Pastor's letters
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Written by Mark Madavan
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I wasn’t intimidated. Well, perhaps a bit.
Late afternoon, the day before we set off for Spring Harvest my phone rang. It was the national director of a charity – we had both been asked to speak on a certain subject at Spring Harvest [at different sites] and he was calling to see how I was planning to cover the topic.
As the event started the following day my talk was written and in my head, so we easily discussed some of the things I planned to say. Encouragingly he responded positively and when he asked if I would be willing to email my notes to him so he could include some of my thoughts I happily did so. He ended the conversation saying that he would send me some of his notes too.
The seminar title was ‘Supporting people through the onset of disability’. My plan was to share my story, to highlight some of the complexities that blindness brings to my life - practically, relationally, emotionally and spiritually. I would then move on to share some ‘hand holds’ that I find helpful, how God fits in and how I fit into God. I was also going to emphasise that other people face trickier challenges and may have much better solutions to share, and so I would leave time for those attending the seminar to contribute too.
Early that evening his notes came through – they included several long and detailed documents, a MA thesis and a 40 slide PowerPoint presentation containing facts, figures, statistical analysis of the growing problem, how the present NHS and Social Services models are insufficient, detailing the biblical mandate to help the poor and needy, two audio clips of theologians discussing how disability and God can co-exist, solution diagrams… my PowerPoint presentation containing 4 slides, one of which was the seminar title and my name!
I wasn’t intimidated. Well, perhaps a bit.
It was too late to change my plans, I arrived praying and trusting that God might somehow use my story despite the lack of multiple facts, figures and diagrams. Then just before the seminar began a lady from my previous church breezed up to me and asked how things were going; the family, church etc. She then apologised that she could not stay for my seminar but wished me well and then added… “out of all the disabilities out there, I reckon blindness is one of the easier to cope with” Then off she trotted.
People. Don’t you love’em!
Two minutes later I embarked on the seminar that used my story as the major backdrop. The audience was not many: 47 people, several in wheelchairs, a blind lady and others wanting to better support family and friends facing disability.
I started. I finished. I think it went well. And then it began.
Immediately after the seminar continuing to the final day of the conference, over 20 of the 47 people who attended the seminar separately sought me out, stopped me and spoke about the seminar. Some thanked me for my honesty, some were relieved that they were not the only one who struggled, some said they felt freed because “I don’t know” is a real, valid, ‘Christian’ answer and others felt more equipped and determined to keep going.
People. Don’t you love’em!
What we say often impacts more than we think.
In 1 Peter 3v15 we read “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.”
I think often we shy away from answering, not because we are ashamed of Jesus, but we don’t know what to say, or we are afraid we will get it wrong. Here’s a handy tip that seems to work well - start with what you are an expert in, your Jesus story. Share how and why you trust Jesus – don’t worry about being fancy and theological, just start the conversation by sharing your experience of Jesus and allow God to do the rest. |
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Written by Mark Madavan
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Do first impressions count?
Does how you enter a situation – stumbling or striding, spectacularly or understatedly, smiling or serious – say something about you?
Does how you look - the clothes you wear, the cut of your hair, and the cost of your accessories – say something about you?
Does what you do – drawing attention to yourself or bringing value to others – say something about you?
What about the first thing you say – profound, pointless, paranoid, perceptive – does it say something about you?
According to Colossians 1:15-16, Jesus is “the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.”
And yet before these words were written by the apostle Paul, the Gospels tell us…
Jesus entered the world as a vulnerable and totally dependent baby, to a teenage girl, in a little village that’s not here home, in a stable – what does that say about Jesus?
Jesus’ first mighty miracle was turning water into wine at a wedding, because his mother was worried that the host would face cultural shame and embarrassment if the wine ran out at such a celebration – what does that say about Jesus?
His chosen followers were ordinary guys who regularly fumbled their way through situations – what does that say about Jesus?
His teaching stirred the religious folks so much they plotted to kill him – what does that say about Jesus?
