One Generation to Another!

Psalm 145: 4  "One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts. They will speak of the glorious splendour of your majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful works."

This year we had a very special Father's Day service in Sure Hope Church. Without any serious long-term plans, what ended up being a wonderful dovetail of age groups ministering in their own way during the Sunday morning service.

With the ARK (All Remarkable Kids) making an impact by sharing what they would like to know from a father figure in the family, to the Evergreen seniors who sparkled their way through a medley of hymns and very significant testimonies of God's goodness. It was a lesson to us all.

With so many testimonies of God "being there", "through it all", and "by His grace" we could see clearly that the request of the kids at the start of the service would be truly only fulfilled as they trust in their Heavenly Father.

Not only is His grace sufficient - but also His power and love know no boundaries - no, none at all.

New Birth, New Life, New Hope, New Direction!

I have always seen Baptismal Services as a great event, one which inspires and challenges others as to their walk with God. Yesterday was no exception! Having a Sunday Morning Baptismal Service that rocked from start to finish - was just brilliant!

In all we had five candidates, and also one dear gentleman who had wanted to be baptised but was found to have become ill with double pneumonia during the week. He is a man with many physical challenges and limitations, and yet knowing God's saving grace in the last 18 months, means that despite all the obstacles he was prepared to do what ever it took to be obedient to the Lords command in being baptised by full immersion. Plans were in place, but sadly we must trust that he makes a full recovery and is able to follow through with his desire later in the summer.

  

We were all thrilled to hear their individual stories of how they came to know Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour. To know the new birth experience that Jesus spoke about, means that there is a new life to be lived - but that can only happen when we are prepared to die to the old life - and leave it buried! Then we can know a new hope, which leads to a brand new direction in life. 

So great to see the Church full, and an atmosphere that was charged with the presence and power of God. Who knows what might happen next?

There is always a challenge!

I would like to pose a question - How is it possible for people to be content in every situation they find themselves, and yet at the same time pursue God for more?

Phil 4 : 12   I have experienced times of need and times of abundance. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of contentment,  whether I go satisfied or hungry, have plenty or nothing.

It seems to me that when we are content with what we have, and the situation we find ourselves in, it is only then that we can truly say what it is like to "move on in God!". Too many good meaning people, who have a heart to see God move in powerful ways, are not truly ready for such a powerful move because they haven't really come to know what it is to be content with what they already have. Is that a paradox?

I have seen this happen before. Congregations pray for, cry out to God, believe and even fast to see God move in revival power - yet, when He does, they announce that  "this really wasn't what they expected, and God should know what they like and don't like! Really! After all the hours of pray, tears and feeling hungry...."

We stayed in this beautiful house when taking time out in the Highlands of Scotland. It's called the "Old Rectory" and was a heaven sent B&B which we found as darkness fell when we headed North to the mountains. The phrase "Location, Location, Location....." springs to mind. This would be the place of "contentment" for many people. What more could you ask for? But for some, the peace and quiet would be "too much". The lack of entertainment, the sleepy village, the slower pace of life might be considered "Boring" to those seeking "the buzz".  When will we ever learn to be content? The view from the breakfast room was indeed spectacular..... the loch, with cotton wool clouds clinging to the mountain side of Ben Nevis. Ah! That's it..... there is more! Mountains to be climbed and conquered. Magnificent vistas that leave you speechless, and mountain walks that leave you breathless - literally! What more do you want?

Interesting isn't it? Why are we so fickle? To expect God to move mountains, but forget that may well mean some disruption to our particular way of doing life, and our routines. Don't get me wrong, routines can be good to establish; with good habits and practices in daily life is a very positive thing to do. Such quality decisions will help to keep you active, healthy and physically fit. If the same principles are applied to our spiritual lives, then we will be far more attentive to the voice of the Spirit, recognise God's leading and guiding, and be far less likely to make stupid mistakes. But for me today, such disciplines will help me to be content in God. He's in control, He is at work, and as I rest in His abundance and grace - then He will lead me to know more, see more, and want more of Him. Then the move is on!

