And Then There Was Maggie...

WHAT AN AMAZING NIGHT!
So so good! But I have failed to write the past couple of days so let me play a quick catch up.

Monday was a VERY relaxing and chill day. I stayed in my room practically the whole day watching TV via my laptop and skyping friends and family. I did however emerge from my blankets around 3pm and went for a 2 hour walk along the shore. The sun actually was seen visibly setting into the distance so it was quite nice out. Freezing like an ice chest but no rain or grey clouds :) It turned into a Jesus + Julie time - Lough Shore has become my favorite place for that :)

Tuesday was work day. Really my first day in the office since being back. Had an incredible meeting with Cecil. And then got loads of things accomplished for the Belfast Dream Centre. We are really moving forward! So excited for the things that will take place in 2012!!! That night I skyped my family and actually played Go Fish with my sister Mel and Scatergories with her and the twins!! I also skyped an old friend - overall a very good & productive day :)

Yesterday - Wednesday, was good once again! I went to look at an Apartment with Cecil in the morning. It'd be temporary but at least something for me and future interns to stay at until we get a Dream Centre Building. Afterwards Cecil, Vinny, & myself had a mtg about DCB. We were able to see clear vision and unify thanks to communication.

It was also my dad's 59th birthday!
Happy Birthday Daddy!!! I have been blessed with the most loving, encouraging, and supporting father a daughter could ever ask for. Thank you for teaching me the ways of our Lord and for always being there to pray with me and encourage me. I love you! xoxo

Last night we had prayer and Bible Study (which I got to speak for) and then even later on I skyped once again with my sister Mel (no games this time). Rosie stayed the night - stayed up late watching a movie and American Idol. So nice having a roommate for the night!

Today was amazing! I had the morning and afternoon off. Rose had errands to run so I decided to take a walk and see where I ended up. (My goal was to walk to Abbeycentre - a small shopping mall about an hours walk away) I did finally get there and the rain held off until the very end which was great! Ha my only downfall was that I wore heeled boots. . . not the smartest footwear on such a trek! I shopped for a bit and got a couple things I needed. And then stopped by a McDonald's for a late lunch. Walking back seemed shorter but my feet felt like they were broken by the time I arrived back at the church! Still the fresh air did me good :) Got home just in time to set up for Junior Youth. We had 8 kids - which were great but alot more hyper than normal. Really wore me out!

Here is when my day escalated! The Loft Youth was going good. Had a large crowd of teens once again. We were all hanging out and chilling until about 8.45pm when Alan brought the word. Talked tonight about being a set apart Christian. Powerful message! The alter was full during alter call praise God! However those that went up were Christians wanting to separate their lives from the world and be an example to the unbelievers. When Alan gave the call for salvation no hands were raised. Still we knew that God was moving. I felt in my spirit to talk to this one girl Maggie during alter call but talked myself out of it and didn't.

Afterwards when everyone was getting ready to leave she came to me shaking and said she needed to talk to me. The next thing I knew we were in my office and I was leading her in the Salvation prayer! GOD IS SO GOOD! I love that He still used me - even in my disobedience - to be a part of such a life-changing moment! I was on cloud nine. Then an hour later I found myself on the phone with another one of the girls who had gotten saved a few months back but had about given up on being a Christian - God used me to speak into her life and she ended up rededicating her life to Christ!! AND ON TOP OF ALL THAT. . . I get a text from Alan saying that ANOTHER ONE of the girls (who he takes home each week) gave her life to the Lord in the car on their way home!!!!

BIG THINGS are happening with this youth group! God is truly revealing Himself to these teens! Please keep them in your prayers as the battle has really just begun! Also continue to pray for the those who are still unsaved that they will soon see how they can't live without Christ.

Working tomorrow and then Street Reach in the evening! Can't wait!

Be blessed everyone!
-J


"Happy are those who dream and are ready to pay the price to make them come true." - Leon J. Suenes


"First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do." -Epictetus