Perseverance Was My Friend

I arrived and departed within what felt like a short breath. 

In a span of six weeks the Lord was faithful to show Himself strong on my behalf once again. 

It felt so good to be back in Bradford, England. I was truly blessed to be back in my house, back at MMUK, and back at ALC. It was summer, sunny, and beautiful! Everything and everyone had felt so much lighter. It was the same country only it seemed full of more life. I had given myself a day to recover from jet lag and then immediately jumped back into the swing of things. 

Friday night was youth night. Saturday was 1 pound 50 burger, chips, and movie night. Sunday was morning and evening service. Monday was back to work! I had to meet the new residents and learn about their progress in the program. This time I was more confident in the fact that I had something to offer. 

As the weeks progressed so did my walk with God. I was determined to make the most out of my time there and expect much from the Lord as I poured out everything I had into others. I reunited with Penny and her family. I made more of an effort to spend quality time with my friends from ALC and make new ones (which I did). Most of all, I spent as many shifts possible at MMUK. 

God had provided all I needed for me to take care of my financial responsibilities, basic needs, and even enjoy some leisure. On my time off I would take jogs in the nearby park, set a blanket out, and read my Bible. I even received a bike on loan. In it all, the Lord was not short in revealing Himself to me through brokeness. There were areas I was still needing fullness of healing in my life and I knew God had taken me back to receive it. I needed to be in a place where I was being poured into with TRUTH and God had met me there in Bradford to open my eyes to who I was in Him. 

I was the woman who had pesevered to receive His love for me in this past year of adventure, heartache, lonliness, and growth. I was becoming more of the woman He had set out for me to be. I had looked back on the year and saw that Peseverance was my friend. 

Since I've Been Gone

Here is a "filler" for the past 5 months I've spent in the U.S.- short, sweet, and simple.

• During my time in Bradford God had given me more than I could have asked for or imagined.
• I loved the church, program, and people here so much I didn't want to leave.
• I knew I had to go home to renew my visa though.
• When I left I had the support of Mercy Ministries staff to do whatever it took so that I could come back with a long-term visa.
• We filled out the application with UK Border Agency and submitted it.
• We found it cost 400 pounds to do that and didn't have the funds.
• A few weeks later, God provided the money. We sent the payment in.
• We waited a month for a response to the application.
• A border agency rep came out to the Mercy home to assess the property and interview the Program Manger.
• We waited another month to hear the final results.
• Finally, based on a technicality, the application was not approved.
• Meanwhile, I was working in the States to save money for my return to UK.
• I planned my return to Bradford with the intent of finishing what I had started last year.
• After an excruciating and long journey from L.A I arrived back in Bradford, UK.
• It's almost as if I never left.

My God is Greater

"My God reigns, His love will never fail me
My God reigns, He's ruling over all
In all my life, in every situation
I know...MY GOD IS GREATER
My God is over all"

It was on February 7th that I was singing these lyrics in a worship session when God showed me He truly reigned in every situation. I was standing in Abundant Life Church for a conference with my eyes closed and could see back to the very moment I began to cry out to God about coming to Bradford and serving with Mercy Ministries UK. I could remember how I never thought it would happen. I remembered how people tried to discourage me in my desire to even want to come. I could see the moments I almost gave up in pursuing this desire because so many other obstacles were in the way (i.e. finances, visa, relationships, personal insecurities and fears, etc). But in all of it My God was GREATER.

I could see the day before I left Chama, NM when I received twice the money in donations I had saved in 7 months. I could see the time I got to the airport not having a clue where I would stay when I arrived in London and getting an e-mail in my "junk mail" from someone confirming they had one bed for me to stay for only a small fee each night. I could see the time I was forgotten at the airport in New York without a anywhere to go and an old friend took me under her family's roof without hesitation. I could see when I got to London and was welcomed by a wonderful, loving family. I could see the first day I visited the Mercy home and was overwhelmed with joy because I had waited so long for the day to arrive. I could see when someone handed me 100 pounds cash that I had only met that day in church. I could see when someone informed me I was receiving 100 pounds a month for the entire year of my internship from an anonymous donor. I could see the day I met Penny and how she let me into her life full of inspiration and heart. I could see all the moments I went without food or cash and someone called me over to their place for a meal or a gave me a lift. I could see how I was in a city so unattractive but filled with amazing, good works of the Lord and I got to be a part of it.

There I was, on that day. I went back to Whittier, California with a hope for my future knowing that I couldn't deny my God's love never fails me. Now, here I am 5 months later back in Bradford UK like it's home for me.

Going Back to Cali

On August 29th 2008 I entered the post of London, England. I got off the plane, received clearance through customs, and walked onto the land that God, before-hand, promised to give me (“I will give you every place you set your foot, as I promised Moses”-Joshua 1:3). It was hot, crowded, and definitely very British. After a few weeks, the honeymoon period faded and I came to see England for what it was: cold, cruel, wet, grey, and…did I mention cold? Yet, I made a commitment to Mercy Ministries and I intended on keeping it. Now, the time has for me to make another decision, one that chooses to fight for the dream that God planted in my heart.

On February 8th, I will be returning back to Southern California in hopes of renewing my visa. Other agendas for returning home include: spending time with family, friends, mentors; situating finances; visiting the brand new Mercy Ministries in Northern California; and advocating Mercy Ministries International to various organizations.
In the past 4 ½ months God has revealed to me more than I can ever express and post in a blog. Next month, I have faith that God will use 4 ½ weeks to prepare my heart, to test my willingness to fight for my destiny, and keep me longing for the love I have for MMUK.
I can’t wait to see you all!


