We are Team Wicks: Love Feast

Do you remember the feeling you would have as a child when the school year was almost over? There was a buzz in the air and everything that you had been walking past in the halls all year suddenly looked kind of fresh again? That is how we are feeling this week. There is a fresh energy and a second wind as we get ready to end the first phase of our adventure and set out on the next and most exciting phase.

To update you on the visas for the Brazil team, they were denied a second time on Monday. So, the team and the leaders got together and prayed for a new direction for their team. As an alternative they have decided to travel to Guatemala. They will be hooking up with a YWAM base there to assist them in some of their ministries and also to help teach english. The team is excited about the solution.

Last night we had the traditional "love feast" for our class. We all got dressed up and were treated to a special dinner as we celebrated the end of our training together and shared the anticipation of breaking out into our different outreach groups and travelling to the various nations. The entertainment for the evening was provided by the class itself as several different people shared songs, poetry, skits, etc. Angie and I sang a song together called "No Eye Has Seen." As mentioned in an earlier blog, Angie has been reflecting on the scripture Jeremiah 29 as a source of encouragement for the fears and unknowns of the future.

For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me in earnest, you will find me when you seek me. I will be found by you," says the LORD. (Jeremiah 29:11-14)

The song we sang together was a perfect reflection of that scripture:

No eye has seen

No ear has heard

No mind has conceived what the Lord has prepared

But by His Spirit He has revealed His plan to those who love Him

We’ve been held by His everlasting love

Led with loving kindness by His hand

We have hope for the future yet to come

In time we’ll understand the mystery of His plan

It was a very special and memorable evening. Below are some pictures of the evening (names are all from left to right).

Will and Karen Bishop (California), Jean and Bobby Norment (Alabama). Jean and Bobby are leading our Fiji team.

TOP: Margrethe Tufteskog (Norway), Kathy Rod (Australia), Lori Mitchell (Colorado), Catherine Mistry (England), Joanne Dagg (Quebec), Tammi Martin (Oregon), Rebecca Oakerson (Virginia), Karen Bishop (California).

BOTTOM: Laura Vallerand (Woodinville, WA), Katherine Kim (Honolulu, HI), TongHee Kwak (Korea), Mikayla Martin (Oregon).

Angie and me (with my new Fiji haircut)

KB Kim (Korea), Greg Loher (Minnesota), Will Bishop (California), Jin Kim (Korea), Jim Tholen (San Francisco), me.

Our close friends Nick and Jen Greener (WA DC)

Rebecca Merriam (California), Angie, Soo Kim (Korea), Rebecca Oakerson (Virginia), Courtney Smith (California).

Naomi Cristofoli (England), Courtney Martin (Oregon), Tammi Martin (Oregon), Dominique Cristofoli (England), Leslie Kim (Korea), Mikayla Martin (Oregon).