At his trial, false accusations were not challenged by Jesus – neither was the full force of heavenly power at his disposal deployed – what does that say about Jesus?
Whilst guards mocked and gambled for his clothes, His death darkened the stage of the sky – what does that say about Jesus?
His resurrection, His conquering of death, His New Covenant of relationship with God was declared by an empty tomb and a gardener asking a question “Woman, why are you crying? Who are you looking for?”[John 20:15]
Whether you believe that first impressions count or not, have you every paused to ponder – what do these thing say about Jesus?
The first recorded encounter of the resurrected triumphant Christ was not a spectacular demonstration of “here I am!” power, but a spectacular demonstration of “there you are!” love, “Why are you crying? Who are you looking for?” – what does that say about Jesus?
Can I encourage you to intentionally take another look at Jesus - ponder the real Jesus who is “the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.” BUT who also cares for the little things, chooses unlikely people, challenges attitudes, has His eyes fixed on the Mission of God and approaches people where they are, asking “Who are you looking for?” |
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Written by Mark Madavan
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It was rather embarrassing. Without warning the speaker on the stage asked the audience of around 400 people to give me a round of applause – which they did. The embarrassment was not due to me being “ever so humble” wanting to deflect people’s thanks, but because I had not actually done anything! I hadn’t been part of the team who spent months planning the event, or part of the mini-army who garnished the conference facility with welcome treats of chocolates and balloons. Neither had I been part of the crew who were stewarding or skilfully managing the sound, video and visuals, nor was I one of the people who stood on stage welcoming, leading, sharing or teaching. The truth was I was there as “Cathy’s husband” and all I had been doing was attending sessions, eating and sleeping – whilst Cathy memorised scripts, hosted the event and juggled an ever-changing programme. It was rather embarrassing to receive honour while others worked.
Wind the clock back to my college years and I encountered a similar but very different experience. On that occasion I was part of a team of four people who had been asked by a college lecturer to plan and oversee a large multi-site presentation. This involved a cast of over a hundred people and was to be performed in front of almost a thousand people in total. The team of four were responsible for everything: content, choir, scripts, song choice, publicity, props, technical, tickets - everything. For weeks it felt like our every waking hour was filled to capacity trying to ensure details were not missed, scripts and songs were learnt and rehearsed, that everything was in place.
The weekend came and all went brilliantly. The team and cast were fantastic. Then at the end of the final performance, the Principal of the College took centre stage and gushed praise and honour over the performance, but he wanted to honour one person in particular – the lecturer (the one who did nothing!). I will confess my thoughts and feelings were not of honour at that moment.
I reckon many of us forget the power of encouragement and praise. The truth is encouragement has the power to spur people on to greater things (as seen in last summer’s Olympics), it acknowledges and gives value to people’s sacrifice and effort, it states to all around you have been noticed doing something of worth, it says keep going, you are doing a good job, that you matter. Have you ever experienced that?
However when encouragement and praise are not forthcoming, or miss the correct target, the complete inverse message can sometimes be conveyed – that what you do doesn’t matter, has not been noticed, you are wasting your time.
So, lesson one , we all thrive with encouragement – so purposefully encourage people lots and lots – the results will be amazing!
Lesson two. Do it anyway.
I’ve pondered over why I was annoyed by the wrong person being praised. My conclusion was rather sobering. If the main reason I serve, give, sacrifice, etc., is so that I might receive praise, then I am missing the point. The point is that Jesus calls us to follow him and to live differently, not to cause people to notice us, but as a response to all that Jesus has done for me. Of course we all like and need encouragement, and it is great when we receive it, but even when encouragement is thin on the ground, we are called to serve, give, sacrifice, anyway – because of Jesus.
(A little additional point – actually a big additional point. The Bible says that God sees what we do; He never misses a kind act, a sacrificial choice, a generous gesture. God sees and notices even when others don’t – so be encouraged!)
Imagine – if we were all to apply these two lessons: to encourage (the right people!) and to ‘do it anyway’ (serve) how much more of God’s blessing would we see around us.