It is then that mountains of unbelief, obstruction and despair begin to move. Yes old routines have to go, and new ways of loving, working and resting become established. Friendships are strengthened, families brought back to right relationships and even businesses flourish again because the workforce are content, fulfilled and ready to face new challenges.

I have a few challenges ahead. God never makes mistakes, and I rest in His unchanging grace today. The time is now, and living in the abundance of what He has in store can only be exciting and full of promise. After all, He is a faithful God, who makes and keeps Covenant with His people. What more can I ask? All I need to do, is listen more carefully, follow Him for closely and love Him more dearly. Then, on a daily basis I will be content in all things, and pray more fervently for the more!

Phil 4 : 13    I am able to do all things  through the one  who strengthens me.

A new day dawning!

There is a fresh wind blowing! Things are changing. There is a shifting in the Spirit. We can virtually taste it! Over the last 5 weeks, the sense of God's presence in the services at Sure Hope Church, Old Colwyn has been quite startling. We praise God for all that He has done, but look forward now to a "new day" which has dawned, and we must be prepared to live in it's full glory and blessing.

This is one of the photo's that I took from Pensarn beach at Sunrise during August 2012. I have printed several copies of this photograph, and included the caption: "This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it."

Today, I am reminded once again that the day we live in, is the day we must rejoice and be glad. Sometimes it might seem difficult and challenging, but whenever we feel that it is too much of a strain, or that the pain is too hurtful - we must realise that we have at least had the privilege of seeing another sunrise! A day full of opportunity and blessing. Don't focus on the challenges and despair - focus on what God is doing, and what He wants to do for and through you. The moment we take our eyes of "me" the sooner we see that God has a work for us to do for others. Their situation will no doubt be difficult, challenging and even demanding at times - but how much a blessing that will be for everyone, when we rejoice and be glad in it all.....

These are challenging times, and my determination will be to focus on what God wants us to do. We mustn't run ahead, but neither, must we lag behind. The moving of the Holy Spirit is so evident, we sense that we are not just on the brink but have actually crossed over! The tipping point was reached some 4-5 weeks ago, and now the tide has indeed turned.  The Son has come, displayed His glory and we are to be His witnesses, reflecting His glory and presence where ever we go. 

26 July 2012  William & Rebekah's Wedding Celebration Party

Our Youth Workers at Sure Hope Church were married on 14 July in the Tab Life Centre, Pontllanfraith, South Wales - where they met some 4 years ago. This meant that most of the folks from Sure Hope were unable to attend the big day itself.

So, we thought it would be a good idea to have a celebration wedding party back in Sure Hope after their honeymoon. 

What a blast... Rebekah had a chance to wear her wedding dress again, and William was "delighted" to wear the waist-coat, and not forgetting to include the "SUPERMAN" belt!

There was also a terrific amount of food for all, and of course the groom gets first pickings!

 Not to worry though....there's plenty for everyone....

 

After everyone had enjoyed their fill, we all enjoyed watching the DVD of the wedding ceremony itself, and at the end of the night everybody felt that they had been to the wedding itself, and been a very big part of the wonderful occasion. 

Proud Mother and Daughter

It certainly was a great time for everyone, and just like a traditional wedding photo, all the family and friends posed for the BIG photo at the end!

21 July 2012   ARK and SPARK day out to Bodelwyddan Castle

Ark in the Spark is becoming a "catch phrase" which is starting to catch on. What can we do next together? Where can we go? What will be the next event? Just some of the questions that I am beginning to hear being asked on a regular basis. 

And there are lots of ideas. The weather for the summer of 2012 has been awful in the UK, but as the date for this day-out approached, so the weather forecast improved. In fact the forecast said it would be hot and sunny all day, but in fact it turned out not to be quite that - warm, with hazy sunshine.... which was perfect for the fun and games!

Bodelwydden Castle is a beautiful location for a day out. With a large picnic area, and children's adventure play area - there was certainly lots to do.

But of course we need to make our own fun too! Climbing on a rustic wood frame is great, or swinging round on a huge tyre is brill... but what about a game of footy?

