Faith in London

Before I came to London I had absolutely NO idea that a majority of the people that reside in the UK are either athiest, do not know anything about God, or refuse to even speak his name. That I would have to say is one BIG culture shock for me. Especially coming from parents who are great believers, a WONDERFUL church family at Los Altos, and Pepperdine.

For the past few weeks I have just been going to our House Bible study. I dont know if it is because I didnt want to go to a church that wasn't CoC or if it was because of something else, but I decided not to go to a church around here until Today. I go to Holy Trinity Brompton weekly (sundays) for a lunch thing. They basically feed college students. But, even more than that this gathering allows Christians of the same age to talk and relate to each other. It also allows us "Pepperdiners" to meet the locals and talk to them about the culture here in general. Today, for some reason, I felt a pull to attend the 5:00PM service at the church, which is the youth or college students service.

When I walked into the church I was a little shocked at first. Not only had all the seats been removed from the chapel, but cusions were placed on the floor for you to sit on. When the worship started I was taken aback by how AMAZING and indescribable their worship was. In a way it reminded me of the youth group (Aftermath) from back home in Hesperia. I was completely moved by the worship. The message was completely realateable and interesting, it brought up new insight into my life. After the sermon, basically the director asked a kid about the holy spirit in his life. Then he asked for prayer on everyone to be filled with the passion to want MORE of God in our lives. He also said how we should get up each and every day an d the first thing we should do is crave and hunger for the Lord in our lives. After that we prayed and meditated basically on that thought. Seeing so many Christian youth gathered in that church all dancing and praising Jesus (especially in a country that doesn't really practice faith) was the most uplifting thing I have EVER seen! I was almost brought to tears.

After that I attended my House Bible study. A few people in the house know what I am going through and more importantly what my mom and family is going through. But, when we went around for prayer requests I just couldnt hold back the tears. Usually when people ask about my mom I am calm and collected and stated the facts in a highly eloquent manner. Tonight I just couldnt control myself for some reason.

Once we were done with the Bible study, I went to check my facebook. My dads secretary had written me a message telling me to call my dad ASAP cause my mom had accepted a Liver! I ran to call my dad and sure enough the Liver is being transported and checked as I write this!

All in all to day was an amazingly spiritual day for me! and I cant wait to see what God wants to shape me to be!