Drop-In Struggles

We'd appreciate prayer please for Old Woking and Knaphill, both of which are struggling in part because the kids are proving difficult to handle, and in another part because some of us leaders are under attack.

This week instead of opening Old Woking drop-in leaders prayed. Knaphill also didn't open and a decision has been made here for the time-being instead to go out to the kids with hot chocolate etc. A notice will be put in the King's House window explaining that the closure is down to 'bad behaviour'. It's expected that we will open again at some time but we'll have to feel right in the spirit before we do - and hopefully the kids will by then place a bit more value on the drop-in being open and learn to respect the volunteers and building. We're also hoping to talk to people at the YMCA as they're specialists in managing the behaviour of young people.

I've very much taken a back seat in both drop-ins this past few weeks - I've struggled for personal reasons. I know that some of my colleagues have had even greater reason for struggle. But I know in my heart we're not beaten, we're a bit bruised and choosing to stay down for the count whilst praying that the end of the round will come before ten is reached. 

I'd like to thank the other volunteers who have stepped in - Clive, Bob, Eric, Mary, Chris and all the others including Dave and Esther, who have stepped up to the plate and taken over. I'd also like to thank those who have been a personal support to me - Nick H, Jackie, Jo and so on. I know that the other volunteers who aren't feeling their best right now, really value the fellowship they've received during these struggles, as do I. THANKS.

I've a great sense that God is in what's happening right now and I'm convinced that Outside Light will emerge from this period of darkness shining even more brightly.

Monday evening madness

If you see this man – do not approach him!  Only joking, this photo was a moment of fun in our Monday evening Bible Study for homeless people.  As usual God turned up in power and we had a great time in his presence.  We had five of our regulars come along plus one more who popped in for a short while.

We started off with some hot dogs, made by Judy and Sarah.  We then looked at the parable of the lost son and talked about inheritance.

“How would you feel if somebody who you didn’t like inherited £10 million and a big house in the country?”

That got a few people talking.  We went on to discuss how salvation and a relationship with God, just like an inheritance, are neither earned nor deserved by those who receive them.  We then spent time praying for each person, for them to receive the full inheritance that God has stored up for them in Jesus.

We also helped one person practically with finding accommodation and help with addiction.  God seems to be doing great things through Monday evenings.  If you want to get involved, get in touch here: http://www.outsidelight.org/contact-outside-light.php.  And, no, crash helmets are not usually required, only a loving heart and faith that God will turn up.

Matthew 18:21 "For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."

So, as per usual, a small group of us met on Friday at the Y-Pod at 9:30pm to pray before going out to witness to those out and about in the town centre.  Before we even got out of the building a man we shall call R. who has a history of homelessness and who we have got to know through the Friday evening outreach explained to us that for the first time he is beginning to believe the Gospel we have shared with him!  Praise the Lord!  There was a real sense of God's presence with us as we encouraged ourselves with the words of a Psalm and then as we went out, it was as if God was directing people right to us.  An early encounter was with a passer-by who was clearly impacted by our presence and couldn't stop asking us why we were there.  He thought that what we were doing was so great that he came back shortly afterwards and asked for some details about how he can get involved himself!  We don't even know if he's a Christian!

Throughout the evening we had a fairly constant stream of people who stopped to chat, debate or simply get a cup of tea on a very cold night - nearly all of whom asked us why we were there which gave us the opportunity to share the Gospel with them.  As the evening finished we met a young man, who we shall call D.  D. is facing serious problems in his life and had been asked to leave his home that day, making him homeless.  As we listened to him and accepted him, he opened up to us which led to us praying for him before buying him some dinner.  D. seemed to really appreciate the prayer he received and said that he would like to join our Monday evening Bible Study.  Please pray for R. and D. as they are both clearly on a spiritual journey and God has His hand on their lives.

For me, God never fails to turn up on a Friday evening and always does more than we expect.  As the weather starts to warm up (hopefully soon!) it would be great if the Friday evening team were to grow.  It really is a case of the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few!  Please pray with us for more people to get involved.