As our team travelled back to Wheaton from Oxford yesterday, here is a small snapshot into how the Lord is radically at work in our partnership with the Jungle!

The first thing I noticed upon first walking into the Jungle

A week before this trip, sick and in the midst of midterms, I felt defeated and overwhelmed in my senior year. Truthfully, I did not want to go to England for spring break. I dreaded it all week until Friday morning as I went to worship arts chapel. As I stood in chapel, the worship team asked us to sit and meditate on the next song. “Tend” by Bethel Music began to play on the piano and I sat there in utter surrender. “Tend” was my word during the term I spent in Oxford nearly two years ago. In that moment, the Lord reminded me that I was a vessel. It was never about me. My prideful sufficient heart blindsided me from having open eyes to see the gardener of my heart tending to me. Instead of going in my own strength, the Lord was calling me to respond in obedience and a softened heart to simply be still and see Him move.

Some of our team repurposing old canvases for future art gyms

I can only describe this trip as the most radical vision trip. One of my favorite prayers by Sr. Francis writes, “to be loved, as to love; for it is in giving that we receive”. In my coming, I did not expect the depth of radical kindness and hospitality throughout the trip. I don’t think any words could quite explain how I saw the Lord on the move in England. I could tell you about Laurence who breathed Jesus through his poetry finding words to write from his £2 thesaurus. I could paint you a picture of Rose who gave me the largest smile as she told me that they would welcome me back to the Jungle whenever I wanted to come back. I’ll tell you now: no words can quite capture the experience of standing in St. Aldates, hearing the voices of Oxford rising up with unabated joy and utter surrender.

The verse that comes to mind is Luke 2:19, “But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.” The Lord’s tenderness is like a well that continues to flow deeply in my heart. Sometimes, all the Lord asks is to dwell and experience His Holiness. In giving, I have received a glimpse into the kingdom of God at work.

Our last day at the Jungle

We invite you to join us in fervent prayer:

• Prayers for the Jungle as they continue the good work God has set before them: for wisdom and discernment as they continue expanding their ministry to reach women and youth.
• Prayers for our team as we reintegrate into daily rhythms at Wheaton, for the processing of our experience that we would bring the new lens through which we see ministry into our daily life.
• Prayers specifically for those discerning a call to ministries through this missions trip, for boldness in faith and tender obedient hearts for what the Lord is doing.

Thank you for your prayers and constant encouragement! What a gift it is to be the body of Christ together in unity.

Much love,

Gracie and the Oxford Ladies