Trip to the UK

Mom and dad and I in London

I recently spent some time in the UK: mainly for an annual church network conference in Swanick, England, but also was able to travel to Lincoln, Nottingham, Birmingham, and London. It was a fantastic time. Here are a few pictures and some thoughts on my trip...

Painting on the wall of Betel, Birmingham. Isaiah 61:3 reads: "[He will] provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning..."

Betel is a church-planting organization that was founded in Spain in 1985 by missionaries from Worldwide Evangelization for Christ (WEC International). The main goal of its founders was to reach the destitute and despised members of society struggling with alcohol and drug addictions. Once clean, these former addicts are given the chance to become part of society, finding employment in one of Betel's many self-funded businesses.

My dad was invited to preach at Betel of Birmingham on the Friday night before the funeral of a young man of 26 who had, through Betel, come clean from a heroin addiction and been fully restored and given his life to the Lord. He had become a successful leader in Betel, skilled as a tree surgeon, the top surgeon in the business. Several weeks ago he tragically fell to his death on a routine job. The funeral was to be Saturday, the morning after my dad preached. It was an emotionally difficult but very healing meeting--what a reminder that we, as children of God, are those that do not grieve without hope!

Kent and Mary Alice Martin, leaders of Betel Birmingham, leading worship at Friday night's meeting

Antique furniture shop owned by Betel: residents of Betel run the shop and are responsible for refurbishing all furniture bought for retail sale in this store

Room where all refurbishing of the furniture takes place


Now to Swanick, England

I was invited by my church to attend the Ground Level conference in Swanick, England, for a time of spiritual renewal and refreshing. As a missionary in the Balkans it's important to have times to "draw away" and be refreshed and meet with other believers from my nation and culture. I was so thankful to attend--I was really enriched and strengthened by the teaching and the fellowship at Ground Level.

Main building at the Hayes Center in Swanick, England, where the conference took place. What a beautiful location for a conference, eh? :)

Mom and dad and me at dinner

English people like to go to the pubs every night--even after church

"Little" side trip on our way to Nottingham to see Chatsworth, famous location of the filming of Pride and Prejudice. Ah, Mr. Darcy!

Any true Jane Austen follower will know that this is Mr. Darcy's "beautiful grounds at Pemberly."

Mom and dad, with Graham and Molly Bell, who hosted us at their home and church in Nottingham

Beautiful open air market in Lincoln, England

Lincoln Cathedral

Us in front

Spring tulips


And last but DEFINITELY not least...

What struck me the most about London, I think, was that it is massive and more culturally diverse than any city I think I've ever been to. It was beautiful. Wish I'd gotten some pictures of Her Majety's Theatre, where we saw The Phantom of the Opera

London's beautiful Westminster Abbey paints the morning sky

Big Ben at night

Welcome down underground

Trafalgar Square

Tower Bridge

Beautiful and equally delicious cakes and pastries from Paul, popular bakery in London

Strange things happen on the streets of Covent Garden: his guy must have been freezing

Our day of gorgeous weather in London