Today I have been at The Salvation Army in Poplar where we are in an exciting partnership with Tower Hamlets Food Bank. It is a wonderful time of Ministry yet totally heartbreaking with the stories that are told. Today I met a woman whom I will call Leanne. Leanne was classed as 'homeless' but sleeping on her brother's sofa whilst her 8 year old daughter sleeps on a put up bed. Leanne's heart was breaking today. I met her when she was racked with sobs and tears rolling down her face. She was stressed, worried and could not see any light or hope out of her situation. She had been 'randomly' picked to sign on every day at the job centre for 3 weeks at varying times of the day - regardless of school pick up times, school drop off times or child care generally.
Leanne lives just over a 30 minute walk from our centre. She will have further to walk to sign on. Leanne cannot afford an oyster card (£5 upfront cost) and she cannot afford to put on the price of the bus fare (£1.40 per journey) - Leanne has to walk everywhere. So to be told that she has to 'sign on' every day at the time that they give her adds a further pressure particularly if she has to rush off to walk another 20 minutes to pick up her daughter from school before having to walk 30 minutes home.
Leanne shared with me how the Job Centre makes her feel worthless. The people that she talks to there intimidate her and treat her as though she is a waste of their time. She is trying to do everything that they ask of her but she feels sick at the thought of attending and can't understand what is being achieved by making her sign on every day.
Leanne has very little money. I asked Leanne when she last ate, she couldn't tell me. My suspicion is that any food she can get hold of goes to her daughter so that she can concentrate at school.
Through the sobs and through the tears I was able to tell Leanne that she "was fearfully and wonderfully made". I told her that this meant that the God who made her wanted her to realise how special she is. How beautiful she is. Not only on the outside but on the inside.
This stunningly beautiful woman who came in with no hope, no light at the end of the tunnel, began to smile and the smile lit the whole room. When I told her that her daughter would see her as the most precious woman on earth and meant the world to her, she laughed, not quite believing that one. I kept reminding her over and over that she was fearfully and wonderfully made. I'm not sure she has ever heard this.
God's words spoken over her, brought light into her situation. I watched her become physically stronger and stand taller when God's words were spoken over her again and again. I watched her become emotionally stable as the dawning of the truth sunk into her heart that she was precious and honoured in God's sight and that He loved her. I watched the spiritual revelation hit her heart when I said "When you don't know what to pray, just say the Lord's Prayer. That will cover everything you need to pray. 'Give us this day our daily bread,' - what is food bank giving you today?!!" She laughed and spoken openly about not realising that it was a prayer that she could pray.
I watched Leanne physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually grow! Light returned to her eyes. The Hope of Christ helping her sort out her situation. She repeated after me "I am fearfully and wonderfully made!" She repeated this three times and was practically giggling like a little girl but realising that this was the strength that she needed!
We talked about the fact that returning to the job centre was not going to be easy. But with helpful coping mechanisms she would be strong enough to deal with them. With words to say and hold on to she could challenge the difficulties that were being presented before her. We prayed. Leanne left with a full belly! Leanne left with a weeks worth of food for herself and her daughter. Food bank are not sure if they will see her next week but people commented on the difference in her when she left.
What rang through my mind when she left were the words of William Booth. "While women weep as they do now, I'll Fight!" That was just one woman that I was able to fight for today. The following words also came to mind - "Little by little we're moving forward, step by step we're taking ground. Every prayer a powerful weapon, strongholds come tumbling down and down and down and down!"
"While children go hungry, I'll Fight". Leanne and her daughter struggle to afford food. But we fought today to feed empty bellies. We fought to feed them for the week ahead. I was comforted knowing that Leanne can prepare a dinner for her child tonight just as I would prepare mine.
My ministry is about being a Messenger of Hope. That is why theses words are so precious to me:
"And for those times when words has failed and I must be the message Lord I need it's meaning burned in me...."
"Messenger, I'll be your Messenger, where hope has died and left a blank despair, I'll take the words of grace you've given me to share."
The Fight does go on. Praying and speaking God's Words over and into people's lives to build them up, make them strong, so that they can go on to fight another day.
