God's Love is SO Amazing...Oh...and so is a cappuccino!
Our team sat on the quay side awaiting the arrival of the Logos Hope.
Me and some Sisters in Christ! Love how OM is so International...a little taste of what Heaven will be like I think!
Sorry for the tiny picture: But this is a picture of the ship at the Cork port. Check out the website for better pics (www.logoshope.org)
A little update...I just got back from an amazing 2 weeks of being on board of OM's ship the Logos Hope (www.logoshope.org), where I was able to share about what God has done in my life. We were primarily stationed on deck 4 (The Visitor's Experience). People were able to come on board and get a picture of what the ship does "Bringing Knowledge Help and Hope" as well as learn about how to get involved at a local level...that would be us...team Ireland!!! Ultimately our goal was to share with as many as we could the love of Christ and how He changed our lives. Our motto for the week was "Everyone has a story...so let's share it!"
We were in the city of Cork which is known as the rebellious city here in Ireland...and you saw the evidence of that through the people. The minute the ship opened it's doors to the public...people came in looking to express their anger for God and their flat out wanting to pick a fight because I believed what I know to be truth. But God can use everything...and the very candid conversations led many people to be softened and even receive Him as their personal Lord and savior!
God reminded me of Ezekiel 2: 4-7 "The people to whom I am sending you are obstinate and stubborn. Say to them, "This is what eh Sovereign Lord says," And whether they listen or fail to listen-for they are a rebellious house-they will know that a prophet has been among them. And you, son of man, do not be afraid of them or their words. Do not be afraid, though briers and thorns are all around you and you live among scorpions. Do not be afraid of what they say or terrified by them, though they are a rebellious house. You must speak my words to them, whether they listen or fail to listen, for they are rebellious."
One cool God story...as they say on the ship...did not happen on the ship but out on the streets. Me and my friend Andrea were wanting to get off board for some fresh air and dinner in the city. We could not find anything that suited our tastebuds or that would allow us to get back to the ship for our shift on deck four in time...so we eventually settled on a sandwich shop....which turned out to be a divine appointment. As we were ordering I noticed a man stumble in through the door. As he fumbled through the shop my heart sank. I was reminded of how just much alchoholism effects this country. We took our seats outdoors and sure enough...here comes this man and sits right next to us. I could smell the alcholol off this man and as he began to speak to us in mumbled words I could not even understand...I felt the need to lean over and just tell him "Sir, God loves you"! He responded with "I doubt that". I said it again...just those simple words. I would like to say that he looked up and said "Well praise Jesus...this is what I have been wanting to hear...tell me more"! But instead he choose to make fun of what I said and even went so far to tell us to leave. Eventually we did after praying over him...and as we were walking back to the ship a song came to mind that I couldn't get all the words to right away. It was Here I go Again by Casting Crowns. There is a chorus that goes "Here I go again...talking about the rain...mulling over things that won't get past today. And as I dance around the truth, time is not his friend...this might be my last chance to tell him that you love him!" That last part..."this might be my last chance to tell him that you love him...it just was like a light bulb coming on...and I really felt God had me there at that shop at that time if nothing else...just to tell him that simple truth. Me and Andrea walked back with a little extra pep in our step after that encounter and were praising God for just how GREAT He is!
So needless to say...it was an AMAZING 2 weeks. Now I am back home and preparing for an event in which I have been given the opportunity to speak at a lady's outreach at a local church on the 15th of July. I am speaking on "A Poured out Love"...studying the story of the sinful woman who washes the feet of Jesus with her tears. Please pray that the hearts of these women will be open to hear God's love for them and their need for a savior. I plan, Lord willing to have a response time and just ask God to speak ONLY His words through me. I am excited to say the least and in such amazed that He would allow me to speak into the lives of others...did I mention that I love that I "Get to do" what I do for HIM?!?!?!?
So what is next? I will be heading out to Germany in 2 weeks to help coordinate our TeenStreet event...where about 3000 teens from all over Europe come for a week of challenge from God's word and opportunities to share their faith with others. I will be primarily in charge of the set up where we take a site about the size of the Georgia State Fairgrounds and turn it into a little town...equipped with huge tents for sleeping, meals, and worship. Also places like prayer street...kids street...etc. This is my first year and I am so excited and honored to be asked to be on this international coordinating team! Please pray that the Lord would use me to be a blessing and encouragement to those around me and that I would be a help and not a hindrance...as I am unsure exactly what all I am to be doing...but thank God He does!!! :)
I am also learning a thing or two about Love...and more to come about that subject in my August update...I promise! Please continue to pray for the Lord's guidance in every area of my life! Please feel free to write me a quick note as I would love to hear how you are doing (mary.wallace08@yahoo.com).
Loving that I "Get to do what I do for Him"!!!!! -Mary
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