sit down with each one of you and catch up on the past five years (five years!?). I'm excited to see some of your faces at Jeremiah's wedding!
I miss you all and trust you're doing well.
Blessings,
Paul
