Revival town!

There is a new thing happening in Reading. The above song is familiar to many of us but revival must start in the church and it should come about as a result of unity. Christians are unifying! The churches are mobilising. God is moving. FAITH is now working in partnership with around 20 churches, although this has not always been the case, as Jim and Paul can testify. Now however, we are moving into a new season and the past must remain behind us as we look to the future. But before we move forward we have to deal with the past.

Recently I shared a word at the weekly RCN prayer breakfast: ‘Like the Children of Israel in Joshua chapter 3, I believe we are standing on the banks of the Jordan. Before we move forward we have to deal with the past: with the wrong attitudes; with the hurt and frustration; with the bitterness. Like the children of Israel we have to look back in order to look forward, then “the Lord will do amazing things among you” – verse 5.’

We are now working in partnership with many of the churches in Reading. Both in the distribution of food parcels and the tea-bar outreach on Sunday afternoons. This is very exciting but now is the time to build on this. We need to get trained and better equipped for what lies ahead. Therefore, we will shortly be running a series of drug awareness training sessions. They will be similar to those held last year but if you have not attended before I would encourage you to do so this time. In addition, we hope to offer further training and support specifically to enhance the partnerships with the churches.

Recently a number of the Christian groups working in social action came together for a day to network and strategise over the future. The launch of ‘Impact Reading’ will enable us to present a united front to Reading as we seek to ‘impact’ the town and bring about revival.

Contrary to popular belief I am not leaving FAITH! I have started a three year degree in theology at Moorlands College in Bournemouth. This is a ‘placement based’ course with the placement being FAITH. This means part of my time will be spent studying in Bournemouth and Reading and part practically outworking this in Reading. As essays and reading are two of my weaker areas - I am going to need a lot of prayer!! See below for the staff developments which have enabled me to take this step of faith! Chris

‘ Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.’ James 1v2–4

On a general note

The last few weeks have been as busy as ever as we launch into yet another harvest time. As usual we have been bowled over by the generosity of schools and churches as the tins have been pouring in. It really is such a joy for us to be invited to a school or church to participate in the service. The sad fact is that sometimes we can be so busy that it all becomes a blur. In some ways it would be good if harvest were over a longer period of time.

The issue of begging in the town centre seems to be coming to a head. As a result of crackdowns in Oxford and other local towns, Reading has been perceived as a soft touch. This has meant that the issue needed to be addressed here. The Government’s statistics are that around 85% of the people begging are doing so to support a drug habit. While this maybe true, our only regret would probably be that more of the groups such as ourselves were not involved in the consultation process. This sadly has meant that we were not aware of the local authority and Police intentions. Begging is often a play on the conscience anyhow, often on the conscience of those who cannot stop and give something far more precious. Something we spoke about in the last issue: L - O - V - E = T - I -M - E!! Nonetheless we will continue working with the council, hopefully to soften the blow and look for other alternatives.

The outreach work is going well and it is encouraging to see more churches catching the vision for the Sunday afternoon work at the ‘Rocks’ (though sadly for those not in Reading ‘the rocks’ are now covered by pink hoardings as the long awaited development of Chatham Street has started). If your church or group has yet to organise a team and sign up there are always vacancies! Please contact Vicky in the office if you are interested.

We are really praying about the future of ‘The Answer’ groups and seeking a new direction. This may involve combining the two groups and offering a lunch in Whitley. Please pray about this and if you are interested in finding out more contact Chris in the office.

‘ But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.’ Romans 3v21–24

Staffing

The only reason Chris was able to take on the theology degree is because we have the staff to take on more hours to compensate. Vicky is now responsible for co-ordinating the delivery and distribution of the food parcels and the rotas for the outreach work. Please pray for her as she takes on these extra responsibilities.

Dave will shortly be standing down from his role with the painting and decorating work. We are currently reviewing this aspect of our ministry and whether it actually fits into the ministry at all - please pray for wisdom for all those concerned in this review, and of course for Dave looking to his future.

With perfect timing Julian has now returned to work, on light duties. His foot still needs treatment but as he has passed his driving test and gained some experience working with computers we will avoid him having to walk around too much. Please do continue to pray for this situation and for healing for his foot.

Thank you for the encouragement over the testimony on Mark we featured last month - this month we have asked Tony to share his story, and Michael comments on his time with FAITH

Tony

This is my Testimony of how Jesus brought me back to God through the 23rd Psalm.

To begin my testimony I must go back 44 years. In 1960, as an 8year old boy, I was sent to boarding school which was run by Roman Catholic nuns. The school was run with a rod of iron, particularly where Religion was concerned. This I found out to my cost on my very first day. It was dinner time and I was placed on the same table as the Master in charge of discipline. He always carried a cane and he used it a lot, as I was about to find out. Unknown to myself, talking before Grace was said was not allowed, and as a result I was given four strokes of the cane.

Another time, two boys were caught doing something wrong and the whole school were called to the assembly hall, where we had to kneel on the hard wooden floor with our hands on our heads and watch as the two boys were given ‘six of the best’. As time went by, there were more and more canings. I came to the conclusion that it was God who was punishing me and I went right off God and Religion forever.

I left school at age 16 and joined the Royal Air Force where for the next 27 years everything went well for me, until the day came when I had to leave, that was in 1993. After that I became depressed and started drinking more and more. Through drink and depression I started to hurt people, not just anyone, but the people I loved and cared about; friends, family, anyone who got in my way. So I ended up in prison in 1997.

