Encouragement from South Africa

This is an email sent from Clive (Clive and Zoliswa from Rainbow).
You can read about the orphanage they are setting up in Africa on this page I found here Clive & Zoliswa in Africa
I thought I'd forward this on as I know they are finding it really tough with funding in the current credit crisis and so what Clive is saying meant that much more to me when I read it, so I thought I'd share it with you guys!
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hi everyone, the following is just something i, clive, felt God was saying to me, this is something that is challenging me and it seemed right to pass it on. sometimes in a storm we tend to live more by what seems reasonable than by faith. this is just a challenge to keep looking in the right direction.

A TIME TO CHANGE OUR THINKING?

Something has begun to happen in the world that is threatening some of the things we trust in. A storm has started that is affecting every nation on earth and no-one really knows how long it will last.
It struck me again recently when i read about the disciples in the storm with Jesus, that 4 of the disciples were fishermen. They were the experts , they knew what they were doing. Jesus was the one they trusted in, they had left everything to follow Him, but it was like they didn't need to look to him in this field. This was their field. They knew what they were doing. I can imagine them reassuring the other disciples ' hey its ok guys don't look so worried, we're just gonna adjust the sail - we can ride this one out.' But as the storm went on and the waves got bigger they too began to fear for their lives. Finally they turned to their sleeping friend in the back of the boat and woke Him. He immediately rebuked the storm and the wind and the waves died down. And the disciples said, ' Who is this who commands even the wind and the waves?'
First of all i can think of at least 4 or 5 times when Jesus surprised the fishermen, (James, John, Peter and Andrew) , with His intervention in their field of expertise. Twice instructing them to let down their nets for a big catch after they had caught nothing and twice in storms. (Also Jesus instructed Peter to go and look for a denarius in a fish's mouth!)
After this storm they asked of Jesus 'Who is this?' Jesus had been with them day and night for quite a while, He was their close friend and they knew He had power from God, but here in the storm they saw something they had not seen before. They began to see more of who Jesus was. They began to trust less in themselves and more in Him.
Was it good for them to go through the storm? It didn't feel like it at the time but it was very good. There is no greater treasure than a fuller revelation of Jesus. The word of God has power but we don't just digest these things about Him by reading them on a printed page. We discover the reality of Him by walking through real life with Him and experiencing Him for ourselves. We must ' taste and see that the Lord is good.' Maybe that is an encouragement the next time we go through a crisis. If we walk through it with Him we can find more of Him. As David said ' You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.'
The point i am making about the present financial crisis,is that we in the west have our own way of looking at money and we feel very sure of it and our approach to it. And that we in the church absorb much of that same thinking. Sometimes, especially in difficult times our approach to money can be more western than biblical. The things the world is trusting in are being shaken to the core and everyone who shares in its approach to money will feel the force of that shaking. It's not my purpose here to tell you what i believe the bible says, but to encourage everyone to go back to the bible and listen to what Jesus particularly says about money and our attitude to it for ourselves. LET'S LOOK FOR JESUS IN THE STORM.

Celebrating 60 years of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

I was part of Amnesty's Fire Up celebration in London on Saturday becoming part of the candle.


...and writing & sending greetings cards...



Amnesty sent out a short film called "You Are Powerful", which is in the post below. Very moving, I think - see what you think.

Rich

Protect The Human (You Are Powerful)

Frances Bardsley prayer room (Last Day)

I've been wondering all evening how to sum up the final day of our prayer room in Frances Bardsley School for Girls. For some of the students (and perhaps the staff too?) today has been a very special day... of fun and laughter, of much-needed peace... and for some, of tears. But maybe I should just let them sum it up?

Here are a few of the 6th former's end-of-week reflections... firstly, B (my favourite, just because it looks so beautiful [grin]);

...and R, who told me she wasn't really "religious or anything". She hung around, spent time in the Be Yourself and Be Still zones, then popped out and brought some friends back with her... and then, a couple of hours later, wrote this;


It was interesting to note the change in the atmosphere of the room over the week... it seemed to affect everyone who visited, and many of them commented on it. "It's so peaceful in here", "You can really feel the difference in here", "I don't want to leave... I feel so relaxed in here".

Most 24-7prayer rooms experience this same phenomenon. As the week progresses and the prayers of students and staff literally fill the room (check out the Prayer Wall pics below, and compare them to earlier in the week!), something else seems to linger in the room as well. A peaceful Presence. And his name, of course, is Jesus.