Go on – do it anyway! |
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Written by Mark Madavan
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Memory is a strange thing. Events and feelings that we thought would never be forgotten fade or disappear, whilst trivial things pop up and stick in our minds for no comprehendible reason. Other memories mysteriously get re-worked or amplified in our head, often in direct proportion to the level of embarrassment or pride we encountered in that memory. We also find ourselves passionately convinced on the accuracy of our version of events, even in the face of multiple people insisting a different thing actually occurred – all of us think our personal recollection is “what really happened!” Then there are old photo albums and videos clearly featuring us on holiday or at parties with people we are positive we have never even met! Memory is a strange thing.
This year the Madavan family will be encountering an extra portion of memory plundering moments. In the Spring comes our 10th anniversary of being a part of Locks Heath Free Church, in June someone in the household hits the big 4-0 (no not me… kind of you to immediately think that of me…but the significant birthday relates to the attractive one in the relationship!), in September Cathy and I celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary and this year also sees us enjoying the delights of two teenagers in the house, with one of them hitting the scary age of 16.
“How did that happen?”, “Where did the time go?”, “It only seems like yesterday…” and a load more questions will flow, and should flow. It is important not to be so engrossed with the “now”, or what we have to do next, that we overlook what has been. We must not skim over too quickly great experiences, achievements, special moments and life lessons, challenges conquered, difficulties dealt with and opposition overcome – all need to be remembered and celebrated. Not to live in “the good old days” or “the bad old days”, but to help inspire, encourage, excite and equip us for the adventure still to come.
In Exodus 13 to 15 we read a fascinating account. The Hebrews, recently freed from slavery, find themselves being pursued by a rather angry Egyptian army. Added to their terror the Hebrews discovered before them was the expansive Red Sea preventing escape. God, understanding that they didn’t have time to build an ark, provides an emergency exit by parting the Red Sea. The Hebrews scurry through, the Egyptian army try to take advantage of this temporary road, but the Red Sea returns and the angry Egyptian army doesn’t do so well. The Hebrews obviously celebrate. But here is the thing I want to highlight - three days after this incredible God intervention the Hebrews start moaning and complaining and questioning if God is really with them.
Memory is a strange thing - events and feelings that we thought would never be forgotten fade or disappear.
We probably don’t have experiences quite as big as the Red Sea parting, however there are many occasions when God has stepped in, spoke, brought wisdom, clarity, provision, comfort, insight, encouragement, wonder, awe – that we need to remember. Part of following “The Way” (John 14:6, Isaiah 30:21, Jeremiah 6:16) is about remembering what God has done. Not to live in “the good old days” or “the bad old days”, but to help inspire, encourage, excite and equip us for the adventure still to come.
As we move further into 2013 can I encourage us all, as a church, small groups and individuals to remember what God has done, to celebrate and to keep moving, growing, following the Way. |
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Written by Mark Madavan
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I guess it did what it was designed to do – to stick in my mind. It did, but probably not how it was intended. In the run up to Christmas the supermarket Morrisons ran a TV advert that followed the experiences of a Mum preparing for Christmas. It began with her waking up to Christmas songs on the radio, discovering Christmas was everywhere on TV, the need to sort out decorations, the Christmas tree, writing Christmas cards to people she once met on holiday years and years ago (and not really remembering why!), children’s nativities – wondering why her child didn’t get a more significant role, but still feeling emotional watching her little shepherd… then there is the food and the annual wrestle “woman against bird” and they all arrive: helper who don’t know where anything is, discovering there aren’t enough serviette rings, candles, hands, time… and finally admitting it is hard work! But then she concludes, “But it is Christmas, and I wouldn’t have it any other way!”
Really?
I think most people can relate to some aspects of this Mum’s Christmas tale – which is why Morrisons’ thought it was a good idea – but I am not convinced people end on the same conclusion. “I wouldn’t have it any other way!”
