God is truly GREAT.
This evening there was so much that was good. We've had help offered. We've been assured of prayer support. We were joined by Michelle, who lives in Brookwood and worships at New Life - a prayer warrior. The Sun shone - and when we reached the rec, there must have been 40 or 50 young people, many playing football.
Phil and George were immediately recognised by some of the lads from three weeks back and were welcomed to join in the game. Helen sat on her rug wondering how to open up a chat, and shielding her eyes with the Frisbee - until one of the girls asked if they could play a game with it. Helen's contact was made :o) Helen had with her the seed from a Sycamore tree and earlier she had been thinking how that might grow into a tree. Something that starts so small has the potential to grow really big. Relationships start that way too. Often with just one friendly word.
Before we went out we prayed. There was a clear picture of someone with a guitar. This seemed to be indirectly confirmed by conversations that two of the team had had separately just yesterday. The young people asked for a bbq, so we're thinking about doing this possibly next week if the forecast is good. Most of the crisps and drinks that we took with us this evening went.
By the end of the evening there was little doubt in any of our minds that this is where we're meant to be on Monday nights. If God wants us to lay the fleece a second time, hopefully He'll confirm that with one of our prayer supporters.
God truly is GREAT!
Monday 30 June 2008
Sunday 29 June 2008
Laying a Fleece
Just got to say thanks to George and his colleagues from St Johns for their training day and very clear explanation of Evangelism - this was a truly inspirational day. Thanks too for the hospitality shown to others of Holy Trinity Church and me.
Translated literally, Evangelism means 'giving good news'; apparently, after battles, the runner (the Evangelist) would go to the ruler and announce the good news of a battle won, and present parchment known as the Evangel. Didn't know that... learn something new every day but it makes complete sense for the pre-radio/sat telephone era.
Christian Evangelism, though, isn't defined as 'leading a good life', 'being a good example to others' or 'worship in church' - although I'd argue that the process of evangelism does involve all these things. How many people would listen to our Good News if we were drunk and debauched and in the bar every Sunday morning? "Faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection and love" (2 Peter 1 vs 5–7) are all part of confirming our identity. They demonstrate to others, and ourselves, who we really are in Christ.
However, equally, if we go through life just going to church and being good citizens, perhaps going out and doing streetwork, talking to young people even, but not delivering the Good News, then we're failing God. Yes, ploughing the field is totally necessary to the process of evangelism - little point in sowing seed onto unprepared ground - but there comes the point when the seed has to be sown. We can spend too long ploughing. Fear of rejection, perhaps, is the main cause of that.
But not sharing the Gospel is a little like watching people get onto an airplane that you know is going to crash (because we all die), but not giving them a parachute. Everyone is already on the airplane whether we like it or not. All we have to do is give them the parachute, we don't have to put it on for them - so, which is more frightening for us - getting the parachute shoved back in our face, or knowing that we haven't given a parachute to someone who dies that evening?
George's team explains all this MUCH better than I have here. The session ran from 10 to 4, so it's unsurprising that I've only scraped the surface of what is without doubt the most important subject that Christians everywhere need to get their heads around. I'm nobody, but even I've got the message loud and clear. They taught a clear process for doing God's will in a non-confrontational way. Maybe a few more of us from Holy Trinity Church will feel the Spirit urging us to find out more the next time George's team runs the day. I do pray that that will happen.
Outside Light
During prayer yesterday evening (Old Woking Team - New Life Church) the challenges that we're presented with in Old Woking began to sink home and I had a sense that in Old Woking we have, if you like, the opening battle that has to be won in order that Outside Light will be able to develop from that into a true warring campaign. Old Woking will always be a battlefield, as everywhere is and will be; that's because new people will come along all the time. But what's needed is a foothold in one of the homes there. When that happens, I believe that we'll start to see other footholds and handholds in that area too. In that sense, the enemy will be rocked onto his back foot so that then there will be opportunity to move on to the next mission field.
In Knaphill/Brookwood we've started to go out on Mondays, and please don't get me wrong, I'll do whatever the Lord asks - but I'm looking for some confirmation that we're ready for Mondays and that we're not jumping the gun. We've seen the number of young people there, they've said with their own mouths there's a need, but are we fully prepared? Are we adequately resourced? There is a difference between the models for Knaphill and Old Woking inasmuch that Old Woking has a regular 'clientele' because the focus is on one street, whereas Alexander Gardens will be more transient because young people from far and wide go there. We really need to pray that we're not running before we can walk, or that we're embarking on a new battle without having seen at least one soul secured in the first one.
When we go out tomorrow I will ask that we do so with a view to confirming that we should continue in the immediate future, or consider whether we need to concentrate resources on Old Woking. Confirmation either way could come from any number of potential sources. We're short on leaders; so more leaders maybe? Perhaps there will be loads of young people there and a real sense that this is where we belong on Monday nights. Maybe something else miraculous will happen, I don't know, I'm not seeking to limit God - but I do pray for His confirmation that now is the right time to be going out on a second mission. I'm desperate not to be running ahead of God, which as a new Christian I think I'm prone to doing.
