Mark Jones – In His Dust

So all of a sudden, I realize I only have just over a week before I move back home to Ardrossan (unless something changes very quick, like me getting an amazing job with good pay!). That means I’ve got a lot of packing to do, and have spent a lot of time in the flat over the last week, which has given me A LOT of time to think about the last year – working with Re:Hope, the internship, where I’ve grown, etc.

The Internship

First off, my mentor Mike Libolt has been amazing. Anyone who knows ME, knows that HE has put up with A LOT! This guy has been there from the start, guiding me through the internship program, coaching me, pastoring me, and giving me a kick up the backside when it’s been required. Looking back from when I started the internship, I am amazed at the amount of stuff I’ve learned, and how I’ve grown through it.

I remember when I first felt sure about being Called to do the internship, and wondering what God had in store for me. Now all I can think is WOW. I couldn’t have imagined all of the stuff over the last year, the books, coaching sessions, prayer, spiritual retreat, etc.

If it wasn’t for the fact I know how much work and time it takes Mike, I’d strongly recommend the internship. It’s a huge growing experience.

Re:Hope

I am honoured (not a word I’d generally use!) to be a part of what God has been doing in Re:Hope. Equal to the internship, I’ve learned a huge amount from working with Brian Ingraham and the staff at Re:Hope. It’s astounding looking back, having been part of the church for around 3 years now, and seeing the growth (in congregation size, in Spiritual maturity, in Godly Character), in particular over the last year.

In a dark city, Re:hope has been a light. In a City where many Church buildings are either crumbling around their dying congregations, or turning into pubs, we’ve seen Re:hope grow. One point in particular sticks out: having prayed for growth, within 2 weeks, we doubled in size!

Seeing a Church be ALL IN, any time, any place, no matter what the cost. Seeing more people join bible read through groups – becoming a people of the word. Watching people come to know Jesus. Seeing people get baptised. Seeing people making Jesus’ mission – their mission. Seeing people making ‘this’, their life – what they’re living for. Seeing people follow God’s plan, at any cost, instead of their own.

If Re:Hope had a lifetime membership, I’d sign up. Although I don’t intend on going anywhere for at least this year (unless someone has a spare £18,000?), when the time comes when I have to leave – at least for a little while, I will continue to pray for Re:Hope, and take what I’ve learned in Re:Hope where ever I go.