Vienna

On Thursday Sister Mary Paul took Kendra and I to Vienna for a personal tour. Vienna is such a beautiful city and we had a fabulous day. Here are some pictures of our day. I think our highlights were the beautiful architechture of course, the amazing national library, and the Belvedere palace. The palace is also a huge art museum and we spent all afternoon appreciating the works of Gustav Klimt (including his famous "The Kiss"), Monet, and countless others. I'm sure Kendra could give a much more in depth and sophisticated list. I can't post any pictures from inside the palace because pictures were not allowed, but you can visit the website at http://www.belvedere.at/jart/prj3/belvedere/main.jart?rel=en. We ended our day with some authentic Austrian food in a non-touristy little cafe. Somehow, the authentic food and cafe reminded us of Missouri--strange, I know. Perhaps the best part of the day was simply spending time with Sister Mary Paul, hearing her story and the beautiful things the Lord has placed in her heart. All in all, it was a day to remember. Thank you Lord; You are so kind to your children.

St. Steven's church

The fanciest Burger King I've ever been to

The opera house

The National Library!

Belvedere Palace

Johan Strauss and me

Meeting up with Kendra

Hello dear friends. So this is the first blog post of my trip with Kendra in Europe. Her is how our trip began:

Kendra was in Brussels with the Benjamins, Watkins, and Vandeputs. I was in Cyprus. We met at the Frankfurt airport. She took an earlier trian from Brussels and had to wait a few hours for my plane to arrive. Neither of us had working cell phones so we were grateful that we were able to find each other with no problems. After our joyful reunion, we scoped out the empty and quiet airport terminal for a place to get comfortable for our 6 hour wait. We found a spot close to a phone charging station and were able to plug in my laptop. This was great because we were able to watch a movie. We were afraid to fall asleep and miss our train and it was all marble so I don't know if we could have slept if we wanted to. Finally, around 6am we went to catch our train. It was so wonderful that all of our trains were practically empty, so we had a whole table and four seats to ourselves. We took a 7 hour train to Vienna and then took the underground to a different train station where we caught the train to Hainburg. The train ride was great. It was beautiful and peaceful scenery, and Kendra was able to sleep most of the time (which was good for her because she wasn't feeling too well). I, on the other hand, was not able to sleep, but I did get some crochetting in :)

Upon arrival in Hainburg, were were welcomed by the beautiful view of the Danube river, although we were not greeted by any persons. It was good that we had the address to the house because it turns out that there was  a bit of confusion as the the time of our arrival. So, we had got to start off our trip with a bit of adventure in finding the house. It was quite fun. The town is beautiful and we enjoyed walking through it. It was comical finding the house. I don't think we would have had the courage to walk through the old unmarked wooden gate to find the house had it not been for the man accross the street yelling in German and pointing at it. He was very sure that that was the place we were looking for. Father Peter later told us that the neigbors know that any young person coming to Hainburg with bags is bound to be going to his house (This quiet town is not the typical stop for young backpackers).

We did find the house, and were so happy to be there. Father Peter took us on a tour and showed us all of the rooms and the garden and the back house. He showed us the prayer room and the chapel and the beautiful view from the roof. This is truly an amazing place hidden in the midst of history. He was pointing out arches and such from the 13th or 14th century. We also met Mike and Beryl, a couple from England living there, and Sister Mary Paul from Texas. After dinner, we went on a walk with Sister Mary Paul and Father Peter. They showed us around the town a little bit and then treated us to ice cream. The perfect ending to a long day of travel.

Elevate

A heavy atmosphere of dull repression furiously chases a generation. Snarls of offense and anger snap at a people hurting and lonely. Apathy is injected like numbing poison until youth is melted into dreary existence. No one knows they are being spun into the web of disbelief and shame.
Light breaks forth, a piercing and burning flame. Redemption, love, and holy fire illuminating hearts again. The weary mentality of survival is confronted by the radiance of life. Hopelessness accosted by the sacrifice of love. Depression cannot tame it; Hate cannot destroy it; Envy cannot quench it; Darkness cannot consume it. Day is breaking forth and the sons of light are being revealed.

