Pray for London

California bound...

2010-05-19T11:27:00.004+01:00

“…Lead me to the rock that is higher than I...” Psalm 61:2

We have been so utterly humbled that by Jesus’ grace and for the sake of his gospel, we have been called to join his mission in London for the last year, to live here on mission as a family and to serve as a worship leader at Reality London. It has been amazing to see and be a part of the birth of the first international Reality Church plant, as well as serve here alongside Pastor Mark Dyrud and his wife Lizzie. Amazing to even gain a better understanding of how the Lord is moving in an urban context and not to mention globally, as he fulfils his biblical promise of “I will build my church”.

Our prayer since before taking steps to move to London in late 2008, was that our steps would not be guided by our own hearts or desires, but that we would be solely led by God.

Looking back, I remember very specifically being led to Hebrews 11:8-11 very early in the process of taking steps forward to moving. The passage says this: “By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God. By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised.”

One certain truth that has been continually revealed to Michelle and I over this last year is stated in the above passage: “For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God”. Simply put, we look not to a geographic location as our final destination, but by such undeserved grace we look forward to a Kingdom that cannot and will not be shaken, where we will stand in the presence of our Saviour, our Redeemer, our King. I believe the earlier we start to really grasp that, the more effective we will become on mission wherever God has us.

I mention this to say that, in what I believe is a healthy tension of looking forward to heaven as our ultimate goal, but also loving the cities the Lord has called us to, praying for the city and seeking its welfare (Jeremiah 29:7), our increasing prayer has been to cling to nothing other than God. Not to any one specific place, possession, ministry opportunity, etc.

We were caught off guard around February/March, when our prayers to be led by him and him alone took a really unpredicted turn… We were feeling that we may be called back to the Central Valley, but for obvious reason, didn’t fully grasp it or the timing. Over the last couple months, despite a large change in our long-term plans, we have had a growing confidence in the sovereign hands of God. We have had to truly wrestle with the fact that his ways are so much greater than ours. That he sends and redirects, removes and replaces, brings together and scatters… all strategically for the glory of his name. And in a humbling way, sometimes it’s all the latter rather then the formers.

It’s truly been a really difficult time of laboring in prayer, warring off the flesh and the enemy, filtering out our own desires and opinions and to just hear from God on how this would practically work out for a now family of four. The support of both Reality London and Reality Stockton has been such a blessing. Blessed to have brothers whose sole desire for our family is to point us to Jesus and are committed to seeing us serve him in the way he desires. The Lord has been faithful to direct in these following ways in which he is ultimately in control over:

1) Dates:

We didn’t really have to struggle too long to figure out a date for a move. Our year lease at our current flat is up on the 26^th of June, and my mum already had a plane ticket to come visit our family in mid June, which made her trip two-fold… visiting the family & helping pack (which she has gracious agreed to). What is hard about this short time frame is we will need to tie up a lot of loose ends such as bank accounts, phone contracts, etc. Also, we want it to be a smooth transition from Reality London and we have hoped and prayed that our leaving will not add unexpected burdens upon Mark and Lizzie and the others serving here (pray that God would continue to send laborers and build his church).

2) Location:

The direction we are feeling clearly led towards is moving back to Stockton (which is where the center hub of Reality Central Valley is). There, we will pray to be led where in the vision of reaching the Central Valley of California with the gospel would we be most effective.

3) Serving:

There is an opportunity presently to serve at Reality Central Valley as the worship pastor. While I feel very strongly that this is the direction we are being led, I also have to humbly be reminded that this might not be a super smooth and immediate transition. The last thing we would want is to show up to a church that we know God has grown in massive ways over the last year, and expect to fall into place without him preparing the way. From the hearts of the church, to the current worship leaders and worship team, and even our hearts becoming immersed once again into the heartbeat and vision of what Jesus is doing in Stockton, Lodi, Turlock…

We have been so extremely supported by friends and family over the last year of serving in London, and we know that this may come as a shock to some. We must continue to give thanks to God for calling us here for this time, for using us in the city of London, and for now calling us on. We would continue to ask for your prayer and support as we take the steps forward in returning to California. Thanks and God Bless.

In His Grip,

The Simas Family

ukmissions@realitystockton.com

Our first time outside of the city as a family!..

2010-03-20T17:57:00.002Z

From Suffering to Glory

2010-03-02T13:16:00.001Z

Many of you know the hardships my family and I have suffered over these past couple weeks. For those of you who don’t let me explain…

My husband went away to the states for about a week at the end of February. While he was away I miscarried and lost another baby. This is our third miscarriage in the last couple of years and this time it was very different. For the sake of not being too graphic, I will simply tell it. My body began having signs of miscarriage for a couple of days. I went into the hospital to have an ultrasound done and to look at the baby. I was supposed to be 11 weeks along (almost over the threshold of danger for miscarriage). When they examined the baby, it was only registering about 6 weeks along. The baby had basically died at 6 weeks and I had been carrying it around with no signs of miscarriage for 5 weeks.

