Tuesday 20 November 2012

Local and Notts so local work

The last week or so has been very varied for our intrepid Nomad team. Following two days at the Explore residential at Whitmoor Lakes, we headed for Nottingham - home city of the delightful team member that is Mr. James Girling. A great night was had with the cage at Cornerstone Church (James' home church) and it was extremely encouraging to see how much God has blessed the work there. It was a blessing to be able to share about our work with James' mates, and to give them a practical demonstration of what we do! Last week, David and James undertook the Football Association Level 1 coaching course in Derby while Erik and Jenna were at work back in Lichfield, where they had the opportunity to go into the CU group at Netherstowe School. Once the whole team was reunited, we were privileged to be able to take 'The Mob' youth group at Wade Street Church (our base when in Lichfield). Various games and challenges took place, which were related to Jesus' Parable of the Lost Sheep. Please pray that God will bless The Mob - we attend it and help out whenever we are around in Lichfield. Yesterday was another busy day, as the team headed into King Edward's School in the town for a full day's lessons. Some great conversations were had around the cage, particularly at lunchtime when around 150 pupils attended the session and created a sensational atmosphere. Pray that God would have sown a seed. The week continues apace with Hub training tomorrow and a day of lessons in Grace Academy, Coventry on Thursday 22nd.

Blessings and thank you all for your ongoing support. God is good.

Joke of the week: Garfield was spotted in Trafalgar Square recently. That really put the cat amongst the pigeons.

Wednesday 7 November 2012

Excellent Exeter, exciting Explore

Nomad continue their frantic pace of bringing the good news relevantly to young people! Last week, after a few days of beneficial Hub training, the team hit the road again. We were bound for Exeter and two days working with the indomitable James Grier who heads up Unlimited Church in the city centre. A half-term programme of events took place, which included a youth cafe, a converted double-decker bus, an opec mic night and volleyball, as well as our cage. The vision of Unlimited Church is to reach young people who are unchurched, and they regularly go around the streets of Exeter trying to chat to these young people about God. They also aim to make church more accesible for teenagers and throw off some of the negative shackles and perceptions of 'religion'. Nomad were truly blessed to be able to be a part of this work for a few days, as many young people were reached during the mission. Please pray for James and his wife Liz as they continue this fantastic work, developing existing relationships and nurturing new ones formed over half-term.

While in the sun-kissed (?!) south, we also took the opportunity to go to Plymouth for a day. There, we partnered with Plymouth Christian Centre as they launched their football youth ministry. A large number of new contacts were made around the cage (including getting to know two Nepalese lads who only moved to the UK a month ago). Please pray for the guys at PCC who strive to develop these relationships and integrate these young people into their existing youth work.

Currently, we are assisting Sarah Hockley, Nathan Iles, Steve Bownds and Tom Soar in leading seminars at the Explore residential at Whitemoor Lakes, near Lichfield. Over 100 Year 7 pupils from schools around the Midlands are at the residential doing various activities. As YFC, we are responsible for roadshows in which they hear a Christian perspective on issues like money and dealing with emotions.

Thanks again for your prayers. James 5v16

Joke of the week: Nobody was expecting our local library to start growing vegetables. What a turnip for the books!