The Biggest Thing it Texas? The Heart of it's People

Just outside of Marshall Texas...moon rise

So there we were hanging at Starbucks (our travelling office], getting a bit of work done and wondering why God led us to this state? Mark had come back from washing Olive and as he walked in a couple, who were sitting at another table, commented on the bus. Mark let the couple know that it was a “God thing” and that was all it took! “Sit down!” they said….”we need to talk!” We told Chris and Lisa our story and about not being sure why we felt led to be in Texas. “To meet us, of course!” responded Lisa. This is a very warm and dynamic couple, full of energy and love for our Lord. We talked for over an hour and they invited us to park “Olive” at their place overnight and come to a pot luck get together with some of their friends from their church. “Why, yes!” we replied. We got over to their place later that afternoon and had the pleasure of meeting four of their wonderful children, bright, intelligent and warm hearted, like their parents. That evening we spent a great time in fellowship and laughter. The next day was Sunday and Mark and I have planned to go to Kenneth Copeland’s Church “Eagle Mountain” but we got “hijacked” by Lisa and Chris. They said we really needed to come and spend the day with then at “The Abbey.” We agreed and it was a great decision. 

The Abbey set up for Thanksgiving dinner

Pastor Paul in the middle singing at Abbey's Got Talent

We walked into the Abbey and instantly felt the warmth envelope us, there is a peace that invites you to let down any walls and just be yourself. We met many exceptional people and were introduced to James and Jennifer another great couple who head up the street ministry. James introduced us to his parents Ray and Mary who we fell in love with. They invited us over to their place for dinner the next night…Ray would make his famous spaghetti and meatballs. It was a wonderful night….the food was fantastic, yummy Ray….very yummy, and we had a chance to all sit and fellowship. We also got to watch a video by Pastor Prince on the message of Grace…thank you, thank you, thank you, for sharing this! It has stayed with me and I know the Lord wants more of us out there teaching this message and what Grace means to us and how it impacts our lives! We have watched the copy you gave us James and will continue to watch it. Now we had thought about moving on but didn’t feel the urging of the Lord to do so and everyone kept telling us that we really needed to stay and meet their Pastors who were coming back from South Africa the next weekend. . Joe, Pastor Paul and Perrianne’s son, another exceptional young man, even said we could park in the Church parking lot and gave us 2 books that Perrianne had written…bravo! So we became the church parking lot squatters! Even had a phone call and raised eye brows over who these VW corporate drop-out gypsies were that had taken up residence The next Sunday came by quickly….sorry Kenneth….still didn’t make it over to his church. And we had the real pleasure of meeting two individuals who are preaching the right message! Wow is all we can say….we love them too! That night was the Church Thanksgiving supper and talent show “The Abbey’s Got Talent”. We laughed and shared, yet another wonderful time with our new friends. On Tuesday we were able to have lunch with Perrianne and Paul, we are so impressed by this couple, truly inspiring. Perrianne reminded me of Heidi Baker….you go girl! The Lord has big things planned for this couple.  Both Mark and I feel revived and lifted up by spending time in the presence of those who inhabit “The Abbey”. As I said to Perrianne, I see a golden river of life flowing out of the doors and everything it touches blooms and where there was once dry ground now it is fertile. There is a true anointing on the people and the church that will touch many lives. We are blessed and honoured to have been led to your doors.