Friday, 15 June 2012
Saturday, 25 June 2011
Moving House
We are in the process of moving house. It has been a rather stressful time and the stress increases as we get nearer to the time of moving. We however are blessed because the house that we are moving into is provided for us. The work we do, provides the house. This has it pitfalls as well as its benefits! You get what you are given and you hope that your furniture will fit in all the right places or even get through the front door! You hope that the house you are going to has as many bedrooms as the one you are leaving.
The house that we are moving too is beautiful. It is Georgian and from the outside looks amazing. On the inside however that is another story. It is quirky and full of character but it has not been looked after. We see the potential but much work needs to be done before we move in. A few non friendly bugs and things have found their way into the house, and a few other issues that will very soon be sorted. Praise the Lord.
I can't quite explain to you how I felt about this house the first time I walked into it; but I am quite a discerning person and I believe that it is a Spiritual Gift that God has blessed me with. This is a gift that can be a blessing as well as a curse. I find it an immense priviledge when I can ask someone how they are and then ask them again and for them to tell me truthfully. I am also aware that at times I feel physically sick at how grieved my Spirit is over something not of the Kingdom. This was the feeling that came over me the first time I walked into this new house. I prayed and was reminded of a time that we prayer walked and spiritually cleansed another house that we used to live in.
That time was when we invited 2 alcoholics to stay for the weekend. They were a couple that been evicted and they were well known to us. We really wanted to be able to help them but also to overwhelm them with Christ's love. One stayed upstairs, one stayed down. After a couple of days they were invited to leave as they had made themselves just too comfortable! As I went to change the beds in one of the rooms I was almost physically sick by the stench that hit me as I entered the room. I felt unsafe in that room, and it also felt very cold even though it was the middle of summer. I was quite uncomfortable and prayed. I opened the windows and let the air waft through, went downstairs and got the shampoo cleaner and gave the carpet a good scrub. That evening I went back up into the room and the stench was still there as strong as ever and yet the windows had been opened the whole time. I prayed, still feeling uncomfortable. I closed the door and talked with my husband about the room. We came to believe that a demon had made itself resident and unless we dealt with him he would try to take over the whole house.
Friends of ours gave to us an Anglican African Cleansing Prayer. They said to us, it is not a magic wand, it is not just a ritual, it is what it says, a cleansing prayer. If there is anything in that room that you are discerning is not quite right, this prayer, prayed in faith will deal with it. That evening we cleansed the whole house using salt water. (Salt was/is a purifier) With the salt water we sprinkled, prayed the prayers for each room and drew the cross on each door post.
After our prayer time was over, I re-entered that particular room. The stench was gone. We believe that whatever demon had tried to attach itself was banished in the name of Jesus. I felt so much more peaceful and safe in that room. We did not go shouting or screaming at the demon. We just quietly prayed believing the right way was used, with prayer, faith and salt water for cleansing. That was our first encounter with a demon. We don't go looking for them, but Christ has given us the authority to deal with them when it is right to do so.
This new house we have prayed in. When the jobs have been finished we will pray the cleansing prayer throughout. Not because we believe that there are any demons, but because we want Jesus to be Head of that House. We want it to be a house that Glorify's Him and is a house that is Holy. A place that is welcoming for His Spirit and filled with His Presence and His Peace. We want it to be a place that we can still invite the stranger and perhaps entertain the odd angel here or there. But that can only happen when my own heart and dwelling place for Jesus Christ is cleansed and ready for His Peace and Presence to fill me.
"Christ of Glory, Prince of Peace, Let thy life in mine increase;
Though I live may it be shown tis thy life and not my own.
Dwell within that men may see, Christ, the living Christ, in me.
Answer now my soul's desire, Purge my heart with Holy fire,
Soothe the hurt with gentle balm, Breathe within my life thy charm,
Fill me now, so shall there be, Christ, the Holy Christ, in me.
Gracious Lord, thy grace apply, both to save and sanctify;
All my life wilt thou control, calmly ordering the whole,
That the world may ever see Christ, and only Christ, in me."
(Song Words belong to Colin Fairclough, Salvation Army Song Book)
The house that we are moving too is beautiful. It is Georgian and from the outside looks amazing. On the inside however that is another story. It is quirky and full of character but it has not been looked after. We see the potential but much work needs to be done before we move in. A few non friendly bugs and things have found their way into the house, and a few other issues that will very soon be sorted. Praise the Lord.
