Friday, May 30

Our team had a long but uneventful flight “cross the pond” to begin our journey in Teeside. We landed on Friday, were greeted by our British friends and taken to Guisborough Methodist Church for lunch where our kids got to meet their hosts for the week. After introductions everyone went to their homes to adjust to the new time, and rest for a youth group social later that evening.

For the Getwell guys, there was No rest to be found. That’s because Hunter Brooks (Née Glen Coco) was too excited to see everyone, and convinced us to walk up Highcliff. To us flatland Mississippians, Highcliff is a small mountain. To the Brits, it’s a hill. But, with little sleep, we managed to make it to the top. And once up there, the climb is so worth the effort. Spectacular beauty and scenery in every direction overwhelms you.

The parallels between our hike and life are startling. Life is filled with tough rough spots, only to level off when you think you can’t keep going. And as I kept repeating Philippians 4:13 over and over in my head, I thought of how difficult life’s climb is for all, but particularly for those who don’t have Christ along their journey. Some never grab onto Him to finish “the climb”, and in the end miss out on what I’m sure is the most overwhelming spectacular beauty of Heaven.

Saturday, May 31

Saturday morning our guys ventured to the Laurence Jackson School for a time of football (soccer) with the locals, while our girls participated in Coffee Morning at the Methodist church. This event was open to the public and raised money for cancer research.

Meanwhile On the soccer field our youth pastor, Nate Russell, forgot that he was playing British football when his head collided with a local guy’s nose while going for the ball. We forgot to remind Nate that the Revolutionary War ended years ago, and that we are now very close allies!  After much blood was spilled and apologies made, they were back out on the field, the British guys staying far away from Nate.

That afternoon our hosts drove us to York where we soaked in the local flavor. York is a very ancient city that was once ruled by the Roman Empire. It was where Constantine was headquartered when he learned he had become emperor. We ended with a beautiful Evensong service in the magnificent York Minster, and ventured back to Guisborough.

Around 10:30 pm, Nate R., Sarah P, Shelby, Cody and I joined a team called “Night Light”. You had to be 18 to participate, so the rest of our youth stayed with their hosts for the evening and enjoyed some much needed sleep!

Night Light is a local ministry whose sole purpose is to assist people on High Street in Guisborough. There are four local pubs in a one block radius, and weekends become extremely rowdy. At home we would call the atmosphere a scaled down “Beale Street”. Many people struggle with drinking here and bar hop until 3:00am. Fights break out on the street, and some simply pass out. Volunteers for Night Light assist in any way possible. They pass out water, bandages, flip flops (for those ladies who have broken heels or barefoot), take people to hospitals,help people get home, call taxi, and assist police when needed.

Volunteers are spotted easily by their yellow reflective vests. Many people came up and talked, thanking some of the team for their help in the past. We witnessed one fight, but it was broken up quickly. The danger is limited since no one has a gun here in Britain. I was very skeptical at first, asking myself what we had gotten into, but what I witnessed was people truly being the hands and feet of Christ.  People volunteer not to judge, but to serve.  It is a special ministry they have developed!

Sunday, June 1

Sunday was a full day. Our team split up, half working at Guisborough Christian Fellowship, and half at Guisborough Methodist Church. Our youth led the kids in their versions of Sunday School. I spoke at the GCF and Nate R. and Shelby were interviewed in the Methodist service.

After lunch we hosted Guiz Kids at the Methodist Church with our youth working with local kids on crafts, and performing a skit of the house built upon the sand. Will Bradford and Nate Gentry led the kids in discussion.

A quick turnaround and the youth night was led by Hunter and Nate Russell. Getwell’s youth night was literally brought to Guisborough with games, worship and a fantastic Gospel message delivered by Nate R.

The experience has been so rich so far. I pray that God will continue to work mightily through us as we share the Good News with the wonderful people of North Yorkshire!

Peace