Please, therefore, pray for clear direction tomorrow night. Please pray too for the miracle of the Holy Spirit in Old Woking. Also for the young people there, who have very little that's good going on in their lives and who are in desperate need of Jesus.
God bless
John
Note received afterwards from one of our prayer supporters:
"Apparently the method of farming we have at the moment, ie preparing the soil, ploughing etc used to be very different in Jesus’ time on earth. The farmer used to scatter the seed and THEN plough – the plough would follow. So, we can scatter the seed and have those conversations which we think are going nowhere but we can walk away and smile knowing that the plough of the Holy Spirit will follow after us! Who knows the next time we meet what work the Holy Spirit will have done? I pray for real encouragement for you and the team"
Translated literally, Evangelism means 'giving good news'; apparently, after battles, the runner (the Evangelist) would go to the ruler and announce the good news of a battle won, and present parchment known as the Evangel. Didn't know that... learn something new every day but it makes complete sense for the pre-radio/sat telephone era.
Christian Evangelism, though, isn't defined as 'leading a good life', 'being a good example to others' or 'worship in church' - although I'd argue that the process of evangelism does involve all these things. How many people would listen to our Good News if we were drunk and debauched and in the bar every Sunday morning? "Faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection and love" (2 Peter 1 vs 5–7) are all part of confirming our identity. They demonstrate to others, and ourselves, who we really are in Christ.
However, equally, if we go through life just going to church and being good citizens, perhaps going out and doing streetwork, talking to young people even, but not delivering the Good News, then we're failing God. Yes, ploughing the field is totally necessary to the process of evangelism - little point in sowing seed onto unprepared ground - but there comes the point when the seed has to be sown. We can spend too long ploughing. Fear of rejection, perhaps, is the main cause of that.
But not sharing the Gospel is a little like watching people get onto an airplane that you know is going to crash (because we all die), but not giving them a parachute. Everyone is already on the airplane whether we like it or not. All we have to do is give them the parachute, we don't have to put it on for them - so, which is more frightening for us - getting the parachute shoved back in our face, or knowing that we haven't given a parachute to someone who dies that evening?
George's team explains all this MUCH better than I have here. The session ran from 10 to 4, so it's unsurprising that I've only scraped the surface of what is without doubt the most important subject that Christians everywhere need to get their heads around. I'm nobody, but even I've got the message loud and clear. They taught a clear process for doing God's will in a non-confrontational way. Maybe a few more of us from Holy Trinity Church will feel the Spirit urging us to find out more the next time George's team runs the day. I do pray that that will happen.
Outside Light
During prayer yesterday evening (Old Woking Team - New Life Church) the challenges that we're presented with in Old Woking began to sink home and I had a sense that in Old Woking we have, if you like, the opening battle that has to be won in order that Outside Light will be able to develop from that into a true warring campaign. Old Woking will always be a battlefield, as everywhere is and will be; that's because new people will come along all the time. But what's needed is a foothold in one of the homes there. When that happens, I believe that we'll start to see other footholds and handholds in that area too. In that sense, the enemy will be rocked onto his back foot so that then there will be opportunity to move on to the next mission field.
In Knaphill/Brookwood we've started to go out on Mondays, and please don't get me wrong, I'll do whatever the Lord asks - but I'm looking for some confirmation that we're ready for Mondays and that we're not jumping the gun. We've seen the number of young people there, they've said with their own mouths there's a need, but are we fully prepared? Are we adequately resourced? There is a difference between the models for Knaphill and Old Woking inasmuch that Old Woking has a regular 'clientele' because the focus is on one street, whereas Alexander Gardens will be more transient because young people from far and wide go there. We really need to pray that we're not running before we can walk, or that we're embarking on a new battle without having seen at least one soul secured in the first one.
When we go out tomorrow I will ask that we do so with a view to confirming that we should continue in the immediate future, or consider whether we need to concentrate resources on Old Woking. Confirmation either way could come from any number of potential sources. We're short on leaders; so more leaders maybe? Perhaps there will be loads of young people there and a real sense that this is where we belong on Monday nights. Maybe something else miraculous will happen, I don't know, I'm not seeking to limit God - but I do pray for His confirmation that now is the right time to be going out on a second mission. I'm desperate not to be running ahead of God, which as a new Christian I think I'm prone to doing.
Please, therefore, pray for clear direction tomorrow night. Please pray too for the miracle of the Holy Spirit in Old Woking. Also for the young people there, who have very little that's good going on in their lives and who are in desperate need of Jesus.
God bless
John
Note received afterwards from one of our prayer supporters:
"Apparently the method of farming we have at the moment, ie preparing the soil, ploughing etc used to be very different in Jesus’ time on earth. The farmer used to scatter the seed and THEN plough – the plough would follow. So, we can scatter the seed and have those conversations which we think are going nowhere but we can walk away and smile knowing that the plough of the Holy Spirit will follow after us! Who knows the next time we meet what work the Holy Spirit will have done? I pray for real encouragement for you and the team"
Friday 27 June 2008
Busy Week
Saturday out with Hope '08, good time with Clive, meeting people and chatting.