I went home knowing my body would most likely miscarry on it’s own since there were signs it was starting the process. My other two miscarriages had been physically painless so this is what I believed would happen with this one as well. I was wrong.

On the 20^th of February in the evening I began to bleed. Within about a half hour I began to bleed heavily. Again for the sake of not being too graphic, I ended up calling the ambulance with the urgent advice of Mark and Lizzie. I was taken in and hooked up to IV’s and oxygen and it was a very scary time. My husband was not with me and I was scared and shaken and completely heartbroken. The doctor removed the sac and the baby and the bleeding slowed. I lost a large amount of blood and there were a few times where I felt like I was not going to make it through.

I stayed overnight in the hospital alone. I was released in the morning after signing a release form and an additional form stating they needed to examine the baby and for my permission to allow the hospital to cremate my child. I left the hospital alone. I stepped outside and there was no one to greet me. I walked to the bus stop and rode it home. I held back tears as the rest of the world went on. How happy I was to be home again with my children and see their precious faces. But how difficult to try and be strong for them and to get up and be a mum to them. It was so hard to continue to take care of them and feed them and play with them when all I wanted was to crawl into bed and cry. All I can say is that God literally held me together and gave me the strength to go on.

My husband returned the next day and how good it was to see his face. I broke. I could no longer hold it together. I could no longer be strong. I went through a time of utter darkness and was in complete shambles. I felt like I could not go on. I could not continue with this pain and suffering. I felt I was going to die of heartbreak. I cried and cried to the Lord repeatedly telling Him I could not do this, that I could not handle this, that I needed Him to take me home. And here is what our beautiful Jesus has shown me. I hope it makes sense to you all as I try to write it down. I will do my best…

It is all summed up in Romans 8. Mainly 8:18-30…

18For I consider that the sufferings of this present timeare not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19For the creation waits with eager longing forthe revealing of the sons of God. 20For the creationwas subjected to futility, not willingly, butbecause of him who subjected it, in hope 21thatthe creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22For we know thatthe whole creationhas been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. 23And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who havethe first fruits of the Spirit groan inwardly aswe wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24Forin this hope we were saved. Nowhope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? 25But if we hope for what we do not see, wewait for it with patience.

26Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. Forwe do not know what to pray for as we ought, butthe Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 27Andhe who searches hearts knows what isthe mind of the Spirit, because the Spiritintercedes for the saints according to the will of God. 28And we know that for those who love God all things work togetherfor good, forthose who are called according to his purpose. 29For those whom heforeknew he alsopredestinedto be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might bethe firstborn among many brothers. 30And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he alsojustified, and those whom he justified he alsoglorified.

These are the beautiful words that are my comfort through this time in my suffering. To know that glory awaits. That these afflictions, this miscarriage, me losing my third child in such a horrible and lonely way is not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. I am in complete awe of this. If I could take all my pain and all my heartbreak that is so hard and seems as if it is going to swallow me up and put that in comparison with the glory that awaits and to be able to say it doesn’t even compare is so amazing to me. It is something I cannot wrap my mind around, but oh how I hold fast to that. How I have clung tight to these truths. How I wait for the redemption of my body. The hope that I have for the revealing of Jesus Christ. To one day know that I will stand before my precious Lord and Saviour. I am so thankful beyond words that my Jesus doesn’t let these situations go unseen, but that He has given us His word that says that losing a child is incomparable to the things to come. And when I have nothing to pray because my words fall short or my heart is so broken I cannot think another thing, that the Holy Spirit intercedes for me. Oh how I wait for the glory that awaits. How I wait for heaven. How I wait for the pain and suffering in this life to end. But the joy in it to know that Jesus was a man that suffered and sorrowed. That he understands the pains that we go through. That God Himself lost His son. That I can partake in the sufferings. That I can suffer and praise His name. That I can take joy in my salvation. That I have been given the grace to praise our Saviour through it. That Jesus is so close to the broken hearted. That we have a Father in heaven that will never leave us nor forsake us. That neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord!

The comfort that Jesus has given me through this time of pain has been so real and so sweet. Knowing He knows my thoughts. He knows my pain. He sees my heartbreak and my struggles. He sees my tears.

All I can do and all I can say is only by the wonderful grace of God. That this life is so hard. That this life can be so painful. That there are moments and days and weeks where we feel like we want to give up, but that Jesus Christ is our everything. That though many times I do not give the glory due to His name, that I can say that Jesus is perfect and beautiful. That He is sovereign and holy. That He is worthy of all praise. That He is my strength and my refuge and all glory and honour is His.

snow

2010-01-08T16:50:00.003Z

The snow has been fun...
Though I believe the excitement wore off when we realised the
-3 degree days were here to stay

Do you smell peanuts?!

2010-01-05T12:04:00.005Z

As Trent and I were walking home from school today, he shared with me about how some other students hit him and that he didn't understand why. Which gave me an amazing chance to explain life in general and our opportunity to share Jesus through situations that do not seem very awesome to us...