Early one cold, gloomy, misty morning in early November, I was sitting on my bed listening to my radio, feeling very sorry for myself, and because it was my first time in jail I was very scared and lonely too. All of a sudden I felt a warm feeling come over me and a voice in my mind telling me to ‘take down your Bible’ (my ex RAF Commanding Officer had sent me the Bible, saying that if I ever felt low to read Psalm 23).

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, For you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23
So, I took down the Bible, turned to Psalm 23 and before I had a chance to read it, a choir on the radio started to sing ‘The Lord is my shepherd’. When that was over, I again started to read it and as I completed it the bell rang for Mass. It was Sunday November 11th, Remembrance Sunday. Again, I felt this warm feeling coming over me and the same voice telling me to go to Mass. So, after 38 years, I attended my first Mass and almost halfway through, much to my surprise, Psalm 23 was read. This was the third time that day, and I knew then that this was Jesus’ way of calling me back to God. After Mass I found Friar James and told him what had happened.

Since that first Mass I have not looked back. In October 2000 I was confirmed into the Roman Catholic Church, I completed the Alpha course and, in 2001, I got my parole and was released from prison. I arrived in Reading and was put up in a Christian hostel, and I still continued to go to Mass every Sunday.

In March 2002, R.E.A.P found me a bed-sit in Shepton House. This is how I came into contact with FAITH. REAP had arranged a food parcel for me and when I opened it, I found a little yellow leaflet saying that if I wanted to talk about what faith in Jesus really means, to contact them. So I did, and was asked to come and meet Chris. When I met Chris he invited me to join the Bible study group, called ‘The Answer’, which I was happy to do, every Thursday afternoon. Also, on Wednesdays I help out in the Drop-in centre/soup kitchen and also help make up food parcels.

So, two years on I have now given my life to God and Jesus. I have forgiven the Nuns and the discipline master, even if I still have a thing about forgiveness (it’s easy to forgive but I cannot forget). In the past I hurt many people, also my friends and family who I hope one day will forgive me too.

I know God and Jesus have forgiven me and through Psalm 23 the Lord Jesus, the Good Shepherd, will keep me on the right path. Tony Moon

Michael

Thank you very much for the privilege it was for me to have worked at the drop in centre for a short time. This work is very rewarding and I was touched by seeing people with such hearts for those in need. I believe that when we are helping the poor, we are making a big difference in society, and this work is very dear to me as I was once in the same position. I am sorry I was unable to give more of my time FAITH, but I was committed to Bracknell in many various ways.
I am now going back to Poland and for the next three years I will be training for the Ministry, and continuing my calling to help the poor and needy.

I would like to stay in touch with you all and my prayers for you are that God will bless all the work that you are doing, and that He will bless you with more people who have the same passion in what you do. Also, that God will bless you personally in all the areas of your life and relationship with Him.
Take care and God bless you. Michal Szymczyk

‘ He who is kind to the poor lends to The LORD, and He will reward him for what he has done’
Proverbs 19 v 17

Stepping Stone Project

The dictionary definition of a Stepping Stone is: ‘a stage in a persons progress towards a goal’. For those new to this ministry this is exactly the purpose and vision of this project. Though at the moment it is just a vision, we have been talking to a Housing Association about the possibility of using one of their properties. It is still a little way off and we are unsure when to expect a decision. Please keep praying, especially that we will find the right place and know God’s timing!

Training

We are running some training sessions to help and equip you to serve the poor and homeless:
11th November Introduction to this ministry
18th November Basic drug awareness
25th November Addiction awareness

The training will be held by Chris Milton (FAITH) and Kevin Woods (Amethyst). It will be held between 5 - 7pm on Thursday evenings at a venue which is yet to be arranged. If you are interested or want to know more please contact us. This will be similar to the training offered last year.

The World Needs Individuals...

...who cannot be bought;
...whose word is their bond;
...who put character above wealth;
...who possess opinions and a will;
...who are larger than their vocations;
...who do not hesitate to take chances;
...who will not lose their individuality in a crowd;
...who will be as honest in small things as in great things;
...who will make no compromise with wrong;
...whose ambitions are not confined to their own selfish desires;
...who will not say they do it “because everybody else does it”
...who are true to their friends through good report and evil report, in adversity as well as prosperity.
...who do not believe that shrewdness, cunning, and hard-headedness are the best qualities for winning success;
...who are not ashamed or afraid to stand for the truth when it is unpopular, who can say “no” with emphasis, although all the rest of the world says “yes.”
Anon.

For your prayers

Please use the pointers below to guide you in your prayers. In addition you may like to join us as we meet regularly at the home of Olive (0118) 957 3575 to pray.

Thank God for....
• the generous people in Reading and surrounding areas who have given so generously this harvest time.
• Dave and his time with us and that in perfect timing Julian was able to step in
• the launch of Impact Reading on 8th October
• the developing partnerships with the churches
• JESUS!

Remember to pray for...
• the Trustees looking to the future and for wisdom
• unity amongst Chris and the staff team as they take on new roles and responsibilities
• Dave looking to his future
• Julian – his future, his finances and healing for his foot.
• the prospect of a Stepping Stone project over the winter time
• the future of our small groups and the prospect of joining them together
• the witness of Impact Reading to our town

‘ But now listen, O Jacob, my servant, Israel, whom I have chosen. This is what the Lord says – he who made you, who formed you in the womb, and who will help you… For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants.’ Isaiah 44v1–3