We were concerned that we wouldn’t have much to do in Sweden because in July, everything shuts down. The people get a month’s vacation and everyone leaves to go elsewhere. But God provided so many opportunities that we even had to turn some people down.
When we first arrived in Sweden, we got an amazing welcome from a couple in her church. We went to lunch at their house. I have never eaten so much amazing food as I did in Sweden! Everyone in the church invited us for lunch, dinner, or dessert!
Their were only 8 of us on the team that went to Sweden. We stayed in the church and the church members had all gotten together to get us each a trundle bed with a pillow and sheets. We basically had our own little apartment in the second floor of the church. There was a kitchen and a nice patio on the roof. It was such a blessing!
Lisa’s family is amazing and we became a part of it very quickly. We were at her parents house a lot. They live near a lake and I got to go tubing on it a couple of times. It was my first time tubing and swimming in a lake. So much fun!

Two of Lisa’s aunts and her grandparents lived within walking distance of her parents, so we would “house hop” a lot.

The first weekend there we went to a Christian music festival. It was at a Christian camping ground and Lisa’s parents owned a camper there. We talked to quite a few young teenagers, but the atmosphere there was very hard for me. It was very competitive among the teens there. They were all judging one another and it was very hard being in the midst of that. We also got connected with a group called “Street Church” there. Basically they go to the many festivals(mostly non christian) in Sweden as well as in town squares and outside pubs and just hand out free coffee and cocoa. They invited us to go to a rock festival the next weekend.

That weekend was the best evangelism experience I’ve ever had. Everyone was drunk but they were so open and willing to talk to us. They were all so broken. I got to talk to a lot of people and pray for a few. Two people got saved that weekend and many many more seeds were planted. I learned so much about evangelism and how it doesn’t have to be full of pressure.

We helped some people in the church with practical things and went to parks and the town enter to worship and pray. God provided so many opportunities for us to talk to people.

The last weekend we went to a friend of Lisa’s youth group. I was able to share my testimony and pray for some of the youth there. It was a great experience! Then the next night we went out with street church again to the town center. We got to talk to quite a few people and pray for some as well. We had such good talks with people. We were able to break so many stereotypes about Christians. It was sooooo good!

In Spain, we were led by Vanesa, another amazing staff member here. It was her hometown and her church. We did some evangelism in the park just about every night we were there. It was harder for me because basically no one spoke english, whereas in Sweden, just about everyone spoke english. But God made lots of connetions through it and we were able to bless people. We spent a lot of time with the “Youth group” there, who were actually young adults. God really used is to encourage them. God has such amazing plans for them!

Once we were back in London, the outreach wasn’t over! We did a two week camp called “Bones”. It is basically preparation for the “Notting Hill Carnival” that goes on every year. It is known as the biggest street party in Europe. So the atmosphere is always very heavy. There were about sixty “campers” that came from all over the world to participate in this huge project. We made floats and costumes and did a parade. God really used it to impact people. I loved being able to talk to all the campers and kind of speak into their lives. They were all amazing!

So that is the very light overview of our outreach! There is so much more and what God did in me was incredible! I can’t wait to talk to you all in person and tell my stories!

Love you all!

Lauren

Packing has been a challenge! haha! We are only allowed 15 kilos (about 30 pounds) in our checked bag. I pray every time I weigh it that it’s underweight! lol I think I have finally gotten just about everything packed. All our rooms are more cramped than normal with all our bags everywhere!

Please keep us all in your prayers during the next six weeks.

Prayer points for us would be:

1. Safety and Protection as we travel

2. That we would have many opportunities to share Jesus’ love with those we meet

3. That we would have ease and understanding with the language

4. For healing for me and others on the team who struggle with health

5. Spiritual, Physical, Emotional, and Mental Strength as we will be very busy

I appreciate all your prayers! Thank you so much for keeping me in your prayers! I definitely feel them and see breakthrough because of them!

