Later that year, I was invited to a barbeque at a couple’s home. They organized the event to include three pastors from England. They were on their way to Transkei for a mission trip.

 

While a group of us made small talk with one of the pastors, I asked him what church life was like in England. Up to that point, I hadn’t mentioned my own heart for church planting in Yeovil. The pastor wanted to know why I was asking. Before I knew it, I blurted out that, although I couldn’t explain it, I had a deep desire for England.

 

One of our friends, Helen, turned to me with urgency. She asked, "Leonie you are going to England, aren't you?" I blushed. Everyone now knows my secret about England. I felt exposed. I hesitated as I shared the two words I had received in the middle of the night about a year ago.

 

A bit later, one of the other pastors said to me, “It is Congleton. Not Yeovil. Congleton.” He suggested that I should come and join them in Congleton. That was a great affirmation. That night, I realised my interest in Yeovil was real. God was planning my life with intention, and I began to feel excitement about it.

From that time on, I experienced a boldness I couldn’t explain. A young university student in my home group wanted to go on a mission trip early the next year, but she needed money. She asked me to pray with her, asking the Lord to provide her with a job over the Christmas period to earn some extra cash. Not long after, she secured a part-time job.

 

A week later, she learned that some friends were planning a short holiday at the coast, during this same period. She wanted to join them. She came to me and asked if I would pray with her. We had prayed for her to get the job. Now, she wants to go on holiday with her friends. Before I even had a chance to think it over, I bluntly said, “No!” I reminded her of God's provision for her mission trip. Now, she was asking for something else. I told her that I would pray for God to fulfil His will in her life, although she might not like the outcome.

 

I remember Jesus was quite direct in His approach. I saw this as part of healing from my habit of saying yes to everything. She agreed that I could pray for God’s kingdom instead. Wise girl.