I reckon many people would like it another way. Only a few days after Christmas millions of people make New Year’s resolutions wanting things to be another way – to eat less, exercise more, spend less, love more, do Christmas differently next year! Many people widen their hopes beyond themselves wanting to see a difference in other people too: other people caring for their neighbours, stand up against injustice, caring for the poor and needy as much as people care for themselves – basically we would like things another way.
How does such change happen? The answer is not to try harder – if it was, a million New Year’s resolutions of ages past would have transformed our society and in fact world! Nor is the answer to have a rant and rave “Why do I have to do everything!” – once again if that worked a million households Christmases would have changed!
The answer is much simpler and more difficult. To decide to train for change. To make intentional little changes towards a bigger goal.
In Luke 9:23 Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me, they must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” This doesn’t mean resign yourself to ‘this is how it is’ and suffer in silence (Morrisons' Mum) or to rant and rave at how unfair things are - but to fix our eyes on the one we are following and each day take another step towards Jesus.
I don’t know what Christmas and the New Year have in store – I’m sure we could all make some good guesses – but none of us fully know. My prayer though, is for God to do greater things in and around me, my family, our church, our community, our nation and our world. I want it another way. I also know it won’t “just happen”. I need to decide and follow. When I do that, when you do that, when we do that together, great things begin.
Follow Jesus closely, dream big, be ready.
Have a great Christ-centred Christmas and a God filled New Year. |
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Written by Mark Madavan
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It was an upgrade that needed to happen. In fact it needed to happen the day it was first occupied. This is not a criticism of the time, money and effort invested into the original project, more of recognition of a greater need. However, despite clear inadequacies and shortcomings the upgrade faced delay after delay. But then it happened. We
decided. During the summer our garden pond was going to experience a long overdue extension!
I caught the genetically morphed super goldfish (they live in an algae enriched green soup and we never feed them - yet they live!), relocated them into temporary housing (an algae free water filled crate – the shock hasn’t killed them and felt convinced that we really should start feeding them!), I emptied and removed the pre-form moulded pond thingy that was the heart of our first construction, and I dug. The exact design would undoubtedly develop, but to begin with ‘bigger’ was the only vision. The hole grew and then the rain came. The next day the rain came more. Then some more. (Well it was the summer - what did I expect?) A few weeks later, a less rainy day dawned and the digging resumed, until the rain came again!
Then Cathy suggested that the time was quickly arriving when design rather than digging should take precedence. Good thought I thought, so knowing my limitations (not being able to see well does hinder things) so we drafted in a fellow pond creating enthusiast and he, Cathy and I congregated around the muddy hole, sipping tea and pondering possible plans. Then it rained. A week or so later we were suddenly surprised by a sunny Saturday - precision creation commenced: the hole was shaped, levelled, re-shaped, re-levelled and re-shaped again. We were definitely making progress, it was clearly looking like a planned pond – just some final tweaks, measure and order the pond liner, fit it, fill it, enjoy it. And it rained again.
Meanwhile, some disturbing news hit Facebook. Another vicar in the area had decided to get his pond extended too – pond wars began! Day by day he posted pictures and videos of his pond progression; the digging, shaping, lining, filling, planting and water falling – and after just a week it was done, complete, finished, full of happy fish.
At my house, after a considerably longer duration our pond sat half full of muddy sludgey rainwater (with generous contributions added daily), lacking a liner and due to demands of jobs, family and church, no completion date in the diary.
Should we have started this DIY project in the first place stalked my mind. Even the truth that the victorious vicar’s achievement was only won because he had paid a chunk of money to two experienced pond diggers, who had the tools, time and expertise to complete this task did not totally shake my stalker.
Why am I telling you this tale? Because it is so easy to start something with enthusiasm and passion but then to lose heart because things get difficult or take longer than we had thought or hoped. Not just with extending ponds (or church buildings), but with following Jesus: choosing to be a worshipper, sharing our faith, studying and living God’s values and seeking to bring our best to the place you are serving. Factors like a lack of time, ability, money, support, co-operation, even a lack of good weather can easily gang up and push us to step back and settle into inaction.
