Me at work in the office! :D

November 16th

Well, this is Shannon! She was really nervous about this 'interview' so she didn't say half the stuff she wanted to say and she went off at a bit of a tangent, but I wanted you to 'meet' her :D 

November 10th

I have spent the passed 3 days in Birmingham at the YFC HQ!! I had my worship and youth work training.... I actually couldn't be more tired!! The worship training had no practical this time it was all theory and things, but next time we get to go to a studio and muck around! SO excited!  I have so much  coursework to do though :( 

November 5th

Just an update on the guy I met in Cambridge..... He text me saying he hadn't had a drink for 8 days, he was an alcoholic and he didn't go to any AA meetings, he literally just stopped.....THE POWER OF PRAYER!! 

October 31st

Great is the Lord --- Highest and Greatest

I've made it sound as though this link was my idea, sorry I stole it from Beth Croft from Youtube :P But it's still cool and it sounds quality!! (Not me, the link between songs!!) Maybe SR Band could use it?!? By the way guys, if you ever need help, you can call me you know..... don't just abandon and forget about me :'( Oh and I have just realised that it ends with a stupid frozen face again! Why does this happen to me?!

I had to put this one on because it made me laugh so much!! 

FIRST ATTEMPT

Hope you enjoyed the lovely sounding chord I made up :D

October 30th

Sorry that their hasn't been a post in AGES, but I have actually been rushed off my feet!!

So last week I went to do mission in Cambridge with beyond belief along with about 250 other young people which was AMAZING!! I met up with my other YFCone gap year team which was lovely! 

We all got split into smaller groups to take on a certain area of service each... I got placed in the street evangelism group and I was terrified... Each day started off with worship and teaching, led by Soul Survivor and YFC, then we would have lunch and go to our placements. For the first 2 days, I was too nervous to enter into conversation that we were having with people, so I just hid at the back and I hated it because I felt so far out of my depth....

The next morning in the talk, Mike Pilavachi decided it would be good to pray for boldness in our placements to step out in faith. Because I didn't want this trip to be a waste of money, I went to the front with my friends and pretty much everyone in the whole room. I didn't really feel as though it would work as I was that apprehensive and cautious about the whole experience, but I went up anyway seeing as God was listening and all....

That day, we were walking around where we were evangelising and I spotted a team of American footballers and said 'Rugby's better', to which a man replied 'I agree!' I turned around with my team and started talking to this random guy... I found out that he had been going through a really rough time and was now homeless.... I invited him to a cafe that we held in a church in the evenings and then left him to get up to whatever he was doing...(At this point I thought, hang on, I work with homeless people back in Kingston, coincidence? I think not!!)

The afternoon drew to a close and we went on to the cafe to set up. At exactly 6.30pm when it opened in came the homeless guy I was speaking to earlier.... He sat down, I bought him a coffee and we talked for about an hour and a half about the things he was going through. About an hour in, I decided right, God needs to be introduced in this conversation, so I just casually said, 'I think God put me and you in the same place at the same time, so that I could talk to you and help you.' To which he replied 'Meh'....

I persevered with the God chat and it seemed to work....He went from not really caring to questioning everything that had happened and thinking that maybe there is something else out there.... At this point, I got out a bible that we had all been given to give someone we thought God was telling us to give it to.<-- Sorry for that sentence, it's pretty poor I know... So I gave him the bible and he seemed really touched, and couldn't say thank you enough... The evening ended and we all prayed for him. A couple of us exchanged numbers with him so we could see how he was getting on...Anyway, today I had a text from him saying: 

'Thank you so much for listening that night, I'm reading my bible right now and I;m starting to believe in myself again, I hope I can repay you one day.'

God is so good.... I feel comfortable talking to people about God and through that I have helped a guy come to learn about Jesus! 

(I think this is defo competing with the story below :P)

October 12th

The Best Day So Far!

I went to 'The Big Feast' again today, where we spend our afternoon feeding the homeless and generally chatting to them. We start off the event with a 'God Slot' and then go onto food... 

I was asked to do some worship for the God Slot, I was a bit apprehensive as I didn't know how they would react, most of them being non Christians, but I said yes...seeing as this is what I feel called to do. I did the first song, Arms of Grace, during the low key communion, when I'd finished they all turned round and clapped.... We then went on to sing Amazing Grace together, I wasn't expecting many people to sing, but it turned out, ALL of them began to sing there hearts out. I was amazed... A girl, came over and sat next to me, she had a beautiful voice. I dropped out the guitar a little so I could hear everyone singing... It was a very moving moment. I started crying and then everyone in the room started wiping away tears. God was really there today.

