For I am not ashamed of the gospel of
Christ for it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who
believes....Romans 1: 16
During the month of August we saw the riots
in the streets of London and other major cities in the UK. My reaction was both
anger and sadness. How could our country have come to this? At first it was thought to be just young
teens but after thousands of arrests it is clear that it was people from every
background and age group.
Our Response as a society
Our response needs to be similar to God’s.
In his fatherhood he brings both wrath/justice and grace/mercy. It is right
that there is punishment but it is more than a justice situation, it also needs
a social change. Every member of society touching the lives of each other
including young people with grace and truth. Fathering a future generation so
that they understand they are loved through the example of discipline and
nurture. What some might call ‘tough-love’.
Our Response as a church
As Jesus’ church we can show his love for
those who are isolated and caught up in anger, rejection and sin. For example,
as we demonstrate the good news of the Kingdom through our care of young people
down our street or in our neighbourhood it will give them a sense that we care
and that therefore our God must care. We can meet the social need. Yet it is
not just a justice and social issue, it is also a moral and spiritual issue.
The only true way change will come is by a change of heart.
The gospel is the answer
Whatever background or generation the good
news of Jesus can deliver people from within through the mercy and power of
God. We need to bring that message to the world because in it is deliverance
(that’s literally what salvation means). Through faith in Jesus, God’s
righteous nature is also revealed in us (Romans 1: 17). We are changed from the inside out.
As we live as a Kingdom family we will
reach generations.
Other News about August
• We
thank God for the mission to Kenya this August. Brian, Margaret and Anne caught
up with our friends and contacts. They
also conducted a ‘People Helpers Course’ and there was a very positive response
to this basic counselling training.
• Pray
for Roger who is in Kisumu, Kenya at the moment building the new orphanage.
Natasha Greene is visiting him with a friend at the moment.
• We
thank God for Jason & Joelle and family. The Afriyie’s went to see them
this summer. They are encouraged and have been ministering to people in their
home and have a vision to bring transformation to the area around them. They
also want to use their home as a hospitality base for those visiting
Normandy.
• Thank
God for the Birmingham mission where the young people were encouraged in their
faith. As a result of the mission Rachel has run a youth event which raised £57
for charity and saw three make a commitment to Christ and many more ministered
to.
• Christian
and Kara are continuing to be challenged and encouraged in South Africa on
their year of equipping. They have just been on poverty week where they have
had to live as the homeless and survive on very little for a week. Keep praying
for them as God equips them for His purposes.
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