You sons of light have been pierced with life and set free into grace. New life has morphed your aching frame to living beauty resonating through the corridors of eternity. You have turned your face to the Beautiful One and you have been given His image once again.

You now set your gaze like flint, no turning can be spared. New garments fall over you as you rise higher through the air. The heavy darkness is cast off—and flees as you rejoice. You are more than holy; you are an army demolishing despair. Raiders of the darkness, your flame rushes forth fearless of the night. You bring the higher way.

Where there is loneliness, you reach out your hand in love. Where there is hopelessness and despair, you don’t hold back the word of life. Where there is pain and sickness, you heal in His Holy name. Where there is dark depression, freedom and love you proclaim. No longer consumed with your own despair, you are rising higher. No longer immobilized by fear and introspection, your head is lifted up. And as you rise and elevate, the King of Glory comes. He comes and draws you higher until you are transformed and then releases you with fire to shake the very earth.

You are the burning ones. Keep gazing into Love. The world around you is waiting for the brilliance of your light. And every work of darkness trembles when you rise up and say that greater is He that is in you than he that imitates. There is no god but Jehovah, and He is the King of Glory. Elevate your gaze. Make a way for Him.

Hannah's European Tour

A Little Birdie

Yesterday, a life-long dream of mine was fulfilled. For anyone who has grown up watching Mary Poppins or Disney princess movies, you may identify with this desire. At one point in my day I decided to take a moment to pause and take in the beautiful scenery. Nearby I heard a little chirping and looked to see a cute, tiny bird sitting alone in the grass. I whistled a hello and saw him turn his head towards me in response. Keen to get a closer look, I continued to whistle as I crept—slowly, slowly—closer. To my astonishment, I was able to reach my hand right up to the little one and stroke its chest with my finger. Not wanting to frighten him (or her) I did not immediately try to hold it, but rather got it to stand on a stick that I was able to pick up a little. It was so precious and I really felt we were bonding, but I had heard that if you hold a baby bird it will pick up your scent and its mother will not take it back anymore, so I left him and went back to the office. After a while, I returned to the spot and found the creature still there alone. It hopped and flew a few inches at a time, but definitely seemed either somewhat injured or yet unable to fly. Unable to resist any longer, I resumed the wooing until I was able to pick it up and hold the tiny bird in my hand. He quickly became very comfortable with me and for the next few hours we bonded. I walked all around with him sitting on my fingers or my arm. I whistled different tunes and he chirped back every now and then. I could not believe that I was actually holding a wild bird. I thought—wow—I really am a princess.

The delightful company of my new little friend began to melt into concern over what I should do with the poor creature. I was not able to find any worms, though I admit I did not look hard enough. I tried feeding it some sesame seeds, but was unsuccessful. In the end, as dinner was starting, I put him back underneath the tree where I had found him. I heard the mother and baby chirping back and forth, and I prayed that God would bring them back together despite my interference. I knew, however, that it probably wasn’t a way for him to get back to his nest without being able to fly, so after dinner I went back to look for him. I figured if he was still there and all alone I would take him home and try to figure out a way to care for him. I was not able to find him and so thought maybe, by some chance, he had reunited with his mother. This morning I found out sadly that that was not the case. Going back to the tree in daylight, I found my little friend. At least I could tell that a cat had not taken him. I believe hunger and cold were the final enemies. So, before worship this morning I buried my little friend and said goodbye. (Now I love animals but am not super soppy about them. I would actually like to go hunting one day. But I had bonded with the helpless little creature and felt responsible for it.)

In worship this morning, I came before the Lord with my questions. I was faced with my selfishness and wondered if I had acted out of compassion or cruelty. I realized that there were two possibilities. Either the bird would have learned how to fly and been fine had my scent and interference not caused it to be rejected by its mother, or the bird had already been rejected before I found it and I was able to bring it comfort and acceptance in the last hours of its life. I really don’t know which scenario is true, but I believe I can learn from both possibilities. Jesus tells His followers:

Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops. And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. (Matthew 10:27-31).

