Blog

Greetings!

The sun has been out. That’s a huge answer to prayer. Though, as I write this, it is raining (as it inevitably does). But much of the past month or two have been extremely sunny.

Ministry at church continues moving forward. As a staff, we were just commenting the other day how amazing this season has been. At a time where COVID-19 could have shut us down, the church seems to be thriving under the current circumstances. Many people are meeting up in parks to spend time together, read the Bible, and generally just enjoy the each other’s company. People are gathering in their homes to watch service on Sundays (the UK Government still has a limit of 2 households per home if you are to meet your friends), and people are also quick to serve those around them as needed. Please pray that the church would continue to grow in this way. It’s been very encouraging to see. We are thankful how God is using this time to grow and stretch the church in various ways.

August in the UK is the time where most people tend to take time off to go on holiday. Therefore, I took a week to explore the island of Great Britain a bit more, spending some much-needed time up in the highlands of Scotland—the village of Tomintoul in the Cairngorms to be exact. Feeling the weight of all that has happened over the past 6 months (yes, it’s been half a year!), I really desired time away with Jesus to be outside, exercise, and process.

Upon my return I have felt rejuvenated, creative, driven, and these things are all good because starting this month we have finally started (officially!) my Masters of Arts in Christian Leadership through Sioux Falls seminary.

Many of you know how long this journey has been, and I am excited to say that I really do believe this school provides the best (as well as the cheapest), education available to me. Thank you for your support and prayers as we have worked to find the best school possible to come alongside my time in ministry in the UK. I will keep you updated as to how it goes!

Please Pray with Me:

• That my ministry would continue to grow in its love and effectiveness. Apart from my responsibilities of organizing and compiling the weekly service online, one of the things I have been doing is meeting weekly in the park with a man from the church around my age. Starting this coming week, we will be going through some ways to better understand people and personal interactions, as well as how Jesus has called us to love and serve those around us. Please pray for that time.
• For my schooling. That it would be helpful, uplifting, challenging, growing. And that we would find the best London based programs to partner with my coursework through Sioux Falls.
• For my host family, the Silverstone’s. Quarantine has added a weight and stress that has not been eased by having a new American with funny ways into the mix. They have been very gracious with me during my time here, and I ask for prayers for their strength and wisdom regarding their roles as they seek to love and serve.
• For the health of Redeemer Croydon. Due to many factors, it seems that it will not be possible for the church to meet in person for quite a while longer. Pray for our adaptation to the current situation, as well as for the spiritual health and growth of our members during this time.
• For your churches as well. Most of you either attend Heights Church in Arizona, or Mountain Christian Church in New Mexico. Regardless of what church you attend, please be praying for your leaders— especially your pastors, and your youth workers. I know how difficult times like this must be, and I have experienced first-hand the reactions of frustrated church members who simply want to meet again. Join me in praying for them, supporting them, and loving them. It really does mean the world to be unified in Christ, even as we experience frustration and anxiety regarding a mix of knowns and unknowns.
• My family. They are continuing to do well, and I am so thankful for their support and love in this time. Thank you so much for your support of them. They very much appreciate it as well!

It has been a huge blessing to walk this journey alongside you all. I know this season has been stretching all of you in so many ways, and I firmly believe that in spite of any difficulties we have, Jesus is there, offering love and support, ready to show himself in countless new and beautiful ways. Please continue to let me know how I can be praying for you, and as always, I can’t wait to see you all again!

Blessings, 

Brian Wade