July Project 2010

21st July 2010, posted by Jon Langford

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As the dust settles (quite literally!) on another annual week of community action, I am again thrilled at the privilege of doing this sort of stuff in Jesus' name.

It was amazing to see 20 young people decorating Barnabas House (Alabare's hostel for 9 single women), clearing the allotments (pictured) to be used for Alabare's clients with learning difficulties, and decorating for a disabled couple on the Heath. You all served so willingly, and were an example to us all! So thank you!

And we learnt a lot.  If you were in church on Sunday you'll have heard me talk about Jesus' words in Luke 12:32 that "the Father is pleased to give you the Kingdom", but that this is immediately followed by, "so sell your possessions and give to the poor".  Quite a killer!  Our challenge, as we said at Encounter Sunday night, is to work this out for ourselves. Are we willing to fully follow Jesus on this one? And you know what? Last week it just all made sense. Caring for others is good news.  Lives change. And that's mine I'm talking about, not just those we worked with!

And then Another Big Saturday saw 138 people out in 29 placements - our largest yet! So thanks too to all those who mucked in and made such a difference.  One ABS client told me yesterday she now wants to join us in October on the next ABS!  So the cycle continues!

And so that's it for the summer!  And what a year that was! Highlights include the residentials, some great small groups, some dynamic one to ones, but especially clear will be those who have really made progress in both faith and life in recent months.

Soul Survivor is the next big thing - if you're coming with us you should have all the details by now - please do return your forms asap!

All the youth work returns on Sunday 5th Sept and we look forward to seeing you then!  In the meantime, we're all around on and off, so if you want a coffee, shout!