Monday, out to Alexandra Gardens Rec, only 9/10 young people this time, everyone else was at a party celebrating their leaving school. A couple of games of football - me in goal - Phil, George and Sam Smith playing like pros. Helen came too, and chatted to some of those who weren't playing. We enjoyed the time out together but to be honest, I'm not sure what direction the Lord is leading us with this. Please pray for Monday.
Tuesday, out again with Phil's team. This time, played Frisbee with Nancie and a couple of young girls. No verbal contact to speak of. But, on the way back there was another insight into the personality of one of the young lads. I wrote of him before, because of his love for animals. This time, he'd been playing football with a seven-year old who for his age is a brilliant footballer and loves to hang around with older kids. That's all very well except for the language. We're not in a position to judge, but any parent would be anxious for someone as young as seven who is subjected to language as bad as this. Anyway, the older lad having issued various verbal and physical threats to the younger one, suddenly said, 'Get out of the road, mate, there's a car coming'. Yes, I know it's tenuous, but it did seem to me another example of there being a lot more to this lad than meets the eye. On the outside you wouldn't be happy if he proposed to your daughter. But there's something going on deep behind the eyes. Prayer needed here, too.
Wednesday at Woking Council Offices with Sarah Henderson, WBC; Terry Eckersley and Paul, Ypod; an officer from Surrey CC and the Chair of Horsell Common Estates Management, talking further about the possibility that we (HCPS) might be able to allocate 5 acres of land to a BMX track to be run perhaps by SCC and/or Ypod. This is looking good. Long way from a decision but it's heading in the right direction.
Thursday with Chris of Eikon, a New Haw Christian charity, Chris is a big chap with a huge heart. I found it of immense help being able to chat to him, and he gave me some useful pointers about setting up a charity.
Today, heard from Graham Newton with a lead to a bus that someone wants rid of. Apparently a double-decker with theatre-style seating upstairs. Have to confess it's a bit earlier than I expected - buses are usually late - not sure if it's the right bus or not, :o) but it's encouraging nevertheless. Prayer needed about this too, please? Anyone know where we could park a bus if we had one? Anyone own a nice field/enclosure anywhere? :o)
Tomorrow is an evangelism seminar in St Johns. Chris Heyhoe is speaking, and George too. Please pray for them. Should be good. Tomorrow evening, all-night prayer at Old Woking, starting at 8. Looking forward to having George join us and meeting the others in the team. I think there will be encouragements on both sides.
Well, what can I say but God is good. Yes, it's been a tiring week - actually one of the busiest business weeks I've had this year too - but I've never felt more in touch with the Lord than now. That said, what would be good would be to see encouragements in terms of growing Outside Light, which would mean more people and some funding. But that's me talking, not God. In His time, according to His will, not mine.
We're working on the prayer strategy but in the meantime, please pray as the Spirit leads you. Also, please pray for the bbq planned for Tuesday week. If you want to see what goes on, why not turn up? We'd love to see you at St Peter's Rec, Rydens Way.
God bless and thanks for reading this.
John
Monday, out to Alexandra Gardens Rec, only 9/10 young people this time, everyone else was at a party celebrating their leaving school. A couple of games of football - me in goal - Phil, George and Sam Smith playing like pros. Helen came too, and chatted to some of those who weren't playing. We enjoyed the time out together but to be honest, I'm not sure what direction the Lord is leading us with this. Please pray for Monday.
Tuesday, out again with Phil's team. This time, played Frisbee with Nancie and a couple of young girls. No verbal contact to speak of. But, on the way back there was another insight into the personality of one of the young lads. I wrote of him before, because of his love for animals. This time, he'd been playing football with a seven-year old who for his age is a brilliant footballer and loves to hang around with older kids. That's all very well except for the language. We're not in a position to judge, but any parent would be anxious for someone as young as seven who is subjected to language as bad as this. Anyway, the older lad having issued various verbal and physical threats to the younger one, suddenly said, 'Get out of the road, mate, there's a car coming'. Yes, I know it's tenuous, but it did seem to me another example of there being a lot more to this lad than meets the eye. On the outside you wouldn't be happy if he proposed to your daughter. But there's something going on deep behind the eyes. Prayer needed here, too.
Wednesday at Woking Council Offices with Sarah Henderson, WBC; Terry Eckersley and Paul, Ypod; an officer from Surrey CC and the Chair of Horsell Common Estates Management, talking further about the possibility that we (HCPS) might be able to allocate 5 acres of land to a BMX track to be run perhaps by SCC and/or Ypod. This is looking good. Long way from a decision but it's heading in the right direction.
Thursday with Chris of Eikon, a New Haw Christian charity, Chris is a big chap with a huge heart. I found it of immense help being able to chat to him, and he gave me some useful pointers about setting up a charity.