I can't quite explain to you how I felt about this house the first time I walked into it; but I am quite a discerning person and I believe that it is a Spiritual Gift that God has blessed me with. This is a gift that can be a blessing as well as a curse. I find it an immense priviledge when I can ask someone how they are and then ask them again and for them to tell me truthfully. I am also aware that at times I feel physically sick at how grieved my Spirit is over something not of the Kingdom. This was the feeling that came over me the first time I walked into this new house. I prayed and was reminded of a time that we prayer walked and spiritually cleansed another house that we used to live in.
That time was when we invited 2 alcoholics to stay for the weekend. They were a couple that been evicted and they were well known to us. We really wanted to be able to help them but also to overwhelm them with Christ's love. One stayed upstairs, one stayed down. After a couple of days they were invited to leave as they had made themselves just too comfortable! As I went to change the beds in one of the rooms I was almost physically sick by the stench that hit me as I entered the room. I felt unsafe in that room, and it also felt very cold even though it was the middle of summer. I was quite uncomfortable and prayed. I opened the windows and let the air waft through, went downstairs and got the shampoo cleaner and gave the carpet a good scrub. That evening I went back up into the room and the stench was still there as strong as ever and yet the windows had been opened the whole time. I prayed, still feeling uncomfortable. I closed the door and talked with my husband about the room. We came to believe that a demon had made itself resident and unless we dealt with him he would try to take over the whole house.
Friends of ours gave to us an Anglican African Cleansing Prayer. They said to us, it is not a magic wand, it is not just a ritual, it is what it says, a cleansing prayer. If there is anything in that room that you are discerning is not quite right, this prayer, prayed in faith will deal with it. That evening we cleansed the whole house using salt water. (Salt was/is a purifier) With the salt water we sprinkled, prayed the prayers for each room and drew the cross on each door post.
After our prayer time was over, I re-entered that particular room. The stench was gone. We believe that whatever demon had tried to attach itself was banished in the name of Jesus. I felt so much more peaceful and safe in that room. We did not go shouting or screaming at the demon. We just quietly prayed believing the right way was used, with prayer, faith and salt water for cleansing. That was our first encounter with a demon. We don't go looking for them, but Christ has given us the authority to deal with them when it is right to do so.
This new house we have prayed in. When the jobs have been finished we will pray the cleansing prayer throughout. Not because we believe that there are any demons, but because we want Jesus to be Head of that House. We want it to be a house that Glorify's Him and is a house that is Holy. A place that is welcoming for His Spirit and filled with His Presence and His Peace. We want it to be a place that we can still invite the stranger and perhaps entertain the odd angel here or there. But that can only happen when my own heart and dwelling place for Jesus Christ is cleansed and ready for His Peace and Presence to fill me.
"Christ of Glory, Prince of Peace, Let thy life in mine increase;
Though I live may it be shown tis thy life and not my own.
Dwell within that men may see, Christ, the living Christ, in me.
Answer now my soul's desire, Purge my heart with Holy fire,
Soothe the hurt with gentle balm, Breathe within my life thy charm,
Fill me now, so shall there be, Christ, the Holy Christ, in me.
Gracious Lord, thy grace apply, both to save and sanctify;
All my life wilt thou control, calmly ordering the whole,
That the world may ever see Christ, and only Christ, in me."
(Song Words belong to Colin Fairclough, Salvation Army Song Book)
Sunday, 5 June 2011
Anniversaries
My wonderful hubby and I celebrate our 12th Wedding Anniversary today. We have spent most of the day separated, sadly, but ministry has had other pathways for us. Still, we get to celebrate with a meal together this evening after the children have gone to bed.
As we celebrate I am reminded about Peter and Sally. Peter came to visit us in our meeting hall one Sunday. He was very drunk and he was quite vocal about Simon's sermon. He heckled Simon with cheering and clapping. He encouraged Simon and told the rest of the congregation that they were really boring!!! At the end of his message, Simon invited people to come and pray at the Mercy Seat and Peter did. He wanted more for his life. Simon invited him to surrender to Jesus. Peter said, he knew Jesus once and would like to know him again so Simon prayed with him and Peter invited Jesus back come into his life.
