Loving the UK

When I get asked what I do, I love to say, “My job is to go all over the world to love and encourage our staff.”  What an incredible privilege and so fun!I just finished several days in Nottingham, England, with the staff of the United Kingdom, hopefully doing just that—loving and encouraging!The event that took me there was the installation of Lesley Cheesman as the new UK National Director.  I am so thrilled for this quality woman to be stepping into this responsibility.  I sense the staff, trustees and European ministry leaders are thrilled to stand with her as she and her team seek to take God’s “Reckless Love to a Reckless Nation.”I was honored to be able to speak at the installation celebration, sharing a vision of God at work around the world and a challenge to believe God for what He wants to do in their country.I had plenty of opportunity to do what else I love—be with the staff.The night I arrived I pleased to be a part of honoring staff for years of service, saying thank you for their faithfulness and praying for them.Europeans love to talk, and I spent many hours at meals and receptions and over coffee chatting with staff about their lives and families and ministries.  I never get over that I get to know and work with these beautiful servants of our Lord.A special highlight was a few minutes at a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party for international staff serving in the UK.  Best scones I ever ate!  A sweet time of talking about faith expressed by giving thanks to our God—in all circumstances.Once again, I am in awe of the quality of our staff—on every continent.  And I am so humbled that I can know so many of them personally!  I probably have the best job in the world!