Or was that rugby? We did play both, but it seems to me that the photographer forgot to take some photo's of what turned out to be a very competitive match. The goal keeping skills of the photographer, (oh, yes that's me) kept one team in the game.... but I shouldn't say too much about that. Rugby seemed far too energetic for most, but for others they were ready to get stuck in!

 Even those a little more mature in years decided that they should give this a go.... but legs ached the next day, (or maybe for a few days) and blood pressures raised for a week. But good fun, just the same.


Even Grandad had a go!

There was certainly more fun to be had trying to do a Mary Poppins impression. On a windy day we could well have had to send out a search party for missing children, but thankfully, with just a gentle breeze, this became the fun thing to do..... canopy ballooning!

Great fun.... 

All in all, even when buried in a collapsed balloon suffering from exhaustion, there's always the climbing frame!   And then of course there is always piggy back racing.....well nearly a race, we just needed more volunteers to compete!

But we mustn't forget cricket.... if anybody had any energy left at all, then a rather rule relaxed game of "chase the cricket ball" followed. 

What happened to the stumps.... nobody knows, but it was much more fun to make up our own game rules.


So whether relaxing over a latte in the cafe, or just chatting over a picnic bench, we had a good time together. The ARK and SPARK certainly enjoyed themselves while Mum's and Dad's had chance to relax for a few hours in the warm weather - and not run for cover ever 5 minutes! 

28 June - 1 July 2012:  Spiritual Warfare and Local Prayer Walks.

What an amazing weekend! Karen Mathews from North Carolina had previously visited Sure Hope Church back in the spring. Her visit was in obedience to the Lord's word to pray in and around Wales, stirring up revival. This return visit was going to be a significant time. 

On the Thursday afternoon, after a great lunch in the Bean Bar we set out on our first prayer walk of the weekend in the local area of Old Colwyn.

On this trip Karen was joined with two good friends from the USA, Angie and Joey. With golf umbrellas in hand, we ventured out side. The weather had been particularly atrocious earlier in the day, with torrential rainstorms which caused severe flooding in some parts of the UK.

 Passing pedestrians were invited to attend the Saturday evening "Wild Fire Revival Meeting". These meeting have been held once a month since March, and had been special times of knowing God's presence, as we had prayed for revival in the land once more.  With recent reports of some remarkable salvation testimonies, healing, and deliverance we confidently advertised that people should "come and experience the presence and power of God for themselves." This would indeed prove to be a significant time of spiritual warfare.

But what about the other Churches in Old Colwyn? When true revival hits, then the whole community, town, city, county, country.... and all the Churches are effected. When the river breaks the bank at the time of flood, the land gets watered whether it needs it or not! In the middle of the village there is a board showing all the different Christian Churches and something of their history. We stopped and prayed over each Church, asking God to stir in the hearts of each member of the congregations - "revive us again, O Lord!"

It was indeed a special time as we all gathered round the information board and prayed for the Lord of the harvest to send forth reapers! The fields are indeed white... but why do we think that we can just sit in the Church and wait for the harvest to just turn up on the doorstep? We all gathered in one of the village parks, and prayed together particularly for a number of people who are sick and needing a miracle at this time. Our God is an awesome God, He reigns!

Our prayer walk then continued through some of the residential streets of Old Colwyn, where 400 copies of the "New Life" newspapers are hand-delivered by the Evangelism Team every month. We believe that there will soon be a remarkable harvest from these white fields.

As we made our way back to the Church, we walked alongside the normally gentle flowing brook, to only find that it had become a fast flowing torrent following the morning rainstorms. This was a reminder to us all of the river of revival that will soon flow through the streets, fields and valleys of Wales. What happened over 100 years ago cannot surely be the last time that Wales will experience a move of God..... we must pray, pray, and pray again... revive us again, bend me, melt me, mould me, fill me.... let revival start in me! Do it again O Lord!

