Joey's Birthday

We were so blessed to be able to go up the North Coast of Ireland to celebrate - Thanks to everyone for the Birthday notes and blessings! Our friends let us use their car and we had a great time getting away for a day. 

We are leaving in about 3 weeks for the midd. east. There is a lot of preparation to be done, and we are keeping busy with that as well as local outreach, and all the other aspects of community, life, and dts.

This week, the weather has been like SE Alaska, wind and rain galore. It is refreshing at the moment. 

Peace and Love in Christ,

Joey and Christy

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

The Lorica (St. Patrick's Breastplate)


I arise today
  through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,
  through belief in the Threeness,
  through confession of the Oneness
  towards the Creator.

I arise today
  through the strength of Christ
    with His Baptism,
  through the strength of His Crucifixion
    with His Burial,
  through the strength of His Resurrection
    with His Ascension,
  through the strength of His descent
    for the Judgement of Doom.

I arise today
  through the strength of the love of Cherubim,
  in obedience of Angels,
  in the service of Archangels,
  in the hope of resurrection to meet with reward,
  in prayers of Patriarchs,
  in predictions of Prophets,
  in preachings of Apostles,
  in faiths of Confessors,
  in innocence of Holy Virgins,
  in deeds of righteous men.

I arise today
  through the strength of Heaven:
  light of Sun,
  brilliance of Moon,
  splendor of Fire,
  speed of Lightning,
  swiftness of Wind,
  depth of Sea,
  stability of Earth,
  firmness of Rock.

I arise today
  through God's strength to pilot me:
  God's might to uphold me,
  God's wisdom to guide me,
  God's eye to look before me,
  God's ear to hear me,
  God's word to speak for me,
  God's hand to guard me,
  God's way to lie before me,
  God's shield to protect me,
  God's host to secure me -
    against snares of devils,
    against temptations of vices,
    against inclinations of nature,
    against everyone who shall wish me ill,
    afar and anear,
    alone and in a crowd.

I summon today all these powers between me
    (and these evils) -
  against every cruel and merciless power
    that may oppose my body and my soul,
  against incantations of false prophets,
  against black laws of heathenry
  against false laws of heretics,
  against craft of idolatry,
  against spells of women and smiths and wizards,
  agains every knowledge that endangers
    man's body and soul.

Christ to protect me today
  against poison, against burning,
  against drowning, against wounding,
  so that there may come abundance of
    reward.
Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ
    behind me,
Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ
    above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie, Christ when I sit, Christ
    where I arise,
Christ in the heart of every man who
    thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of every man who
    speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.

I arise today
  through a mighty strength, the invocation
    of the Trinity
  through belief in the Threeness,
  through confession of the Oneness
  towards the Creator.

Salvation is of the Lord.
Salvation is of the Lord.
Salvation is of Christ.
May Thy salvation, O Lord, be ever with us.
 

Dublin

Tomorrow we go to Dublin for the Western European Leadership Conference (WELC)
for YWAM.
We have been busy getting ready for that. Almost 200 people from around Europe
will be there to pray and seek the Lord.
There will be workshops about different areas involving missions.

Our school is serving at the conference... Christy is singing on the worship team and Joey is helping out with other needs.

We had a great break this weekend and hiked up Cave Hill here in Belfast, a very different scene than where we live on the Shankill - amazing views of Belfast, we could see all the way to the Mourne Mountains and Scotland!
Very refreshing time as we have been busy with all that is happening here.

Love and Blessings to All,
Joseph and Christy

Brendan's Mountain Prayer

We are (still) learning to trust. Can you believe it? :) 

Brendan was a monk in 5th century Ireland who felt compelled to leave the shores of familiarity in a small boat without rudder or oar, entrusting himself to the currents of God to take him wherever he wanted him to go. Historical accounts of his journey show him traveling to the likely locations of Iceland, Greenland, and even North America - then back again. Before he set off on his journey, he ascended a nearby mountain (which we have seen), and fasted and prayed for 40 days and nights. This was what he prayed:

Shall I abandon the comforts and benefits of my home,

Seeking the island of promise our Father’s knew long ago,

Sail on the face of the deep where no riches or fame

Or weapons protect you, and nobody honors your name?

Shall I take leave of my friends

And my beautiful native land,

Tears in my eyes

as my knees mark my final prayer in the sand?

King of the mysteries, will You set watch over me?

Christ of the mysteries, can I trust You on the sea?

Christ of the heavens,

and Christ of the ravenous ocean wave,

I will hold fast to my course

through the dangers I must brave.

King of the mysteries, angels will watch over me,

Christ of the mysteries, when I trust You on the sea.

Christ of the mysteries, can I trust You on the sea?

Brendan’s example speaks to us each:

Have I the courage to leave the familiar

and journey into the unknown?

to journey beyond the way I have prayed,

the life I have lived, the sensible and the secure?

to trust God to take me beyond these familiar shores?