So as I am laying out the contextualized Gospel... I am followed by "dad, do you smell peanuts?!"
Can I measure my success as a dad in this??? naaa

I was reminded of our righteous and holy God- who is infinite in all wisdom and understanding... and myself before him in a life long walk of growing in him. A life where I see daily, I know next to nothing standing next to my Father.

2010-01-03T12:35:00.001Z

2009-12-23T07:04:00.002Z

"Do all that is in your heart. Do as you wish. Behold, I am with you heart and soul"

2009-12-17T10:29:00.006Z

"...It may be that the LORD will work for us, for nothing can hinder the LORD from saving by many or by few..." (1 Samuel 14:6b)

As everyday goes by, we are continuing to be shown this absolute truth. We have entirely no work of our own hands to boast in, and only God to lean on.

We, along with Mark and Lizzie, have always had a sense that London would a be a 'revolving door' so-to-speak, and concerning the church, it has been. God brings and He sends, and we see it as an amazing thing that we are able to build relationships with people here, share in the beauty of the gospel, and then see them either returning home or sent somewhere new.

As for us now, we as a church body are literally a handful of people... but we are truly encouraged to see that it is a group that has such an earnest desire and longing to pray! It is an amazing thing that with little exception, the entire church gathers to pray every week. It is because they have caught vision of the broken state of our city and the "hour in need of burning hearts, bursting lips, and brimming eyes" as Leonard Ravenhill describes. We have placed our all before Jesus; We laid our desires,wills, motives down on the altar; and our joyful response to God is to be the same as Jonathan's armor bearer...

"Do all that is in your heart. Do as you wish. Behold, I am with you heart and soul"
Amen?!

Pray that:
>God would do a great work here in London, a city of approximately 7.5 million people, through a surrendered church. Pray for the churches here that hold true to the gospel of Jesus Christ, that there would be a unity in God's people. We are a marginalized group, through and through, sociologically marginalized. We know that it has not been in times of popularity but times of adversity that the true Church has always triumphed(the book of Acts/Reformation/19th Century London...).

>That as the above passage goes on to say in v.22, that: "Likewise, when all the men of Israel who had hidden themselves in the hill country of Ephraim heard that the Philistines were fleeing, they too followed hard after them in the battle." That men and women of God, that have disappeared into the 'woodwork', would be refreshed by the Spirit of God, encouraged to see a worshiping church that will not abandon this nation, and be so utterly moved by seeing the mighty hand of God moving and driving out the enemy, that they would stand once again and fight for the salvation of this city.

Will you please cry out to God for this small church and this great city?!

trent as an angel in the nativity play at school

2009-12-15T12:44:00.002Z

(trent is the one in the back-middle, standing up)

Gospel Driven Missional Community

2009-11-24T21:20:00.005Z

Tonight was the introduction of a Gospel Centred study where we ask God to stretch us and challenge us in seeing our call to be on mission in our community that we live in, work in, go to school in, minister in, as a community of believers, and what that looks like for us as a church. We started in no better place than Acts 2.
We've been given an amazing opportunity to be able to meet at our local pub as well as build relationships with those who work there- resulting in really practical ways to be a light and share the Gospel. And on a side note: Free Curry every Tuesday

Worship

2009-11-01T20:29:00.009Z

We wanted to be able to share a worship song that has been written as a result of the response of worship in our church body in London. It is outflow of what the Lord is doing through Reality London.

Prayer

2009-10-29T18:20:00.000Z

As the weather here is changing, it is starting to expose and almost in a sense reflect the true spiritual temperature here in london. With the winter so quickly arriving, and the soon only 8 hour periods of light, the people seem to find themselves not able to be feeding off the sun and sinking into further depression. It doesn't take long to see, as you walk the streets, people walking around with what seems as the weight of the whole world on their shoulders. So as the sun, that was designed to only be a taste of the glory and light of our God, starts to dwindle, we pray that we as Christ's Church can be a true light in our community. We would ask that you would partner with us in prayer in the following ways:

1) "Our Father in heaven, hallowed by Your name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven"

-We pray that Christ's name would be honoured and glorified in London, and in the village of Notting Hill.

-That we would be a reflection of a Trinitarian Community, a Gospel Centred Community... A reflection of His kingdom in heaven. And that the kingdom would be added to, that Christs church would continue to grow and be fruitful. Which will happen as His glory is put on full display.

-God's ways are so above our ways, and we are crying out to the Lord, that His will would be accomplished, and not ours. That we would be a God dependent, praying people. And through that, He would bring humility and surrender in our hearts.

2) Finances are always an unfortunate aspect that seems to slither its way into situations. Glory be to God, that He is not bound by earthly terms and hindrance, and that our current financial difficulty is not difficulty to Him.