Prayer Requests:
• Safe journey back to California
• Adequate time zone adjustment
• Opportunities to raise and earn money while in the States
• Abundance of God’s favor on my visa application
• Opportunity to speak words of encouragement to those at home
• Wisdom on how to share my journey thus far at Mercy with those back home
• Wisdom with making responsible decisions regarding re-entering the UK

Several Moments in a Single Day

"Last night, I brought it all before you-again!I needed a heart check. I needed to know that my motives for wanting to stay were pure and pleasing to you. I couldn't count the amount of tears that were shed but you knew. Refusing to give into worry I held on to what you what promised me.

Woke up this morning to get ready for the day. Driving to Mercy overlooking the hills of West Yorkshire country side. And I knew you were there.

In a few seconds of stillness, I could hear their prayers-the girls of Mercy. Words of adornments to a King whose ears are pleased to listen. And I knew, you were there.

In the evening, tired and distraught, I went to help lead the youth ministry at church. I had more fun with the teenagers on this night than I have had in the past 4 months worth of Friday nights. Come 11:00pm, I didn't want the conversations to end with all the people my age sharing their hearts and passion for the church and God's love in their lives. And in another moment, I knew, you were there.

At the end of the day, I came home and thanked you. And I knew, this is why I'm here."

-Ilene
(1/9/09)

Christmas This Year: Jesus Was Born

This Christmas was very difficult for me. My first year away from home and in a city filled with Pakistanis created a lonely atmosphere for me. Yet, in a moment of hurting, a dear friend of mine encouraged me with one simple statement, "Ilene, Jesus was still born, yeah." And as hard as it was to be here for Christmas, the Lord was faithful to bless me with an abundance of special gifts.


Mercy was kind enough to plan a beautiful 3-course meal for staff members. During the meal we received two pamper treatments from a local spa. It was a time to reflect on the amazing testimonies of God's provision for MMUK, transformation of lives, and abundance of grace poured out in our moments of hardships. We discussed the vision for 2009 and how God wants to take MMUK and use it to not only transform young, broken girls but also to be a forefront of changing the face of the European religious charities.
As a company, MMUK received a 10,000 GBP donation to enhance its public awareness for England and all of Europe.
As a staff, God is continuously challenging us to raise our level of responsibility, accountability, personal development skills, team and leadership skills, and above all, faith in Him. Keeping ourselves grounded in His word, prayer, fellowship, and dedication He will give us the strength to get us through the year.





Connect is the Abundant Life Women's Ministry which really focuses on the needs of the women in the church. Lead by three amazing women of God (Cath, Geraldine, and Nikki -who also happened to be very big advocates of Mercy Ministries UK), I've been diligently seeking to come under their leadership. Within the past few weeks, God has truly blessed me with opportunities to fellowship with and be encouraged by these women. Going into 2009, Connect's focus will be on enjoying the small things of every day life. I look forward to building genuine relationships with the leaders and participants of Connect as God has truly answered my prayers by blessing me with this group of women.

Christmas Eve was spent with two families. The first, a woman and her two daughters, Angie, Carol, and Claire, who attend Abundant Life Church. I've volunteered my time to helping Angie clean at church on a few occasions and in exchange she has welcomed me into her life. The second, a woman who has been an incredible source of encouragement, love, warmth, provision, and blessings for me this year, Penny Roberts. This relationship is truly divine. The rest of the night was spent talking with Penny until midnight about how good God is, in prayer for the lonely kids of England, and watching a local viewing of midnight mass. On Christmas, we unwrapped gifts, cooked a traditional English meal, read the story of Jesus' birth, and for a day became each other's family.

The next few days were truly a unique reflection of the year God had given me. I was visited by a young girl whom I built a relationship with in Chama, New Mexico. We had a jammed pack week of visiting Northern England cities including Manchester, Liverpool, Skipton, and the beautiful York. We also spent some quality time in fellowship bringing in the New Years with the young adults of Abundant Life Church.






As I brought 2008 to a close, the Lord showed me a glimpse of the fruit I labored for in my recent relationships in Bradford. As I welcomed 2009, I grew eager to nurture and further cultivate the fruits of these relationships for the upcoming year.

I look back at this Christmas and see how a simple statement opened the way for me to live this exceptional life "Jesus was born."

No Longer an Alien

November 2008...

I had the privilege of visiting my close friends from San Diego who are currently serving at Calvary Chapel Southampton, England.
There, they have reaped a harvest of fruitful relationships and for a few short days invited to be a part of it. I was truly encouraged.
Then, God spoke to me through Ephesians 2.

"For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility (vs 14-16)."

God showed me clearly that even though I felt there was too much of a "cultural barrier" between me and the people of England it's through Jesus that we are made ONE. This "wall of division" I had been experiencing was a form of separation Jesus Christ destroyed on the cross.

It continues to say that, "you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household...with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit (vs 19-22)."

My hope was restored, my joy renewed, and God laid another stone of solidity in my trust walk with Him. I returned back to Bradford ready to take some steps of faith. I joined a small group that meets every other Monday night coincidentally down the street from my house. There, I've met a few amazing people, including another American who has been in England several years with her family as missionaries. I also volunteered my hands for practical assistance in cleaning the church facilities, cooking for the homeless, and administration assistance.

These steps have been small and still quite challenging,however, I am more confident in God's promise to me that the cultural barrier has been removed through Christ. I am no longer an alien but a citizen of God's household here in England.