This is not a new thing. There is a repeated biblical call and prayer for us to be people who persevere – who keep going. In 2 Thessalonians 3:5 we read “May the Lord direct your heart into God's love and Christ's perseverance.” I know this verse did not have pond extending in mind when it was written and I am not stretching it to do so here, rather it reveals where the reason for perseverance is to be found – in God’s love and Jesus’ perseverance for us. We follow, worship, share, study, serve, keep God first, because God loves us and Jesus did not stop when it came to saving us.
Our pond will get done and it will take longer than I expected. You can make a difference for Jesus in your life and that too may take longer than you expected. The key to both though is actually the same. Perseverance
“May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance.” |
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Written by Mark Madavan
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I waited for a fanfare, flags to wave, a siren to sound, a wisp of weeping or even some gnashing teeth but nothing! It was clearly a significant moment, but as I re-attached my church office keys to my key ring all was quiet. (Okay, maybe a little gnashing of teeth as the bothersome building project demanded a significant amount of time and attention during my sabbatical – see building blog later in the magazine.) We did manage to get out and about a bit though, learning lots by visiting a number of churches and leaders around the country. We also grew in gratitude thanking God for allowing us to be a part of a great church family – we are thankful for LHFC!
However, now that I am back I face a challenge. Many a minister discovers sabbatical is the time when they hear more clearly the whisper of God, and in hearing God sense it is time to move to something new, often a new church. Others immediately get sucked straight back into all that they left behind and all that wasn’t done during their absence – and their diary swiftly implodes with the weight of meetings squashing sabbatical into the black hole of distant memories.
The purpose of a sabbatical is to leave something fallow from normal activities so that when it is used again better productivity, more fruit results – it is not supposed to be a preliminary for moving on or a blip from business as usual.
True, many tasks need to simply start again as usual – it is a job as well as a calling after all. But deeper “why?”, “how?” and “what?” questions need to be asked again. To ponder lessons learnt from how other churches approach areas and issues, to discern where God desires more fruit/growth to occur, to sense what needs more investment and what we need to step away from – we need to ask questions before normal life demands our full attention once more.
The whisper I’m hearing: is God first? All that we do – activities, services, small groups, welcome, worship, pastoral care, community work, evangelism and building projects - need to be approached through this question: is God first?
It’s about our hearts. The journey continues.
Mark Madavan |
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Written by Tim Hancock
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FROM THE OTHER ROOM
I am sure that you have watched the Olympics with amazement and admiration as the winners have won and been rewarded for their years of dedication and commitment. Take Mo Farah, he has been running 120 miles (192 kilometres) a week, that’s 192000 metres, so that he could run 10000 metres and come first. Day after day, week after week, putting one foot in front of the other so that he could cross the line first. It has dominated his priorities, his planning and his personal life and has meant sacrifice and surrender to a cause that is bigger than anything else in his life.
That is true for all of us as well. Most of us will not choose to run 120 miles a week but whatever we make a priority in our lives, we will make time and give effort for. Whether it’s keeping the grass short, connecting with friends on Facebook, playing a round of golf, cleaning the car or keeping up with the latest storyline in your favourite TV show, we will all make time to do it. Sometimes we may not feel like it, but what is most important to us will determine our schedules and our choices.
This year the motto text has been ‘God First’ and as we have progressed through the year together we have had to make a choice to keep focussed and choose to put God first in everything. This has not only been a personal challenge in our marriages, as parents, at school, college, in the workplace but also for us as a community of faith. It is too easy to get distracted by so many things but the challenge continues to confront us, will we put God first in everything.
What has struck me time and time again is that every winner of an Olympic Gold has spoken about all the people who have helped them get to the top step of the podium. Nick Dempsey, who won silver in the Windsurfing competition, had promised to bring a medal home for his 3 year old son, Sir Chris Hoy thanked his team of nutritionist, fitness coach, psychologist and bike builder (to name a few), Mo Farah said, "If it wasn't for the crowd it wouldn't have happened, they give you that lift, that boost, and it was just incredible.”