We didn't expect to see Peter again because he had been so drunk. But he returned to worship the following week. After a couple of weeks, Peter bought his wife, Sally, and his best friend David to the meeting. It was wonderful getting to know them and seeing these people come alive as they started to hear about Jesus.
Sally was invited to attend Alpha. Sally was a little worried about attending as she couldn't read or write. We encouraged her and told her that it was not a problem. David or Peter did not attend with her. After a week of attending Alpha, Sally asked for a Bible. Some time later we noticed her taking notes. We asked her about the note taking and she told us that she had asked the Holy Spirit to help her! Sally, with the help of the Holy Spirit alone, began looking at the Bible and learnt to read! That was the beginning of an amazing journey.
We went to visit Peter and Sally as they were new christians that needed nurturing and discipling. They lived in what could only be described as squalor. Their home was a very old council flat. The hot water was heated by a coal fire. The wallpaper, very discoloured and hung off the wall. The flat was dark and dingy. Clothes were hanging from the bathroom ceiling over a hot bath so that the steam could clean and dry them. (No means in the flat for a washing machine and certainly no means to afford a launderette).
We had a cup of tea, the cups not being the cleanest but we knew that their wonderfully warm hospitality was costly. As we talked with them it became clear that their story was altogether weird!!!! Peter and Sally were married, but Sally shared the marriage bed with David, whilst Peter, the husband, slept on the sofa! We kind of looked at each other with very wide opened eyes and nearly choked on the tea that was given to us. After praying with them, we left and went home discussing what on earth we were going to do.
We knew that people were going to find out about the home situation. They were new christians and we knew that religious folk were going to expect us to talk to them and tell them that they had to get it sorted as it was not a right way of living! We prayed, and we prayed hard. We both felt that God was telling us to leave it to Him. We carried on praying, making sure that this was not our flesh dodging out of the hard choices. We were absolutely convinced that we were to say nothing. The Holy Spirit would do the convicting. If we went in heavy handed we would lose them and lose them for the Kingdom!
Within a couple of weeks Sally came to see us, and told us that she really felt convicted that she needed to put her marriage right. She really believed that Jesus wanted David out of the house and Peter put in his rightful place as husband. We were astounded! We wept with joy. A few weeks later just before Christmas we were able to hold a renewing of vows ceremony and the Corps held a faith lunch as a reception.
Boy, did we learn some serious lessons. There are times and seasons to say things, and times to discern the Holy Spirit's voice. As far as we know, Peter and Sally are still happily married. Not worshipping at the Army but together. The last we heard Sally had a powerful ministry to the homeless and jobless. Peter found a job and they continued to grow in Christ together.
Back to my marriage, we might not have had much time together today, but we know that our marriage is strong because it has Christ in the centre. As long as we continue to be in Him we continue to celebrate year after year, after year.
As we celebrate I am reminded about Peter and Sally. Peter came to visit us in our meeting hall one Sunday. He was very drunk and he was quite vocal about Simon's sermon. He heckled Simon with cheering and clapping. He encouraged Simon and told the rest of the congregation that they were really boring!!! At the end of his message, Simon invited people to come and pray at the Mercy Seat and Peter did. He wanted more for his life. Simon invited him to surrender to Jesus. Peter said, he knew Jesus once and would like to know him again so Simon prayed with him and Peter invited Jesus back come into his life.
We didn't expect to see Peter again because he had been so drunk. But he returned to worship the following week. After a couple of weeks, Peter bought his wife, Sally, and his best friend David to the meeting. It was wonderful getting to know them and seeing these people come alive as they started to hear about Jesus.
Sally was invited to attend Alpha. Sally was a little worried about attending as she couldn't read or write. We encouraged her and told her that it was not a problem. David or Peter did not attend with her. After a week of attending Alpha, Sally asked for a Bible. Some time later we noticed her taking notes. We asked her about the note taking and she told us that she had asked the Holy Spirit to help her! Sally, with the help of the Holy Spirit alone, began looking at the Bible and learnt to read! That was the beginning of an amazing journey.
We went to visit Peter and Sally as they were new christians that needed nurturing and discipling. They lived in what could only be described as squalor. Their home was a very old council flat. The hot water was heated by a coal fire. The wallpaper, very discoloured and hung off the wall. The flat was dark and dingy. Clothes were hanging from the bathroom ceiling over a hot bath so that the steam could clean and dry them. (No means in the flat for a washing machine and certainly no means to afford a launderette).