Whatever intentions were in my heart and whatever comfort I did or did not bring, God knows and He is the one who was there in the night. If my heart could connect to this little bird out in the wild, and if I could build his trust and bring him comfort, then how much more does God want me to reach out to the helpless and lonely in this world. Had I not noticed the beauty of the little bird and been drawn to look closer, this out of the ordinary occurrence would not have happened. There are people everywhere who just need someone to love them and to show them the love of Jesus—that they are not forgotten; they are not alone.

I also take comfort in the knowledge that the death of my little friend was not in vain, but through it God has gripped me with His heart for the dying and lonely. I really feel that had I made the decision earlier to try to care for the bird, it could have perhaps survived. It needed more than love; it needed nourishment and warmth and protection. Look at those who are around you, the friend of your child, the grocer with the blank stare, the frightened and neglected person on the outer rim of your acquaintance. See them. Turn aside and reach out to them. Be moved with compassion to give them love. But do not stop there. They need the nourishment of the Word of God. They need the warmth of a committed friend. They need the protection of a mother and father in the Lord. Let us respond to the challenge Jesus presented to Peter—let us begin to feed His sheep.

Though the realization of a life-long dream ended in sadness, I still see hope and joy in it all. Perhaps I did the wrong thing, but at least I know that this one little bird had meaning. This one little bird touched my heart. And this one little bird has challenged me to open my eyes and reach out to the lonely and broken. And I believe next time I will see them rise up in healing and learn to soar.

Home Again

Possible spot where Peter preached and 3000 were saved

After a month travelling throughout Israel, we are home again in Cyprus. If you find it strange that I am calling Cyprus my home, please know that I will always feel at home in Texas. Somehow, I feel at home in many places. When I am in the Negev Desert I feel at home and the sense that I could live that life, that I could be a desert rose blossoming in the rugged beauty of the sandy hills and wide open sky. When I am in the villages of Ethiopia, Turkey, or China, I feel at home and long to give my life to mother the children and befriend the people. When I am in Jerusalem, I feel perhaps the greatest sense of home knowing that one day the King of all kings, Messiah Yeshua, will physically return to this place and will reign over all the earth. A sense of home for me is the feeling I get when, deep inside, my spirit connects with the truth that I am where I am supposed to be and living for that which He has called me to live. I am so challenged and encouraged by the apostle Paul’s words, “Not that I have already obtained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me” (Philippians 3:12). Yeshua has gripped my life with His love, and I am His. And I know that my life is for His Kingdom. How amazing to know that God has a vision in His heart for my life, and that by His grace and the leading of the Holy Spirit, I can live that vision out! I want my life to be a living sacrifice, and with that I know persecution and challenges will come; nevertheless, I want to count it all joy, knowing that I can fully trust in the Lord and “few delights can equal the presence of one whom we trust utterly” (George MacDonald).

Right before a hail storm interrupted our hike

For the details of the trip, I would like to refer you to our team blog because they did such a great job on it and I think that you would really enjoy it. Here is the link to our first year trip (the one I was on): http://www.gatewaysbeyond.org/gts2010/?page_id=594. If you are interested, you may also read about the 2nd year team’s trip at http://www.gatewaysbeyond.org/gts2010/?page_id=597. I will, however, say a few things. This was truly a special trip. It was my fourth time in Israel and my third time to celebrate the Passover in Jerusalem. The students this year are a special group and the team dynamics were so great. There are two significant things to mention that this time meant to me. First, this past month has been a very hands on, practical leadership training experience, not just for me, but also for all of the staff and interns. I feel like I grew so much in leadership in both practical ways and in being a mentor and a spiritual covering for the students. I really love the talks I get to have with the girls—they each have such a hunger for the Lord and questions about their walk and discipleship. I really love them. The second is the revelation of Yeshua’s return. The Lord did something in my heart while in Jerusalem of a greater reality that He is really coming back and that the focus of my life is to live for His return, to give myself to the spread of the Gospel of the Kingdom so that He can come back to a prepared Bride. I also enjoyed making some new friendships of a few remarkable women of God.

