Ministry here in England is about building relationships.

The British are very reserved and they don't open up and trust others easily. However, once that trust is gained, they will let you into their lives a great deal. Also, Christianity has come and gone here. It used to be mainstream, now it's a thing of the past. A myth, a legend, something make believe. According to many of the locals that is. Just last night (March 19) a girl we've gotten to know very well over the last six months said our God was fake.

That being so... Ministry here is about relationships. It's about showing them Christ's love and being Christ to them, rather then just telling them about it. Telling them is important too, no doubt; but showing it to them and loving them unconditionally is crucial. Loving them, regardless of who they are, what they believe, and how they treat us is what will bring change in their lives.

The challenge is making the relationship and then leading it to the point of being able to share Christ audibly, without losing the relationship. It's tough, but it's a beautiful thing to be a part of and to see it happen.

May I suggest a great book (not too big either) that talks about this a lot. It is called "The Celtic Way of Evangelism" by George G. Hunter III. A fantastic book! It talks a lot of about relational evangelism. I highly recommend it and trust it will be beneficial for your time here in England.

In a nutshell, ministry here is about coming to live among the people.

We enter their world, we laugh with them, we talk with them, we treat them like actual people. We love them because they exist and because God loves them. No other conditions are needed. We engage them in what we're doing and invite them along in living out the Kingdom of God.

Progress seems slow a lot of the times, but relationships take time and effort. But relational ministry and evangelism is effective and will bring change here.

Be excited about this chance to live as Christ would among these people! God will use you in wonderful ways! Begin to prepare and ready yourself for 9 amazing months!