We had a cup of tea, the cups not being the cleanest but we knew that their wonderfully warm hospitality was costly. As we talked with them it became clear that their story was altogether weird!!!! Peter and Sally were married, but Sally shared the marriage bed with David, whilst Peter, the husband, slept on the sofa! We kind of looked at each other with very wide opened eyes and nearly choked on the tea that was given to us. After praying with them, we left and went home discussing what on earth we were going to do.
We knew that people were going to find out about the home situation. They were new christians and we knew that religious folk were going to expect us to talk to them and tell them that they had to get it sorted as it was not a right way of living! We prayed, and we prayed hard. We both felt that God was telling us to leave it to Him. We carried on praying, making sure that this was not our flesh dodging out of the hard choices. We were absolutely convinced that we were to say nothing. The Holy Spirit would do the convicting. If we went in heavy handed we would lose them and lose them for the Kingdom!
Within a couple of weeks Sally came to see us, and told us that she really felt convicted that she needed to put her marriage right. She really believed that Jesus wanted David out of the house and Peter put in his rightful place as husband. We were astounded! We wept with joy. A few weeks later just before Christmas we were able to hold a renewing of vows ceremony and the Corps held a faith lunch as a reception.
Boy, did we learn some serious lessons. There are times and seasons to say things, and times to discern the Holy Spirit's voice. As far as we know, Peter and Sally are still happily married. Not worshipping at the Army but together. The last we heard Sally had a powerful ministry to the homeless and jobless. Peter found a job and they continued to grow in Christ together.
Back to my marriage, we might not have had much time together today, but we know that our marriage is strong because it has Christ in the centre. As long as we continue to be in Him we continue to celebrate year after year, after year.
Tuesday, 31 May 2011
Memories
The children were playing outside in the crescent this morning when I heard a lot of screaming and a dog barking. The children came running into the house. As I looked out the window I saw a rather large dog chasing the children. The facts turn out that the dog was actually chasing a cat that had dashed under our car but it looked like it was coming to chase the children. Nevertheless it was a large pit bull dog and the owner was a rather thin looking man with a white hoodie. I saw the look in his eyes and the hollowness in his face and it was a look that I had seen before and too frequently sadly.
When we were in Liverpool, Simon and I got to know the lads who sold "The Big Issue" magazine. Everyday they would stand in Liverpool City Centre. Simon got to know them because he sold the "War Cry", a Salvation Army weekly publication on a Friday. Very soon, Simon became an unofficial chaplain for the guys of the Big Issue and helped many of them out by providing clothes, food, praying with them and sometimes helping them to get to Rehab.
Once such lad, Darren, came round to our house every week, where I would do his washing and make sure that he had a good meal in his tummy. Darren was a drug addict and an alcoholic. He had been on heroin for over 20 years and was at the point that if he didn't meet his fix every four hours he would die from the shock of not having it in his system.
Like so many of the guys, they sold the Big Issue to meet their need; to raise enough money to 'get their fix'. At least selling the Big Issue they were earning money legally. How they spent it was their own affair. Selling the Big Issue prevented them from mugging, burglarly or begging.
One Monday evening Darren came round to our house for his weekly visit. As his washing was put into the machine, a story unfolded of how he only just made enough today to get his evening fix. He said, "if it wasn't for you and Simon, I wouldn't be here tonight. I wouldn't have got my fix and I would be dead by now!"
We wanted to know more by what he meant "if it wasn't for you and Simon". Turned out that because we had talked so much with him about Jesus and prayed with him everytime he was in our house he gave prayer a go himself that night. The story unfolded.
This particular Monday was a bank holiday and so the shops closed early. This meant that all the Big Issue guys were having to work much harder to get the amount needed. Darren would normally work until six, now he had until 4pm. He was £9.16 short before he could afford the fix. The shops had closed, everyone was leaving town. He was absolutely desperate. So he took himself around the corner to a bench, bent his head and prayed. He told us what he had prayed. "Jesus, I don't know if you are real or not, but Simon and Nina talk about you all the time. They tell me that you will meet my need and they tell me that you will be my friend. Jesus, if you are real, could you please help me meet my need tonight. I know that I am not a good person, but I really need your help, to help me get my fix. I know I shouldn't be asking you for drug money but you know that I need this. Thank you very much. Darren."