Left: using my headlamp to cook after electricity went out (I got a lot of use of my headlamp in this way).
As we returned to Cyprus, we learned that we weren’t going “back” to a place but we were going forward to a place and the new things God wants to do in us. We look back to see how far we’ve come, but now we set our gaze forward as we prepare to run into all that God has. I know there is much in store. There is so much stirring inside of me, so many things I am asking the Lord to speak to me about. Leadership may seem glamorous, but it is not easy; yet, it is more rewarding than I could ever have known. The students are not the only ones being discipled and growing—oh no—most of the staff agree that we feel we are receiving more training and discipleship and character building than when we were students in the school. And I couldn’t be more grateful. So this is my life. I just wrote what I was feeling because that is what I want to share with you. I could give you a play by play of every event, but I would rather share the part of me that those events are shaping.

There are several things you can be praying for in this time. Perhaps you could pray over the whole list and then maybe just one or two points will stick out to you that you can really carry in prayer and intercession as the Lord puts on your heart. Thank you, sincerely from my heart.

• Pray for a successful shift in gear for the final stretch of the school before outreach (for the students, myself, and community)

• Pray for all of the preparations and fund raising for the outreach trips. The first year team (myself included) will be going to Holland, Belgium, and Switzerland. I am so stirred for all that God wants to do in these lands, and have a real sense of expectation. The second year team will be going to France, Italy, Switzerland, and Holland.

• Pray for supernatural protection and covering for our community and all the families.

• Pray for the work here in Cyprus. We have many gatherings and events throughout the year, and God is really moving on the island. In July, Gateways is doing its first summer camp for the youth on the island. We sense an urgency to reach this generation: we want to pull this generation out of hopelessness and depression and into the light and life of Jesus Christ.

I hope each of you is enjoying the coming of spring. If it is a beautiful day, don’t forget to take a moment to enjoy it. Give love to someone who really needs it today, and praise the Lord for something you have never thought to praise Him before. May you be filled with joy and peace.

Your friend and sister,

Hannah Briscoe

very very late blog on Germany in January

Planes, trains, and a bus. My whirlwind, 6-day, trip throughout Germany flew by--half the time being spent travelling; nevertheless, it was a truly special time. I first arrived in Berlin where I was met by long-time friend Matt Lankenau. With Matt carrying the heaviest of my bags, we began  our trek through the city, taking S-baun and U-bahn trains and dragging my bags through the snow-covered sidewalks to Matt and Bethany's apartment. We could not let out a sigh of relief, however, until we made it all the way to the top of the four flights of stairs leading to their apartment.  It was so nice to be in their beautiful, old world, apartment agian. I was there in September when they first moved in, so it felt special to be back again now that they were a little more settled. Soon after our arrival, Bethany got home from work and after making a big deal over her baby belly we caught up a little on life. Bethany and Matt have been 2 of my best friends since highschool, and I love the fact that we are all on the mission field now. I spent 2 days in Berlin and had a great time, though it was too short. My best memory was spending the day with Bethany walking through the snowy streets hunting down tiny fabric shops in a Turkish part of town. They took me to the train station and helped me figure everything out after we realized my train had been cancelled. We said our goodbyes, and as I rode away I thought about how the next time I see them they will be parents and have a precious little baby girl.

 