- Why God called us to one of the most expensive cities in the entirety of the world?! He only knows. We believe He is causing us to become more and more dependent on Him in all areas of life. We are finding our monthly support short of our cost of living. So we would ask you to pray:

1) pray for our finances, that God would increase the support that is needed for us to continue ministering in London

2) pray that if God would have you partner with the work He is doing here, by supporting financially, as we have been so blessed by the support we have already received financially and in prayer

We love you guys!

So with love and prayer,

Christian, Michelle, Trent and Hope Vivian

To give financially CLICK HERE

email: ukmissions@realitystockton.com

fall is here, but winter will soon prevail

2009-10-28T15:46:00.000Z

kids growing up

2009-09-23T13:06:00.001+01:00

Trent Christian Simas is officially a student at St Clement and St James Nursery School. The Lord opened a door for him to attend which is a big answer to prayer. We had him on the waiting list, and after calling the school almost every day for a couple weeks, he finally got in. He is attending Monday thru Friday in the morning session and he absolutely LOVES it. It is actually quite nice to get up and out of the house at 8:30 and go for a nice 50-minute walk in the chilly morning. Cutest thing about school…the uniform. It's green and gold with an anchor as the emblem. We purchased the smallest size possible of trousers (3 years) and STILL had to take them to the corner tailor and get them altered! So funny! What a precious little munchkin. But how excited he was to walk to school the first day all dressed up and ready to face the day. A moment we will always remember.

Second biggest thing for our little man has been football or shall I say soccer for us Americans. The first two weeks were not so fun (he pretty much stood on the sidelines and was mute), but this week he did amazing. So proud to watch him kick the ball and follow the drills and interact with the kids. Cutest moment at football club this week was when the kids and coach were huddled together and we hear Trent say something to the coach, but couldn’t make out what he said and we hear the coach repeat it…”everyone needs Jesus in their hearts huh?” Our little evangelist; gotta love it!

Hope Vivian Simas is growing so fast. Already growing out of a lot of clothes. She is getting a little bit chunkier and it’s adorable. She is getting to be a little bit more alert and she smiles constantly. Trent and her “talk” back and forth and they are very funny to watch. She loves her big brother! What a joy she is to this family. Our hearts melt just looking at her. We thank Jesus for blessing us with these two beautiful children.

So as we settle into this new “season” of school and sports, we ask you to continue to pray for us and for God’s ministry here in London. Our world of contacts here in London just broadened by a lot being involved in the community through our son. Pray for opportunities and relationships to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. Pray for our precious son and his sensitive heart in telling others about Jesus. Pray for friends for him and also for his little mind to be protected. Pray that above everything else we would glorify Him in London and in this community.

Love, Michelle

Worship at the pub

2009-09-06T18:04:00.000+01:00

Due to a schedule conflict at the Gate Cinema this weekend, we had to look for a one week, alternative place to meet. At the very last moment, we found the Hillgate Pub, which is right behind the Gate, that would let us gather and worship. We at first saw it as a bit of an inconvenience, but really it was a reminder to us that God is not in any way constrained to a specific location made by men(Acts 17:24)and the Spirit of the Lord indwells His people, not a building. As Solomon prayed: "heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you; how much less this house"...(1 Kings 8)

It was definitely unpolished and raw, but then again, isn't that in essence what we as people truly are; real people. It was an amazing opportunity that we by ourselves aren't always taking on our own; an opportunity as a church body to be a light to our hood, and what better place to do so, then at a pub. We pray "make us be a light" and GOD ANSWERED! right?!!?

We worshiped, the Gospel was proclaimed, and we saw scripturally of how we are a people created in God's image, the image and essence of true trinitarian community(Father, Son and Holy Spirit) ... a people that are called to come together in worship, in Jesus' name and bonded through His blood!

We will be back at the Gate Cinema next week. Praise Jesus for the work He is doing and the promise He spoke "I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it"

2009-08-24T00:58:00.000+01:00

The Gate

2009-08-16T15:01:00.000+01:00

The Lord has opened the Gate Cinema Theatre for us to meet on Sundays! We as a church body, along with other people and churches, have been praying that God would provide this particular building in Notting Hill Gate for us to gather, and the Lord has done very good and amazing things. It is in an awesome location on the High Street, right as you come out of the tube station stairs. It actually reminds us a lot of the Empire Theatre in Stockton. So, He has seen fit for us to be here, to minister here and to be a light here, and now we continue to pray that Jesus would build and lead His church. ^"Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain." Psalm 127:1

(Prayer Tour starts in two days, and we will try and keep the updates/pictures rollin' in)

Update from London

2009-07-30T11:16:00.000+01:00

It’s been some time, and we are sorry about the lack of updates, but believe it or not, we are still waiting for our home internet to be connected for us. It seems that companies operate a bit slower then we are use to, but none the less, we are still able to use internet at free WiFi spots throughout the city.