We sat there breathless waiting to hear the end of the story. He told us that when he went back to his stand, one man was let out of the store and came over to Darren. He said "I'm sorry mate, I haven't got much change but you can have what I got". Darren looked at the amount the man gave him and it was exactly £9.16! As Darren looked up to thank the man he was gone. No-where to be seen.
Darren went back to the bench, bent his head and said "Thank you Jesus. Just, thank you!"
We all sat there and wept. Jesus had met his need! We don't understand why Jesus would give this lad his drugs money. We don't know why Jesus didn't just heal him there and then to be free of his addictions. All we know is that Darren met Jesus that day! Darren left Liverpool a few months later to go to Rehab. We heard from him once to tell us that he was clean. He had to cut off ties from Liverpool but he was clean! We don't know where he is or how he is doing.
The Message was given, Jesus was introduced. The rest is handed over to Jesus for the work to be done.
I am reminded of the last speech from William Booth and I try to live that out. That is what I am called to: While women weep, as they do now, I'll fight; while little children go hungry, as they do now, I'll fight; while men go to prison, in and out, in and out, as they do now, I'll fight; while there is a drunkard left, while there is a poor lost girl upon the streets, while there remains one dark soul without the light of God, I'll fight-I'll fight to the very end!
When we were in Liverpool, Simon and I got to know the lads who sold "The Big Issue" magazine. Everyday they would stand in Liverpool City Centre. Simon got to know them because he sold the "War Cry", a Salvation Army weekly publication on a Friday. Very soon, Simon became an unofficial chaplain for the guys of the Big Issue and helped many of them out by providing clothes, food, praying with them and sometimes helping them to get to Rehab.
Once such lad, Darren, came round to our house every week, where I would do his washing and make sure that he had a good meal in his tummy. Darren was a drug addict and an alcoholic. He had been on heroin for over 20 years and was at the point that if he didn't meet his fix every four hours he would die from the shock of not having it in his system.
Like so many of the guys, they sold the Big Issue to meet their need; to raise enough money to 'get their fix'. At least selling the Big Issue they were earning money legally. How they spent it was their own affair. Selling the Big Issue prevented them from mugging, burglarly or begging.
One Monday evening Darren came round to our house for his weekly visit. As his washing was put into the machine, a story unfolded of how he only just made enough today to get his evening fix. He said, "if it wasn't for you and Simon, I wouldn't be here tonight. I wouldn't have got my fix and I would be dead by now!"
We wanted to know more by what he meant "if it wasn't for you and Simon". Turned out that because we had talked so much with him about Jesus and prayed with him everytime he was in our house he gave prayer a go himself that night. The story unfolded.
This particular Monday was a bank holiday and so the shops closed early. This meant that all the Big Issue guys were having to work much harder to get the amount needed. Darren would normally work until six, now he had until 4pm. He was £9.16 short before he could afford the fix. The shops had closed, everyone was leaving town. He was absolutely desperate. So he took himself around the corner to a bench, bent his head and prayed. He told us what he had prayed. "Jesus, I don't know if you are real or not, but Simon and Nina talk about you all the time. They tell me that you will meet my need and they tell me that you will be my friend. Jesus, if you are real, could you please help me meet my need tonight. I know that I am not a good person, but I really need your help, to help me get my fix. I know I shouldn't be asking you for drug money but you know that I need this. Thank you very much. Darren."
We sat there breathless waiting to hear the end of the story. He told us that when he went back to his stand, one man was let out of the store and came over to Darren. He said "I'm sorry mate, I haven't got much change but you can have what I got". Darren looked at the amount the man gave him and it was exactly £9.16! As Darren looked up to thank the man he was gone. No-where to be seen.
Darren went back to the bench, bent his head and said "Thank you Jesus. Just, thank you!"
We all sat there and wept. Jesus had met his need! We don't understand why Jesus would give this lad his drugs money. We don't know why Jesus didn't just heal him there and then to be free of his addictions. All we know is that Darren met Jesus that day! Darren left Liverpool a few months later to go to Rehab. We heard from him once to tell us that he was clean. He had to cut off ties from Liverpool but he was clean! We don't know where he is or how he is doing.