Today, heard from Graham Newton with a lead to a bus that someone wants rid of. Apparently a double-decker with theatre-style seating upstairs. Have to confess it's a bit earlier than I expected - buses are usually late - not sure if it's the right bus or not, :o) but it's encouraging nevertheless. Prayer needed about this too, please? Anyone know where we could park a bus if we had one? Anyone own a nice field/enclosure anywhere? :o)
Tomorrow is an evangelism seminar in St Johns. Chris Heyhoe is speaking, and George too. Please pray for them. Should be good. Tomorrow evening, all-night prayer at Old Woking, starting at 8. Looking forward to having George join us and meeting the others in the team. I think there will be encouragements on both sides.
Well, what can I say but God is good. Yes, it's been a tiring week - actually one of the busiest business weeks I've had this year too - but I've never felt more in touch with the Lord than now. That said, what would be good would be to see encouragements in terms of growing Outside Light, which would mean more people and some funding. But that's me talking, not God. In His time, according to His will, not mine.
We're working on the prayer strategy but in the meantime, please pray as the Spirit leads you. Also, please pray for the bbq planned for Tuesday week. If you want to see what goes on, why not turn up? We'd love to see you at St Peter's Rec, Rydens Way.
God bless and thanks for reading this.
John
Monday 16 June 2008
Rain Stops Play, but...
Well, as 7 approached the heavens opened and George, Phil and I met at my home and talked, and prayed, and talked some more and prayed again. Then the weather broke and we went out to Alexandra Gardens, where we did some more talking and praying. The hope had been that we'd meet with young people and start to form relationships. What instead happened is that we're seeing the start of a bonding as brothers in Christ. Everything in The Lord's timing - and we'll be stronger for it.
One significant thought to come out of this evening is that we need a prayer strategy. Phil would explain this better than I'm about to, but we need to ensure that we're covered by prayer - taking care to pray comprehensively and to make sure that we're being prayed for comprehensively. One of Phil's team's rules is that they do 60% prayer and 40% action - that's not just their own prayers, but prayers by others supporting them. We know that there is good prayer support for the work we're trying to do, but is it possible that we can in some way co-ordinate this? Does anyone know how to do this and would they be prepared to act us conductor and orchestrate it for us, please? I hope that's not me overstepping the mark.
I won't be with the Old Woking team tomorrow night, as I'm chairing a Horsell Common meeting. Phil's team will be spending most of their time tomorrow not going out but instead talking about and planning and praying for future direction. Although the work they do is invaluable, the planning and prayer is vital too. Therefore, please pray for their meeting tomorrow (Tuesday - depends when you read this).
God bless and thanks so much for all of your support and helpful emails/messages/chats.
John
One significant thought to come out of this evening is that we need a prayer strategy. Phil would explain this better than I'm about to, but we need to ensure that we're covered by prayer - taking care to pray comprehensively and to make sure that we're being prayed for comprehensively. One of Phil's team's rules is that they do 60% prayer and 40% action - that's not just their own prayers, but prayers by others supporting them. We know that there is good prayer support for the work we're trying to do, but is it possible that we can in some way co-ordinate this? Does anyone know how to do this and would they be prepared to act us conductor and orchestrate it for us, please? I hope that's not me overstepping the mark.
I won't be with the Old Woking team tomorrow night, as I'm chairing a Horsell Common meeting. Phil's team will be spending most of their time tomorrow not going out but instead talking about and planning and praying for future direction. Although the work they do is invaluable, the planning and prayer is vital too. Therefore, please pray for their meeting tomorrow (Tuesday - depends when you read this).
God bless and thanks so much for all of your support and helpful emails/messages/chats.
John
Sunday 15 June 2008
Learning to Pray and Who Will Join Us?
Last week I shared with another of the Old Woking team that prayer can be an issue for me, particularly in groups. Very often I'm praying what I said only a few hours earlier to God, why would he want to hear that again? Am I praying for the benefit of those present so that they can hear how holy my prayers are, or is there a higher purpose? Too often I've concluded that I'd be praying for the wrong reasons, and so I haven't. However in today's Scripture Union Notes were these words... "We may think that the last thing God needs is to be reminded of what’s going on, or of promises he has made to us. But he loves it. True prayer sounds a lot like a child pestering a parent: ‘But you promised!’ " If those words are God-inspired, then again He's heard - even when we're not praying He's tuned in. He knows the problems, He knows our thoughts and what we say to others. But He loves us talking to Him.
It's Fathers' Day and therefore a reminder that whatever our age, even if our fathers aren't around any more, we were children once. If our father's are around still, they'll want to hear from us. If they're not around, most of us will be thinking of them. But for our Heavenly Father, every day is Father's Day, He likes to talk.
Tomorrow Helen, George, Phil and I are due to visit the rec by Alexandra Gardens again. This time we'll take food and drink and maybe a couple ideas for games, although games are an area in which I have little experience so I'm praying for divine inspiration :o) This, we feel, has the potential to be important work, but there are going to be occasions when Mondays simply aren't going to be possible to meet for one or more of us. Holidays, for example. Illnesses, maybe. Therefore over the next few weeks might be a good time, if you're of a similar heart for our young people and have been CRB checked, to step forward - please. I'm pretty confident that you'll be glad you did - and, remember, many hands (and God) make (Outside) Light work.