When everyone was sent away to get food, this girl thanked me for the worship and began to tell me about her life... After I had heard her story, I invited her to join 'The homeless worship band' I am starting up....She starting crying and telling me how much it meant to her that someone was actually taking an interest in her....I thought that was what God was pushing me to do, get her in the band, but I could feel he hadn't finished yet. He nudged me to ask her along to church....I was like ARGH, really?...But seeing as it was God, I said to her 'look, this might be a weird question, but I would love it if you would come along to church with me on Sunday morning' to which she replied 'I would love to'....So I'm going to get her from where she's staying on Sunday morning, taking her to church and then taking her out for a spot of lunch...

God is Amazing!!! 

xx

October 6th

I have decided I need a bike....why you say? Well....everyday my bus journey is always the worst part of my day! Last night the same man stood on my foot 22.....yes 22 times....it really hurt!

That is all....

October 3rd

This week has been fab already!! On Sunday I was introduced to Sue Rinaldi, an international worship leader with tonnes of connections. She has said that if she could, she would help me organise a soul survivor celebration type worship evening for people in Kingston!! Which sounds awesome! 

I have also been given the job of teaching the homeless people on a Wednesday how to play guitar and write songs so they can express their feelings in a healthy constructive way! I have also been asked to start a youth band and give short seminars on what it is to be a worship leader! So excited! 

However I will need loads of prayer if this is all going to be a success :) Love you

xxxxx  

September 23rd

You Set Me Free

Apologies for the hideous face it freezes on at the end :)

September 22nd

Today has not started well, I will telll you for why it has not started well, my reasons are 8 fold.

1. I woke up at 7.30am to get up and go into the office, only to find that no one else was there and I could have had a lie in...

2. Waiting for the bus, an old man came up to me and asked which bus would take him into Kingston. Pointing at the bus stop over the road, I said "Get on the K1 and it'll take you straight in." He seemed thankful until he realised he had no change for the bus. Being a good citizen I gave him £3 and didn't think anything of it, until he walked off down the street and asked about 4 other passers by. AN ACTUAL OLD MAN STOLE FROM ME...

3. I got on the bus and sat down in the only available seat, next to a 10 year old girl on her way to school. What's wrong with that? I hear you ask. Well she was playing a really annoying happ birthday song on her IPHONE... right, 10 years old... which continued to change key after every round of happy birthdays... This went on for about 10 minutes and I got increasing annoyed until I remembered that it reminded me of that Morecambe and Wise sketch... I think it was them, and I had to chuckle...

4. The little girl got off the bus and an oldish man sat down next to me, he smelt like my Grandad and then I got homesick, then he got off and I got over it.

5. We then drove passed an astroturf, and again I got homesick, then I couldn't see it anymore and again, I got over it.

6. Being a good citizen again, I got up to let an elderly lady have my seat, but just as I stood to my feet, the doors opened and hit me in the face... could this day get any worse you ask? Yes, yes it can..

7. I realise after being on the bus for about 30 minutes now, that we haven't got to my stop or been anywhere near it... yes I was on the wrong bus, I was so far away from my house that I had to get off the bus and CATCH A TRAIN, back to Surbiton where I live.

8. On the way to the platform I stood in someones old scabby sandwich.. thus ended a wonderful morning...

It's only 11am and all this has really set me uo for the rest of the day!! Thanks London!!

P.s I do actually love it here, I just had to write this down, it was actual comedy central! 

xx

My First Day at Placement

I moved in to my host home in Surbiton last night. The host family, Joan and Brian, are very very nice!! My room is lovely, warm and cosy, and I have my own lounge!


Today I went to see the office, I kinda have a desk but not really. The first thing I did was help clear out an underground club called 'The Basement' that is used for youth night and groups. It's a really cool chilled out venue that I can't wait to see in action!!


I then went onto 'The Great Feast', which is every Wednesday lunch time, to feed the homeless and people with difficult situations. I had a really long chat with a guy called Colin about his background and about why I'm here and it was really good! I reaaallllllly want to get fully involved in that.


The last thing I did today was help run an after school club at an ALL BOYS school. I wasn't particularly looking forward to it, but the kids there are really sweet, and I got to play Mario Kart against them on the Wii! :D And bake butterfly cakes...


Looking forward to tomorrow...
x

Day Fourteen: Monday 12th September

Dear Church,

I am hereby inviting everyone in KBC to my YFC commissioning service on the 29th October! Please please come and support me, it's going to be an awesome day! There's worship and loadsa cool stuff happening!! 

Day Thirteen: Sunday 11th September

TODAY I WROTE A SONG!!


