God Loves Travellers

The weather didn't look too good and half the team couldn't make it.

It looked like not a lot was going to happen outside this Tuesday in Outside Light. Nancy was keen to get out anyway despite the frequent thunder storms so off we went. Myself (Phil), John, Nancy, Rob and Jo.

When we arrived at St Peter's Rec there was nobody there, but within minutes there were four or five lads and girls who came out to meet us. They must have radar.

We chatted for a bit but the weather made it difficult to do much more so I asked Rob and Jo if they fancied a bit of family visiting down Gloster Rd. John and Nancy continued to chat with the youngsters on the rec.

We really didn't know what encouragements awaited us. The family we were visiting are well known to us and have had their fair share of difficulties and from a 'travellers'' background.

They have always been very hospitable towards us at Outside Light and we have been welcomed into their home rain or shine.

When we got there the mum of the house was ill and laying on the sofa, we briefly spoke and then prayed for her for healing and prayed blessing on the house. The daughter and grand- daughter were also present. We also know the Dad pretty well and he then arrived.

Both the mum and the dad were interested in where Rob came from and soon Rob was talking to them about how coming to know Jesus had rescued him from various problems that he'd had in his life.

Some very positive interesting conversation followed but this was interrupted when a lad (we'll call him Joe), came to visit from another 'traveller' family. Joe wants to know if anyone in the house had a 'pressure washer' for a job he's doing. Joe has just recently got out of prison.

He heard us talking about Jesus and stated that on coming out of prison he'd started going to a 'traveller' church and was amazed that the 'travellers' in the church didn't swear, drink or smoke. He also said that he can't stop going, there's something about it that keeps pulling him in every week, and he showed a great interest in Jesus and his death.

We started talking about the possibility of starting up a small group for local 'travellers' to meet and pray together (the nearest 'traveller' church is Leatherhead). We spoke as well about some representatives of Outside Light going to the Leatherhead church to meet the pastor.

Coming away we were blown away by how active God is behind the scenes. We don't have to push God's Kingdom forward we just have to jump in the slipstream.

A lot of people criticise 'travellers', or gypsies, (although they don't like to be called gypsies) and maybe in some cases there is reason for that; but we have seen more good in this family than bad and if God is at work in them then we need to do our best for them.

Jesus loves 'travellers'. What a privilege to join Him in what He is doing with this close knit community.