The Message was given, Jesus was introduced. The rest is handed over to Jesus for the work to be done.
I am reminded of the last speech from William Booth and I try to live that out. That is what I am called to: While women weep, as they do now, I'll fight; while little children go hungry, as they do now, I'll fight; while men go to prison, in and out, in and out, as they do now, I'll fight; while there is a drunkard left, while there is a poor lost girl upon the streets, while there remains one dark soul without the light of God, I'll fight-I'll fight to the very end!
Monday, 30 May 2011
Kid's Playing Out in the Street
It is days like today that my children are desperate to go and play in the cresent where we live. They look longingly at the doors where their friends live. Hoping that they would come out to play. It was not so long ago that they would pace the floor in agitation "can we go to the park?" "Can we go somewhere?"
Now they don't want to watch films. They don't want to go to the park. They don't want to go for a walk. They just want to stay and play with their friends in the crescent.
I am mainly happy with this, although the garage keeps getting turned upside down. The neighbours children are in and out of my house, up and down the stairs; but at least I know where my children are and what they are up to!
It has reminded me of my own childhood when I used to play in the back alley. All the children from the neighbourhood would gather, and the alley was our territory! We don't see children playing outside much anymore, which is a bit sad as this was a way of guaranteeing them getting a good amount of air in the lungs, therefore sleeping well at night. This was also a way to guarantee getting 5 mins space with no-one stating "I'm hungry, "I'm bored". Now I have the comments, "I've fallen over", "Jaydon is saying horrible things to me"....
I understand the reasons why children do not play outside their streets anymore. Cars, strangers etc. But one thing I remember is that because of playing outside I got to know friends. I got to meet new friends. I got to meet interesting friends. It was from playing outside that a friend invited me along to "The Salvation Army". If I had never been allowed to play outside, I might not have ever had the invitation to go to The Salvation Army. If I had never been allowed to play outside, I might not ever of had the opportunity to meet with Jesus. (I know a lot of if's) I was introduced to Jesus through The Salvation Army because a friend had taken the time to invite me along. All because I was making my way to her's to have a playtime.
My children are great evangelists! They talk up the name of Jesus! It is good to hear them in the crescent telling their new found friends that they 'Celebrate Jesus'. They might get their theology wrong from time to time, but hey! they are children and they are still telling others about Jesus.
They challenge me. Who am I inviting to The Salvation Army? Who am I befriending to invite them to get to know Jesus? I am not berating myself, just being challenged by the fact that my children are outside now, laughing, joking, screaming and shouting and when the opportunity arises they are speaking about Jesus.
I remained challenged!
Now they don't want to watch films. They don't want to go to the park. They don't want to go for a walk. They just want to stay and play with their friends in the crescent.
I am mainly happy with this, although the garage keeps getting turned upside down. The neighbours children are in and out of my house, up and down the stairs; but at least I know where my children are and what they are up to!
It has reminded me of my own childhood when I used to play in the back alley. All the children from the neighbourhood would gather, and the alley was our territory! We don't see children playing outside much anymore, which is a bit sad as this was a way of guaranteeing them getting a good amount of air in the lungs, therefore sleeping well at night. This was also a way to guarantee getting 5 mins space with no-one stating "I'm hungry, "I'm bored". Now I have the comments, "I've fallen over", "Jaydon is saying horrible things to me"....
I understand the reasons why children do not play outside their streets anymore. Cars, strangers etc. But one thing I remember is that because of playing outside I got to know friends. I got to meet new friends. I got to meet interesting friends. It was from playing outside that a friend invited me along to "The Salvation Army". If I had never been allowed to play outside, I might not have ever had the invitation to go to The Salvation Army. If I had never been allowed to play outside, I might not ever of had the opportunity to meet with Jesus. (I know a lot of if's) I was introduced to Jesus through The Salvation Army because a friend had taken the time to invite me along. All because I was making my way to her's to have a playtime.
My children are great evangelists! They talk up the name of Jesus! It is good to hear them in the crescent telling their new found friends that they 'Celebrate Jesus'. They might get their theology wrong from time to time, but hey! they are children and they are still telling others about Jesus.
