Mikes Blog

Please pray for the Ripley Methodist Circuit and our neighbours as we all look at the possibility of reshaping for mission. It will involve amalgamation of circuits, with all its worries and anxieties, but with some creative thinking and being prepare to be led by God then there are real possibilities for building the Kingdom of Christ. Please hold our leadership and myself in prayer at this time.

First meeting about Romania tonight; looked at the area (Poiana near Brasov) and heard about the family and church we’re going to support. For further information see  www.standrewsonline.org.uk/romania.shtml   We were given details about the cost, luggage and worst of all what injections we would need !! Anyone who knows me knows that I HATE needles.

We were advised that if anyone offers to help then we need to let them know that we can’t take anything out in our cases, but we can accept money which will be used towards converting a piece of land into a grassed play area for the children of the area.

So much to do while we are there; running a holiday club, speaking to different groups, giving out gifts and much more. it promises to be hard but, I suspect, life challenging. I’m very nervous but looking forward to it.

Ripley Methodists first attempt at Cafe Style Worship went really well tonight. Focusing on the past leading into the future and intertwined with the impending demolition and rebuilding of the Church, there was a very positive feel to the worship. Plenty of tea/coffee and biscuits. It was noticeable that the sweets disappeared fast !!

Please spend a few moments in prayer for those people you know who have lost loved ones, and who are struggling with their grief.

I’ve always believed that God works through other people. Tonight I’ve recieved a phone call from my best man, who I don’t see often enough as we’re too far away, but who had been reading this blog and decided to give me a call for no other reason than to encourage me. isn’t that FABULOUS ?  I think so.

When I asked him 26 years ago to be my best man even I didn’t know or understand then how much of a good friend he was or how much I would need him over the years. Tonight’s phone call has really lifted me and coming on top of a special time of worship at Codnor Chapel where I felt incredibly close to the people has moved me further away from Wednesdays disappointment and hurt.

God is wonderful !!!

Codnor Chapel Coffee Morning. Its been good to be amongst real people; people who seem to have a genuine love for me. We’ve laughed and joked, teased and ate. it’s been good. Couple with a real sense of belonging (!) at Maple Leaf House yesterday where one of the relatives of a resident took me to one side and said “Be yourself, Michael !” That’s encouraging, and none of them know how I’ve been feeling this week or why.

I’m reminded that God works through other people.

Still feeling as though a pigeon has dropped a great deal of doo (not the word I’m thinking of but perhaps one I ought to use !) on my head, but recieved a phone call tonight from someone who knows a bit more of the situation and the characters involved.

He was very encouraging and after 45minutes prayed with me. It meant a lot. We also talked about Rob Frost, and mutual friends like Nigel Fox and Graham Horsley. All in all it was a God given encouragement, and the wonderful thing is that I’ve never met this person before.

Doesn’t God send just the right people at just the right time. And that’s not to denigrate all the wonderful folk who have sent e-mails and called in to see me; ts just to acknowledge that even in the midst of dooGod is at work. Praise Him.

Am I neurotic or what ?  Again today has been an instance of how the Methodist Church can treat its Ministers badly, and yet I`ve got to continue as if nothing has happened. I`ve waited over five months for news about a situation within the Church only to be told today that it no longer applies. The previous five months have affected my thinking, my hopes and dreams for the future, my family situation and yet today’s letter comes with no apology for the change of thinking; just a “this is whats happening, now get on with it !” mentality. I feel seriously gutted and incredibly hurt. It feels as though I`m no more than a resource to be used and discarded at will, and NOT God`s will at that.

And to top it all, who can I tell ? My Church members, a wonderful and beautiful crowd, still need a Minister and I have to be that Minister for them. Inside I`m desperately hurting and yet I have to continue with the day to day things of Ministry. Don`t get me wrong, I love my life here in Ripley, but at times I just want to chuck the whole lot away and disappear.

I know that everyone in the Bible felt like that at times as well. Elijah fleeing in despair after his success on the mountain, Moses not being allowed into the promised land, Peter denying Jesus, Paul and Barnabus having a row………………………………. Everyone of them must have wondered “Is it worth it ?” Thankfully they must have answered “YES” otherwise we wouldn`t be here now, I wouldn`t have been boring you rigid with this drivel, and you would have better things to do.

Lord, help me to see your hand in all this and to find the way forward, `cos its damned hard right now.

Just wanted to record my delight at the resurgence of the best football team in the land, Newcastle United. Ha-way the lads !!!!!!!!

Please hold me in your prayers this week as I have my first ever `double` funeral; Mother and daughter. On the same day and in the same Church I have another funeral, so its going to be a busy week for me.