This last week there have been small oceans to cross in our lives, but God has been faithful to carry us through. This present week we are learning of and experiencing the outworking of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Pray that we receive all He has for us, as we pray that you receive all He has for you.


Love,
J and C

walking through walls

This weeks teachings on relationships. A great Irish couple sharing stories and wisdom. We had a good chat with the fellow, who gave us some good input about missions and married life.

This morning, walked around our neighborhood, praying and feeling the heart of God for this place. 

We are surrounded by walls.


There is so much going on here, and many contradictions. It is such a warm and lovely people who make their home here....still many of the houses are hiding behind walls and fences,which have been built up intentionally, including barbed wire, and nails in some places, and rubbish all over the place - there is a sense of isolation, fear and shutting others out. 

Praying for the Kingdom of Heaven here on earth - and  for the spirit of adoption to be alive in this place - so many are without an earthly father, may the hope of the most loving Father of all be poured out...
Only the love of Jesus in His people will bring the creativity and grace to walk through some of these walls to love our neighbors in a real way.

 Romans 8:15-17

“So you should not be like cowering fearful slaves. You should behave instead like God’s very own children, adopted into His family, calling Him Father dear Father. For His Holy Spirit speaks to us deep in our hearts and tells us that we are God’s children. And since we are His children, we will share his treasures,- for everything God gives to his Son, Christ, is ours, too. 

Last night we started learning some traditional session songs with a friend Mike who plays fiddle. Christy playing Guitar and Joseph on the bodhran (Irish drum).  A lot of fun.

Saturday, we are going to Dublin for Valentine’s weekend, have a bit of time together and will get to see Christy’s cousin Jesse play a show with his band, Midlake.

Monday, our small group is putting on a dinner at the Cafe for people who are over 60 - a time to build community and get to know people. We are going to sing "Moon River"...


Thanks a million zillion for your 

prayers and for the example 

you have all been to us. 

In His Love,

Joseph 'n Christy

Rostrevor

A week spent meditating on the Father heart of God out in the countryside. Christy drove a car and then the blue mini-bus, which was no too difficult, though a bit of a challenge.

 YWAM has just been given a property in Rostrevor, Northern Ireland (worth 4,000,000 pounds). It is situated on Carlingford Lough (an inlet of the Irish Sea), which lies right on the border of Northern Ireland and the Republic. 

For 30 years, this place has been a place of reconciliation and prayer, and has just been handed over to YWAM.  We got to visit there this week (the picture of the white building is the property, and the views of the sea are the view). YWAM workers from around the island gathered to pray and thank the Lord. There is a lot of vision coming forth for this place as a place for many nations and to continue in reconciliation, prayer and a place that is open to people from all sorts of walks. 

While we were there having a time of prayer, a fishing boat came by, which was lovely to see and reminded us of Ketchikan as well.

It is a really cool time to be here and see what the Lord is doing.

This week, we have all been talking about our stories and Msizi, our house-mate from S. Africa taught us a song in Zulu, and we all sang it for part of his testimony. That was a lot of fun and full of life!

Today, another person arrived from South Africa and will be living in the flat with us. His name is Spha and he is a blessing already! Our small group is starting some ministry in the local cafe we have talked about, so we could use prayer for that. 

Love and light, 

Joseph and Christy 

Aslan Is On The Move

Definitely getting settled in here now, going to teaching times every day, getting acquainted with people more and building community. Christy taught everyone the game "Boo Yay", which went over marvelously and everyone enjoyed almost too much.

A lady donated some furniture to us (none of us had dressers in the flat),...we went to meet her and pick them up and had a good time of prayer with her. She was super blessed to just have a hug, smile and prayer after losing both of her parents in the last few months. 

We went to an Evensong Choral service at St. Anne's Cathedral and this hymn really stood out...seeking to know Him as our all in all.

Anthem by Ruller

As the bridegroom to his chosen, as the king unto his realm,

As the keeper to the castle, as the pilot to the helm.

as the captain to his soldiers, as the shepherd to his lambs,

So, Lord, art thou to me.

As the fountain in the garden, as the candle in the dark,

As the treasure in the coffer, as the manna in the ark,

As the firelight in the winter, As the sunlight in the spring

So Lord art thou to me.

As the music at the banquet, as the stamp unto the seal,

As refreshment to the fainting, as the winecup at the meal,

As the singing on the feast day, as the amen to the prayer,

So Lord art thou to me.

As the ruby in the setting, as the honey in the comb

As the light within the lantern, as the father in the home,

As the eagle in the mountains, as the sparrow in the nest,

So Lord art thou to me.