They challenge me. Who am I inviting to The Salvation Army? Who am I befriending to invite them to get to know Jesus? I am not berating myself, just being challenged by the fact that my children are outside now, laughing, joking, screaming and shouting and when the opportunity arises they are speaking about Jesus.
I remained challenged!
Saturday, 28 May 2011
Memories - Commissioning
Messenger of Hope
On 26th May 1999 I was commissioned as a Salvation Army Officer in the Royal Albert Hall in London. It was a magnificent day, full of solemnimity, reflection, comtemplation as well as all the joy of pomp and circumstance. I remember it as clearly as yesterday. I was determined to enjoy the day and to take in as much detail as I possible could. This was going to be the most important day ever in my life! This was the fulfilment of all that God had called me to. The reason why He called me as His child.
I was seven years old when I asked Jesus into my heart. I remember kneeling before Him and saying that I want a friend with me all the time and Jesus was the friend that I really want to know. Oh, that day of asking is etched on my memory. It was very real, it was very life changing and one that has given me a passion for children's ministry. I was saved as a child and I believe that children can be the very instrument of bringing others into a powerful knowledge of Jesus Christ.
I read my bible everyday, I prayed every day. I was given a Good News Bible for my 7th Birthday and it was read from cover to cover. I still have it now, even though it is falling to bits. I want to remember and see the child like faith coming from it; the notes that I wrote in the margin and the little thoughts that I noted down on scraps of paper.
At the age of 21 I went to a Divisional Meeting where the then Territorial Commander, Commissioner John Larsson was speaking. He talked about 'Vocation'. He said that everyone had a 'Vocation'. He pointed at me and said 'You have a Vocation'. There were hundreds in that room, but he looked at me and pointed at me and told me I had a Vocation. I remember the feeling in my tummy. The stirring of the Holy Spirit wanting to alight something within me. So in complete obedience, I went and knelt at the Mercy Seat and asked God to confirm my calling which he did! (Another time and another blog!)
Thus began the Candidates process. This was by no means easy, it was challenging, made me think alot about myself. But in my mind all the time was the fact that if God had called me He would get me through every step.
1993 I entered the Training College as a Messenger of Hope. (Days of Training for another time!!!)
16 years of ministry has been an amazing journey. Lots of tears, lots of laughter. Seen many saved, seen many walk away. Been hurt, been broken. Been mended, been matured.
The Message has stayed the same. Jesus loves you. You are Special. God wants you in His family.
The next 16 years? Who knows. But what I do know and am completely assured of: Jesus is the same, yesterday, today and forever.
I was seven years old when I asked Jesus into my heart. I remember kneeling before Him and saying that I want a friend with me all the time and Jesus was the friend that I really want to know. Oh, that day of asking is etched on my memory. It was very real, it was very life changing and one that has given me a passion for children's ministry. I was saved as a child and I believe that children can be the very instrument of bringing others into a powerful knowledge of Jesus Christ.
I read my bible everyday, I prayed every day. I was given a Good News Bible for my 7th Birthday and it was read from cover to cover. I still have it now, even though it is falling to bits. I want to remember and see the child like faith coming from it; the notes that I wrote in the margin and the little thoughts that I noted down on scraps of paper.
At the age of 21 I went to a Divisional Meeting where the then Territorial Commander, Commissioner John Larsson was speaking. He talked about 'Vocation'. He said that everyone had a 'Vocation'. He pointed at me and said 'You have a Vocation'. There were hundreds in that room, but he looked at me and pointed at me and told me I had a Vocation. I remember the feeling in my tummy. The stirring of the Holy Spirit wanting to alight something within me. So in complete obedience, I went and knelt at the Mercy Seat and asked God to confirm my calling which he did! (Another time and another blog!)
Thus began the Candidates process. This was by no means easy, it was challenging, made me think alot about myself. But in my mind all the time was the fact that if God had called me He would get me through every step.
1993 I entered the Training College as a Messenger of Hope. (Days of Training for another time!!!)
16 years of ministry has been an amazing journey. Lots of tears, lots of laughter. Seen many saved, seen many walk away. Been hurt, been broken. Been mended, been matured.
The Message has stayed the same. Jesus loves you. You are Special. God wants you in His family.
The next 16 years? Who knows. But what I do know and am completely assured of: Jesus is the same, yesterday, today and forever.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)