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Thurrock's Boiler Room has 'Live Lounge'
Alisa Jeffry is part of the Stanford & Corringham Boiler Room Community, a.k.a. "217". She told Transformation Thurrock about her life and the up and coming Live Lounge event.
TT: Where are you from and how did you get to be in the UK, Alisa?
AJ: I come from New Zealand, and was doing at DTS with YWAM in Denmark, and on my outreach we spent 2 weeks in Stanford-le-Hope serving at the Boiler Room, and while i was there God asked, 'Will you come and live here?' and i said 'yes' so when I finished my DTS i packed up my life in Denmark and moved here, and with some great blessings i had somewhere to stay and a job.
TT: Do you miss home?
AJ: All the time, right now it is hard with my Grandad in hospital, but when you know where God wants you, its easier to stand in faith.
TT: How long have you been a Christian and what was your journey into faith in Jesus?
AJ: i have been a Christian since I was 4 years old and my mum sat me on the kitchen bench and took me through what it means to give my heart to God, but it didn't always go that smoothly. When i was 13, I knew God was real but I was really angry with him. He let my dad leave my family and i didn't see how that was looking after me or loving me. So I argued with God for about 2 years still having to go to church and youth group (i liked hanging out with all my friends), but when i was 15 i went to an Easter camp and God really met me there. i was talking to one of my youth leaders when i said, 'I hate my dad,' then i started to cry. i never knew i could love someone so much and hate them at the same time. i then had to do this forgiveness thing i was taught about all my life and forgive my dad. It was hard, but once i did that i was free from so much. As life goes, you end up facing it all again, and about 3 weeks later - when all the happiness of camp had gone - i found myself sitting at the computer on my own, crying out to God, saying, 'This is it, i'm really with you God, all the way!' and it was like that was the real commitment i made when life was hardest.
TT: What drew you to Thurrock?
AJ: GOD!!!!!
TT: How would you describe your current role or calling from God?
AJ: I don't really know... Right now i work at a pre-school and run a parent and toddler group every Friday. i seem to be drawn to mums, so i started doing a mum's lunch at the prayer house (217) once a month. i help run a cell group for 10-12 year-olds every second week, but i still find myself asking God what my calling is, and keep just doing what i find myself in at the time.
TT: How do you finance yourself?
AJ: i work at this point. i would love not to so i have more time to serve in the community. Each time i move i find God uses different ways to finance me. i would really like to look into a new job, one with more of a focus into what/where God wants me heading - but i don't know that yet.
 TT:
TT: Please tell us a bit about the 'Live Lounge' idea.
AJ: Last year one of the guys in church was going on a mission trip and needed some finances and God just dropped it into my head to do a music night. It was a great night and i wanted to do it again for a different need. Some of the people in the Boiler Room really wanted to do something for Ibiza so we we got together and started planning. it's a fun night out with some local talent singing and performing.
TT: What will the money raised be going towards?
AJ: 24-7 Ibiza. They are a group of people who go out and talk to/help all who go to Ibiza in the summer to have a big party. They talk to them about God and help them get home. There is a family and one other guy who live there full time, but in the summer they have small teams come and do 2 weeks. Everyone needs to support themselves and the ministry.
TT: Have you been to Ibiza?
AJ: i have never been to Ibiza but many in the Boiler Room have, and the team out there often come to visit here and i have spent some time getting to know them. i would love to go and visit just to really understand what there heart is for Ibiza.
TT: How long do you think you'll stay in the UK?
AJ: i will stay here as long as God keeps the door open, i have a British passport so i can stay as long as i want, but i am at God's mercy. i really enjoy it here and think i could stay a long time and at this time i don't feel i should be moving on.
TT: When's the last time you went home?
AJ: The last time i want home was 2 years ago. i haven't seen my mum in 4 years as she was not home when i visited. i am starting to think it is nearly time to go home for a visit but that to depends on God.
TT: What's your favourite 3 things about the UK?
AJ: First, London - i love London, and living here is great cos I'm so close. Second, this community - they have really looked after me from the moment i first arrived. i wouldnt have stay if it wasnt for them. Finally, history - coming from a newer country like New Zealand, it's not got history in the same way as the UK.
TT: Thank you Alisa.
24-7 IBIZA LIVE LOUNGE
7.30pm 13 March
at Thurrock Christian Fellowship
Giffords Cross Road
Stanford-le-Hope
SS17 7QH
Tickets £5 on the door
or from Alisa on 07 534 913 129
or alisa.jeffrey@gmail.com
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Tim Harrold, 09/03/2010 |
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