As you continue to put ‘God First’, remember that you don’t do it alone. If you want to win you need other people, don’t train alone. As we continue to stretch out to follow God’s call to LHFC, as we continue to put God First, we need to be cheering one another on, learning to call on others when we start putting God’s priorities and lifestyle in second place, making sure we make time to worship, for our small group, getting involved with others to serve our community. All of these things will give you more chance to win the prize that God is calling us all to.
I pray that together we will see even greater things, in fact, more than we can imagine as we continue to keep God First.
How about this for a training schedule to keep God First?
‘Hold unswervingly to the hope you profess, for he who promised is faithful.
Consider how you may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,
Don’t give up meeting together
Encourage one another
Do not throw away your confidence.
Persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.’
(Hebrews 10:23-25, 35-36) |
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Written by Tim Hancock
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FROM THE OTHER ROOM
2012 will I think be remembered as a year of stories. We’ve had the Diamond Jubilee celebrations with the story of the last 60 years and the events of the weekend. Very soon the Olympics will be starting and we can recycle the bunting from the Jubilee and the silly hats and the flags and cheer on our athletes to gold medal success. I have no doubt that it will be an amazing spectacle and we will join in the celebration of gold medal winners and gallant losers. There will be inspiring images and stories which will be told for many years to come.
Many of those stories have already been told by the people who have been carrying the Torch around the UK. Along with many celebrities and sporting heroes there have been others who until this moment have not been given any space to tell their story. There was 16-year old Ben Fox from Swindon, who only has one leg and wants to win an Olympic gold in wheelchair basketball in 2016. Then there was Hayley Mowbray, 26, from Cheltenham, who teaches at a school for young people with severe behavioural problems. She has been recognised as having an exceptional ability to inspire others and provide hope when all seems hopeless. Twenty-eight-year old Mark Ormrod lost an arm and both his legs when he stood on a landmine in Afghanistan. He was told he would never walk again, yet two years ago he completed a 3,500 mile charity run across the US. And Louis Gill, at the age of 15, cycled 300 miles on an old bike to raise money for an orphanage in Uganda. His nomination story says, “he represents everything that is good in our teenagers and young people”.
Stories are powerful, inspiring and challenging and have the potential to give hope to others.
That is especially true of stories about how God has transformed a life and the difference that Jesus has made to an individual, a family and a community. God is writing many stories and a few weeks ago we heard some stories from people at the church – you can still hear them on the podcast page of the church website). Stories of small beginnings which have grown into lives that seek to honour Jesus in everything, that desire to put God first. And part of the story is Locks Heath Free Church and the people who are part of the church family. People who serve at Toddlers, Oasis, The Edge, Alpha, in fact at the many activities that form part of the programme, longing that through them people will bump into Jesus and choose to follow Him. And of course, those activities can only happen because a group of people saw a need, raised money for the building we are in now and sacrificed to make it all possible.
I know that there are many more stories still to be written in the lives of many more people in our community and we are the people who can take up the challenge to get them started. At our first Gift Day for the new building we thank God for the £114,000 that was given as well as monthly increases in giving, money that will be the seed for more lives to be impacted by the faith, hope and love of Jesus. It has been released so that more stories will be written, more people served, more lives transformed.
That’s the exciting opportunity we are going to continue to be faced with as we stretch ourselves and see the first sentences begin to be written in the lives of people we don’t even know yet. Stories of forgiveness, new beginnings, marriages restored, addictions overcome, debts repaid, futures redirected. Those are the stories that we get to be a part of as we carry the torch and lift up the name of Jesus and as we move forward to see the dreams of a new building become a reality. God can do more than we can imagine.
There’s a flame to carry, there’s a story to tell, there are lives to be changed. It’s our time, it’s our challenge, it’s our opportunity. Let the stories begin!
‘Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.’ Matthew 5:16 |
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