reflections on the last few days...

Over the last few weeks life has been particularly busy with one thing or another. This weekend saw us (WBCC with a team of students) put on a fun day for the local community which was well received. It was a completely free day for all who came, the bouncy castles, the skittle alley, the games, the BBQ, everything! I have to say I was amazed by the number of people who came through the doors. I have given a conservative guess of around 200 but it could well have been more - I don't know why I was amazed, it was a free day for all the family! This was the first of what we plan to be a annual event that we put on for the people of West Bromwich. Make no mistake, we are about mission to see people connect with Jesus and receive fullness of life only found in Him but a fun filled afternoon cannot hurt to soften peoples hearts. 

The short conversations that I held with several people revealed the surprise that there was no hidden agenda or requirement that they had to meet to receive food. We did hold a short church outside presentation of which some did stay and we were able to pray for some because of their invitation to do so. Who knows what will happen because of it but our Father in heaven, we just pray that it will bear fruit for his glory. 

The students from Regents Theological College & School of Ministry both based in Nantwich did a great job and made the day possible. I'm sure they learnt a lot through the process of the day and the street work they got involved in for the build up to the fun day on Saturday. Through their help hopefully it has inspired the people if WBCC to see that this is something that we can do and make it happen and deliver an excellent day. 

My last couple of days have been spent in Nantwich at an Emerging Leaders conference/course for Elim pastors. I have to say that they were a great couple of days away. I was not looking forward to spend another three days away from Rachel, however it has been most beneficial. I have been challenged and inspired both personally and in terms of ministry. 

We had Phil Collins the CEO of Saltmine, not the drummer/singer of Genesis! It was the first time that I had ever heard anyone speak on being a goal/target orientated person yet also speak from a deep sense of connectedness with God in a truly spiritual way and still hold to a charismatic theology and practice which very inspiring and refreshing. I have come away with some tools in my hand and ideas to put into practice. I have realised the necessity to make some changes to the pattern and rhythm of my life and to address some imbalances that are not to late to correct. I'm not going to speak of them to soon but once I have put them into practice and lived them out for a while I'll let you know about them. 

Till next time...