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Back in Amsterdam.

The church bells are chiming on the other side of the street, and I am sat with the veranda door open, sipping my cup of Earl Grey tea. It’s beautiful evening here in Amsterdam. The sun is starting to set and it’s a comfortable temperature reminding me that it really is spring, almost summer.

I arrived back here today, and I get to stay in one of the flats over the “Lighthouse” project which is in the Red Light District. It’s a lovely flat. Right outside there’s a canal and on the other side of the canal is the Oude Kerk which is one of the oldest churches in Amsterdam (hence the church bells).

It’s been a good but slightly surreal day. After getting my baggage at the airport I decided to grab a bite to eat before getting the train to Amsterdam. And since I’ve been here before I knew to get a cheap baguette from HEMA rather than pay a lot for a similar sandwich somewhere else. It’s this kind of knowledge that reminds me that I am not here to be a tourist.

After the 10 minute train ride to Amsterdam Centraal station I strolled with my luggage to the Lighthouse, hoping I’d choose the right side street (which I did). It was lovely to see the team here again. They are such amazing people. Good to see them, surreal to not have all the people who did the “Shine Seminar” here also.

Soon after getting here it was time for the weekly intercession time in the Tabernacle which focuses on the Lighthouse and the Red Light District. It was great to get stuck in there again, and hear what God is speaking. He is speaking about intimacy, prayer, abiding in Him... and from that place stepping out and seeing justice. We also prayed for the outreach to Latvia this coming Sunday.

Latvia. I’m excited. Excited to visit another nation of course, but mostly to go with the team from here and be allowed to encourage and build up those who are partnering with Jesus in pioneering there. Pioneering is hard work. So we go to encourage and strengthen, whatever that’ll look like.

So there you go, a wee glimpse into my first day back here. I doubt I’ll be writing every day, but hopefully I’ll manage to keep the updates coming...

I’m glad to be here. And I feel the peace of God.

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