Wednesday 28th December - Term I Testimonies

Long it has been since I sat down and brought to mind the wealth of blessings God has been pouring out. I’ve missed not intentionally spending  the time to remember the testimonies of this past season, and since I learn through writing I think this lack of discipline has resulted in a lack of awareness of how blessed life is. Just this morning I began to remember some of the glorious moments and it was wonderful to remember many sweet sweet times. Here’s a New Years feast for you all of the Lord’s work in Nottingham.

Church

The provision God has given me through Saviours church has been wonderful. A few of the leadership team spent 3days in October up in Sheffield at a ‘Learning Community’, this is essentially a 6month appraisal for churches. It provided some great space for me to learn about the church, where they had come from and where there vision lay moving forwards. Our goals centred around having fun and spreading the joy more frivolously.

I was keen that we each recognise an area where we naturally meet people that we can be salt and light in. My place of peace has been a Jamaican run cafe in the centre of the Meadows. The church going couple who run it are wonderfully sweet and provide a welcoming place to many folk in the area. One week, having met the local counsellor in there and walked back to church I felt a prompting to go back and offer the couple prayer.

When I arrived back the place had got a lot busier than when I left some 10minutes ago so the couple welcomed prayer, but after serving their customers. This was fine because whilst they were doing that just about everyone in the cafe requested prayer for themselves or a family member. Gladly I released destiny on children, provision on parents and healing on grandparents. The only lady not to receive prayer shared with me how her being able to walk was down to God and the prayers of other folk at Saviours. It was a beautiful afternoon. I proceeded to pray for the couple and bless their work and ministry.

In December the leadership team went through the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator which I found really helpful. Going into it I was reluctant to be boxed but the message from the trainer and the heart from Dave and Caroline (vicar and wife) meant it was a really empowering process giving language and understanding to my internal world. I am an INFP, which the more I read and live it’s amazing how much aligns... even the prospective jobs fit with what I’m doing: Teaching, Academia, Musician, Church Work and Writer.

The process has really helped communication throughout the team and a greater value for one another and our differences. This growth in efficient collaboration was put into practice during the run into Christmas with a smooth running Carols by the Fire and Christingle Service. With over 100 folks from the community coming to the two events it was great to see the church community pulling together and blessing our neighbourhood.

Dave is a visionary, so sees what’s next almost before the current has happened so it was fun reflecting on all that’s gone before, thanking God for the good and then setting out a standard for what’s ahead. I’m aware I can walk similarly and see the improvements to be made tomorrow and in doing so miss being thankful for the grace poured out today, hence the importance of testifying here to fuel my fire for worship.

The emerging youth ministry is growing which is exciting. Sophie is laying a great foundation, providing space for encounters and creating her own networks throughout the area. Flare, the 10-14’s drop in youth club on Thursdays has been amazing. We thank God for the small beginnings because here we’ve been able to quickly build deep relationships with the kids. Amidst the shouting, running around and general craziness God has met them beautifully in healing, face to face encounter and spontaneous bible reading.

The kids are unchurched so don’t have a grid for the supernatural but it’s been really sweet seeing their honest reactions to their bodies being healed and their inquisitive questioning about meeting with God. It’s been great championing them, getting them working together and introducing them to Father God. Two regular lads one week began taking it in turns to read out various scriptures spontaneously. They struggled through the weird words but persevered. God’s grace is falling in our midst. He is giving us time as a team to gel together and work out a pattern for the sessions whilst showing up powerfully.6 of the youth from Thursday nights have begun sticking around and joining us at our Home Community that runs half an hour after. They can’t stay for long but its sweet seeing them beginning to integrate with more members of the church body.

Since October the church body has met each week in the vicarage for our first home community. Between 14 and 25 of us bring and share a meal before breaking into groups and discussing that weeks ‘truth and dare’.  This term we’ve been reading through Mark (truth) and then daring each other to do it in the coming week/rest of life. The dares have consisted of resting more and walking in freedom to raising the dead and encountering heaven. We’ve welcomed various visitors through the weeks and one local guy who used to attend as a child is beginning his journey to faith with us.

Each week we finish with communion and prayer time. There has been much joy released at the end of these evenings, with plenty of laughter, healing and life released. Most visitors have been blessed with a good dose of prayer and prophetic input whilst Cheryl, the kid’s worker, was healed of lifelong asthma. Others have been freed from aches and pains and received words of knowledge to alleviate RSI. It’s a wonderful community of disciples learning to walk in authority, sonship and freedom. It’s beautiful to be part of.

