Over the passed three weeks or so, our “mission” seems to have, finally, picked up. (Mission, as I am describing here, is the physically active and visibly recognizable sect of living and serving through Christ’s love.) We have had the opportunity to make some great contacts with “CommonWealth Church” (http://www.commonwealthchurch.org/) and with “St. Barnabas” (http://www.stbarnabas.co.uk/). These two churches, though significantly different in their operation, origination, geographic location, and with their surrounding demographics, have both cultivated compassionate understandings for those internally and externally located about their “four walls.” More details concerning our work with these two churches in blogs to follow; hopefully, shortly.

I have recently adopted the mindset and intentions of one of my mates, Charles Fowler, in relation to serving unto those within the Church body and those without: Whatever you choose to do, do so in a way that it may have a lasting impact. Anyone can serve wherever they choose; and, it will be of some benefit. However, do you really want to live in a specific place for a total of six months and have that “service” stall, or stop, or leave when you decide to depart? Let’s make a lasting impact while we are here. Let us encourage the Church here in a way that will spur them on towards accomplishing the work they have already put years of prayer and action into; and, let’s show the people around us the personal, real, and remarkable transformation that we ourselves have undergone by the grace of Christ.

So, that is what I have been striving towards: hoping to entirely comprehend the weight and significance of a “missional lifestyle” and accomplish exactly what it is that I was sent here to do. Let the journey continue.

24 days. In less than a month, “Life” itself has slowly taken on fresh, and yet unfamiliar, perspectives; which, are continually resulting in a reconstructed mindset. No need to fret; it is entirely beneficial. Observations have been very eye-opening.

 Here, in London, cultural norms are one of those unfamiliarities.

For instance, everyone here tends to take “The Tube”; which, I have never been on any sort of subway system in my life. It's been quite an experience. I hear it trumps US subways in cleanliness and safety. So I hear.

Also, when it is overcast or precipitating (which is often), you will find absolutely no one in the parks; however, when the sun is out, everyone and their grandmum are out to play. The footballers are running back-and-forth, the runners/walkers are exercising to their iPods, the blankets and their suntanners are sprawled across the greens, and every worker finds a way to cut short their work day in order to get out and enjoy the unexpectedly nice weather.

The cultural diversity within this city is truly remarkable. We have had the opportunity to meet many a people while out amongst the locals; yet, we have rarely come into contact with true Londoners. If you are under the impression that England is strictly a English speaking nation, you are mistaken. People from all over the United Kingdom, Europe, the eastern hemisphere, and the rest of the world are in constant flow amidst the streets. 

Prior to landing on English soil, I was warned that striking up conversations with Londoners, with meeting people, and with befriending the locals, luck would be out of my favour. However, the hard-hearted and sour-faced Brits I had come to fear encountering, I have yet to come across. I have heard second-hand and experienced first-hand that people are actually quite lonely here and hungry for personal interaction with people that actually care about them. Seeking for real people who are willing to form real relationships based on reality and honesty. "How you goin, mate?" is not, simply, an opportunity for you to put on a fake smile and say "Aright, cheers mate." and keep on walking along. The world really isn't so different when it boils down to needs, now is it? People really do care enough to ask; therefore, they would like for you to care enough to respond back in honesty.True intentions. We, as a people, have grown together in our understanding and being able to "sniff-out" the true intentions of a person or group. Londoners are no different. I have yet to meet someone who is not turned off by having their days interrupted by a complete stranger trying to "sell" them something. A magazine, a bracelet, pamphlets, tickets, religions, tracks...they are all met with the same response. "All you are trying to do is sell me something, why should I care? It's not as if you actually care about me or what is entailed within my life." And, its sadly true. No one I know, whether Christian or otherwise, likes to be stopped by someone who makes them listen to a two-minute seminar on why their entire life is wrong. That one needs to, right then, turn away from all that they have ever known as "habitual life" and follow this deity whom they have only seen carved into the sides of old cathedrals and, now, on this little piece of unattractive paper you just made them take. Sounds enticing, does it not?

Switching gears. The Brits camaraderie, patriotism, and devotion to both the Queen and to football would be considered on the verge of fanatical in America. However, this is not America. And, it is truly exceptional to witness. Furthermore, the "Pub scene." One does not go to a pub to have a quiet drink alone. That will never happen. One goes for the camaraderie, companionship, relationships (previously made and those yet to be made), and to watch a football match on the tele. 2nd person scenario: You are more than likely surrounded by complete strangers. The atmosphere is tense and electric. England has possession of the ball, darting around the opposing team they make a sweep for the keeper, the kick is up....header for a goal!!! The entire pub goes crazy with cheers and beer spilling everywhere! The bloke next to you ropes you in for an enthusiastic "man-hug" and buys you a pint or two since most of yours ended up on floor. Good thing you decided to root for the same team. Learning to live. Let the journey continue.