So, some pretty major things have happened this month, one of which is the Lord giving us a beautiful daughter. Michelle had been admitted to the hospital to induce labor, seeing as she was about a week past her due date. The part of the hospital that she was in would not allow me to stay with Michelle, so my brave wife stayed the night there by herself, until I got the text in the middle of the night, saying “COME NOW”. I called Mark and Lizzie to come over and watch Trent and in a flash they were at our front door. Here is where you get to visualize me running franticly through the streets of London, as it is a forty-five minute walk...running and running hard. Thankfully I was able to stop a cab about halfway down, and literally walk in the door of Michelle’s room to see the midwife place our daughter in Michelle’s arms and place the scissors in my hand, saying “congrats dad”. My brave wife delivered by herself with one midwife, and no medication- do to some hospital drama. But most importantly, she delivered safely. Hope Vivian was born on July 16^th, at 2:06am , and in good health. Without doubt, Michelle is an amazing mother, and it was automatic newborn love and handling, where myself on the other hand, in only three years, totally forgot even how to hold a newborn! I can be rough and wrestle Trent, but a beautiful, delicate, little girl?? I was undone… I melted as she was placed into my arms, and it was an automatic, sincere love like she had always been my daughter.

We are now still adjusting to being in a new country and having a newborn. As time and weather has permitted, we have been able to explore the city, thanks to an amazing transportation system(the underground, buses and trains). Again, it’s been a very good thing being able to be home to love on our family, and being able to commit to supporting Michelle and Trent in this huge adjustment. We totally underestimated how difficult it would be to leave the friends and family that we love. The Lord has given us the strength, and some amazing friends here in London, but we still need continual prayer to endure, prayer for Trent to make friends, and prayer that Michelle would adjust to the vast differences and challenges of being a wife/mom/homemaker in a new country. That she would find the contentment and joy in where she is being called and used mightily, at home.

Two pretty major dates are coming up in August that we are definitely looking forward to: the start of the prayer tour on the 16^th and Lord willing, the first Sunday service on the 23^rd.

We are truly blessed to be part of a church body that prays, in all things, at all times, out of total dependency… prays. When saints pray, it glorifies God and He is attentive to our prayer. So as you may or may not know, a large group from Reality Carpinteria and another large group from Reality Los Angeles are coming for a week+ long prayer tour, where people will be splitting up and dispersing throughout the whole city of London to pray. Through fervent prayer and sharing the Gospel, we believe that Jesus will draw hearts to Himself. We will be praying that the Lord would establish His church, strengthen believers in London, that He would break down the strongholds here, that He would save people, and that ultimately God’s Glory would be displayed. Where “Sunday morning church” is almost an American pastime of sorts, the spiritual climate here is quite different. The Lord will have to build His church, and we as a church, on Saturday nights, have been praying that God would graciously allow us to come along side that work. “By this we give him the ‘glory of His power’. Prayer is a humble appeal from our impotency to God’s omnipotence…”-William Gurnall on the necessity of prayer.

As I have mentioned, the first Sunday service will be on the 23^rd of August. Pastor Mark last week, after much prayer and godly counsel, put an offer in on a theatre in Notting Hill Gate to rent for Sunday mornings, and we are praying that we would have favor with the building owners and they would accept the offer. We are seeking the Lord on the place He would have us meet, so we ask strongly that everyone would be lifting that up in prayer. Until then, and definitely always continuing past that date, we will be meeting weekly for prayer as a church body-worshiping and crying out to God. Also, we will be taking advantage of this next month leading up to the tour to not only set a foundation in prayer, but also to prepare through studying God’s Word, working through worship, and meeting with Pastor Mark to sharpen one another as brothers in Christ.

“All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them. And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one” –Jesus, John 17:10,11

We thank you for your love, prayer and support.

-Love-

2009-07-03T17:15:00.000+01:00

Crazy to think that we have only been here in London two weeks today. In those two extremely quick weeks, the Lord opened for us a flat in West London in the borough of Kensington&Chelsea. Nothing short of a miracle… we spent our first week here scouring the entire North/NorthWest/West area of London for a flat that was inexpensive and we thought would fit our needs. We had found a flat that was for us nothing more then settling, and were ready to make an offer on(you make offers on flats to rent, kinda weird), when a last minute flat opened up for us to look at in a hood we had loved and were praying about. I spare the financial details, but the amazing part is that we offered what we had budgeted and could afford(which was ridiculously under the asking rate), went home that night and prayed that God would stir in the heart of the building owner. I get a call the next morning from the rental agent telling me that another couple had seen the flat and offered the asking price, a much higher offer, but to the surprise of his whole office, our offer was the offer accepted. My focus for this last week has been to settle our family, as uneventful and unexciting as assembling furniture is. I forget sometimes that though adjusting for me might be not very difficult, I just moved a wife and 3 year old as well. Through this, I believe that God is laying a foundation in my life and reestablishing my first ministry, mi familia. It has been truly a joy. So, we are moved in, set up and yesterday started to meet our new neighbors, some extremely nice, others ehhh…

Michelle is do to have our baby in literally a week! we have been called crazy here more times than we can count... but it gives us opportunity to share with people of what importance are we here for. So, if you would please pray for her…

We have a few things left to do such as get Trent signed up for public school. This boy is going to be on mission, and is very ready to meet some new friends.