The vision is to have a home community on every street in the Meadows, something that the local Salvation Army base seems interested in as well. The first step is to plant into two new homes come the New Year and continue to foster links with the sally army. God is good and continues His reign in the Meadows of Nottingham.


PhD

My PhD in Sustainable Energy Technology has started smoothly and I am all set to submit two review papers when I return to the office in January. Along with my main supervisor, Saffa, the relationship with industry continues to grow, as does relationships throughout the department. My work thus far has been reviewing phase change material (pcm) for application within the built environment. In the next phase I will look to model the materials performance within buildings and its potential performance beyond. I’m enjoying the work and enjoying discovering, playing with excel and applying some kingdom science.

I’ve been reminded afresh that this ministry in the Science and Technology sector is my calling. I love finding avenues to express my creativity and applying analytical solutions at each moment. I’ve enjoyed grasping PCM technology and I look forward to engaging in more debates around the topic. I know God has called me to change the world through the revelations I receive. Being planted where I am provides scope to see that revelation benefit a whole business and in turn society at large. Knowing I have industrial backing gives me the drive to know my research is going somewhere. I’m just beginning to see how powerful this opportunity is! God is faithful.

At times I have found myself wrestling with where it (work) fits with the importance of evangelism. I’m up for preaching on the streets, but I see little fruit. I’m happy sowing seed, but desire to see the harvest. I want to be effective with this earthly time I’ve been given. I need more face time with Jesus, spending time devoted on Him daily. I’m done trying to squeeze in time to fulfil religious responsibilities. I am to freely spread the kingdom naturally, easily, without fear, full of power in constant communion with Him. Whenever fear, anxiety, stress, etc tempt me I’m to fix my attention on Him. So before trying to unearth the distraction I lift my eyes to Him, enjoying Him above all else. He is holy.

Work (PhD) is providing opportunities to disciple the nations. I have prayed for international colleagues and engaged in discussions spreading kingdom thinking that is getting into their theses. It has been amazing to see the times when someone presents their new idea, or big conclusion and I think... yep, that’s kingdom, the tension of comfort and risk that propels invention (invitation and challenge), the importance of freedom channelled in loving service and the necessity to be like a little baby – free to explore. All topics I’ve debated, all my ideas flowing from scripture, revelation and Christian teachings I’ve received. It’s beautiful to see the truth of the Kingdom not only standing up but leading the way in the post graduate research world.

The concept of ‘Kingdom Science’ remains in my heart... what does it look like when God invades? What principles of the Kingdom hold the keys to scientific breakthrough and eternal provision? We are called to steward the resources God has given us, not out of fear of lack but for increase, for blessing for glory – increase that is holistically beneficial – Energy that enables without compromise. We are moving nearer and as I hear tales from the world of TED.com my spirit stirs. Lord, I want to be part of the greatest discovery ever found. For the sake of your name, for freedom, for the sake of the world, burn like a fire in me.

I’ve met some exciting people in this business. People with big ideas, people I’m excited to get around and see what God does. Pray for us.

Girly Adventures

The pull on my heart strings, the star in the east that led me to Nottingham remains radiant. This term has provided exciting times for us to deepen our relationship and enjoy the simple things of life together; meal times, shopping trips, hockey matches, dance shows, worship leading, weekends away, family visits, friends weddings, church together, fashion shows, films, lakeside walks, jazz gigs, surprise picnics, all night prayer, skype calls together, etc. It’s been a real blessing, full of joy and love.

We’re currently working through ‘Defining the Relationship’ dvd series for couples considering marriage. The dvd’s have provoked healthy discussions and provided a platform for prayer and preparation in our relationship. The topics covered ever deepen our understanding, communication and connection with each other. God is good. These times have been great and we both long for more time to invest in our foundation. Pray for us to know Him more and love each other in worshipful response.

Social

Amongst all that I’ve been playing with the University Wind Orchestra, achieving a collective gold award at the National Wind Band Festival, and with Blueshift, a relaxed unauditioned uni jazz band. The wind band stretches my ability and focus whilst Blueshift enables a wonderful opportunity for wild creativity. There is plenty of room for soloing and I’ve even got to jam on drums. Aside from music cycling to and from everywhere keeps me fit along with weekly hockey matches where I’ve scored 12 goals in 9 games.  Collectively these provide wonderful avenues of creativity camaraderie and fun in my life.