On Friday 29 June, the prayer walk planned took on a different emphasis. Through different individuals, the Lord had revealed to us as a Leadership that there are strategic places within the local area that needed to be prayed into. These locations have a historic significance, which means that spiritual forces of wickedness are now operating in the North Wales area, and that such demonic activity must be broken in Jesus' Name. Our mission was to visit such places and pray, anoint with oil, and declare the Word of God - Psalm 24 was read at each of these locations.

North Wales is certainly a beautiful place to live, but the reality is that the significant social, economic and spiritual needs are just as real here as they are in any major city of the UK.

It doesn't take much for the beautiful coastline to become a raging torrent - a gentle Northerly wind can whip up the sea into a ferocious foaming flood water. Somehow, this reminds me of the current state of the nation - it won't take much to unsettle what seems picturesque!


On Saturday 30th June we travelled to Anglesey. There were two places of interest that we wanted to visit. Firstly, the Welsh Chapel in Llangefni where Christmas Evans preached. Christmas Evans (1766-1838) was a Welsh Baptist preacher who was referred to as the "Bunyan of Wales."

It was a wet and cold day to visit the island, but the opportunity to visit this old chapel is always a treat not to be missed. This old chapel was once filled to the rafters with eager listeners, while the great preacher would wax lyrical on Jesus being the only way to Heaven and the way of Salvation. This fiery, one-eyed preacher was a remarkable man who experienced the move of God in remarkable ways some 200 years ago.

With Mr John Griffith reading Psalm 24 in Welsh, our American visitors were quite moved by the beautiful language with it's lilting lines, and rhythmic rime. 


This was a very powerful time together in such a wonderful place of Welsh history. Our own Welsh Historian, David Fordham was able to recall all the finer details of what had happened in this beautiful wooden pew'd  chapel.  The clock ticked loudly as we listened intently to the fascinating detail - but then realised the hour - the 11th hour! It's surely time for action.


Our final visit of this prayer tour was Holyhead, just a short drive to the Western tip of Anglesey. There we had arranged to meet with the new Pastor of the Elim Church in Thomas Street, David Meggers. We were greeted with a welcome cup of coffee and refreshments. It was in their newly fashioned Church that we heard the story of how this prayer tour had been planned and purposed by God.

This was not just a time for fellowship, but to enter into Spiritual Warfare. This is the time for battle! A very powerful time of intercession was a very significant part of this trip as we prayed for the population of this very sick and tired community. 


We prayed for "Thy Kingdom come, Thy Will be done, in Holyhead as it is in Heaven......"


Ps David is certainly believing for God to move mightily in the coming days with a forthcoming visit of YWAM support workers due to stay in Holyhead and work alongside the Church over the summer holidays.

As Joey read Psalm 24, we joined agreed together:


"The earth is the Lord's and everything in it, the world and all who live in it; for he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters. Who may ascend the hill of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not life up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false. He will receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God his Saviour. Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, O God of Jacob."  Selah


"Lift up your heads, O you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of Glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O you gates, lift them up you ancient doors; that the King of Glory may come in. Who is he, this King of Glory? The Lord Almighty - he is the King of Glory."

Our weekend continued in the evening with a powerful service in Sure Hope Church where Pastor David Latham from Liverpool City Church preached on being set free to serve God, and members of his worship team helped lead the service. The large congregation joined together in a memorable time of worship, prayer and dedication.


We all rejoiced again on Sunday morning where Karen and her friends helped lead us into a time of personal ministry, where nearly the whole Church came forward to receive prayer and personal prophetic words.  This will be a weekend that won't be forgotten quickly.


God is on the move - we must make sure we move with Him, not ahead of Him, and not lag behind because these are indeed the days when we are called to war.


In Christmas Evan's Chapel we sang together a new version of the Welsh National Anthem, which was written by our good friend Pastor Sarah Trinder, from Tab Life in Pontllanfraith.

"This land of our fathers, this land that you gave,

This land our inheritance, this land shall be saved.

The good news of Jesus, shall flow from these shores,

Revival is coming, once more.

Wales, Wales, we prophecy that you shall be saved,

With one heart and voice, we join hands and rejoice,

That Jesus, is Lord over Wales."