Life of late

Here's a bit of an update on what has been going on lately. The Blog has been slightly neglected, except for the occasional short poem, because those are actually the only things I have had the time to write in the past five months.
Church work has really taken a lot of my time over, which is fair enough, it's my job and I love it. I'll jot down some highlights of last term, one of which would be preaching to the youth, that was great; I prepared a study on Romans 8:15-16, which took me quite a lot of preparing. It was the first time I actually prepared and gave such a long and fairly exhaustive preach. I loved it.
That has been one of the ways I have stepped out in my spiritual gifting. Some of the best times have been the times I have spent studying doctrine and the Bible.
Our youth group has been fantastically blessed and each social activity I have organised for Friday nights last term, even when done last minute and stressed out, has run so smoothly... I have also had the privilege of mentoring some young fellas and seeing them grow. I myself have been growing loads in one term.
I had a great holiday in Italy, Christmas was nice and warm, as well as relaxed, which is a rarity when in family. :) I spent lovely moments in family and with my friends in Orbetello and Grosseto.
The Church in Grosseto is burgeoning, I believe great things are going to happen to it. I was asked to go up front at New Year's service and give a testimony of what has been happening in my life. After that, my Italian pastor told me I was preaching next time I happened to be in Orbetello, which would be in April... exciting!
... I have had the chance of seeing some of the great leaders of our family of churches in action at the last training, just amazing to see these men of God with huge vision and yet so down to earth, honest and servant-hearted, modelling the character of Jesus.
Last night we started our Youth Alpha, which was spectacular. We are meeting in a café in the centre of town every Tuesday and there are so many youth coming to the meetings. Last night God was there, just beautiful.
God is providing financially for me, which is also really encouraging.
In terms of what is going to happen this term, God is giving myself and the other youth leaders fresh vision and passion; I am particularly feeling a call to praying and studying the Scriptures more fervently as well as new ways to reach to the youth in helping them grow.
Thank you all for your prayers.
Happy New Year!!!