A Change Will Do You Good

Michael Joseph Jr

Not so long ago, I found out that I'm an auntie again for the fifth time. I even get to see my nephew in a few weeks when I visit the States for a friend's wedding. This will mean a big change in the life of my sister and brother-in-law. It seems that change is in the air this year. I shouldn't be surprised as God told us it would be a year of transition when we asked Him what He was saying about this year at our planning time in January.

Can you read the caption?

Peter and Paul met here

The first major change was to the date of our ATS international outreach. We planned to go in August, but one of our couples found out they were expecting, so we changed the date to April. God led us to Lebanon and a Persian Gulf State for our trip, and He is at work in the hearts of the people of both nations! Five staff members, two children, and 4 students took off for the Middle East. (One of our students had trouble getting into Lebanon, and the two others found out the baby they are expecting is missing it's kidneys and bladder. Please be praying for little Josiah.) The nations are hungry for God's love and truth! We sowed many seeds of love and Jesus with the people and saw two people saved and many people healed.

Helping at the Gypsy school

Hearts for Lebanon food packing

As people were led to new life in Christ, we celebrated two new lives in our church body. Little Alex and Eloise were dedicated to Jesus on 21 April. It was a sweet time of praying for the families and the parents and exhorting the church to be part of the process of supporting the parents and children. I'm excited to see these children grow in relationship with Jesus and to see the parents grow in wisdom and trust.

Baby Eloise

Passing the baton

Antioch Sheffield has done some of its own growing in wisdom and trust. We had our second board meeting recently. Kevin Johnson, Danny Mulkey, Susan Peters, Joe Ewen and Yancy Smith travelled in to be a part of the meeting, and big changes were discussed. Daniel and Jeannie McGinnis, our leaders for the past 7 nearly eight years have felt God moving them on into a new direction. Thankfully, Todd and Lauren Roberts have decided to step into the senior pastor role here at Antioch Sheffield. They officially took the baton from the McGinnises on 19 May. The church and staff are excited about the change. Todd and Lauren have a pastoral and prophetic gifting with a heart for prayer and the nations. The handover Sunday was a time to celebrate what God has done through the McGinnises in the past and what He will do through the Roberts and Antioch Sheffield in the days to come.

Thank you for your prayers in this time of transition. It has been a very busy season. I had three events in one week. The Forge Gathering is a children's ministry conference that brings together children's workers from all over the UK to hear what God is doing in children throughout the nation. The best part for me is bringing a problem or question and sitting down with five other children's workers to brainstorm solutions. We even have a little fun. Just for your information, in case you were wondering, the string on a bow can really hurt as it snaps forward. Not that I have any experience with that.

I promise I worked at the children's conference ;)

World Mandate Europe artwork

In that same week, we welcomed back Kevin Johnson and some of our workers from North Africa for World Mandate Europe. They shared powerful testimonies of God's work, and many hearts were stirred for the unreached peoples of the world. One of our students who came to the church a year ago without much vision for church or discipleship said that he now wants to be a church planter!  At the same time, many of our church planters from Europe came together to fellowship, encourage, and problem solve. It was exciting to hear what is happening in Europe and to get some perspective.



The children have been helping me get perspective recently. We've started a series with them called '20 Questions.' Basically, the children have gotten the chance to ask questions they've always had about God and the church. It's been very stretching. Kids ask some tough questions like, 'Why did Adam and Eve sin?,' 'Why is sin bad?,' 'Why are there bad things in the Bible?,' and 'What is hell like?' I feel like I've had to do some theological study just to answer their questions, but it has been fun. They particularly enjoyed talking about what God is like.

Flat Stanley came to visit

That very same God is moving in Sheffield. I believe I've told you about The Snowdrop Project. They are part of Acts of Mercy, the relief and development organisation we partner with. They help women who have been rescued from human trafficking find a place to live, deal with government agencies, and get experience, etc. The purpose is to help the women integrate into British society and avoid being re-trafficked. This past month, the leaders were given the privilege of speaking with the Parliamentary Group on Human Trafficking and relating to them the lessons that they have learned. They have the chance to influence policy and possibly receive funding from the government to train others and aid more women.

Snowdrop Goes to Parliament

It has been an exciting season. I'm looking forward to what is coming as I learn to hold onto the hand  Jehovah Shalom in the midst of all the change. I will keep you posted as the changes unfold. I realise that I've been here over four and half years. This season is also a time of praying and seeking God for wisdom as I come near the five year mark. There's an opportunity to apply for indefinite leave to remain coming up. Exciting things coming up :). What about for you? Is God changing things in your lives? I would love to hear about them. Thank you for walking this journey with me!