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."
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