Keep Calm and Carry On was a poster produced by the British government in 1939 during the beginning of World War II, intended to raise the morale of the British public in the event of invasion. I guess you could say we've tried to live by that slogan over the past six months or so: staying calm though the future seemed uncertain and carrying on with life and ministry opportunities. 

I know I ranted about dealing with government bureaucracy in my last newsletter but I am happy to finally report that we have been granted our new visas and will begin official duties at House on the Rock in July!! It's only taken about two months longer than we anticipated but God has been faithful through it all and friends have blessed us with funds to "carry on" and survive the waiting process. We give thanks for all who have supported us through this time with gifts and prayer. 

It's hard to believe I haven't written since before Easter so in the interest of time I'll just give you the highlights of what we've been up to. Firstly, Angie and I were involved once again in leading worship at the annual community-wide outdoor Good Friday service. Last year it was cold and wet (as it usually is) but this year was sunny and HOT, so the attendance was up a bit. Much to everyone's surprise, we were blessed by one of the local Muslim shopkeepers that gave out free water and soft drinks to the entire crowd during the service. Isn't that amazing?!? 

Secondly, we took advantage of the nice weather and roamed the hills and trails of Hampstead Heath on the Monday after Easter. "The Heath" is an ancient park in north London covering 790 acres. Then we finished the month of April by surviving the Royal Wedding Madness. We decided to stay home and watch the blessed event from the comfort of our living room but we did check out all the preparations earlier in the week as enthusiasts were already beginning to set up tents on Tuesday before the Friday nuptials.

The month of May was busy with a lot of different activities: seminars, street pastors, drop-in sessions, foodbank, youth club, and singing engagements (a Baptist church and a mayor's picnic). We also met with the team from Southside Baptist, Huntsville, Alabama. But I guess the highlight of the month was our trip to Cardiff, Wales. Our appointment to have our finger prints digitally recorded took less than an hour so we had the rest of the day to look around. The main attraction in the city of Cardiff is a castle with 2,000 years of history.

Similarly, June has been busy and included Soul in the City: a week long outreach event for young people at House on the Rock during a school break. Ashley, Zach, Zoey, and I helped in a variety of ways while Angie worked with a different group of students each day in a youth-focused "Come Dine with Me" competition that proved to be just as popular as her regular Thursday beginning cooking class. Additionally, the Islington Street Pastors provided two consecutive nights of "security" for a marathon reading of the Bible at a local park to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the King James Version. Many readers from a variety of churches took part.

So just to clarify a few things... We're planning to stay at least another year, maybe two, then we'll see what happens. House on the Rock is now my official sponsor for immigration purposes. My new job title will be Community Pastor and I'll begin duties in a few weeks and receive a salary. It's very possible I'll be continuing most of the things I'm already doing: drop-in, youth club, street pastors, foodbank, etc. I'll let you know how that's going in the next newsletter and what new directions the Lord is leading.

Lastly, we still need your prayers desperately and plan to stay in touch AND if you still want to support us financially we will see that it goes to good use, for example, only Zoey and Angie have had opportunity to return to the US in the three years we have been here and we would all be blessed if we had the extra funds to make the trek across the pond later this year. BUT if you know of other missionaries that need your support we release you to them with understanding and appreciation. However, if you still feel led to make a contribution, please send a check payable to First Baptist Church of Clermont, directed to the Ecker family fund. The church address is 498 W. Montrose St., Clermont, FL, 34711. 

Keep calm and carry on, 

                                 The Ecker Family