All this week, students and staff have been 'asking' and 'knocking' and 'seeking' after God in their struggles and circumstances, with silent prayers and words on post-it notes. It shouldn't be a surprise that some have found God... have felt God's presence with them in very real ways, even for the first time.

Because God wants to be found.

Read more from Phil at http://toggietales.typepad.com/toggie_tales/2008/11/frances-bardsley-prayer-room-day5.html#more

Frances Bardsley, Romford

Please pray for Megan's school, Frances Bardsley School for Girls... Phil will be there with Ruth and Jamie Poch from re:gen church all this week, hosting a creative prayer room in the 6th form block.

And pray for Romford.

Hope, Change

Ok, maybe this is just a promotional video, but I guess it can also be a prayer for change and hope across the globe. We pray for our world leaders Lord, bring equality and hope...and where there is greed and curruption, bring new ideas and fairer systems, bring justice for the poor! This is your world Lord!

The River

...a poem from our prayer room;

---The River---

"From a distance I can see the river
it looks as it has always looked
it never seems to alter.

The seasons come.

Spring brings new life,
a lightness in spirit, fragrance,
daffodils, crocuses, blossom, warmth from the sun.
But the river doesn’t change.

Summer – a flourish of green,
the trees are full and populated,
the sun is bright and life is carefree.
As I look at the river, it has shrunk back from its banks, but otherwise, just the same.

Autumn leaves begin to fall,
there’s beauty in their many colours – reds, oranges, yellows, golds, until eventually brown and crunchy leaves.
The winds pick up, birds fly away and I wrap up.
The river rises a little, leaves float on it’s surface, its appearance somehow static and sorry.

Winter brings with it coldness, grey skies, bleakness, and a transparency in natures stark unveiling.
The trees depict a monochrome existence, longing for springs delight.
Snows fall and in winters fleeting sun, there is a brightness and a hope.
Not so for the river, it does not change, it is indifferent.

And so I encounter the ups and downs of life’s seasons
but the river does nothing, it does not change or alter very much,
warmer, colder, deeper, shallower but otherwise unchanged in this shifting world.

Then one spring day, I decide to approach the river.
I have only ever looked at it from afar but I happen to wander closer.
As I do so, I realise that the river is not as still as I had once thought.

A new perspective is born in me,
I see the evidence before my eyes; over time it is the river that has changed the landscape by surging forward and pushing back the banks, twisting and turning, carrying, prevailing, seeking and finding.

The river I have witnessed season after season isn’t actually still, but always moving,
drawn by an unseen power – its current.
I was wrong, the river does respond, it does listen.
The current flows through the river, moving the waters on a journey that is continuous and infinite.

What a foolish mistake to believe that it was motionless, inactive, silent.
The waters keep their momentum, obedient to its current, listening, answering the call of the unseen power.
The river brings life, its waters offer hope, nourishment and will never stop affecting.
I see now that I must not trust in the appearance of things.

I am at the rivers edge, I know I must see more and experience what has been hidden from my inner being.
I put my hand in the river and I can not stop it’s flow, it will always find a way of moving onwards.
I can feel its strength, relentless in its purpose.
It is obvious to me now that there is life below its surface.
This river is far from passive, as I once thought, but instead a surging force constantly at work, season after season.

Spring, summer, autumn, winter
The river moves on and on and I know I want to stay close and journey too –
I want this current, this life to surge forth in me and so I begin to travel through life’s changes,
just as the river does.

I am no longer static, a spectator of a changing world, I am moved and empowered to change by a greater power, trusting now that things are not always as they seem.

No matter what the seasons bring, I will trust the river that lives, that hears, that shapes, that speaks, that answers, that is my constant, that keeps me moving in its flow."

Michaela Hyde

25 hours of prayer...

Our community of friends prayed from midday Saturday until midday Sunday - which was actually twenty-five hours of non-stop prayer. Rosi and Jon did the double 1-2am slot when the clocks went back. (Bizarrely, we also happened to pray overnight a few months ago when the clocks went forward.)

Tim talked about walking through Romford on Saturday and feeling discouraged by the vain 'perfectionism' expressed in people's appearance... he scrawled a big 'Romford, you are beautiful!' as his prayer.

Jon prayed about peace coming where there is violence and drunkeness in the town. The 'map' of Romford he'd drawn during our previous 24-1prayer weekend became a focal point for our praying this time around.

Mikki and Nick said they loved the extra 90 minutes beyond their hour-slot... Nick composed a song and Mikki wrote an amazing poem about God being like a river through all seasons (I'll see if I can post it up later?).