I will probably not be able to post while I am gone, but I will keep a thorough journal so I can share all that happens with you!

I love and miss all of you!

Lauren

Last week we had some intense prayer sessions and I was prayed for for the migraines. Satan has been attacking me since then with more headaches and more intense migraines than I had been having. I know it is an attack from Satan so please keep me in your prayers!

Saturday, we were out in the community doing some of the arts things. We had face painting for kids and stilt walkers and music. We talked to a lot of people and made some good connections. One guy we talked to was just amazed that we are Christians and we have fun. He said it like 4 times. It is so sad to me that people have this stuffy stuck up view of Christianity. They think that we only sing hymns and live like monks. It is so fun to see people’s eyes opened to the truth that we have more fun than they do! Following God is NEVER boring. He is always stretching us and asking us to take risks. Boring is the last thing I would use to describe letting God lead me!
I have to admit, I used to have sort of the same view as those people, just not as drastic. I thought that because of all of the “Don’ts” I’d clung to something better was on the other side of the fence. But what I’ve been learning is that we can love God and do what we want! Because if we are truly loving Him and putting Him first, what we want will be what He wants for us. I struggled with this a little at first when I heard it. I thought, “No we have to do what the Lord wants us to do, not follow our own desires.” But God put those desires there! I’m not talking about sinful things here. I mean like when I ask God for the next step in my life. I used to think, “I have to know exactly what God wants me to do and where He wants me to go.” But in reality, He is saying, “Lauren, what do YOU want to do? Where do YOU want to go?”

God only gave us two commandments. Love Him and love others. If we do that, we can’t go wrong!

Now my problem is deciding! The sky is the limit! We serve a God who loves for us to dream with Him! So often I put God in a box and I think if I don’t do His “perfect will” for my life then I am going to miss out on something that He had for me. Or that if He gives me two choices and I pick the wrong one, that I will miss out on something great He has for me. How awful would that be if we had just one decision that we had to make and we “missed” God’s voice and never had the encounter or met the people we were supposed to meet. What of we missed a life changing experience? God is not like that! He uses every situation to teach us something if we allow HIm. If He is at the center of our lives, we aren’t going to miss anything! This took off so much pressure for me!

God is teaching me so much about His character here. He is so much more AWESOME than we give Him credit for! So I want to challenge you. Where in your life are you putting God in a box? His plans for you? Your finances? Your health? Whatever situation you are facing remember that God is SO much bigger than it. Study His character! If it’s His plans for you, dream with Him. What do you want to do? If it’s finances, look at the old testament and how He provided for millions of Israelites at the same time! If it’s health, look at the scriptures on healing! He wants you to be healed! Keep praying and don’t give up. The Bible is full of impossible situations, but then God comes and the impossible is suddenly possible! Faith is believing in the things we can not see and the evidence of things hoped for! Hebrews 11:1!

Blessings to all,

Lauren

The first day we went to a men’s rehabilitation home called The Lighthouse. They were very welcoming. We heard a few of their testimonies and it’s amazing how God has redeemed their lives. On Friday we went to a church called “The Hub”. I loved it there! They had a Friday night service for the youth. They were so passionate! Their love for the Lord was so evident! The worship band was really talented and their love for the Lord seeped out in their worship.

All the churches and organizations that we worked with had a passion to see the lost reached. All of them were really involved in the community in different ways. They were very proactive in inviting people to different events in and outside of church. One day we went to the park and just played soccer with kids. Really practical things to show God’s love.

The last night in Rotherham, we went to a church service and I gave part of my testimony and we performed a drama called “The Burden”. It’s really similar to the “Lifehouse Everything” skit. It is very powerful and got a good response.

The Lord worked a lot in my heart while we were there. We had to be really flexible because the schedule would change at a moments notice. This wasn’t easy for any of us, but I think we all grew in that area.