God bless
John
It's Fathers' Day and therefore a reminder that whatever our age, even if our fathers aren't around any more, we were children once. If our father's are around still, they'll want to hear from us. If they're not around, most of us will be thinking of them. But for our Heavenly Father, every day is Father's Day, He likes to talk.
Tomorrow Helen, George, Phil and I are due to visit the rec by Alexandra Gardens again. This time we'll take food and drink and maybe a couple ideas for games, although games are an area in which I have little experience so I'm praying for divine inspiration :o) This, we feel, has the potential to be important work, but there are going to be occasions when Mondays simply aren't going to be possible to meet for one or more of us. Holidays, for example. Illnesses, maybe. Therefore over the next few weeks might be a good time, if you're of a similar heart for our young people and have been CRB checked, to step forward - please. I'm pretty confident that you'll be glad you did - and, remember, many hands (and God) make (Outside) Light work.
God bless
John
Wednesday 11 June 2008
Confession Time
I haven't forgotten what kicked this off for me, it was Horsell Common. However, I've been there a number of times and succeeded only in meeting three lads, with no alcohol, who wanted to be accountants. Hence I started to wonder what God really wanted of me - which is how Outside Light came about. Well, it seems I've taken my eye off the ball, because this extract came in from Josh Parish who is the local NSO (Neighbouhood Support Officer) for Horsell. It makes interesting reading and together with everything else that's happening, it's further confirmation of the massive need there is for streetwork with young people in the town. From what's written here, there's also a need for some parents to start looking at their parenting skills. I try to remain non-judgemental in everything I do. As an ex estate agent I know what it's like to be labelled; therefore I refuse to label anyone else because of their job or where they live, or the colour of their clothes or their skin. I really don't care and you'll never find me railing at a traffic warden if he's caught me breaking the rules (With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God's likeness. James 3:9). For me it's what people do that counts and so I can't fail to express shock and discomfort at the penultimate sentence of the extract from Josh's report.
"Anti social behaviour incidents are very low considering the weather. That said, Wheatsheaf Common is proving to be the busy area this year. 2 weeks ago I was on nights and I had to spend 3 hours with approximately 150 youths on the common. These youths were from all over Woking Borough and there was the potential for a public order incident if they remained unchecked. On my arrival another 50+ ran off carrying bags of alcohol and disappeared into the sunset. This weekend another one of our neighbourhood teams attended the common and managed to seize a small off licence's worth of alcohol. The most concerning thing for us is that it seems that it is the parents who are happily leaving their children for the night to congregate on the common. At 2300 on the Friday of that weekend we cleared everyone off and one 15 year old girl remained. We asked her why she wasn;t going and she said that she wasn't being picked up until 2315 as her parents were in London. It is a difficult job for us to prevent anti social behaviour across the Borough of Woking and this is made more difficult if the parents aren't fully supporting us."
Sorry if I seem angry. It's because I am.
John
"Anti social behaviour incidents are very low considering the weather. That said, Wheatsheaf Common is proving to be the busy area this year. 2 weeks ago I was on nights and I had to spend 3 hours with approximately 150 youths on the common. These youths were from all over Woking Borough and there was the potential for a public order incident if they remained unchecked. On my arrival another 50+ ran off carrying bags of alcohol and disappeared into the sunset. This weekend another one of our neighbourhood teams attended the common and managed to seize a small off licence's worth of alcohol. The most concerning thing for us is that it seems that it is the parents who are happily leaving their children for the night to congregate on the common. At 2300 on the Friday of that weekend we cleared everyone off and one 15 year old girl remained. We asked her why she wasn;t going and she said that she wasn't being picked up until 2315 as her parents were in London. It is a difficult job for us to prevent anti social behaviour across the Borough of Woking and this is made more difficult if the parents aren't fully supporting us."
Sorry if I seem angry. It's because I am.
John
Real Life Stuff
Last night I went out again with the fabulous Old Woking group. Such faith, humility and bravery. Turns out, they're just like you and me; they know what they have to do and sometimes a little voice tells them they'd rather be indoors watching TV. But fortunately, (as if fortune had anything to do with anything) they ignore that voice and they get on with the task in hand. I have come to learn from experience, that tiredness evaporates when you're outside, and the rewards are far greater than those you'd get watching TV.
Last night I was broken hearted when I heard of a conversation one of the leaders had had with a young person - maybe 12/13. While I played rounders (stupid, I know, nearly 60 and my bones really do ache, but hey, it was fun), the leader and young person were talking for some time about a hundred yards away.
Can't go into great detail here, but this young person is worried that she might, when she's an adult, suffer the mental illnesses that have taken her parents away from her. I can only guess at what this must be like. Effectively she has no home, no parents to care for her and apparently little hope for the future. She must feel desolate and alone. But for a young leader last night, who wasn't at home watching TV, there would have been no connection, nobody to listen, nobody to pray for her. Oh yes, here was a young person who immediately agreed to prayer! God was on that rec with both of them. I'm totally convinced of it.