We are blessed by everyone praying for us and all the support. We are continuing to pray for and familiarize ourselves with our hood and allowing the Lord to lead us in His plan, as part of His church here in London as we seek Him. Much Love! God Bless, Christian

Prayer and Familiarization

2009-06-22T04:45:00.000+01:00

We have dedicated the last few days to familiarizing ourselves with the area of Notting Hill Gate, which is where we are currently living until the Lord opens up a flat for us to move into. We believe we are called here to live missionally, and to be intentional in detail to where in this large city that might be. So, similar to Nehemiah(chap.2) we have started the process of accessing the wall so-to-speak... seeing and growing a heart for the people. Also, other practical things such as: finding the grocery store, opening a bank account, taking Trent for his first Tube ride.

So for now, we are walking around the NW area of London, praying and seeking direction on where it is that God is calling us to live. Prayer, is and will continue to be thee foundation, and heart beat of every step that we take. We are dependent on Jesus, completely. We have found it important to learn to: "move man, through God, by prayer alone."

Love, The Simas Fam

“Within a few months of this time of consecration the impression was wrought into my soul that it was in China the Lord wanted me. It seemed to me highly probable that the work to which I was thus called might cost my life; for China was not as open as it is now. But few missionary societies had at that time workers in China, and but few books on the subject of China missions were accessible to me. I learned, however, that the Congregational minister of my native town possessed a copy of Medhurst’s ‘China’, and I called upon him to ask a loan of the book. This he kindly granted, asking me why I wished to read it. I told him that God had called me to spend my life in missionary service in that land. “And how do you propose to go there?” he inquired. I answered that I did not at all know; that it seemed to me probable that I should need to do as the Twelve and the Seventy had done in Judea- Go without purse or scrip, relying on Him who had called me to supply all my need. Kindly placing his hand upon my shoulder, the minister replied, “Ah, my boy, as you grow older you will get wiser than that. Such an idea would do very well in the days when Christ Himself was on earth, but not now.” I have grown older since then, but not wiser. I am more than ever convinced that if we were to take the directions of our Master and the assurances He gave to His first disciples more fully as our guide, we should find them to be just as suited to our times as to those I which they were originally given. “ - J. Hudson Taylor

"For He is good, for his steadfast love endures forever,"

2009-06-19T18:04:00.000+01:00

"For He is good, and His steadfast love endures forever"

Out of response for the amazing things the Lord does, the children of Israel would often praise God with these words. This is the song that we as well are singing for joy! Its a beautiful thing to see His character continually being revealed. To know and rest on the truth that God is in control, He is a good God, and His steadfast love/mercy is everlasting. One that patiently but actively loves.

We are in London... We just arrived at Mark and Lizzie's flat. A bit tired and jet lagged...

Join with us in singing praise to the king!

An open door set before us...

2009-06-13T06:47:00.000+01:00

The Lord is in control! (REV 3:8)

(copy of an email from the UK Consulate)

"Your application has been approved and the visa has been issued.
Please check your visa immediately on receipt to ensure that we have completed your visa correctly. Please send details of any errors or omissions to visas.losangeles@fco.gov.uk ASAP.Please note that the UPS tracking number will not be activated for at least another 1-2 business days. It will be delivered by UPS Their reference number is *********************"

Praise Jesus!

Tacos for London

2009-06-03T06:42:00.000+01:00

On Sunday Michelle and I were blessed with Tacos for London. Our church body in Stockton came together for some amazing tacos from the local taco truck. All in the name of Jesus and the furthering of His kingdom in London. Thanks Reality Stockton! We love you guys and we are thankful for your support.

(pictures by: Whitney Ramirez/Trent Simas)

Atlantic Shmlantic

2009-05-22T18:40:00.000+01:00

The Lord has taken my attention to a certain passage of scripture this week. In His amazing ways that He works: at different times, different ways, and different sources, brought me to Joshua 3. The Whole Chapter(this is significant) ...

^"15and as soon as those bearing the ark had come as far as the Jordan, and the feet of the priests bearing the ark were dipped in the brink of the water (now the Jordan overflows all its banks throughout the time of harvest), ¹⁶the waters coming down from above stood and rose up in a heap very far away, at Adam, the city that is beside Zarethan, and those flowing down toward the Sea of the Arabah, the Salt Sea, were completely cut off. And the people passed over opposite Jericho. ¹⁷Now the priests bearing the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firmly on dry ground in the midst of the Jordan, and all Israel was passing over on dry ground until all the nation finished passing over the Jordan."