In conclusion


I’m now glad to be home, resting. Christmas has been lovely. Having had more contact with my family in the last 3 months then most years at uni, it’s really lovely feeling more connected with them.

This term has been amazing. I know myself more, my strengths and susceptibilities. Nottingham is a great ground for Kingdom living. There have been challenges but each has been overcome. The peace in my heart grows more solid each day. I have found freedom; I am now working out how and where and with whom to express it. Some are hungry, others sceptical, but each way round love is growing.

In the new year I will move house, planting myself in the heart of the church community, living with Ste and Sophie, neighbours to Dave and Caroline. I look forward to learning from the grace on their lives and letting my grace get on them to. Laura, Brillo, Ben and Esther has been incredible. Their constant love, welcome and hospitality have made this term and my initial move north possible. God, continue to reign in their house, in their lives and fill them with ever increasing fullness. Bless them abundantly. Amen.

Financially I am faithfully secure. God provided paperwork for a CDL to cover tuition fees the day before they were requested and some work as a Physic Tutor. Abundant funding has to been forthcoming yet I know the Lord has a marvellous plan. My parents faithfully support me on this adventure yet I long for the day to repay them their sacrifice. I pray He would teach me what I am to learn in this season and lead me to His river of provision in time.

When I committed to coming to Nottingham I believed the Lord for ‘the perfect place for me’. It was love that drew me here but I knew God had a plan for my being here. He is fulfilling His word. God is faithful.

Wherever you are, whatever you’re believing the Lord for, receive it by faith. He has a mighty destiny and call on your life. Walk in the assurance, security and significance of being His son. Let the power of God flow from you and bless all those around you. You are mighty.

Arise, shine for your light has come.

In Love,

Praise

The Gospel

What’s the hope? Love, peace, joy, righteousness, blessing in this life and everlasting - through Jesus Christ.

What’s the problem? Shame, fear, depression, idleness, anxiety, etc

What’s the solution? Freedom, forgiveness, boldness, hope, courage, love, etc

What are you going to do? I recommend getting to know Jesus, receiving what He’s brought for you.

Contact me if you want to know more... or go straight to the maker of heaven and earth through prayer... 'Jesus, come and reign as King in my life, Amen'

Blessings,

Thom Praise.

Saturday 1st October

Week II & III

Today the mid autumn heat wave is in full swing and I have my first hockey match in 18months, but push back is at 4.30pm so I thought I’d testify of the Lords work as the anticipation builds. Life is getting busier, which I love. So I’ll run through some of the key areas of life.

St Saviours

God has set me up. When I committed to Nottingham, to be near the one I love, I fully believed God had the perfect place for me. It’s beautiful from this end testifying of such a place that He has carved for me. The church family is wonderful. They’ve looked after me so well and set me up for success. I have joined the staff team volunteering one day a week which gives me opportunities to serve and minister as the occasion requires.

Initially I have been taking time to get to know the family, understanding different folks hearts and what calls and gifting they have, then asking God the eternal question, what would you like me to do? The first call seems to be to serve. I have lots of dreams, but whole heartedly recognise the importance of going in low.

There are various testimonies I hear of the grace that God has poured on projects through the blessings of generations moving together – the hearts of fathers and sons collaborating and joining strength. As a son, I love finding fathers with a vision to serve.  St Saviours have that, and whilst Dave, the vicar, maybe a young father he has big vision to bring transformation to an entire region. I like it.

As I write the church is about to begin a new season, shifting the focus from Sunday gatherings to Thursday House Church. This past week I discovered that St Saviours was founded as a house church above a shop some 100+ years ago. This week we’re re-digging the wells and walking in the inheritance laid before us. There will still be space for corporate worship on Sunday’s but through opening up homes the close community is deepening and looks set to multiply, increasing the impact of the gospel through the intimacy of fellowship.

I’ve been impressed at Dave’s ability to follow the Lord’s calling and bring an established church with him. In the body there is wonderful space to pursue your dreams and realise you destiny. In St Saviours God has given me a wonderful family that loves His name, seeks to follow in His ways and honour wholeheartedly His direction. It is a wonderful Apostolic Prophetic community, full of life and blessing. I’m excited to see dreams realised and freedom reigning.