Walking back from the rec, we were shown a kitten by one of the lads who played rounders. I've written before that he uses language that would make you immediately cup your hands over your mother's ears, and last night was no exception. Having decried rounders as a 'girls' game' - words used were slightly different to those written here - he led a team that proceeded to thrash the team I was on. Not hard to do, given the geriatric No. 7 batsman/wicket keeper (whatever). Anyway, with this kitten he showed great tenderness and care. I called him an 'old softie' and he responded, 'I may have a mouth on me, but I really love animals'. Someone who is capable of loving anything that is part of God's creation is, in my book, very special indeed. What's more, he knows he has a mouth on him and it made me realise that he uses this to get attention. Maybe his 'mouth' will cease to function as it does currently, if someone pays him attention.
Phil met with the young lad I wrote about last week. A short but positive meeting this time. All in God's good time.
Last night marked a momentous occasion. It was agreed that the Old Woking group will form under the Outside Light umbrella. Outside Light will essentially provide the back-office administration for them and it will seek to grow further groups wider afield. We all loved the vision of a bus, that can be used different days of the week in different places. I also mentioned the idea of a Spinnakers type sailing week-end/week away. This was an idea given me by a lovely chap from my church. He and I have both been on these trips and have taken youngsters away with excellent results. It's for the future but with enough support from churches and church families, it sounds like another idea with real potential.
Priorities - prayers are needed, please:
1) Young person on the rec.
2) Young lad who loves animals
3) Forming Outside Light into a charity and all this entails - policy, form etc
4) Vision of a bus and the logistics - where to keep it :o) and so on
5) Vision of Spinnakers' week-ends
5) Thanks for the faithfulness of those already doing this work in Old Woking
6) Most importantly, pray for the leaders. Upset Satan and you can expect attack. He's not going to sit around waiting for the next blow. There are already signs of this happening in changes that have taken place in leaders' lives, changes in tempo, worklives and family.
7) Pray for stengthening of the team. We shall be looking for Trustees in due course. If you feel a tug on your heart, please pray about this. I think initially we shall need seven people - it's a good number. Any accountants out there? :o)
8) Pray for Monday evening when we'll go out for the second time on the rec by Alexandra Gardens. Adults who have been CRB-checked are more than welcome to join us.
Encouraging words from Barbara:
“Encourage the young people, encourage the children, encourage their leaders. Be like children yourselves, come to God the Father.”
Last night I was broken hearted when I heard of a conversation one of the leaders had had with a young person - maybe 12/13. While I played rounders (stupid, I know, nearly 60 and my bones really do ache, but hey, it was fun), the leader and young person were talking for some time about a hundred yards away.
Can't go into great detail here, but this young person is worried that she might, when she's an adult, suffer the mental illnesses that have taken her parents away from her. I can only guess at what this must be like. Effectively she has no home, no parents to care for her and apparently little hope for the future. She must feel desolate and alone. But for a young leader last night, who wasn't at home watching TV, there would have been no connection, nobody to listen, nobody to pray for her. Oh yes, here was a young person who immediately agreed to prayer! God was on that rec with both of them. I'm totally convinced of it.
Walking back from the rec, we were shown a kitten by one of the lads who played rounders. I've written before that he uses language that would make you immediately cup your hands over your mother's ears, and last night was no exception. Having decried rounders as a 'girls' game' - words used were slightly different to those written here - he led a team that proceeded to thrash the team I was on. Not hard to do, given the geriatric No. 7 batsman/wicket keeper (whatever). Anyway, with this kitten he showed great tenderness and care. I called him an 'old softie' and he responded, 'I may have a mouth on me, but I really love animals'. Someone who is capable of loving anything that is part of God's creation is, in my book, very special indeed. What's more, he knows he has a mouth on him and it made me realise that he uses this to get attention. Maybe his 'mouth' will cease to function as it does currently, if someone pays him attention.
Phil met with the young lad I wrote about last week. A short but positive meeting this time. All in God's good time.
Last night marked a momentous occasion. It was agreed that the Old Woking group will form under the Outside Light umbrella. Outside Light will essentially provide the back-office administration for them and it will seek to grow further groups wider afield. We all loved the vision of a bus, that can be used different days of the week in different places. I also mentioned the idea of a Spinnakers type sailing week-end/week away. This was an idea given me by a lovely chap from my church. He and I have both been on these trips and have taken youngsters away with excellent results. It's for the future but with enough support from churches and church families, it sounds like another idea with real potential.
Priorities - prayers are needed, please:
1) Young person on the rec.
2) Young lad who loves animals
3) Forming Outside Light into a charity and all this entails - policy, form etc
4) Vision of a bus and the logistics - where to keep it :o) and so on
5) Vision of Spinnakers' week-ends
5) Thanks for the faithfulness of those already doing this work in Old Woking
6) Most importantly, pray for the leaders. Upset Satan and you can expect attack. He's not going to sit around waiting for the next blow. There are already signs of this happening in changes that have taken place in leaders' lives, changes in tempo, worklives and family.