And the children joined in too. Little Abigail's prayers and pictures were scattered around the walls. And Megan had set up a kind of prayer-wall for our community. They all enjoyed it - I love that. I especially loved it when Poppy read her version of the Lord's Prayer just before we broke bread together a little later. Only a few years ago, Emma and I would never have dreamt that she would be able to do that...



And it was so good, once again, to share the prayer-journey with so many other friends. Thanks to everyone who joined in...
+ to Richy - I loved that thing you felt about Jesus washing your feet - wonderful...
+ to Sarah and Dewi...
+ to Clare and David, Thomas and Oscar...
+ to Abi, from Frances Bardsley School for Girls... it was so good to see you Abi, and yes, you can pop in to use the prayer room anytime...
+ to our community-housemates, Helen and Ian (who did some tough night-hours), Esme and Lewis...
+ to the wonderfully creative Rosi and Jon...
+ to Miranda, our long-time Kamoflahj-friend, who turned up at 12.50am after a night-out in London - it was great to have you join with us Miranda...
+ to Emma, Megan, Poppy and Angel...
+ to Jo...
+ to Anna and Tim, who clocked up quite a few hours between them...
+ and to Wild Goose Emma - who sang as I prayed.

Celebrating Birthdays! wa-hay

Thought I'd just post my thoughts about saying thanks on our birthdays as I didn't feel I communicated myself very well at our community meal today! I know it's random but there we are!

I was just reading something about celebrating birthdays and how we can think about getting a year older, but I guess I was struck by how, for each of us to get a year older, God shows Her/His faithfulness.

I guess being pregnant with a child is a miracle in itself, to carry your child each week further through it's development is another miracle, to then give birth and to have a healthy baby is yet another miracle, to then help your baby grow from one week, month to the next is another miracle. I know that I have been greatly blessed in having got pregnant twice and having 2 children. I know that many others aren't as blessed as Ian and me to varying degrees along that process.

And Then . . . God has not only blessed us with children but also provided for us, simply fed us, clothed us, given us rest and peace (again I others who don't have this), given us friends and family and fun, given us health. And much more than this.

And so I'll get to my point now! I think that our birthdays are an opportune moment for us to thank God for sustaining us, blessings us, being with us, showing us miracles . . . For us to have some healthy rhythms of prayer. We may be a year older but what a year of God showing Her/His favour and faithfulness.

Thanks Jesus, help us to be creative in recognising that You're with us.

Tom&Jo (Back From Malawi)

Jo and Tom are good friends... part of our extended community/family. They've been part of New Generation Church in Sidcup and of us (from back in our Kamoflahj days!) for a long time. And for the past year or so, they've been serving Jesus in Malawi.

Their aim was to set up a 'model farm' and to train local people in various agricultural techniques... to improve farming and diet and quality of life and wealth, etc. However, as we listened to their stories and saw their photos on Tuesday night, it was clear that Jo and Tom have become far more than 'farmers'... which is often Jesus' way. He makes us more than we are.

Huddled around Tom's new MacBook (a substitute 'baby' until their real one arrives! Ha ha), they told us their stories...
...of the poverty among some families and the relative wealth of others,
...of misplaced Aid, of hundreds of goat-gifts and other supplies, which often complicate and confuse the issues rather than solve them,
...of loneliness and unexpected friendships,
...of days spent at the crisis nursery, with abandoned/orphaned children,
...of bizarre confrontations with witches chanting outside their home night after night,
...and of the witch-doctor who brought 70 pregnant mothers to their HIV-awareness training sessions,
...of Malawian people whose names I cannot remember, but whose stories I won't forget,
...of giant spiders (Jo's favourites!) and other creepy crawlies, and their pet dogs,
...of a trip to see Malawi play Egypt at football,
...of visa troubles on the Zambian border,
...of a 600km journey in a bus with a broken windscreen being held in place by the driver,
...of their involvement with Flood Church and the new shape that this is bringing to their work in Malawi,
...of God's provision, of favour, of healing and hope amongst big challenges.

Phil.

Community Meal@David&Claires

David's New Job!

It's confirmed - I start my job at Network Rail on Monday 13th October! Yippee!!

Rich, Tim, Jo, Ros and I gathered to pray last Tuesday, praying about our work, life and just being with God. We then spent time praying over each other in turn which was amazing and really encouraging, with lots of prophetic words spoken. Tim decided to use his 'spot' by picking up my guitar and singing a song which he had been singing on the way over, a song he sang over our town and we all basked in the presence of God and prayed for Gods' Spirit to come to Romford!

