A Very Big God

We have been at Oxford for a little over a week now and I am having several different kinds of feelings. As you look around the city when we walk to see the sites, it is incredible the influence of Christianity. Listen to some of the names of the colleges: Christ Church, All-Souls, St Peter’s, St Mary’s, Jesus, St John’s, and those are just few. Almost all of the colleges have beautiful chapels with historic stained glass and connections with figures in the history of the church. And yet when you look into the faces of the people and listen to them talk, there seems to be a great disconnect between the overwhelming historical impact of Christianity and their daily lives. I am impressed that as a whole most people do not have a growing relationship with God. Christianity seems much more of a formality than a daily walk.

And yet, we have had the privilege – especially here at Regent’s Park – to meet some incredible Christian people who are seeking to make an impact for the kingdom of God in this center of academic life. At the Friday evening dinner (called the High Table), we met a couple from the USA who are at Oxford because he is a senior research fellow in anthropology. He came here from working with Young Life in the Kansas City area where he and his wife were both on the staff. They found out that the Young Life group they were with was closing down and the day after that happened, he got a call to come to Oxford to research why people believe in God. Apparently the Oxford community is very open to evangelicals who can give a good explanation of their faith. He and his wife have had many opportunities to give witness to people who literally have the potential to impact the world!

We are so grateful to God for allowing us to have this experience. It has already been both challenging and enriching. It is amazing to learn about how God is working in places where I never could have imagined. If nothing else, it has confirmed to me the truth that God is growing His kingdom all of the time. As the Gospel of John says God is always at work and He invites us to join Him in that work. How awesome it is to be reminded that God is not limited by my perspective or even my imagination. One of the books I am reading is Kingdom Principles for Church Growth. Encountering people from different parts of the world encourages me that we have a very big God and nothing is impossible for Him. I am thankful for the ways that God is teaching me that lesson here at Oxford!

On a lighter note, here are some good reasons to live in Siloam Springs:
· Gasoline is ONLY $3.50 a gallon vs. $9.00 a gallon
· Eggs are only $2 a dozen vs. $6 a dozen
· Hordes of Japanese, French & Italian tourists do not run you off the sidewalks all over town!
· You can get a cup of plain coffee for less than $3
· Starbucks is 3.50£ for a mocha which is $7 in US dollars!