7) Pray for stengthening of the team. We shall be looking for Trustees in due course. If you feel a tug on your heart, please pray about this. I think initially we shall need seven people - it's a good number. Any accountants out there? :o)
8) Pray for Monday evening when we'll go out for the second time on the rec by Alexandra Gardens. Adults who have been CRB-checked are more than welcome to join us.
Encouraging words from Barbara:
“Encourage the young people, encourage the children, encourage their leaders. Be like children yourselves, come to God the Father.”
Monday 9 June 2008
Taking Shape
Dear Church Family
Following weeks of preparation, mostly in prayer, Outside Light has started to take shape. George, some of the youth leaders and young people from St John's Church and I went out on Saturday evening hoping to meet other youngsters. We weren't disappointed, there were three quite young girls and later on, a couple of older sisters. It helped having female leaders with us because they were able to make contact with these young girls, whereas if it had been just George and me this would have been somewhat harder. Anyway, we had a really good time, playing football (not very well by me - I never was that good but on this occasion I embarrassed myself. Must be the age :o)) It seemed to George and me that God was easing us and the young people from the church very gently into streetwork. The weather was good, atmosphere and company fantastic, and we had a bit of a picnic too. We felt blessed. The older sisters seemed interested in going to St John's Friday night youth club - they used to go to Guides there, but didn't know there was a youth club as well.
Tonight, Phil, George, Heather and I went out after praying, to the recreation ground by Alexander Gardens. There were a lot of young people there and we prayed for the words that would help us to make contact with them. We started throwing around a frisbee, and then George and Phil just walked up to them and started a conversation - simple as that. We told them we were hoping to meet there regularly on Monday nights, perhaps take food next time, certainly take a football. They seemed pleased to see us, saying there wasn't much to do. There were no negative comments!
After perhaps an hour, they went home and the four of us chatted and threw around some ideas about how Outside Light might take shape. A great deal of thought has to be given to form and structure, especially as regards issues that are as fundamental as whether we write our rules to exclude leaders who aren't Christian, or whether instead we make it very clear what Outside Light stands for and also ensure that leaders are prepared to buy into that. It seems that Outside Light is also about the growth of those working within it, as much as it is about showing young people that someone cares.
One of the most exciting ideas from this evening, was that we might use a bus as a mobile drop-in centre. This might complement or be an alternative to the second-hand sea container idea. Of course there will be logistical issues to contend with, but fortunately we have God to help us. Another idea that was suggested to me earlier this week was the revival of Spinnakers, which was an annual sailing event on The Norfolk Broads. Two of the youths who went on one of these trips, tough East End lads (Knaphill Holy Trinity Church was partnered with an East End church many years ago) who used to disappear to the pub, are now ministers!
Following weeks of preparation, mostly in prayer, Outside Light has started to take shape. George, some of the youth leaders and young people from St John's Church and I went out on Saturday evening hoping to meet other youngsters. We weren't disappointed, there were three quite young girls and later on, a couple of older sisters. It helped having female leaders with us because they were able to make contact with these young girls, whereas if it had been just George and me this would have been somewhat harder. Anyway, we had a really good time, playing football (not very well by me - I never was that good but on this occasion I embarrassed myself. Must be the age :o)) It seemed to George and me that God was easing us and the young people from the church very gently into streetwork. The weather was good, atmosphere and company fantastic, and we had a bit of a picnic too. We felt blessed. The older sisters seemed interested in going to St John's Friday night youth club - they used to go to Guides there, but didn't know there was a youth club as well.
Tonight, Phil, George, Heather and I went out after praying, to the recreation ground by Alexander Gardens. There were a lot of young people there and we prayed for the words that would help us to make contact with them. We started throwing around a frisbee, and then George and Phil just walked up to them and started a conversation - simple as that. We told them we were hoping to meet there regularly on Monday nights, perhaps take food next time, certainly take a football. They seemed pleased to see us, saying there wasn't much to do. There were no negative comments!
After perhaps an hour, they went home and the four of us chatted and threw around some ideas about how Outside Light might take shape. A great deal of thought has to be given to form and structure, especially as regards issues that are as fundamental as whether we write our rules to exclude leaders who aren't Christian, or whether instead we make it very clear what Outside Light stands for and also ensure that leaders are prepared to buy into that. It seems that Outside Light is also about the growth of those working within it, as much as it is about showing young people that someone cares.
One of the most exciting ideas from this evening, was that we might use a bus as a mobile drop-in centre. This might complement or be an alternative to the second-hand sea container idea. Of course there will be logistical issues to contend with, but fortunately we have God to help us. Another idea that was suggested to me earlier this week was the revival of Spinnakers, which was an annual sailing event on The Norfolk Broads. Two of the youths who went on one of these trips, tough East End lads (Knaphill Holy Trinity Church was partnered with an East End church many years ago) who used to disappear to the pub, are now ministers!
We would like prayer for this idea and for the following, please:
1) Ensuring we get right the formation of Outside Light
2) Help with ideas for entertaining young people
3) That God will lay on the hearts of other Christian adults, the desire to work with young people
4) Good weather this coming Mondy evening.