Prayers of course would be gratefully received. There is a great deal of new shoots pushing through. Pray for the success of the vision. Pray for the strength and boldness of the leaders to continue to walk out His word. 

Pray for the family of faithful followers to deepen in relationship and dependency on God and His family. Pray with faith for a Holy Spirit uprising in the Meadows. God is doing a great work in preparing His church, still, I want to see the harvest, that which the body is prepared for.  Lord, give us boldness to dream, see and pray, 

to hear, love and reach out.

University

For the remainder of my weekly days I will be based at the University of Nottingham studying a PhD in Sustainable Energy Technology. Again I believe this to be the perfect place God has set out for me and I live with my eyes open looking to see the space He has provided for me to flourish, release and see blessing in.

This past week was registration week. Ste (a friend from St Saviours who is studying a Masters in the same department) and I spent most of Wednesday on campus, checking out freshers fair and registering for our course. All went smoothly and I now have a pretty student card to last me for the next 3 years. After registering God gave me a wonderful blessing, He enabled me to meet my supervisor after lunch.

It was a casual meeting where my supervisor shared some of his expectations for me, all of which I loved, and suggested some potential research areas. We’ll meet again next week to nail down the specific area and formalise some of the paperwork. I know it will require me to work hard, but I’m relishing the opportunity. I’m excited to work for him.

It seems God has positioned me again under an excellent father. He is a leader in his field with a real heart to invest in his students and see them succeed. He shared various testimonies of students who have gone before me and achieved great things. As he shared I felt a whole side of me begin to bristle inside. This feels like the right place to bring my strength, the ingenuity and innovation God has given me.

Do pray for an abundance of favour and breakthrough. Pray for kingdom science to reign in the halls of Nottingham University and God to be glorified as the world is blessed through the innovations that come. Pray for simple brilliance. The key breakthroughs feel an arm’s length away and the collective context of University and Church seem to be providing beautiful vehicles for their manifestation.

On Thursday Ste and I spent some time soaking and storming, waiting on the Lord and brain storming together. We both have a heart to bring innovative energy solutions that bring communities together, demonstrating the kingdom at every level. Quite what the time scale and process will look like we will discover as this year goes by, but the initial set up of people in the right place has begun.

Hockey

I’m keen that my time in Nottingham isn’t just consumed by work, exciting work, but work none the less. I want to model good boundaries, working hard in the hours set aside for that, but resting well also. Hockey looks to be an exciting place to come and rest. This past week was my first week training and it was fun to run about with a stick for the first time in over a year. I met some great guys in the club and even managed to wangle my way into a team for today – which is where the excitement really begins. I’ve missed playing in competitive sports matches, the team spirit and camaraderie; it’s going to be good.

In the next few weeks I’ll discover how much of the university social life becomes a part of my weekly rhythm, but from first outlook I don’t think it will play a large part of my life. I feel like I’ve moved on a little from my undergraduate days and campus life doesn’t seem as attractive. My mission focus appears to be partnering with the church more than the CU I think. The Jazz Band seems to clash with the Youth club and I’d rather play hockey for a club than the uni. But I’m open to God widening my heart and shifting my diary to get me where He wants me.

Bridgford Home

The space at home God has given me through a family in Saviours has been a massive blessing. It’s a wonderful place to come back and be in. The family are wonderfully relaxed and hospitable. They’re also amazing cooks so I’ve eaten well every day since being here.

I have an attic room which also enables me to take time for myself when needed. There’s a beautiful bike shed where my blue falcon slots in perfectly and with grown children there’s wonderful freedom to come and go at any time of night. I feel well loved and looked after. God has blessed me up well.

Moving Lady

The biggest shift in the last two weeks has been the arrival of my gorgeous girl friend from her European adventures. She moved up to Nottingham 10days ago and we’ve seen each other every day but yesterday. It’s been a wonderful blessing having such a powerful woman of God so close in my life. After a year 5000miles apart 2.86miles feels like next door. There was a moment when it crossed our breath to utter of ‘the long walk home’, but we soon remembered the context and praised God that we were even walking home together.

The times together have already been littered with beautiful memories, surprise visits and extended coffee breaks, long goodbyes and regular rendez-vous’. Tonight begins another romantic adventure.