The Lord has called us to step out, and we praise Him for that. Unfortunately, we as people fail to understand our role in His call. Failing to read scripture as a whole can sometimes be used wrongly as a tool to attempt to justify our motives or desires, but also, in my case can place crushing wait and unnecessary fear on our shoulders. I wanted to do. My attention and my "striving" desire was to see the next step for me to do in this passage of scripture rather then to see the beauty of an ever present Jesus in this. I missed the whole point! I failed to even grasp:

"3....As soon as you see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God being carried by the Levitical priests, then you shall set out from your place and follow it."
^"11Behold, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth is passing over before you into the Jordan"

1) The Ark: the presence of GOD was "passing over BEFORE you"
2) "Lord of all the earth"- He not only created but COMMANDS the earth
3) I'm certainly not God and last time I checked, our high priest is JESUS(Heb 8:1)
4) We follow Him...

The Lord has made it evident that this is and will always be His work. We follow because of the love of Christ that compels us, and the truth that He has gone before us.

We know that just like the Israelites, this definitely is not the only battle that we will face. Our goal is not to get to London, our goal is the Glory of the Lord. However that looks: here, on the journey, or there.

Okay our status update:
-We feel that God is calling us to leave for London on or very close to June 8, despite the fact that>
-We are still, on this day, waiting to hear back on our visas(which should be within a week)
-We are still praying that the Lord would stir in people's hearts to become part of this work in London ...even the unlikely(Ezra1)right?!

So we continue to step out and pray that God would ultimately guide our paths.

For those who have been faithful in prayer for us, we truly love you and truly thank you! Please remember to also be in prayer for Mark and Lizzie who God is already using on mission in London. That the Lord would open doors, open hearts, and form genuine relationships in the building of His church.

Love, the Simas'

Simas' Mission Video

2009-05-14T16:53:00.000+01:00

"then hear from heaven their prayer and their supplication, and maintain their cause"

2009-04-23T16:34:00.000+01:00

"..I will make you..."

2009-04-14T05:21:00.000+01:00

"And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” They immediately left their nets and followed Him." -Matthew 4:18-20

So much to learn from this amazing calling! It gives a great deal of hope for us as followers of Jesus Christ. It also sets the bar pretty high in regards to our obedience..right?!?!

We have everything to be thankful for, and one thing in particular: the Lord chooses at times the most unlikely candidates! I no doubt take comfort in that. Accomplishment(or lack of), merit, occupation...never has and never will hinder the Father from accomplishing His beautiful plan. Jesus didn't give them a list of requirements, He told them "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men". It was His work, and He knew that their proximity to Him would by all means transform them.

Jesus has given us the ultimate picture of obedience, obedience to death on the cross. He has set the standard, but also enabled us to obey. His voice, His calling DRAWS us... They followed, and we all know it was not a picture perfect journey, but they had a heart to serve Jesus.

I love the contrast between the brothers... We always see Peter as the guy front and center, needing that attention. But what about brotha Andrew?! We don't really see much need for attention, but rather seeking to give Jesus the attention, the light, the glory. If we study Andrews service in ministry, we see multiple times(and we must key in on this), that he was literally directing people to Christ. Placing people's hands into Jesus' hands.

They left their stinkin nets. I aint gonna lie, im finding this far from easy. We know that we are nowhere close to that level of abandoning, but the Lord has definitely been moving us to a place of freedom from comfort and security: family business namely. The flooring business has been a blessing! Its how the Lord has chosen to provide for our my family, and soon, very soon, that wont be the case. But then again, thats what He does. He moves us out from underneath the comfort. Michelle and I are so grateful for that call to leave it and follow Him.

So at this point, and out of total adoration for our God and the leading of the Holy Spirit, we are placing our lives in His hands, and dropping the nets... we've sold just about everything we had, are living in one room (where appropriately the rest fits) and are taking steps of faith toward His calling to London. To be a part of the Reality London, to serve, to worship Him. We have sent support letters out, and are praying the Lord would prompt hearts to become part of the work that He is doing in London.We are praying about moving there between May 25th and June 10th...yeah, this year! We ask that you would pray!... we need the prayers of the saints, and are so grateful for those of you who have, and are continuing to pray for our family. We are waiting on some very important visa information/paperwork, and asking the Lord for the provision to move and be supported.

Please also Pray for Mark and Lizzie D. that have been there almost a year, furthering the gospel. For strength, provision, wisdom, leading. They have been bathing that city with prayer, and planting a church which is being built on our Chief Cornerstone, Jesus Christ. We are confident that He will build His church in London. The victory has already been won in that city through our Savior!

It's Time

2009-03-10T17:12:00.000Z

So this month is busy and exciting! We officially sent out our support letters yesterday! Praise the Lord! We are also going to be getting everything in order to apply for our visas. So Lord willing we will be able to actually apply this month. We are also doing a garage sale at the Thompson's house in a couple weeks to get rid of the rest of our stuff. And last, but not least, we are moving in with the Thompson's at the end of the month and waiting until God has us move to LONDON! :) We are so excited to see things moving along. We are excited to see how God will guide our steps and move us in ways that are most likely going to be unexpected. How thankful are we that we serve a faithful God! Please pray that through every step, He is exalted and He is glorified!