On Sunday...Me, Ros, Rich and Drew met at Sue and drew's to look into some Bible passages together. Following on from our last venture we looked at Deborah in Judges 4, though Ehud at the end of Judges 3 (he who killed fat king Eglon!?)

J0N

Community Breakfast...

Phil has posted some reflections (and some photos) from our community breakfast at Jo's yesterday, onto his Toggie Tales blog.

Prayer Night 23/9/08

It Squeaketh Not

Since we bought this armchair, it has squeaked. And many of us have attempted to cure it. Ian has. Even the arch-solver, Dewi has. But to no avail. Until last week... when Emma assaulted it with some WD40.

Silence. Woo hoo!

Finally, we'll actually get to talk with one another in peace! Ha ha...

Prayer Night

Last night Tim and Anna, myself and Ros lit a fire and prayed. There was a knock on the door and Phil arrived with Wild geese!

'What...actual Geese!?!'

'No...24-7 ones'

'Whats a Wild Geese/Goose?'

In the words of Andy Freeman (the original Boiler Room Abbot) himself, "A wild goose is someone who's giving over some time to follow God in a different way, learn some patterns of life and prayer that glorify him and apply practically their faith in the midst of needy people."

Dewi later joined us and Emma too!

Lots of tears as we met together with our heavenly Father.

J0N

Community Meal@The Walters

Prayer Night

Tim, Dewi, Ros and I sat, knelt and stood before God, some of us feeling tired and weary from work but knowing this was the best place we could possibly be to find rest. We prayed that in our working time we would bring the joy of the Lord with us, a passion for the work we do, a 'wholeness'. I prayed that; just like Dewi lent me his goggles to see under the water as I swam last Thursday, we would constantly have a clear vision of God, wether our heads were above or under the water, pressing on. Dewi had another image of a still lake, this time with tiny raindrops falling causing ripples in the water and we prayed we would be these raindrops causing a stir bigger than we imagine or feel we have the strength for in our work places. We prayed that God would show us how to truely WORK and REST in a way that is holy and of God. What does it mean to make time to rest with you Father in our busy week? We then prayed in our (Ros and Jons') dining room where my small little 'office' is and prayed over the place that I work in. Thanks guys!

Please pray for David's interviews today!

God bless,

J0N

September events

There are a number of events going on in September (in addition to what is listed on the right of these posts).

On Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th, there is the Thames Festival to visit. Lots going on here at various points along the Thames (see map), including at Hibernia Wharf near London Bridge, Jazz at the Fairtrade Village, which will hopefully be the final push before London becomes a Fairtrade City. Taste and see Fairtrade while listening to Riverside Jazz and Latin Salsa (read more about who will be there from the Fairtrade Foundation's website here).

On Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st, there is the wonderful annual Open House London event, where you get to see inside some of London's buildings you would not normally ever get to see. There are 700 buildings open to see throughout Greater London covering a huge variety of architecture, unfortunately not including the Gherkin this year. Lots of classic and modern stuff, some of which is very green or innovative in other ways. If you want to stay local, then you can see what's available in B&D listed here, in Redbridge listed here, and in Havering listed here. There are also walks listed (including the Gidea Park Garden Suburb Walk!) so it is worth having a look.

Also on Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st, there is the Discover Havering weekend, which promises lots of discounts, free entry or special offers to Havering residents for a variety of attractions, restaurants and sports facilities.

On Saturday 27th, there is the annual Fairtrade Foundation Campaign Day in Central London. Its a great opportunity to pick up on the latest news with what is going on with Fairtrade. The day consists of speakers, including fairtrade producers, workshops and discussions (there is a link to the day's programme on the website). It's free (as all of these events are) but you do need to book which you can do on-line.

On Sunday 28th, there is the Romford Market Place Festival. This is a major cultural festival in Romford Market Place, which will come alive with a showcase featuring some of the borough's outstanding talent. Entertainment will offer a variety of music, dance and art, including a 2012 themed crafts workshops from Studio 3 Arts, story-telling from libraries, performances from the Queen's Theatre, a Big Dance celebration involving hundreds of Havering school children and the dramatic finale of a carnival project by Emergency Exit Arts. Activities will be centred on the Market Place, but will be taking place across Romford town centre. The festival is preceded by a 5k Fun Run in Raphaels Park (details can be found on the same link as for the festival); warm-up from 9am, start at 10 am

Yesterday evening I received some INCREDIBLE news - the little boy I told you all about who went missing (Clinton) has BEEN FOUND - alive and much better off than he was before!