As the sunshine in the heavens, as the image in the glass,

As the fruit unto the fig tree, as the dew unto the grass,

As the rainbow on the hilltop, as the river in the plain,

So Lord art thou to me.

Here are some photos of our neighborhood, views from our windows. Three of our flatmates, Msizi, Naomi and Davie - quite lovely.

Lots of dynamics with community life - another great chance for growing in love and grace. Really a joy to see others coming alive, and to experience the life giving Spirit of Christ moving in us and through us...

Prayers going up for Haiti - for hope to flow through the brokenness. 

Prayers for our family whom we miss immensely

Prayers for healing in us and through us, and openness to the ways Holy Spirit wants to move. 

Love love love,
Joey and Christy

New Flat - New Housemates

Ah, this week we moved down the Shankill to a flat - closer to town and to the classes we start on Thursday. We will have 6 housemates - 3 have already arrived - Mitchell from N. Carolina, Davie from Washington and Msizi from S.Africa. They are all really neat people. We have two girls arriving in the next couple days as well.
We were all trying to learn how to say "Praise God" in Zulu last night, which took at least a half hour and we still need some work on it.

Meeting lots of people just by walking up and down the road. The manager of the cafe we've been working at, Kevin, offered us his place to house-sit for 5 days while he's in Morocco. Sweet! So, we'll have a little get-away place to walk to for a few days.

Things are well, we are learning lots already and having fun with hospitality. It's a blessing to be able to help with the little things for people who are venturing from home for maybe the first time. Holy Spirit is helping us and connecting us with others and building relationship as we go.

LOVE, Joseph and Christy

North Coast

We had such a lovely time at the retreat in Bushmills over the weekend. We got to cozy up by the fire with a bunch of folks and have times of worship and games. We had an absolutely gorgeous walk along the North Coast, and ended up at the Giant's Causeway, the incredible formation of rocks pictured. We also explored a sea cave under Dunluce Castle, where boats must have moored long ago. It was so gorgeous and refreshing. We feel more ready to jump into the work in Belfast now.

Today we moved to a new location, about a mile from where we were. It is a smaller flat that we will be sharing with seven other people starting this coming week. (Four from the states, One from England, and  two from South Africa).

 We both know we're in the right place at the right time. We, along with another fella Drew,  spent a couple days last week getting a little 'cafe' set up for the students in a ywam house.  We tore out some of the kitchen and painted, it should be a nice place to get to know people.

This week, the dts starts. We will be going to teachings every day and doing local volunteer work, and meeting lots of new people this week.

Thinking of our family and friends worldwide...Thanksgiving given for you.

love,

Joseph and Christy

Learning as we go!

 We arrived about a week ago and Christy was sick in bed for a few days, but is feeling better now. We've been busy meeting with people and getting to know the area here. The YWAM staff has been amazing at welcoming us by taking us out to coffee, setting up a nice place for us etc.

For the first couple days, we went through some training to work with children.

This week we started working at a cafe on the street where we live. It is called The Feed and is run mostly by volunteers - YWAM helps to run the cafe. Joseph and I started yesterday and today we were given the keys to open the cafe. The cook didn't show up so Joseph cooked while Christy took care of the customers. It was a lot of fun and we learned fast. The main item on the menu is the Ulster Fry (pictured), which consists of greasy sausage, ham, soda bread, potato bread and egg. Usually the frys come with tomatoes and mushrooms but most of the folks on the Shankill aren't keen on the veggies! :) Almost always served with a cuppa tay(tea).

 It's lovely to be able to meet people in this setting - and have a chance to begin to get to know people - we met one lady in the Cafe who remembered us from when we were here a couple years ago. She and her husband have been to Ketchikan.

 Tomorrow, we are going to Bushmills, a town a bit north of here for a few days retreat with a Catholic group called Sword of the Spirit. It is a wonderful thing to be a part of, people deciding to work together in this area.

We took a cab the other day and he just immediately started telling us about all of his family and friends that had died in conflict here. The people here are so lovely and many of them want to just talk. They wonder why we would want to be here, staying in this area of Belfast. (We are living on the Shankill Road which is the protestant side of West Belfast). On the other side of the 'peace' wall is the Falls Rd. (primarily Catholic). YWAM works in both communities.

 The history here is so intricate and we are seeing that there is still an incredible amount of division and pain here. May the healing love of Christ shine in all of us. We need Him so!

We also did a walking tour of the murals in West Belfast which helped a lot in understanding more about the area. There are 44 'peace' walls (26 miles of them) in and around Belfast.

Kids have been coming around the house and throwing stuff or putting boards through the mail slot...there isn't a lot for them to do around here and they can get a bit rowdy, so they test people to see how they will deal with it. Love, grace and healing Jesus!

Some challenges have been: understanding what people are saying :) , beginning to live in community again, the radiator in our room being broken, and the incredibly icy sidewalks with no salt on them.