Support Letter

2009-03-06T00:42:00.000Z

To our dear friends and family:

We are writing this letter to you in order to share what the Lord has been and is continuing to do in our lives. We want to humbly tell you how the Lord is calling and directing us to live, serve, and worship Him in the city of London, England.

The Lord called us in 2007 to move and serve in the city of Stockton as well as get involved in various ministries at our church Reality. We feel this time has been a sweet and necessary season of growth in the Lord and a wonderful opportunity to prepare us for the mission field. We are truly humbled by this calling, so we thank the Lord that 1 Corinthians 1:26-27 tells us “For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty”.

This last summer the Lord put London on our hearts. We didn’t know what that meant for us personally, but through prayer and scripture He revealed piece by piece that we are called to move and serve the people of London. The Lord already called a sweet couple named Mark and Lizzie Dyrud to start a Reality there. An opportunity opened in November for us to visit them in England. We had a wonderful time of prayer and “spying out the land”. God is so gracious and burdened us for the people of that city and knit our hearts with Mark and Lizzie. God was answering our prayers. He is so faithful. We came home from that trip a week later knowing we were to start taking steps to follow Him in this call. “By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God” (Hebrews 11:8-10). We believe that when the Lord calls He is faithful to deliver.

At this point as we are taking steps we feel we are to be ready and waiting. And as uncomfortable as it is we are selling all of our belongings to be free to move the minute He says, “now is the time”. We are extremely excited to come alongside Mark and Lizzie and minister to a country that has quickly turned away from their love of Jesus Christ. They have turned into a place that is blinded and bombarded by world religions, paganism and post-Christian beliefs. We want to see Jesus Christ exalted and the gospel preached! We want to see a city that was once so passionate for Jesus and where Christianity thrived to be turned back and have their eyes opened to the Savior of the world. “Sing to the LORD, all the earth; Proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day. Declare His glory among the nations, His wonders among all peoples. For the LORD is great and greatly to be praised; He is also to be feared above all gods” (1 Chronicles 16:23-25).

In closing we ask that you would prayerfully consider becoming a part of this work in the great city of London. A sender and supporter are just as important as the missionary being sent. Just as Nehemiah 3 shows us how the children of Israel had many different roles in rebuilding the wall in Jerusalem, so do we have many roles as one body of Christ. Some are called to be sent out and others are called to pray and support. So the following is a list of our areas of need:

First and foremost is PRAYER: The foundation of our mission has been bathed in prayer and will continue to be. We need prayer!

FINANCIAL SUPPORT: As the Lord prompts you to assist in the expenses of daily living and being in full time ministry. Christian will be unable to work on a missionary visa.

ENCOURAGEMENT: As we are battling, there will be a huge need for encouragement through the body. This can be as simple as a phone call, letter or email. All would be extremely appreciated!

As we continue to take steps of faith by following His leading to England, we ask that you would stand with us in prayer!

Love,
CHRISTIAN, MICHELLE AND TRENT SIMAS AND BABY HOPE ON THE WAY ☺

Our website: http://www.prayforlondon.blogspot.com/
Our email: ukmissions@realitystockton.com
Reality’s website: http://www.realitystockton.com

Financial Support (tax deductible) Make checks payable to:
Reality Stockton
Memo: Christian and Michelle Simas
4933 West Lane
Stockton, CA 95210

2009-02-27T16:45:00.000Z

We had the opportunity earlier this year to visit the LA/Carp group that went to pray for San Francisco and the Reality Church that will be starting there soon. We met up with Dave Lomas, who the Lord has called to plant the church in this beautiful city, and were able to see the preparation and foundation that is completely essential and all is lost without : PRAYER. Its exciting to see God moving up the coastland and to the furthermost parts of the world. Michelle and I , as soon to be missionaries (thats still weird for us to say) are blessed to fellowship with other church planters and people that are seeking the spreading of the Gospel. Not to mention, letting our son Trent see and experience the mission field that is all around us. Pray for San Francisco !

2009-02-17T23:31:00.000Z

Our family in Lake Tahoe, CA

Our First Trip!

2008-11-13T00:07:00.000Z

Our Savior blessed us with the resources and opportunity to spy out the land of London, England for our first time in early November. Mark and Lizzie of Reality London were totally gracious to house us and give us amazing views of the city. It was a awesome time of prayer and worship, along with rad fellowship. Just seeing the foundation being set there in prayer was so rad to see and it was a blessing to be able to be a part of. The Lord used our time there to confirm our calling to minister the gospel to the people of London, and in a beautiful way that only our God can, knit our hearts with the city. There is most definitely a need there. A need for a Savior! A need for the Bible to be taught... We pray for the name of Jesus to be exalted in London.

prayer

2008-11-04T23:21:00.000Z