Dear Faithful Friends,

It is my pleasure to have a turn writing to tell you how God is using the Riley family here in the United Kingdom.  Bryan normally writes our letters, and he always is careful to communicate both of our thoughts.  I will try to do the same.  I am thrilled to have settled in here at the King’s Lodge after such an interesting way of making it here.  It does seem I appreciate the opportunity all the more.  Please take time to read the enclosed newsletter from The King’s Lodge as it reports on our trip to the Philippines last year and provides a flavor (flavour in England) of what is happening here!

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I am very thankful for our 3-bedroom flat on the 3^rd floor of this old boy’s boarding school.  We even have a private (tiny) bathroom and kitchen.  I have never lived in (how do I say it tactfully?) a place that has so much history, and it is an adjustment for me.  J 

The kids and I have a full day of homeschooling activities.  We are having a great time of learning together and learning how to learn all together!  Living in the main building gives us many opportunities to participate in the daily events at The King’s Lodge.  The children attend the weekly worship service and social events.  Part of our job (here and everywhere) is to model a Christ-centered marriage and family for the students, many of whom come from dysfunctional family unites.  This at times can feel uncomfortable, as we truly are in a fish bowl most of the time, but it is great accountability for our relationship and parenting!  It feels like we are house parents in a sorority/fraternity house, and it frees us up to raise our kids in a godly way and attend staff meetings that occur frequently.  Tanner is responsible enough now to be “in charge” for an hour of school while we both attend a meeting. 

As for Bryan, he has his work cut out for him!  He keeps busy researching grants and funding opportunities for The King’s Lodge to increase the building fund.  TKL plans to build on to the existing building and renovate other portions of it.  Given a living community of 150+ people, our current space needs expanding.  He meets with people from this area, places many phone calls and emails and will write grant proposals.  He also is helping TKL get in compliance with the disability laws and will continue in this role even as we staff the Crossroads Discipleship Training School beginning in April. 

The kids participated in an “Olympic games” night with some very creative DTS students dressed like athletes from the 80s.  We also attended a surprise birthday party put on by several Canadian students where they created a French café atmosphere.  It was hilarious and fun.  C'était amusement!

God is working diligently in our lives and at The King’s Lodge.  So many exciting things are happening for the Kingdom of Christ.  I am constantly amazed at the testimonies we hear each week of how God moves around the world.  There is currently a team in Albania, and two teams just returned from Bosnia and China.  Another team leaves in three weeks for Turkey.  This summer there will be teams headed to China, South Africa, England and most likely the Philippines.  And, excitingly, you can join any of these teams beginning in July!  We will be providing more and more details about this, but we ask you to begin praying seriously about whether God might have you participate! Write or call for more info, too!

I cannot thank you enough for your prayers and support.  I am humbled by your commitment and so honored to get this opportunity to serve Jesus, the risen King, in this way.  May we be worthy of His calling.  We can be reached by phone at (011) 44 2476378560.  Easy Int’l calling cards at Sam’s!

With love from Bryan, Tara, Tanner, Keaton and Regan!!!