We are glad to be here and are getting settled in with lots of learning.

LOVE,

Joey and Christy

Belfast!

We are here and all is well. Getting set to start volunteering on Monday.
Yay!

New Year's Day

We had a good New Year's Eve (minus Christy getting a fever and having to go to bed at 9:30), but it broke in the night so praise be to God!

I love sitting in the Presence of Jesus after songs of adoration, and it being so quiet that you can hear everyone's tummies growling, and there is such real peace. We got to experience that yesterday singing to Jesus with our friends Richard and Rachel.

A scripture Holy Spirit spoke for the new year:

Isaiah 55: 10-13

"The rain and snow come down from the heavens
and stay on the ground to water the earth. They cause
the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread
for the hungry. It is the same with My word.
I send it out, and it always produces fruit.
It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper
everywhere I send it. You will leave in joy and peace.
The mountains and hills will burst into song, and the trees
of the field will clap their hands!
Where once there were thorns, cypress trees will grow.
Where briers grew, myrtles will sprout up.
This miracle will bring great honor to the Lord's name;
It will be an everlasting sign of his power and love."

We fly to Northern Ireland later this afternoon!
A new adventure!
A marvelously lovely new year to all!
-J and C

Winter in London

The snow has been fun for Christmas-time, but this part of England hardly ever gets snow so they have been shutting down all sorts of things and having a tough time driving...
We had a blessed Christmas including carols, candles, a couple hours of playing tag in the park and an amazing meal un-like any American Christmas dinner!

There are all kinds of little discoveries every day about English culture -
It is a joy to be able to learn.

(Sidenote: The yogurt you can buy here is so delicious - and comes in tons of flavors we don't have in the states. Rhubarb is the best!)

This time in England has been a blessing- time to read and take lots of walks, as well as lots of time spent with the family we are staying with. We have played a lot of hide and seek, making animals out of baloons, and other creative ventures with the 4 kids who are here. They are treasures!
We've also been cooking, cleaning and gardening around the house.

A book we've been enjoying is "Life-Journey - A call to Christ-centered Living".  It is filled with poetry and art focused on Christ and His love.

Here is a prayer from that book:

Healing Lord,
Open the hearts of those in
conflict, help them to receive
your healing.

Merciful Lord,
May our human hearts never
harden to the suffering caused by
the absence of peace, help us to
yearn for peace.

Almighty Lord,
Help us to see where we are
avoiding reconciliation, please
grant us opportunities and the
will to change.

Here is the house we are staying in - Bless the Coates family Jesus!

Thank you all for your Christmas notes, prayers and love!

We are leaving for Northern Ireland in 5 days - We'll be in touch!
Love in Christ,
-The Rauwolfs

Merry Christmas Eve!

Here are some photos from a day in London town.

Let it Snow!

Well, we've had quite the restful first week here in London town; partly due to a longer-than-usual spell of jet-lag - our bodies go into "wake up!" mode just when it's time to go to bed - and partly because it's been snowing a bit here, which apparently is rare and a very big deal for this nation of cottages, gardens and tea-cozy's; such a big deal, in fact, that the Department of Transportation decided that no trains should run to the station near where we live (even though it was sunny and hadn't snowed in 4 days), leaving us with no other choice than to stay put.

This said, a few of our London Christmas plans have had to go out the window... But it's really okay! We've been blessed to spend more time with our dear friends, the Coates's. It's been a wonderful season of renewed fellowship and community sharing, leaving us blessed all around.

On another note: when was the last time you walked into a McDonald's and heard your favorite Celtic Christian progressive rock band playing through the speakers? That's precisely what happened today when we took the Coates children to the "golden arches" to play at the attached play space. You'd think there would be a steady playlist on a fast-food chain approved radio station consisting of all the recent pop hits, but not at this McDonald's!

Playing back and forth between tracks from big name acts like Beyonce Knowles was the song "Matthew-The Man" from Iona's early 90's "Book of Kells" release; and it just so happens that this is 9 year-old James Coates's favorite song! Period. He loved it! Must be a God thing. :)

The Book of Kells is most likely the most ancient and elaborate version of the four gospels ever recorded, and done so by early Irish monks. It can be viewed the Trinity College library in Dublin, Ireland. Google it.

Here's the lyrics to the above-mentioned track, referring to the Gospel of Matthew:

"Matthew - The Man"

The tears that salt the earth
The wounds that bleed the land
The mark of ancient scars
These are the ways of man

The sound of restless souls
That pierce beyond the skies
The love that seeks release
The mind that tries to find
A place of peace

There is a place of peace
There is a sea of calm
Where the Spirit gently breathes
Life into the soul of man

And in another realm
Beyond the plains of Earth and time
Where angels gaze upon
The man of truth and light

Blessings of Peace and Love,
 Joey and Christy