For those who were praying for my health, thank you! I definitely felt your prayers! I was sick while we were there, but I was able to carry on anyway. I am doing much better now. Jolanda is much better. The doctors couldn’t find anything wrong with her except for a virus. So just pray for strength for our team. We have all been attacked physically.

Here are some pictures of the house we stayed in.

Seren House

Seren House

The house where we stayed, Seren House

A house on the counrtyside

This is a picture of the countryside on the way to town

I just wanted to tell you a bit about what I’ve been up to the past couple weeks.

We have lots of intercession times throughout the week just praying for the city and things going on in the world. During this time the Lord has been speaking to us about the loneliness and depression that hangs over this city. People here don’t look you in the eye here when you pass on the street. No one cares about anyone else. There are so many people here from other countries, they just feel like this isn’t really their home, so why take care of it. For this reason, people just throw their trash on the street. Our neighborhood is one of the worst I’ve seen about this. Sometimes during our evangelism time, we pick up trash. It’s a testimony in and of itself because people ask us why we are doing it. It really opens up a door just to talk to people about Jesus.

Last Thursday we were taking a survey for one of the local churches. They are thinking of starting a school and wanted some feedback on what the neighborhood needed. So we went door to door in the neighborhood around this church. We had been knocking on doors without much luck for about 30 minutes. And then we met John(not his real name).

After we asked if he had any kids for our survey, he began to tell us his life story and how his girlfriend of 8 years left him for another guy. He told us he is a musician, a composer and writer. He talked about how he’d been wounded by the music business. People who were “friends” had stolen his music and claimed it as their own. His identity had been stolen and forced him into bankruptcy.

While listening to all this, I was just amazed at the loneliness and despair of this man. How lonely must you be if you spill out your life story to 2 strangers on your doorstep? The Lord just kept telling me to “just listen to him”. After talking to him for about 45 minutes, we were out of time, but resonating in my spirit was God’s voice saying, “Ask him about Me.” So I did. I asked if he believed in God or what his view was. He proceeded to tell us that he thinks there are good people and bad people and that some people are sent to look after others like guardian angels and whatnot. He went on about this for a while and I asked if I could tell him what I believe. He agreed.

I told him that I believe there is a Creator who always was and always will be. And before the foundation of the world He dreamed of John and He thought about how He would create Him. God didn’t make a mistake and God loves him. I could see the words I was saying bouncing off of him. Nothing was really penetrating the surface. He interrupted me after a minute and went on about the hurts he’d received from people.

When we told him we needed to leave, he continued talking even as we exited his his yard. I was once again hit with the loneliness of this man. As we walked back to the church, I just kept hearing the word “discipleship”. We had been taught earlier in the week about the Great Commission and how it is two fold. It’s not only preaching salvation, but also about discipleship and helping those who have received salvation to grow. I just felt that we needed to be Jesus to him, like go back and just let John play his piano for us or talk to us. God said a seed was planted whether I saw it or not. That’s the part of evangelism I have such a hard time with, not seeing the final result. But God has been showing me that even if I don’t see the fruit of it, I have planted a seed in their heart.

God is slowly allowing me to see London through His eyes. All the hurt and pain and loneliness that abides here. He is allowing our group to be a small light in this area.  Whether we see it right away or not we are making a difference.

I just want to encourage you all in that. People you’ve been praying for for a long time for salvation: friends, family members, people you work with…be Jesus to them. Sometimes the practical acts we do for people speaks louder than the words we say. It could be as simple as listening to them spill their heart or buying them lunch or doing some act of service

On Saturday we went to Camden which is near a canal. We found this tree that had a heart shape and a little tile that said "GOD" glued to it.

. It is those simple things that speak volumes of what’s truly in your heart. It’s putting their needs above our own. It’s giving of our time and energy for the sake of the Kingdom. We get so busy that we don’t even want to take 5 minutes to hear how someone is really doing…not just the polite, “How are you?” “I’m fine,”, but genuinely asking how they are. Let’s be honest, our time is not so important that we can’t invest a few minutes in someone else’s life. So I want to challenge you this week. Do a practical act of service for someone and watch how it brightens their day and opens a door for the Gospel.

