Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Ephesians 5:1-2

Problems...

It's getting to that point in time, when I can barely concentrate because I am so excited and passionate about England. But, there are some things that I need to get done before I leave... some things that were planned and some that were not.

Some of you know me well enough to know that surgery scares the crap out of me. I do not like the thought of being forced to go to sleep and wake up with something gone. Luckily I have not had the privilege of having any sort of surgery in my life. Until now...

It's just a minor minor surgery, that 98% of the world has to get done. Yes, its time for me to get my wisdom teeth out. I am not too excited about this, but it has to be done. Especially since my insurance runs up in about, oh, 4 weeks. I had the consultation about 3 years ago, and never got it done. I really need to get these teeth of wisdom extracted. Hopefully all goes well!

Another minor surgery that I want/need done is the scar-tissue cyst on my knee... but you probably don't want to hear about that... just cosmetic...

An unexpected problem that I have run into is my wonderful car. It has been good to me, but I think it's tired of the long commutes downtown or of not being clean, I'm not sure what it is, but it's broken. For the last three months, it has been consistently over heating, and the mechanics couldn't figure out why. So, finally I told them to fix the problem because I am going to be going on some long distance road trips in the next couple of months.

They called me back today (2 days later) and said that they think they found a leak in the head gasket. I love cars, but I have no clue what that means. Apparently its 20 hours of work for them, and about 4 months for me , meaning it's going to cost me a lot!

But, all of this is in God's hands, and His plans... so I am giving complete trust in Him. I will keep you all updated as much as possible...

His-story of Colchester...

Exactly 450 years ago, August and September 1557, 12 men and women in Colchester laid down their lives for Christ in Colchester.

This was the era of the counter-reformation, when Queen Mary decided that England should be catholic not protestant. In a three year period 23 Colcestrians were martyred, quite brutally, mostly burned to death.

I do not believe that Christ is calling men and women to die for Him in Colchester at this point in history- rather He is calling us to be Living Sacrifices.

These men and women are your brothers and sisters in Christ, who paved the way for you to present Christ openly to people in Colchester.

Elizabeth Folkes, Helen Ewring, Agnes Silverside, Thomas Benold, William Purcas, William Bongeor - died 2nd August 1557, outside the town hall

William Munt, John Johnson, Alice Munt, Rose Allin- died at Castle Bailey

Margaret Thurston, Agnes Bongeor- died 17 Sept 1557

These are the heroes and heroines of faith who have gone before us.

What a great privilege to partner men and women like this who have shed blood for the sake of the Gospel.

This information was provided by DNA Networks. I am in process of studying and researching the Christian history of Colchester... come back for more information!

Acts 1

Well, I got to work a little early yesterday. About 30 minutes early. Even though I LOVE work so much, I didn't feel like going in that early. Luckily I had my Bible with me. So, I started to read Acts. The part that I felt God was speaking to me directly was Acts 1:14. I am sure that you know what verse I am talking about. It takes place after the disciples watched Jesus ascend back into heaven, and the angels say to them, "Why do you stand looking into heaven?"(Verse 11). So, they go back to the upper room and scripture tells us,

"All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer together with the women and Mary the Mother of Jesus, and his brothers."

"Devoting themselves" - I felt God tell me to really start devoting myself to prayer. I really don't do it enough. I need to pray for the church of England, not the denomination, the actual Body of Christ in England. I need to pray for support, so that I can be fruitful while I am in England. I also need to pray that stay focused at work, and that I am bold to talk to non-believers about what Christ has done.

"Prayer together" - This part I feel like God wants me to get a group of prayer supporters together to accomplish the above. I need your help to pray for England, my teammates, and me. Please help me pray.

Thank you again for reading, and taking your time to listen to what I feel is important. If you have any prayer requests, anything at all, e-mail me: J.Christerson@gmail.com or call me at 404.226.9605

Good song...

I wish you could see me now
I wish I could show you how
I'm not who I was

Used to be mad at you
A little on the hurt side too
but im not who I was
I found my way around to forgiving you
sometime ago
But I never got to tell you... so

I found us in a photograph
I saw me and I had to laugh
You know im not who I was
You were there you were right above me
and I wonder if you ever loved me
just for who I was

When the pain came back like a bitter friend
It was all that I could do, to keep myself from blaming you

Thinkin its a funny thing, I figured out I can sing
Now im not who I was
I write about love and such
maybe cause I want it so much
Im not who I was

I was thinking maybe I should let you know
that I am not the same
but I never did forget your name
Hello

And the thing I find most amazing in amazing grace
is the chance to give it up
maybe thats what love is all about

I wish you could see me now
I wish I could show you how
I'm not who I was

He is Good!

I remember when I used to go to the Youth group at Roswell UMC back when I was in grade school. Half of us would always scream, "God is good all the time!..." and the other half would scream, "All the time, God is good!"

Isn't that a true statement? God is good, all the time! He really is. How is he not good?

Last week, I was kind of impatient with God. I wished that He would provide the support NOW. I was looking at my schedule and wondering why it wasn't going my way. But, don't we always get like that? Aren't we always impatient, wondering why it is taking God so long? I know that He is up there, looking down at us, saying "Chill, I have got it under control... Just be patient and faithful."

Every day, I get more and more excited about leaving for the UK. I know this is in God's plan for me, because He has affirmed it so many times. I am at about 50% monthly pledged support, and still have a couple more meetings left. One with Perimeter Church and a couple more with friends and family. I know that I don't have to worry about the timing. God has it all in control. He is just testing me to see how I handle it.

Testing Faith...harder than school

So, I have been praying a lot, well for me it's a lot, about my support. So far, because of some reductions in pledges, I have 43%. Before I had 53%. I feel like God is saying, "I have gotten you this far, now let's see how much you Trust Me."

Because, with working 40+ hours a week and having minimal time to actually call, sit-down and chat with potential supporters, it is really difficult to make those connections. Therefore, I really have to trust and rely on God at all times to bring people to me. I was feeling great with having 53% combined support (Pledges plus one time gifts). Considering that in order to go to the training, I have to have 60%. Training starts in September. So I was so close... but now, I am in need of about $600 more for monthly pledges.

This is where I am having trouble. I want to go full speed on support raising, but I can't. I want to go to England as soon as possible. I feel more passionate about the ministry in England, than I have for anything, ever. I know God knows this, and He wants to see how passionate I am by testing my faith.

It's like, I know He will provide. But, waiting is the hardest part. I want to make every effort to make this happen. But, when will it happen?

Please pray that God will bring me the money to go. Please!

Go With God!

The 'Noog!

Last week, my job gave me 5 days off in a row! That is more then I had off for vacation last month... but I didn't do anything until last Monday. Me, Hilary, Lauren and Scottie wanted to do something different, something we had never done. First we thought we would go to Stone Mountain, but then we heard it was supposed to rain. So, we thought we would go caving, aka Spelunking, but we couldn't find a place. Then we thought we could drive to Chattanooga, so we did. The next day we, plus Aubrie and her boyfriend Ben, jumped in our cars and drove the hour to the 'Noog.

We had no clue what to do. We luckily parked next door to the Visitor's Centre downtown. The man there had a lot of cool facts and fun ideas. We took advantage of those and walked around the beautiful city exploring its art district, historical district and more. It was a lot of fun. Oh, the man also gave us the name of a place that does Spelunking. I am pretty sure that is the next fun trip planned for my last summer in Hot-Lanta!

For pictures of the trip, go to these websites...

• http://gsu.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2067639&l=b7646&id=46200095

• http://gsu.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2067439&l=4c829&id=46200095