The Long Journey ...

Right now, I am writing this blog in an Internet cafe in Manila. At the very same time, a lovely family are in the air making their way to the Philippines ... and a brand new life. Matthew,Claire, Madeleine and Ariella Kerr will be arriving tonight with a few suitcases and a lot of mixed emotions!

For the last year they have been preparing their lives for coming to minister with us at Sefton Village. The Bible says that 'man may make his plans... but the Lord directs his steps.' How did this couple end up coming all the way to the Philippines?

Well, Matthew is from Shetland and I knew him when he came down to study in the mid 90's. He came to Capital Christian Centre ... although I was on my way to Africa when he arrived. He studies civil engineering and then felt the call of God to serve on the Operation Mobilisation ship 'Doulos'. When there, he met this lovely Irish teacher called Claire and they fell in love.

They came home to the UK after their two years of service and they married. Matthew wanted to finish the practical part of his civil engineering training and so they set up home in Shetland. Claire taught their at a local school ... but their heart was still on the mission field.

In 2003 they came to our Sefton Village Missions Weekend and it was great to see them again. I believe God put a seed of vision in their lives for Sefton at that wonderful weekend. They had a beautiful daughter Madeleine in 2004 and they began to seek God's face for the future. Matthew thought it might be back on the Doulos and even went to Estonia to see the new ship and pray. But things never worked out and they were back to square one.

In 2006, when we came back to the UK, we really knew that we needed help at Sefton. Things had grown so much and one couple was not enough. I was going to call Matthew but God clearly said 'No ... I will tell you when." One Friday, I felt the Lord prompting me to call. I called and got Matthews mum who told me she was waving Matthew and family off as they went on the boat to Aberdeen.

Next day Matthew called and said they were on holiday. I asked how things were going with OM and what their plans were. Matthew said that things had fallen through. Out of the blue I said to him, "What about coming and helping us at Sefton?" I think it shocked him because it went all silent! He told me he had two days free at the end of their holiday in England. So we decided to meet up in Edinburgh.

They came with us to two churches on the Sunday and it was there that the Lord said to them, "This is it!" On Sunday night they said, "We feel that God is leading us to Sefton Village." On Monday we got together and talked about their call, their plans and practical things to do if they felt this was the way ahead. The amazing thing in this story is that the Lord asked Matthew to task his boss for two extra days holiday-even though he should not have got them. His boss said 'OK' ... and those were the two days that we spent together. The unforced rhythms of grace ...

And now... one year on they have quit their jobs, been interviewed, travelled around sharing the vision, finished the School of Missions at Mattersey ... and had another beautiful baby... Ariella. Wow, it's nit easy I can tell you.

At Sefton Claire will help Mary in the starting up of the new Primary School as well as help in the Children's Home. Matthew is a practical guy and there will be plenty work for him in our building projects, computers etc. And I know they will find other ministries within Cornerstone Church.

So pray for them today. Long haul flights with two small kids is not easy. Bought the T-Shirt. Pray for the peace of God for them, that all would go smooth and that God will take away all anxiety and worry. Pray for them (and me!) as we go around Manila in these next few days to buy furniture and things for their house .. which they have never seen! Is there a spiritual gift of shopping?

the Kerr family have their own web/blog site and it is well worth a look - www.leekerr.co.uk

Pray for Mary and the kids back at Sefton as I am here in Manila. Over the last week the enemy has really been trying his best to discourage and pull us down. He is really bringing on heavy blows against Mary ... as he knows that she is feeling weak with her arm etc. (By the way, the plaster is off PTL!) On Monday TWO teachers phoned in with German measles and yesterday one of our kids in the home-Ryan-was admitted to hospital with Dengue fever and Pneumonia. Most of the kids in the home are sick right now. We really feel under attack. Keith and Anne have been great and really supporting us through this week. They are doing great at Sefton and are really ministering to many in so many ways.

So please ... pray for Mary. It was her birthday on Tuesday and she had a great day. So many showed their love in so many ways. Pray for protection for Lydia and Josiah ... especially when I am away. Thanks for all your prayers .. it makes so much difference.

...and Matthew & family ... wherever you are right now ... know that we are all praying for you!