The Harvest is Plentiful

As I write this blog, I am reminiscing on my day of experiencing real-life proof that England is not always cold and rainy. I surveyed the sky this afternoon and can honestly say that I did not see one fluffy cloud in this baby blue sky. God has definitely blessed us the past few days with amazing weather… but we’ve reminded the new comers that although it’s gloriously lovely outside today, this is certainly not how it is all the time!!! Our English bungalow on Birkdale Road is officially an American mad house. We have twelve, (soon to be thirteen) people scattered throughout our 5 rooms. As crazy as it may sound, I wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s incredible how refreshing it feels already to be engulfed by a new wave of passionate followers of Christ. I am so excited for what this summer holds and I already know that God is going to move powerfully in Teesside and beyond. The majority of the students living with us for the time being are Shelby’s friends from the University of Arkansas. It’s a blessing to see the fruit of her friendships and the ripple effect that she has begun all the way across the pond. It’s a vivid reminder of her enormous impact on the ministry that’s happening here. Only eternity will reveal how many came to know Christ through her spiritual heritage and the friendships that led so many to this country! For the past few days, John 4:35 has been replaying in my mind… “Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest.” Wherever our group has gone, whether it be the neighborhood park, an ice cream shop, or a hike on Roseberry Topping, we have come into contact with kids, teenagers and parents who are so eager to know why us americans have chosen to spend their summer (or perhaps a few years) in Teesside – of all places! They are so confused at us, yet so giddy to be talking to us. So many are anxious to come to the sports clubs we are putting on during the week. They are so eager to ask questions. What these kids need is for someone to look in their eyes and with honest sincerity tell them that someone cares, that they are loved, that there is glorious hope that can only be found in Jesus.. not to mention the love that is found in being His child and the peace/comfort/exuberant joy that I have with knowing Him!!!! Please pray for an abundance of those conversations in the coming weeks. Pray for boldness and strength. Pray for closeness within our group. Pray that the peace of God will rule our hearts and that we would be known by our love. The fields are white! I have faith that God has been preparing the hearts of these people long before my family and I came to this nation. We know that God can save these people and the awesome thing about it is that He wants to use US. The Creator of the mountains and deep blue oceans, the one who hung the stars in the sky and the beautiful moon that I’m looking at in this moment, the one who formed the foundations of the world, the one who breathed life into my very lungs, the one who designed each unique fingerprint, the one who suffered and died on a cross for me so that I could have hope, come to know Him and tell the nations about Him. Luke 10:2 says, “And he said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” We have been praying for months that the Lord of the harvest would sent out laborers to the fields… and indeed, he is answering our plea. We are praying for revival in this nation once again… will you please pray with us?

To the ends of the earth,

Hannah Elizabeth Taylor