Thank you Jesus for hearing our prayers - thanks to those who have prayed for him - after we prayed on Tuesday I did feel lighter and at peace about the situation - read on to find out what happened to Clinton (direct from the Comic Relief project) - bear in mind that anything could have happened to him - street children are regulary abused, beaten, harrassed by police as they are so vulnerable:

'Clinton was picked from the streets on the same evening that the Comic Relief Team left Kisumu, on Sunday the 10th of August 2008. He is now admitted at Ezra Gumbe Primary School, within Kisumu city.

These are further details:
He was picked by a shopper who had since been seeing her/ and whom he was used to helping carry small shopping from the supermarket within the town.
The person who picked him is female and is a teacher at Ezra Gumbe Primary School
The teacher gave him some school uniform belonging to her sons to use for the time being He is currently living with the teacher who also has children
Today we managed to meet him at school with the pupils and teachers, and have his photos at school. '
Something like this is REALLY unusual - most people do not open their homes to street kids - this is the reason why the project was set up in the first place! When you are feeling so helpless in a situation and there is nothing you can do but pray - Jesus can do the impossible :)

I hope this encourages you :)

Lots of love,
Ros xxxx

Summer Travels!

Ros in Kenya & Senagul


Toggies Road trip

Jo in Argentina


Phil & Ian in South Africa


The Newmans in France

Cider with Rosi, and other stories...

"Since this is the kind of life we have chosen, the life of the Spirit, let us make sure that we do not just hold it as an idea in our heads or a sentiment in our hearts, but work out its implications in every detail of our lives.

That means we will not compare ourselves with each other as if one of us were better and another worse. We have far more interesting things to do with our lives. Each of us is an original."

"So let's not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don't give up, or quit. Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith."

Last night, a bunch of us got together to swap stories, and to consider our community life together. We kicked off with a fun exercise... we each brought an object with which to tell a story about our Summer time.

Dewi brought a bottle of cider (which we 'emptied' by the end of the evening). Rosi's object was an "imaginary collapsed wardrobe". Jon's was his new cd (available now!).

Read the rest of Phil's summary of our conversations on his Toggie tales blog.

The Streets The Escapist

These walls were never really there...

Jesus Bless Tim&Annas Home!

Ian, Ros and I gathered with Tim&Anna to pray for them and their home after their recent burglary. It was really inspiring to see both Tim and Anna praying with an even bigger motivation to bless the community they live in and praying also for the burglars. Bless their home we pray!

Prayer Night 19/8/08

Since begginning this rhythm of praying each week its been amazing how God has been moving in us. Richard, Helen, Anna, Ros and I had an amazing time just being with God and allowing him to open our hearts before him, challenging us and strengthening us. We each confessed before God openly and it was a really special time of real honest, from the heart prayer!
J0N

Tim&Anna's House warming

Prayer night

Last night we (Tim, Anna, Rich, Jon, Ros) prayed... open our eyes God to see with eyes of faith when we look at our town. Start with us! Tim had an image of a sheild...an image of protection and offence but shields also have a 'crest', an identity and Tim prayued for the identity of our church/community. Anna had the word 'Play' come to mind and began praying about the loss of childhood that she has felt in the area when she has seen different kids in the streets and prayed for Ros' storytelling, that God would use her gift and vision to counteract and soften the hardness in childrens' hearts.
Richard then prayed for our kids, Togwells, Newmans, Acott...and our prayer flowed from there much like a natural conversation with God as we then prayed for Megan in her move to Francis Bardsley school which led onto us praying for God's influence on that school.
I'm quite keen to record these prayers in our blog because I know we'll look back on them together and see over time how God has answered them and used us. These nights have been really special and we want to try and somehow keep it up every week. It's amazing how God opens our hearts in these moments and really inspires us and stirs our faith. By the end of the night its like we've come away having cought a little more of God's vision for our lives.
J0N

STARBUCKS

Tim started work at Starbucks today! I went over with Rich to visit.
This is what rich had...(pictured).
I asked Tim how he was getting on, on his first day and he said 'yeah its good, but I've only been here ten minutes.' I hadn't realised Tim started work at 12! :)
From what I saw Tim was already the life and soul of the place :) Let it shine mate!
I expect we'll all be addicted to caffeine soon :)
J0N

Community Meal @ David&Claire's

We eat together whilst watching Thomas & Oscar dance around the living room to their favourite 'pop' music and then David read out Psalm 33 and then we sang together a hymn in accapella, which led onto prayer for David's job, Tim&Anna, Ros traveling to Kenya.
J0N

TIM & ANNA move to Romford!!

Tim and Anna moved in on Sunday!! Horray!! We're so excited and already so blessed to have them with us in Romford!
J0N