I love and miss you all!

Lauren

Had to get one of these classic pics!

This is Tower Bridge(London Bridge)

This is a cool picture of the canal

Big Ben

Friends and family,

I arrived in London almost 2 weeks ago! It’s kind of hard to believe! Time has already passed so quickly! It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions. I was very homesick the first week as well as being attacked by fear and anxiety. But God is faithful and all the anxiety and fear have left. The migraines continue to be an issue, so you can keep that in your prayers. But I love being here. It took me a bit to get used to the different culture. Everyone told me there were lots of Muslims here, but I never expected all the different ethnicities and cultures as well. So far I have seen many Arabs and Indian people, even more than Britians. We have gone out on a couple of evangelism trips. In that time, I met an Irish guy, some guys from Poland, a Scottish guy as well as some Brits. It’s very diverse.

People are very cold here. No one looks you in the eye and they don’t know what to think if you simply smile at them. There is so much beauty here, but it is hidden beneath darkness. The atmosphere here is dark and heavy but I have had multiple words from the Lord that we will see Him break through that darkness with His light. I am so excited to see what He is         going to do here.

I think the hardest things to get used to are the small differences. I never thought I’d ever in a million years miss Walmart, but there is no one stop shop here like that. You have to go to multiple places to find the things you need. Then those places might not carry the brand of shampoo or whatever you are used to. There are even little differences in the language that have taken some getting used to. But I am getting well aquatinted with all those differences.

I will be going to a small church on Sunday mornings that is still in it’s beginning stages. Last Sunday there was probably about 30 people total, but it was a nice service and nice people. I found out yesterday that some of the people on my team and I will get to be the teachers in children’s church! We are allowed to lead it however we want. This made me very happy as it’s the first chance I have gotten to work with kids since I’ve been here. I am sure Ms. Marti’s training and the creativeness she instilled in all of us will come in handy for this!

My team here is incredible! The other school members are so much fun! It’s 9 girls and one guy. lol But he’s a trooper! All of us are from the states except for one girl from Canada, one from England, one from Holland, and the guy is from Ethiopia. But the Directors of this base, Joselo and Gabriella, are from Argentina! I love them so much! I am slowly learning some spanish. The founder of this base, Jose, and his wife, Rosana, are the parents in law to Joselo. Gabby and Joselo are so sweet and kind and make us all feel very at home and loved. They have three incredible daughters, Julietta, Yasmin, and Antonella. They are SO much fun! I love them dearly already! Our leaders in the DTS are amazing as well! Lisa is from Sweden and such a sweetheart and very involved with our DTS! She has lead worship a few times and has an incredible voice! Apryl is from Tennessee so we clicked instantly! She makes me feel at home. Vanessa is from Spain and a very talented photographer. Angelica is from Chile and a very humble and precious woman of God. Juliette is from Holland and is very involved in the art program. She is such a loving person! Michela is from Denmark and she is doing the Biblical Leadership School here. She has such a precious spirit. Marta is from Portugal and she plays multiple instruments and sings beautifully. Mats is from Belgium and does a lot of the cooking. He was a professional chef. He does all the handyman work around the house and is very understanding of all the crazy girls living here! Nathan is from West Virginia and is also a very multi talented person. He has a great voice and a real call to be an evangelist. Rebecca is from England and I haven’t gotten to spend much time with her, but she is very involved with the arts team and is very sweet. Then, Gabby’s sister, Johanna, and her husband, Christian, and thier 2 children live in the other YWAM house as well. They lead up the London Arts team. They have such a heart for this city and to see it changed for God. Very precious people.

Ok I don’t think I forgot anyone, but if I did I am sure I will hear about it later! lol

So in closing, I love everything so far! Our schedule is crazy busy! I haven’t had time to get used to it yet and I get really tired. If everyone could pray for strength and endurance and especially for the migraines to relent. Thank you in advance for all your prayers and support! This is such a special time in my life! I will do my best to keep you updated! I miss and love you all!

