We took a deep breath over the weekend before the crazy schedule of Re-engage (www.reengage.net) began. I relaxed with friends until Saturday afternoon and it really felt like I was at home. We travelled to neighboring Luton to do some shopping in between the rain storms, and even stopped for some real English fish and chips on the way home. I’m from England and I thought it was just delightful!

Sunday marked the beginning of the Re-engage conference, which has been awesome (and we’re only half way through). The conference focuses on how we can live out God’s values in all areas of society. We’ve heard from some very influential people including James Featherby, a partner in a leading law firm, John Sutherland, a superintendent with the metropolitan police, and Tim Levell, the editor of the BBC television show Blue Peter. It has been incredible to hear from people of such influence about the way they live out their faith in such diverse sectors of society.

At Re-engage, I am involved in the Government and Politics track. I’ve been privileged to spend time with Charlie Hoare, the International Secretary of the humanitarian organization CARE, which provides resources and helps to bring Christian insight and experience to matters of public policy and practical caring initiatives. CARE is represented in the United Kingdom’s Parliaments and Assemblies, at the European Union in Brussels and at the United Nations in Geneva and New York. Charlie is involved on an international level with the United Nations and spent time sharing stories of his amazing experiences within such an incredibly influential sector. Tomorrow, I have the privilege of accompanying Charlie (with the rest of my fellow track members) on a political tour of London including the very exciting Houses of Parliament. I can’t wait!

The first week of Re-engage has been significant for me. One of the reasons I came to do the YWAM Discipleship Training School was to discover God’s heart for justice. I’m discovering that the more I know God the less of a distinction I see between His character and justice. A desire for justice is simply part of who God is and integral to what it means for us to follow him. Yesterday, Phillip Powell challenged us to say “yes” to God and be willing to go wherever He asks us to, in whatever sector of society, and to serve him with all we have. I knew that was one of the moments I had been waiting for in this journey…a commissioning of my hopes and dreams to be someone whom God could trust to help bring about justice. The exciting thing is, God has been speaking to me more directly and specifically than I’ve ever heard him speak before and I’m catching a clearer glimpse of my future.

As we continue with Re-engage for another week, I’m excited to hear more from some influential people and organisations…and to finally get a day off to process it all!
See you next week!
Kim