THE JOURNALIST PHOTOGRAPHER
Before the first lockdown I was carrying the cross in Falmouth where I met a Photo-Journalist Student from Falmouth University who asked if he could do a photo study of me “at work”. Recently the student followed me at a distance capturing natural images of carrying the cross and talking and praying with those I met in Falmouth’s Main Street. The student and I have become good friends and it would seem that his own faith journey with Jesus has deepened through doing this project. May God use this for His glory!
EVANGOBUSKING
Every week friends from our church have got out into Redruth town centre singing worship songs and talking with passers by about Jesus. Each time we have been able to meet people who have wanted to pray with us; some praying prayers of commitment.
THE NAUGHTY BOYS GROUP
Some of those contacted on the streets have gone on to attend our group that we have jokingly called the “Naughty Boys” group. We have been meeting for the last few years and it has been a place of welcome, especially for those who have faced rejection and abuse in the past or have suffered with drug,alcohol or mental issues. During the lock down we met in the open at Gwennap Pit, a local heritage site where John Wesley once preached to thousands.
Recently girls have started to come along as well and we have seen a genuine fellowship develop with those attending sharing at depth with each other. Many have been to ‘Hell and back’ prior to meeting Jesus . I find myself learning from their real love and openness. We have recently renamed ourselves “The Band of Brothers” or “The Glory Boys” which more represents what God is doing amongst us. Jesus himself also attended a “Naughty Boys/Girls” group and the religious of his day were very critical of him doing so.
Polite, respectable “fellowship” can be very boring , facile and judgemental and it is no wonder that Jesus preferred the company of ‘notorious sinners’ where there was probably more realness and honesty. All we do at the group is to simply pray for each other and then study a portion of scripture and discuss how we can apply it to our lives. I guess it is like a Recovery Group with Jesus being our “Higher Power”. Fortunately the government are continuing to allow such Recovery groups to run during lockdown and this is literally a ‘Godsend’ as the group have told me that the meeting acts as an uplift to help them face another week.
CHURCH ON THE STREETS
Every Friday a growing number from different churches have been praying for an hour on the Engine House Live Stream and then have gone out as a team to different towns to evangelise on the streets. So far we have been to Penzance, Redruth and Bodmin. Bodmin was arranged as a result of an invitation from local Pastors .There were 17 of us altogether who spread out in every direction. The public must have thought there were Christians everywhere!!
Our goal is visit every town in Cornwall and , where possible , to work alongside local Pastors with the hope that they will encourage their members to join us. I have a vision to see mass gatherings of Christians worshipping and sharing testimony in the centres of Cornish towns. No more Church hidden behind walls!
TWO BY TWO
During the present lock down it has been pointed out that it is legal to go for a walk outside with one other person. Why not make it a prayer walk with a friend? The idea is taking off with many individual arrangements being made between friends to walk their particular area. Schools, The Police, Housing Estates, Businesses etc are being prayed for. We are encouraging Prayer Walkers to stop anyone they meet on route to offer to pray for them.
Exciting reports are coming back of God-given opportunities to pray and share the gospel or our faith-story with people. Have been out twice now and on both occasions have met people with whom I could talk. Yesterday, I walked with a leader from the local Baptist church and we ended up talking at length with a young intelligent Romanian man, challenging him to give his heart to Jesus. We then met a woman who quickly opened up about her own background and showed particular interest in coming to the ‘naughty girls group’, joking that she more than qualified to come to the group!!
This 2×2 prayer walking is nothing new. Jesus sent his disciples out 2×2 and they came back equally as excited!
MY STORY
This Saturday will be the eighth Christian I have had the privilege of interviewing on “MY STORY” which goes out on Engine House Face book. The hour long ‘Michael Parkinson style’ televised interview gives people a chance to share their story and to recount their journey to faith in Jesus. Many of the stories have included painful and distressing situations but it would be hard not to be deeply moved by each of the powerful, life transforming stories. If you want to hear stories of Jesus encountering people today you must listen to MY STORY. It’s on Engine House Church Redruth Facebook or via YouTube. Watch live once a fortnight or even watch past stories . It will build up your faith!
PERSONAL NEWS
My wife, Catherine broke her wrist at school showing pupils how to (or how not to) exit a trampoline. The wrist required a rod to be inserted to aid healing and this got infected a few times causing much pain . She’s been through the wars but is now back part time at school.
My son Seth and his partner Liz who live in Australia, had a baby boy recently. Ishmael , my other son now lives with his mother and is still recovering from Covid. It has left him with what is now called “Long Covid” affecting his lungs and giving him post viral fatigue. Natalia, my eldest is trying to find new rented accommodation as her landlady has served notice on her. She has two boys and finding a new place in present times is proving to be difficult. She is cheerful and trusting God for the right place. Layla my youngest is back from Australia and is now working as a Teaching Assistant in Catherine’s school.
By next Easter I will have been married to Catherine for 2years. Am so happy and despite the on-going chest and fatigue issues , God has strengthened me to keep going carrying the cross and I am so grateful that he has protected me from Covid. (Catherine always tells me off for getting too close to people. I get so excited, I forget to distance myself!!)
Once again I send all my love to you all in Jesus and my appreciation for all the support both in prayer and in finance that so many have given over the years. May God truly bless you!! Lindsay