Treasure in a Field

"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and brought that field" - Matt 13:44 I get double honour tonight, the privilege of writing alongside John D and visiting the Gloster Road Project for the first time. It's funny, John and I were talking in the car before the visit that being a Christian was like the above parable, Jesus is worth so much more than anything we have here on earth that we should give up everything for the joy it is to know him. It wasn't until I got to the field tonight where the team do some of their work that I saw all the people that God counts as treasure in his field. There is an abundance of treasure in the field not far from Gloster Road. The team had planned in a barbecue with burgers, sausages, a few onions and some tomato sauce, most of which ended up on Johns shirt! Once the nearly 40ft (ok a metre) barbecue was brought from the van it wasn't long before the area was teaming with young people interested in what was happening. I really want to get across to you what a focal point these humble Christians are in this area, Nancy one of the team was sitting on the floor with 5 or 6 young people all sitting round her, it was a real picture of the trust that they had built up. Phil quickly set up a game of football, Helen (Kings House Coffee Shop and new addition to the team) Nick and Vicky set up the cooking and the fragrance of the barbecue hung on the air (OK OK its not a novel I know!!). The clouds had looked threatening before we set off, however we felt safe once we saw the most glorious rainbow that went from one side of the estate to another. It was a real lift to the team, a symbol of God's promises and that he was very much with us this evening. We all had that pot of gold with us and wanted to share it with these young people. I had a conversation with a young lad who was so humble and accepting. I went through the ten commandments with him and when I asked if he had ever stole anything he said "Yeah course I have, from that shop over there and I got barred for it...", wonderful! I explained the gospel to him and he listened attentively, please pray he understands and we get more opportunities to talk to him. We gave out loads of coin gospel tracts, there were about 45 taken in all. A group of young girls took a few different booklets and were asking lots of questions. Phil managed to talk to a new lad who had a young baby with him and unfortunately appeared to be smoking weed and had recently split from his girlfriend. Some of these people are in so much need, a touch from Jesus would truly transform their lives. There must have been 60+ young people around, they polished of around 80 burgers and sausages, with the odd one or two slipping my way! I have come away full of joy, blessed and burdened all at the same time. The burden is there is so much need here and not enough people to help, we could have had more conversations, more time, more prayer, more tracts given. This project needs people who are prepared to give up their treasure for the kingdom, Jesus said the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few, therefore pray for more. We are praying. Could God be laying something on your heart? Are you looking for an adventure? I highly recommend it.....

George