God's blessing is so evident at the Oxford Baptist Chapel this week and we rejoice greatly in Him, knowing that He is able to do "abundantly above all we can ask or think." Wherever you are, I hope that you can see the hand of God working and moving in the lives of those around you. Often times we may find it hard to see that in the midst of all that is going on around us, is a God Who loves and cares for us and desires for us to glorify Him, no matter what the circumstances may be. So this week I hope that you can "remove all secondary causes and see the hand of the Lord" in your life. (Pastor Sexton)

Isaiah 61:10 "I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God..."

I was meaning to update this every week, but my computer was having some serious problems. We have had some very encouraging things happen at Oxford Baptist Chapel lately. This past week in the Sunday School we had a record attendance and we also had several visitors come as well to the church service. We thank the Lord for His wonderful work and the blessings that He gives to us. Most importantly, tonight we had a profession of faith from one of the Sunday School children! We rejoice and again rejoice at the thought of another sinner coming into the family of Christ! Thank you for your prayers, we serve a prayer answering God!

Here are a few pictures I took with a friend of some rapeseed fields in the area! It was so pretty!

The other day I was driving along and the scenery was just so amazing so I decided to try and take and few pictures! The landscape is just stunning right now with the bright yellow fields! I am so thankful that God has allowed us this beauty on earth! God bless!

Lately the Lord has been speaking to my heart of my willingness or lack thereof, to serve Him and live my life for Him, no matter the cost. Not allowing the flesh to take the preeminence and affecting my view of my Lord and His work on this earth. It seems as though Satan seems to attack in the most subtle ways. He likes to get us disgruntled at the most simple things and then he gets our attention focused on anything besides that which the Lord Jesus has called us to. So I am convinced more than ever of the importance of keeping Christ Jesus preeminent in our life, not just every day, but every moment of the day. This is not an easy thing or something that comes naturally to me, but rather is something that I must always be conscious of and always striving for. I want to "press toward the mark" and have the right motive for world evangelism. I think that I sometimes, with good intentions, worship the work of Christ, rather than worship Jesus Christ Himself. HE ought to be our sole motivation, and when this is the case, we are in the center of His will and along with this will flow joy and gladness out of a heart completely given to Him.

Another thing that really has blessed me in the past few days is the verse in Psalm 4:5 that says "offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the Lord." It is such a wonderful thing to think that when we live righteously, putting our trust in the Lord, He is pleased. I usually think of making righteous decisions in relation to me, not of the Lord. It is a special gift that I can offer to the Lord, when, though maybe not in the easiest of circumstances, I live righteously and make the decision to do the right thing for the Lord God. In doing this, it also shows God that we are trusting Him! How precious it must be to Him to see a life that is trusting Him, when I so often allow the flesh to take control and thats when things seem to look bleak and scary. What amazing peace must come from trusting completely in Him. I may not have explained this very well, but it has been an uplifting thought for me.

I thank the Lord God that He still speaks to my heart. He is the God of love, may I share this great love that He has shown me, with those I come across each day!

May God bless each of you this day and encourage your hearts!

Handing out invitations for the Oxford Baptist Chapel

Street Preaching

As I see these pictures of Oxford and think of the people who live here and those who attend university, I am so humbled to be here and be part of a brand new work, reaching people with the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. There are so many children who know almost nothing of Jesus or the Bible and have never thought about their eternity. On the other hand there are many university students who have an idea of religion and have their view of eternity, yet they are in spiritual blindness. They need to have their eyes opened to the truth of the gospel. Please pray for us as we seek to tell these people of our Saviour and His love for them!

Our second Sunday School at the chapel went so well! We know that it was a result of the prayers of God's people for this work, so thank you to all of you who have been praying. There were 10 in the Sunday School and 2 adults stayed as well. Praise the Lord for His many blessings to us!

This is the group with Kyle who came back after Sunday School 3 times to give us little gifts of appreciation for inviting him. He and his sister had such a great time that they wanted to come back for the evening service, which they did, and they were some of the most well behaved kids I have ever had! So precious!

Recently my family came to see me in England and it was nothing short of a miracle! I had a really great time with them and it seemed so short. I was however, so very grateful for them coming, it was a blessing to have them see the ministry here and see what I do and where I live. Definately a refreshing time for me. Love them all so much! Just when you need it, the Lord sends a blessing our way, encouraging us to keep going forward for Him. What a loving God we serve!

My Family in front of the chapel in Oxford

Mom and Dad at the Roman Baths

The whole clan at the Roman Baths

What a sweet couple at St. James park in London

The City Center

Pastor's visit to the chapel

The Oxford Baptist Chapel

Finally, I am trying to update my blog, after over a year. God has so graciously allowed me to go to Oxford, England, to help Derrick and Julianna Morlan start a church. We are now close to beginning that work and we couldn't be more excited. God has given us some really good opportunities already and we look forward to all that He will do through us in the future. As I look back over the last year and few months since I have blogged, I am amazed to think of all that has happened. Now I look forward to the future and think of what possibilities that lie ahead. I will try to keep this more updated in the future, but I am not promising anything. It will be fun to see all that God will do in this amazing city, a city with a rich Christian heritage, filled with brilliant minds, people, individuals who need to believe on Jesus Christ for forgiveness of sins. Please pray for us as we embark on this great journey.

Happy New Year Everyone! It's hard to believe that it is 2009 already. But we have already dove into the new year. School has started up again and it's going great and I am excited at what the Lord will do in the new year. Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years went very well, I am just sad that they are already over. Thanksgiving we were blessed to see many family members that came and Christmas was just relaxing and nice to be home.

Typical Craig :-)

Carrie and her boyfriend Dominic

Our spoiled dog Snickers...poor thing, she hated this hat!

Grandma, Grandpa, and I

Last week we had our missions conference at Temple Baptist Church. We had such great services and the Lord once again spoke to my heart about missions and what He would have for me to do. I am praying and I am excited about being a better witness where I am. Last night, I went with some friends to the jail ministry and I taught the lesson. I really was not pleased with how I did, I felt like I didn't really make any sense as I taught, but there was a girl that came to me after the lesson. With tears in her eyes she asked me what the purpose of the Bible was. It really touched my heart and it was as if God was assuring me and saying...Cathy, there are people right here where you are who need Him and have no idea about Him and who He is.

Also two weekends ago, Jo Hanna Tangeman and Amanda Lapp came to visit me and to attend the conference and we had such a wonderful time together. We went on a hike and, it being the most beautiful time of the year, everything was so pretty! Here are a few pictures...