To close out our week of missions, it was American Tourist Day for our group. The entire team loaded the buses for a ride to the historic city of York, where the group was treated to the amazing sights and sounds of York Minster, a beautiful cathedral that dates back to the 7th century.

In the year 306, three centuries prior to the construction of this city center of faith, Constantine the Great was crowned as the Emperor of the Roman Empire near the site of the future York Minster. Constantine was the first Roman emperor to profess a belief in Jesus Christ, and his reign became a turning point for the spreading of our faith throughout the world. In that light, York Minster remembers Constantine as a part of their history. Touring this cathedral was a different way for students to take in the past, and it was inspiring to see their amazement at the ornate structures, intricate artistic work, and ancient history close up and made more personal.

Students then visited local eateries for lunch, shopped in the city market, and visited other historic places in the city like The Shambles (a narrow, cobblestone shopping street that reminds visitors of scenes from Harry Potter).

After York, buses were reloaded for a trip to Roseberry Topping, which is known as the “Matterhorn of Teeside.” Students hiked the 1,000-foot hill/mountain for incredible views and to overlook the Middlesbrough city area below. The group gathered for a special time of worship at the peak.

Mike Taylor, Executive Director of UK-USA Ministries, gave a devotion from Ezekiel 37 and the story of the Valley of Dry Bones. As the group literally looked over the valley below, they were reminded of the massive need for Jesus in the neighborhoods they served throughout the week. God promised Ezekiel a miraculous revival, and that is the prayer for the “dry bones” of Middlesbrough. Mike challenged the graduating seniors to “do something with your life” that makes a difference in eternity. 

This week has been the fulfillment of many prayers, both at home in the US and here in the UK. Lives have been changed. Lives of hundreds in Middlesbrough for certain, but many of our students’ lives have been changed as well, having experienced the joy of sharing Jesus and recognizing the need to follow Him more closely. Thank you for praying for this trip and the mission in the UK. There is still much work to be done, but as believers, we know that God is still breathing life into dry bones.