In our 29 December 2019 service Esther thanked Ian for the Mary did you know?” song. It’s one of her favourites. She reflected on the fact that sometimes what we expect to happen and what actually happens may be different. January is a gloomy month and we need to know that we walk in the light. Esther asked for people to share what had been happening in their lives. Esther’s brother Malcolm is going to share what’s been happening in Walthamstow and Ben will share what is happening in Lancaster. Esther read from 1 John 4 7 21
As we’re leaving this year and this decade 2020 is good vision. The best focus and that is what we will need,
Malcolm said it was good to be back on home ground. Malcolm reckoned that he came here before he was even born. Malcolm recalls this church always encouraging people to share their gifts. He learnt the Bible here teaching it to others.
Malcolm shared that about 4 weeks ago a young lady from Iran came to live with them. She came here aged 17 studying and passing her exams but then she went off the rails. She applied for asylum, and the Home Office moved her to Liverpool. She found out about Christ and joined a church in Liverpool. Her asylum claim was rejected and she then became stuck in the system and ended up living with an Iranian family.
Malcolm found out about her in February through a fellow minister , and invited her to join the church to help with the Iranian members of their congregation. She flew through the scriptures and she came alive when talking to people about the gospel. Malcolm shared that two years ago they’d started work trying to get an intern. But it came to nothing. Malcolm invited her to volunteer with his church hence why she has come to live with them.
He read from 1 Corinthians, showing God chooses . Malcolm never expected that the person who was perfect for work in his church with young people would come from Iran , and study maths and science. Often what we need is sitting right in front of us.
When God leads you on a journey it’s exciting. God’s upside down kingdom often surprises!
Ben then talked about his internship in Lancaster . He’s been working with them for a year and a half. They get a lot of students. Watching them grapple with the great truth of the gospel. Sharing that God sent his son to save us. Ben finds it great to see people come to make decisions based around the bible and the church. They had one person Danni, who slowly over time decided to become a Christian. Another young person meets up for coffee to discuss the bible and ask hard questions!
He also reflected on the discouragement , they’re trying to move building and are having to learn to trust God’s word and timing. It’s tempting to think “If only we had” when all we need is God’s word.
Esther talked about how we are privileged to be able to connect to our communities through Filling Station through Sheraton Court through the Alpha course.
We need to find ways to touch peoples lives. Find a way to communicate Christ to them even if it is just a smile and hello.