John Stanko

I flew over to the UK last Friday, this time out of Newark directly to Birmingham instead of London. What a great way to go! There were no lines at customs and I was the first one out to the arrivals hall at 6:30 AM.  My host picked me up and I was at my hotel asleep by 8 AM.  Although I flew over via Continental on a Boeing 757, my least favorite aircraft in the world, it worked out for the best.

Yesterday I spoke at two local churches, one in Burton on Trent and the other in Walsall, where I am staying.  The former was at Christian International Family Church, where Steve and Jen Watson are pastors.  To my surprise, Steve and Jen remembered me from 1994 when I was traveling with the Integrity Music teams and came to Birmingham.  It was just another encouragement that the Lord seems to be sending my way frequently these days.  I guess I need it.

Steve and Jen have done a super job leading their church.  I sensed a lot of love and servant-leadership in their work.  By the way, their church building burned to the ground last November and they are meeting in The Guild Hall in Burton on Trent, which happens to be the venue for Coors Brewery in the UK. And that reminds me, when we had communion in the church, they used real wine.  I haven't had wine in communion for probably 20 years.  I resisted the temptation to go back for seconds.

We had many good laughs while I spoke and the people were gracious and patient as I rambled on and on.  Then 22 of us went out to lunch afterwards.  On the way back to my hotel, I said to Dave and Pam, my hosts, "I think we just had fellowship." It was a great time.

Then last night, I spoke at The Rock Church in Walsall, pastored by Ian Evans. I was so impressed with the work the Lord has done through Ian, who started the church three years ago. He had a nice Sunday night crowd and the people were very receptive.  Afterwards, we ate Caribbean chicken (I think it was "jerk" chicken) and I signed some books and chatted with the people about purpose.  All in all, it was a great first day in the UK.  Once again, I found someone in that church in Walsall who remembered my visit in 1994.

Now I have some more meetings leading up to my live television appearance on Revelation TV's World in Focus show on Revelation TV this coming Wednesday, April 1, from 9.15 to 10:30 PM.  If you live here, you can call in your questions from 10:00 to 10:30.  So today will be a writing day until my meeting tonight. Let's see how much I can get done between now and then.