an unexpected change in direction

In recent entries, you’ve read about some of the creative avenues GBIM staff are exploring as they plant the Church in Europe. In this blog, Brian Weaver explains how God led his family to a full-time position with UCCF (InterVarsity UK):

I didn't expect to be where we are today. Rhonda and I were raised Grace Brethren, and we took part in everything the Fellowship offered - BNYC, NAC, OB, TIME, Grace College and Seminary, and ultimately GBIM. We came to England with hopes and dreams of a life-long career with GBIM, seeing churches planted across the United Kingdom.

But we didn't see the change coming in early 2005. A colleague in London student ministry was moving on and he invited me to apply for his position. ‘Leave GBIM?! Surely, that isn't what God wants from us?' Thoughts like this echoed in my mind for months, joined by other thoughts: 'Building up God's Kingdom is what we're called to do. Perhaps we've been prepared for this kind of change in direction?'

With the advice of our teammates, our sending church and some trusted friends, we decided I would take up the role of London Team Leader with Universities and Colleges Christian Fellowship and Rhonda would take a job in our children's school. And God has confirmed this decision countless times since April 2005.

Since arriving in England in 1995, and especially since we came to London in 1998, we’ve seen the importance of working with the larger Body of Christ. Some place more emphasis on preaching, others on serving. Some worship in different ways. But all of them look to Christ alone for forgiveness and trust in the Holy Spirit's work of conforming us to the image of Jesus all to the glory of God the Father. What a blessing!

Part of my role is to represent UCCF across London, drinking coffee with church leaders from many denominations, seeking collaboration with colleagues in other ministries, aiming — like Barnabas in Acts 11 — to find evidence of the grace of God, encourage, edify and give thanks. I haven't been disappointed. I first learned that notion of encouraging the Body of Christ in June 1983 when I attended Operation Barnabas orientation in Lititz, PA. God was preparing me even then to work with UCCF in 2005.

So, here we are - still working the harvest field in London alongside my brothers and sisters in Christ. They don't wear the badge of GBIM, nor are they all from UCCF. That doesn’t matter, as long as we all belong to Christ and are preaching His gospel for the glory of God. It's great to be in the business of making Jesus famous together!