Teaching

I didn’t know where to fit it in, but testimony of a lovely time just over a week ago now. Ste, Sophie and I were having some prayer time in their prayer room. God loosed my tongue. I felt a new permission to prophesy and use that freely, to look from His perspective in all situations.  I’m excited to grow in crazy faith declarations as well. I want to know God more, to understand His ways, to recognise His glory on the earth, to partner His moment by moment utterance with the revelation of the ages. I’ve just begun reading Momentum by Bill and Eric Johnson, good stuff.

Also I received some further revelation from that prayer time about the joy of letting go. There is a song by Laura Hackett called Lowest Place. It’s awesome and so true. Great freedom is ours when we let everything go. These past two weeks, when feeling a little stressed or uncertain, choosing to lay back and hand the scenario over to Jesus. He brings peace that passes understanding. But the specific revelation of 8days ago was the letting go of reputation. It seems obvious, but there is so much freedom when you let go of your reputation, when you stop trying to live up to what you think people think of you, when you allow yourself to relax and be. Freely express who you are, free from ‘should do’s’ alive to living from His heart.

Take hold of your freedom and walk it out.

The other key teaching God seems to be leading me to surrounds eating and drinking Him. Is 55, John 6, John 4 and Rev 7v15-17. Feast on Him and you’ll never thirst again. He is the desire of all nations. There is the importance in our life to fill our time feasting on Jesus. Without this time in our lives our hearts will yearn for satisfaction in futile places. As Solomon found, fulfilment is only found in worshipping God. God is the fullness of joy, of peace, of righteousness, all that our heart desires and finds glimpses of on earth will ultimately be fully found in Him. Delight yourself in His ways, in His word, in His name. He is the wellspring of life. Come drink. J

So there we go. Life is well. Doors are opening before me. God has positioned me beautifully. I’m excited to shine for Him in all the glory He has bestowed upon me.

Keep walking in faith. Hold on for His timing. Desire face-time with our King and let His fruit permeate your everything.

In righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit,

Thom Praise.

Saturday 17th September

Week I

Wow wow wow. So we’re reaching the end of a long summer. One filled with love and joy. At times it’s been hard, waiting to really get stuck in, but wanting to hold onto the community life that blessed me at Bethel. God has led me to people of faith and opened beautiful doors of community. Finally though, after all the waiting, I’m in Nottingham. It feels entirely surreal, and so I life each day by faith, asking God what’s next and what the vision is for that day. Almost one week in it’s already proved to be full of blessings.

Tuesday:

Father and I set off from Maidenhead around 1pm and made it to my new home not long after 3pm. My new parents, Brillo and Laura were very welcoming. After being introduced to Ben and Ester, my new siblings we all joined efforts and unpacked the car in super speed time. I have moved into Josh’s, their eldest son’s, old room.

Ester kindly showed my father and I round the area showing us the church where I’m going to be based for the foreseeable future and some of the necessary shopping sights of the area. After which my father set off home again and I began to unpack.

After dinner Brillo went off to a PCC meeting leaving Laura and I to begin our musical adventure together. Jazz and folk were the genres of flavour and after welcoming the rest of the family home with a night cap we all headed for bed.

Wednesday:

Wednesday began early as I made it late to the Office Morning Prayer Meeting. It was a fun way to be thrown into the middle of meeting people as we prayed for the work of the local and networked churches. The folks I met are great, their hearts are so warm: Sam, a retired member of the church, an active handiman keeping the building in order and Cheryl, the office boss, an active member of the congregation and a dab had on the administration front.

From there the day got gently busy, after the prayer meeting Caroline and I popped round to the vicarage to chat with Dave. Then to the Church Office to get some paper work filled in, then a brief walk about the parish to grab a bite of lunch. It was fun walking the streets and getting a feel for the area. I’m looking forward to building relationships with the various shop owners and seeing prosperity come to the Precinct. Pray for a Caribbean couple and crazy abundance in their sandwich shop.

Lunch was spent back at the vicarage, playing with Dave and Caroline’s 18month old son Eli and finding out more of different folks stories that came to establish the vicarage community. I’m looking forward to getting to know all the folks more, learning their stories and discovering their dreams. The vicarage is currently occupied by two families, Dave (vicar) and Caroline and their two sons, Daniel and Elias, and Tom and Steph and their children, Eve and Toby. Amongst them their cultivating a wonderful context from which the strong community spirit in the church flows.