The travel from Berlin to Dresden was worthy enough of its own blog. I'll just say that when a bunch of trains are being cancelled and you are told you will have to continue to stand in the cold for another hour for your train and a random train from another country pulls up and you hear someone say that it stops in Dresden and so you don't think but just jump on and then drag your bags through the tiniest of aisles and find yourself wishing people were speaking German because it at least would sound more familiar, well, then you can really feel like you are on an adventure travelling alone in Europe. When you start to think about the fact that this train is not originating in Germany and so your ticket may not be any good and you have no money, well that's when the panick wants to set and and you begin to really see the Lord as your protector. This was my experience, but I shall rejoice to say that I was soon enough greeted by a friendly Deutchbahn employee who gladly accepted my ticket with no problems--thank you Lord! The adventure continues upon arrival. Because I did not wait for my scheduled train but hopped aboard a Hungarian train, the people picking me up were not expecting me for another hour, but it all worked out in the end and I was greeted by my dear friend Livia and her father and brother. That night I spent with Livia and had breakfast and lunch with her wonderful parents. Dresden was the shortest part of my trip as I arrived late at night and then we left for the bus station after lunch that day. I was still so happy I went because I loved getting to see Livia and get to know her family a bit more (not being in a big group but by myself this time). At the bus stop, they helped me by carrying my bags all the way onto the bus and then we waved goodbye. The bus drive was beautiful! I couldn't fully relax because I wasn't sure exactly how long it took to get to my stop and I was very wary of missing it. I loved just sitting there and watching out the window at the blanketed white countryside. We drove through villiages and country side and forest. At my stop a very nice girl who spoke a little English helped me get my bags off and I was met by Francesca, Katharina's sister.

 

We went and saw Katharina at "My Bookstore" and then drove out to their perfectly cozy house in the valley. This is one of my new favorite places on earth. The house was nestled in the midst of the snowy valley between the forests. I was greeted warmly by my German mama and papa, the Grundigs. They had left all of their hand-crafted Christmas decorations up way past the usual date just for me! It was so special. We had a delicious snack before Katharina came home. On Saturday, Katharina and I walked to Michael and Kristina's house in the next village over. We walked through about a foot of snow over the hills and down into the valley of the next village. It was so invigorationg. I love the way my cheeks felt from the fresh, crisp air. At the Mehner's house, I was also warmly greeted by their parents. I really love them too and just felt so welcomed. We had a wonderful time of coffee and cake and I got to taste the traditional Christmas cake with raisins and powdered sugar--yummy! With both Katharina's parents and the Mehner's we could not have much conversation because of the language difference; nevertheless, I really feel that the Lord has connected our hearts. I am so humbled by their kindness and hospitality.

 

 

A few other things to mention from my time in Germany: I had a most wonderful and special erev Shabbat dinner with Katharina at Verner and Claudia's house in Seiffen (a total Christmas village). Verner and Claudia are such a special couple and their kids are soooo adorable! I was happy that the children remembered me. Usiel (their youngest) was showing us this picture book of the history of wars fought. I found it interesting that he pointed out all the soldiers and maps of the battles while his sister Elenor pointed out all of the funny fashion and hair do's. After the kids went to bed, we sat up with Verner and Claudia and laughed so hard till midnight as we shared funny stories. Claudia was especially hysterical and so fun.  

• Below: Verner and Claudia and kids                               Livia in Dresden

We also went to the youth group in Marienberg. It was so wonderful to be with them again and see what God has been doing in their lives. The other really special thing that God did on this trip was to show me some of the fruit of our time last summer. So often I go on a mission trip and then never get to go back to really see any of the fruit, but coming back to Germany was so encouraging! First of all, the poem the Lord gave me last year about Germany, "Break Forth," (you can read it if you search old blog posts of mine) is still encouraging the people. Several times on this trip I came acrosss copies of the poem in German and people shared that it is still an encouragement to them today. Also, when we arrived at Verner and Claudia's house, I noticed a replica of the wood carving of the seed breaking forth out on display outside his shop window. (see ). Well, as I came closer to look, I saw that beside the carving was a plaque with the poem in German! The Lord gripped my heart in that moment. To see the way that He has used this simple poem written during a time of worship to touch people and even to be proclaimed on a village street for all to see, I cannot express how grateful I am. Verner and Claudia shared testimony with us that he was able to share the message of this poem with people. He did the carving during the Christmas market and shared the story of the poem with curious shoppers. They were touched by the message of hope it inspired. Also, they got to share it with a lady who was just passing by on the street and saw the carving and the poem. For me, that is what very short and fast-paced trip to Germany was about--connecting with friends, deepening my heart for Germany, and being encouraged by the testimony of the fruit that God is continuing to bring. I am still so stirred with God's love for this land and praying to see these people break forth into their destiny and inheritance in Messiah Yeshua.