Thanks
John
Thursday 5 June 2008
More Helpful Words
· Isaiah 43:1-3a + 4b (with thanks to Nick)
Hear God's Message,
the God who made you in the first place,
the One who got you started:
"Don't be afraid, I've redeemed you.
I've called your name. You're mine.
When you're in over your head,
I'll be there with you.
When you're in rough waters,
you will not go down.
When you're between a rock & a hard place,
it won't be a dead end—
Because I am God, your personal God,
The Holy of Israel, your Saviour.
I paid a huge price for you:
That's how much you mean to me!
I'd sell off the whole world to get you back,
trade the creation just for you.
That's how much I love you!
Hear God's Message,
the God who made you in the first place,
the One who got you started:
"Don't be afraid, I've redeemed you.
I've called your name. You're mine.
When you're in over your head,
I'll be there with you.
When you're in rough waters,
you will not go down.
When you're between a rock & a hard place,
it won't be a dead end—
Because I am God, your personal God,
The Holy of Israel, your Saviour.
I paid a huge price for you:
That's how much you mean to me!
I'd sell off the whole world to get you back,
trade the creation just for you.
That's how much I love you!
Tuesday 3 June 2008
No More Sunshine
I guess its only to be expected - lows follow highs, and this morning was a low point for me. Prayer was a real struggle, tiredness and anxiety all featured. Doubt crept in too, and for the first time since I started on this journey I felt that I lacked the energy to go out with the Old Woking group this evening.
But, I'm glad I did go. Phil's team were just as faithful, focussed and ready to fight for the Lord. Their energy was palpable and by the end of the evening some of it rubbed off. I'm glad to say that on my way home I felt connected to God again, and uplifted.
We went out from the church as three groups, praying to meet with three specific people. Marcelle and I hoped to meet a young lad who had been given a bible some weeks ago. Instead we met his mother and had an interesting conversation with her that I can't really repeat here. She did, however, share some information about her son that will be helpful in time to come. Nancy and Claire met with their person and had a reasonably positive conversation. Phil and Nick met with the person they'd prayed to meet; he'd just had an argument with someone, was 'ashen-faced', and seemed open to talk. Phil took the opportunity to tell him that Jesus loves him, and then the lad's mates turned up wanting a game of pool. Interestingly, he told them that he was going to play a game with Phil so they went away, leaving Phil and Nick still able to chat to him. PLEASE pray for this lad. He has an extremely troubled life and needs to know that he's cared for.
Practical measures taken this week include sumitting an insurance proposal for Public Liability Insurance. Meeting tomorrow with Ypod, to see whether there are opportunitie for working with one another. Follow-up email from Sarah Henderson of Woking Council wanting to discuss further the possibility of Horsell Common dedicating some land for use by young people. Several missed calls between me and Andrew Hargreaves re the redundant sea container idea. I discoverd today he's been off ill, but he's emailed to say that he hopes to be back in the harness tomorrow.
I do feel that this week has been about spiritual attack, other things have happened too that have opened my eyes to this. In a way this is a great thing because it's confirmation that we're denting Satan's pride. Thank God that we are working in His strength, not our own!
Prayer is therefore needed, please, now perhaps more than ever.
Love to you all
John
But, I'm glad I did go. Phil's team were just as faithful, focussed and ready to fight for the Lord. Their energy was palpable and by the end of the evening some of it rubbed off. I'm glad to say that on my way home I felt connected to God again, and uplifted.
We went out from the church as three groups, praying to meet with three specific people. Marcelle and I hoped to meet a young lad who had been given a bible some weeks ago. Instead we met his mother and had an interesting conversation with her that I can't really repeat here. She did, however, share some information about her son that will be helpful in time to come. Nancy and Claire met with their person and had a reasonably positive conversation. Phil and Nick met with the person they'd prayed to meet; he'd just had an argument with someone, was 'ashen-faced', and seemed open to talk. Phil took the opportunity to tell him that Jesus loves him, and then the lad's mates turned up wanting a game of pool. Interestingly, he told them that he was going to play a game with Phil so they went away, leaving Phil and Nick still able to chat to him. PLEASE pray for this lad. He has an extremely troubled life and needs to know that he's cared for.
Practical measures taken this week include sumitting an insurance proposal for Public Liability Insurance. Meeting tomorrow with Ypod, to see whether there are opportunitie for working with one another. Follow-up email from Sarah Henderson of Woking Council wanting to discuss further the possibility of Horsell Common dedicating some land for use by young people. Several missed calls between me and Andrew Hargreaves re the redundant sea container idea. I discoverd today he's been off ill, but he's emailed to say that he hopes to be back in the harness tomorrow.
I do feel that this week has been about spiritual attack, other things have happened too that have opened my eyes to this. In a way this is a great thing because it's confirmation that we're denting Satan's pride. Thank God that we are working in His strength, not our own!
Prayer is therefore needed, please, now perhaps more than ever.
Love to you all
John
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