Top (From left to right): Israel, Anna, Haley, Heather, Victoria, Me- Bottom (from L to R) Lexi, Sara, and Marissa

And just since this picture was taken we have gotten one more girl, Yolanda from Holland. And within the next few days we will be receiving Sara L. from the states.

There are a lot of people living here and space is sometimes tight, but I love it!!

Talk to you all soon!

Lauren

But I also remember the day I first met Derek Loux. The day the course of my life changed forever. The day he reminded me that my “pipe” dreams of saving orphans, should be reality. This day has become a defining moment in the story of my life. He shared his entire testimony with our class, including how he and his beautiful wife planned on adopting 35 children into their family alone. I thought if this man with crazy hair and these passionate dreams could see them come to pass, why couldn’t I? He gave me hope that day. He handed me my dreams back, as well as giving me new ones. His zeal set a fire in my heart for orphans that will never ever be quenched. I will never stop fighting for the fatherless. I will never give up on the ones who have been forgotten. He didn’t. His life was a living testimony. I pray every day mine can be do.

Derek was such a gift in my life. I am so thankful I got to know him. Even if it was only for a short time. He changed my life. I just wish I had gotten a chance to tell him that. Even as I say that I can just imagine the people  he met and the gifts he was given upon entering Heaven. Things he never knew he did and people he never knew he touched, the children that were adopted because of his example or his visits, and the changed lives like mine who were reminded of their callings. The list must go on and on. I would imagine he’s still receiving them. I know he’s going to be one of the first people I go see up there and thank (after gazing in awe at my Creator of course!).

There are not words good enough to thank Derek. His humility alone inspires and provokes me. Men like him are so few and far between in this world. So losing him was all the more painful.

Lovely Renee Loux,

I must say something to you in this post as well. The fact that you continue to run after what you are called to is such a inspiration. Taking in more children and continuing to be an amazing mother to your beautiful tribe is so encouraging and uplifting. Your life is as much a testimony as Derek’s! You lean on the Lord so well!

Tracie and John,

You must also be addressed! I am astounded by the change in the little ones! They have been taken through redemption. I know Derek is looking down on you with a smile! The older kids have stepped up even more! They have been forever marked for adoption! I am so proud of them! Baby Mattie will have a story to tell of his own redemption. And you two, well, you are such incredible parents! They couldn’t ask for better. Your love has conquered fear and doubt and pain. You learned to love as the Father loves us and taught me to do the same. For that, I am forever grateful!

Loux families, I love you dearly! You are in my thoughts and prayers always!

Love,

Lauren

I am currently in Kansas City. I came for a short visit. God is so good. He always knows exactly what I need. As most of you know, I have been struggling with a lot of physical issues since being home. What you don’t know, is how discouraged I became during all this. So I was in need of spiritual refreshing and renewal. I have already begun to receive this in just the 2 short days of being here. My Father is SO unbelievably faithful.

I can’t really explain how I felt when I first walked back into the Prayer Room. It felt like coming home. There is such a special place in my heart for this place. There is just no place in earth like it. Being in such a large group of like minded young believers, who are vigorously running after the Lord is so beautiful and powerful. It’s so unique.

At the same time, I feel my heart torn, because I love Kentucky and I do miss home. I can’t really explain it. I wish I could be in two places at once…

I don’t have a lot to say, I just wanted to give a quick update. I am still planning to go to London in April.

I do need your continued prayer support for all the physical issues that I am dealing with. The migraines, TMJ, back pain, and post-op stuff. Plus, my allergies have been acting up lately which cause more migraines. Please continue to stand with me for my healing.

I plan to post more soon, perhaps after I get back home. There is a lot brewing in my heart right now that I just can’t articulate yet.

Blessings to you all!

Much love,

Lauren