Next door live Ste and Sophie. Sophie is the new youth pioneer, establishing the youth work from conception. Ste is about to start a masters in the same field I’ll be starting a PhD, so it seems the Lord has set us up for something significant.

In the afternoon I ventured into town exploring various sites and getting a feel for the area – The station first, then Post Office and finally some Ice Cream in the City Square. The whole place seemed quite glum, though as you engaged with folks there was a real innocent joy at helping a stranger.

From the centre I followed my nose home via the suspension bridge cycle path and a back alley where a blown down fence provided the perfect cut through to home. Back in West Bridgeford it was time to get acquainted with another part of town so I walked down the town centre and through the local park. The place was full of life with schools just out on a sunny autumn afternoon. Children were busy playing in the park and mums shopping.

As I arrived home Ste and Sophie were picking up tents for the night and so I decided to commit to coming and camping with the other church leaders for the night. There was a mysterious conference happening past Cambridge on Thursday so after dinner we packed up the car and set off south. The journey provided a wonderful opportunity to get to each share our stories and get a feel for the dreams and plans of the couple. I look forward to spending many more times with them and getting to know them all the more. All three of us have a big heart for the presence so have decided to meet regularly and simply pursue God together. Looks like good times ahead. Hallelujah.

Thursday:

The conference turned out to be based in a little village called Moggerhanger and had all sorts of history with Wilberforce and the abolition movement. Having received some prophecies about carrying a similar flame of justice this excited me. Also the whole message of the day seemed to tie into my two life visions, to father nations and be a global problem solver.

The day was split into three sections, three speakers from three generations each talking about the  Millennial generation (20and30’s) and the future of the church. It was an insightful time and the core themes centred around the need for fathers coupled with believers walking out the kingdom, living life with Jesus as King. The middle generation speaker, Wolfgang, also spoke about some fresh revelation that is bubbling away in the Sustainable energy field which grabbed my attention, so I connected with him and look forward to discovering more of what the Lord has for the future of Kingdom Science.

Before all the speakers had come there was a time of waiting on the Lord and laying down our agenda’s. It was a really powerful time, the challenge to worship God with Isaac and a knife, rather than simply singing songs, come and lay down that which appears to be the promise from God. Commit it back to Him and watch Him provide the ram. He is faithful. There was a real call to lay down reputation as well. It was a good time.

There was also discussion around the shaking that’s occurring in the nations and there was an overwhelming affirming that the shaking should continue until there is no foundation but Christ. But I would like to encourage us all instead to pray for mercy. Let’s pray that God would bring about the same outcome, People turning to Christ, without having to lose everything in their life to do so. I want to be a blessing to my nation, to usher in the Kingdom of a good God. Therefore let’s trust the judgement with God and pray for merciful salvation to spring up all around.

Never the less it was great to be part of a group that is searching for answers. One of the speakers mentioned how much of his talk contained simple answers, but the clever bit is learning to ask the right questions. This is true throughout life. Principles are true in context, but questions are true in every context and ultimately lead us to the correct principle for that context.

Towards the end they also encouraged us to pray for a widespread and simultaneous move of God on the 25^th of September. It will be 40years after a certain church meeting where it was decided to keep the Holy Spirit in the church, after 40years in the desert it’s now time to pray for the Spirit to fall on all flesh. Get ready for the joy explosion.

The final moments of the conference was given over to prayer for family lines and a few prophetic words. This was good. Before heading all the way home we stopped in for a fine curry, and with it more opportunities to enjoy fellowship with my new found family. Finally though, after two busy days I was back home and ready for a good night’s sleep, my spirit buzzing from the fresh feast of the day.

Friday:

A slower start to the day was gratefully welcomed. I asked the Lord early on, what would you like me to do today? His response to pray round the sites where I’d be based, so I set out on a Prayer Ride, from West Bridgeford to the Meadows and onto Uni. I had decided to try and ‘get stuff done’ with the ride as well so popped in to see various secretaries in the University and try and get my registration moving along, but I was faced with disappointment. In hindsight there was little to be disappointed about, but for some reason it hit hard.

One secretary advised me not to register until I had funding, which from her perspective she couldn’t see coming in so I should try and defer entry for a year. I realise the earthly wisdom in this, but I believe God is bigger than logic, never the less this advice hit me hard. I don’t want to defer, I want to see God’s mighty hand of provision come through. So I spent some time by the lake sitting and praying. Everything felt really heavy.

