Thanks for praying

I mentioned in the service last night the need for prayer for one of my family in Sri-Lanka - Beven Benjamin - the son of Keith Benjamin.

Keith is my cousin but considers me a brother - relationships are like that in Sri-Lanka. He is a pastor of a church out there.

Beven is 9 years old.

I've spoken to them both this morning - there is a need to further investigate two lumps on his head near the ear and eye, there is a possibility of very bad news and a real possibility of very good news.

One outcome might be that the right treatment will be performed best in South India and the family are looking into that now.

Thanks for praying

UPDATE 15:30 - just heard by email that both parents and Beven will fly to India tomorrow. Not sure what that means.

New start

We often talk about how September feels like a new year - new start in many ways. This year in particular I am aware of people starting new jobs, new courses, new schools and new things.

I recently re-read this poem by Ted Loader and it seemed to capture the moment.

I love the phrase 'tremble on the edge of a maybe', I believe God is there with me when I tremble like that.

“I Tremble on the Edge of a Maybe”

O God of beginnings, as your Spirit moved over the face of the deep on the first day of creation,

move with me now in my time of beginnings,

when the air is rain-washed, the bloom is on the bush, and the world seems fresh and full of possibilities, and I feel ready and full.

I tremble on the edge of a maybe, a first time, a new thing, a tentative start,

and the wonder of it lays its finger on my lips.

In silence, Lord, I share now my eagerness, and my uneasiness about this something different I would be or do;

and I listen for your leading to help me separate the light from the darkness in the change I seek to shape and which is shaping me. Amen.

Alpha Starts on 18th September

Alpha starts again in a few weeks' time. It is a fantastic opportunity to explore the big questions of life in a safe and friendly environment. If you're already convinced of the good news about Jesus Christ, then please pray for the right people to come. If you're not sure, we'd be delighted for you to join us. Contact us by e-mail at alpha@chichesterbaptist.org.uk or phone on (01243) 782582.

Interest in religion is alive and well

Amazon reports that in the last three years sales in the 'religion' category – whether the books argue for or against religion – have climbed by 50 per cent. The increase outstrips growth in all other categories. Anti-religious titles The God Delusion and God is Not Great were the top sellers, leaving Pope Benedict’s Jesus of Nazareth to uphold faith in third position. The Dawkins Delusion, Alister McGrath’s counter-blast to The God Delusion, has also done well.

http://www.churchtimes.co.uk/content.asp?id=43289

So people are thinking and reading about these things. That should encourage us in our prayers for the next Alpha course.

A final word from John Stott

Wasn't it fitting that 87-year old John Stott, in his final address at the Keswick Convention before retiring from public ministry, encouraged his hearers to 'become more like Christ'?

http://www.churchtimes.co.uk/content.asp?id=42531

Our own church aim, that people commit to and become more like Jesus, is as current as it ever was.

Keeping are eyes on Him

I read a great quote today, I was doing some early thinking for a sermon subject I have later in the summer about 'keeping spiritually fresh' and came across this thought by Spurgeon.

It is to do with keeping our eyes on Jesus, rather than focusing on feelings or spiritual experience:


'I looked at Christ and the dove of peace flew into my heart; I looked at the dove and it flew away.'

Lots of answers to prayer

I felt that there were lots of answers to prayer in the church meeting last night. If any of you weren't there you will want to know that the vote for Vic was unanimous.

Good doing church with you all.