Verse 1:

G

When I look upon,

Em                     D

All that you’ve made,

            G

I’m in awe of you

                  Em                   D

I give you everything today

                   G

When I’m speechless

                Em                         D

You give me the words to say

    C         D

Jesus, Jesus

Chorus:

C             Em

I cannot hide

                                      C

For you can see me

                                       Em

Even though that I’ve tried

                                               C

You were always with me

                                          Em

I can’t believe that you died

                    C                        D

To set me free, to set me free

             G

Jesus

Verse 2:

When I think about

The price that you paid

I look to heaven

And thank you that I’m saved

You’re so amazing

And love will never fade

Jesus, Jesus

If I have time, I will record it and post it :) x

Day Eleven: Friday 9th September

This blog entry is primarily for my dad! But if you could stop stalking my blog, that would be great! :P Only jokin' pops! 

So today we went through the program for the year ahead! Travelling and holidays and such like!! I actually love it here! I don't want to leave. We've all become such good friends and we'rte almost like family! All of us are currently refusing to admit the fact that we're leaving each other! I also had fish and chips for dinner if you're interested! 

Me and Georgie!! 

FYI- If anyone wants to comment on the posts, feel free because it'll make me feel like people are actually reading them!! :D

Much Love x

Day Six: Sunday 4th September

We went to a little local church up the road today, the Elim Church, so it's kind of connected to the college we're at. It was so quaint, the worship was just sung along with a CD, and although there were only about 15 other people there, they all have so much passion for God and they're all like a little family!! 

Day Five: Saturday 3rd September

After praying yesterday about our worries and concerns, I though it might take a little longer to build up the confidence I need to do assemblies and lessons. But today, my prayer has been answered, and already feel like I want to do an assembly or a lesson NOW, so I can spread the good news in a fun and exciting way to the young people of Kingston!! God is good!!....And speedy! 

My room mate, Holly, fell over in the shower this morning and hit her head on the sink! DEJA VU!!  My next prayer is that we all make it out of these two weeks alive!! 


One of our YFCers left today, Austin from Dallas, to go and be the youth pastor of Scunthorpe Baptist Church!! (The guy with the cap)

Day Four: Friday 2nd September

Today the other YFCers spent alot of time praying about our worries and concerns we had about the coming year. As well as it making us closer friends, it also felt great lifting it all to Jesus and asking him to help us with everything. I am especially worried about going into school and doing assemblies and lessons, which is a massive part of the course, but I feel God has heard my fears and is ready to 'pounce' into action.

We decided to go into town in our free time and have a look round the shops. We all got very emotional and excited about there being a sale in Dorothy Perkins, so we all bundled in and started stroking all the clothes, except for poor Johnny who waited awkwardly outside. What a legend!

Day Three: Thursday 1st September

Well today I got 'pinched, punched, first day of the monthed' so that just shows how close and comfortable we are with each other already. 


Our first lecture this morning was on testimonies and how to write and adjust them according to the audience.


I feel God is really starting to speak and reveal himself to me already!! :D 

Day Two: Wednesday 31st August

Today I had time to fully research the YFC centre that I am placed at, YFC Kingston. The possible work that I could be getting involved in are:

- Schools work
- One on one mentoring 
- Street work
- Youth Club work
- Sunday and Youth services
- Film and Music making


AND MILLIONS OF OTHER THINGS


I just had to add this story in because I found it hilarious. Sarah (Millican) fell over in the shower , bruised her foot and hit the back of her head on the sink. The funny thing is we were all in the room below and heard a massive crash and instead of checking out we just  carried on talking while Sarah was upstairs crying. I might add the only reason I find this funny, is because everytime she tells the story she cracks up...

Day One: Tuesday 30th August

Today was just about settling in and getting to know the other 12 amazing people on the course. My room mate's name is Holly and we already get on like a house on fire. People even asked us how long we've known eachother and when I reply one day, the look on their faces are hilarious!! 

I have met another couple of girls called Susanna and Jenny who are also doing ETA Worship. Susanna is 25 and from Germany and has the most beautiful voice, Jenny is 21 and has some serious guitar skills!! So yeah, generally everyone here is so nice! Especially a Geordie girl called Sarah. For anyone who has sen the comedian Sarah Millican, imagine her and you practically know Sarah already! 


My Current Home:

Mine and Holly's Room:

Generally awesome day! So excited to see what's in-store for me!!

Looking Forward To YFC...

I'm really excited about September, beginning a new part of my life at YFC. I'll be learning how to better my worship leading and bring people closer to God the best I can and will also be leading on the youth program. I can't wait to go and grow closer to God....