But God is good. Amongst the heaviness I reached out for help, texting old friends to pray for me. Soon after I remembered that on my phone were recorded prophecies so I listened to them. Oh the power of God’s word! A big shift came as I listened to a prayer Shola had prayed over me less than 2 weeks ago, it brought such life and assurance.

My faith was awoken again; the knowledge that despite whatever natural circumstances God has a perfect plan for my life. He is faithful and will bring about His plan. Either He will get me onto this course or set me up for something greater. And so I began praising the Father and making declarations of faith. The shift was awesome. Hallelujah. A prophetic song a bethel friend, Tim, had played over me was then so soothing and the interpretation inspiring. My gaze was set back on heaven.

My confidence was back so I popped in on the Croquet Club and watched the end of the semi finals whilst chatting to a gracious loser. A wonderful warm heart and welcome to a beautiful part of Britain. From there I cycled into town and asked about potential work in a bar that’s based in a converted church before sitting outside and catching up with my parents.

This was wonderful in itself. At the beginning of the summer I’m not sure I would have turned to them in this same way, but God has really brought our whole family closer together. They were great and allowed me to vent all the various stuff that had happened that day and then share the numerous blessings that had also occurred. Dad was great and then offered some simple advice, affirmed who I was and blessed me. It was perfect, thank you Parents.

A brisk cycle home then commenced, complete with a little getting lost, but thanks to some well guided cycle paths I found my way home. Dinner was gleefully consumed before my Nottingham Parents and I cycled across town for Ste and Sophie’s house warming.

Though tired it was lovely engaging in all manner of discussions with local folk and many of their old uni friends. I also got the chance to hear another member of the churches story and stand with her in prayer for continual increase in health. Just before we left there was a wonderful opportunity bantering with some other folk in the church having a good laugh amidst some beautiful romantic stories of how they each got together. Good times deepening the fellowship together.

Saturday:

Today there was the opportunity to go to a local farm to celebrate Sophie’s birthday. Initially I had planned to go but after the down and up of yesterday and a busy three days I decided to keep it relaxed and invest in some personal time with my saviour.

Thanks were given to the various connections that have happened this month as I allowed myself to dream, what might come of each connection. Then prophecies reviewed and added to, updating my prophetic cards and allowing my heart to be marinated in His word. Hebrews was the scripture of the day so hearing of the fathers of faith only strengthened me further.

Now stuff is pinned on the walls, my map of Britain is back up and the continual ‘wakey wakey’ prayer is in full flow. I even managed to construct a display cabinet to house some gifts from my late grandfather, a mark of my spiritual inheritance. All in all, feeling much more settled and established.

My jobs list is cut about in half and we’re ready to approach the second week in town. This time next week Martha will be here with me! How crazy is that! Oh yea, and some other beautifully good news... my wallet has been found! I lost my wallet two weeks ago, and wasn’t fussed for most things, apart from some valuable cuff links from my other late grandfather. Well it turns out the wallet and contents are in a security deposit box in the Home Office. Hallelujah! (This is a total answer to prayer as I said to God, 'I want my cuff links back', the day I lost my wallet) Yey God.

That just about sums up my first week. This adventure certainly looks set to be a little different from Bethel. Where bethel was lots of learning, here it seems lots of life, living out the lessons learnt, walking out family, forming relationships, following Father all the while making sure to keep the life busy-ness balance in check.

One lesson I want to learn is what it the kingdom looks like when moving powerfully in a working class estate. I come from a wonderful middle class family and middle class Christianity. I don’t think it would be right for my idea of successful community transformation to simply be middle class job security. I want to learn from the people what’s on their hearts, what’s inspiring them and what their freedom and Christian walk will look like.

There appears to be a great deal of reaching out to the Meadow’s already. It is right to first capture what God’s heart is for the Meadow’s and then what my role within that is. It’s His Kingdom; I will build as He builds. The idea of street preaching about the available freedom keeps bubbling away, but the timing doesn’t feel right yet. Invest in relationships first, strengthening the covering and accountability. I would like to use prophetic insight to see the gold in people, to open people’s eyes to their destiny and greatness within. But first we love. God give me your heart for your people. Amen.

Whatever you face, whether new or old, let love increase, ask the Lord to increase your capacity to love. Let love cover a multitude of wrongs and praise Him as you grow. He will trust much to those that love much. Love wins.

God bless you mighty warrior,

Praise.