Highwoods Prayer Room 18 - 20 Jan 2008

There will be a 24-2 Prayer Room at The Ark, Highwoods Methodist Church, Jack Andrews Drive, Highwoods, Colchester

from 7pm Friday 18 January 2008 to 7pm Sunday 20 January 2008.

We need people to book slots to pray in the prayer room. Please book your one hour or longer slot by contacting Daphne Digweed on 01206 523744 or daphne.peter@ntlworld.com

Lakes Hospital Carol Concert

Sarah Steigman and friends sang carols, read accounts of the Christmas story in the Bible and then she shared personal thoughts on what the light of Christmas means to her. Afterwards we were served mince pies and hot drinks. We offered prayers and continued to share personal testimonies with patients.

One woman told us of her spiritual experiences and hearing God through dreams. She told us of a recurring dream in which she is falling, without fear, looking down upon a large hand. Unfortunately she is never able to reach the hand. Both Sarah and I suggested the the 'hand' is of the Father God. The woman agreed and we continued to talk. We ended up praying that she would make a decision to allow herself to fall into the hand.

This all took place on the Friday before Christmas (sorry can't remember the date - every day has become such a blur you know!) I strongly felt there are many people in the Lakes mental health hospital who are hungry for the presence of God and healing of Jesus Christ.

Sarah is continuing to seek God for the future of this developing ministry amongst the community of people there. Please pray for her and if you would like to know more about how you could be involved, get in touch with us at Colchester Boiler Room and we could pass your details on to Sarah.

Many blessings for 2008!!

The Gift at Mersea

I've just come back from Mersea Island where I've visited The Gift at West Mersea Free Church.

It's a really good creative journey into the Christmas story.

I particularly liked (although was moved by!) the part that looked at our brokeness.

I also liked the part that reflected on Jesus being born into a refugee family. And then gave information on the many refugees and Internally Displaced People in the world today.

The Gift really broke open and shed light on the Christmas story for me.

Nice one, Joe and friends at West Mersea Free Church for putting it together and opening it up.

Street Pastors First Night Out

Here are my friends, Norman and Jennie. There were two of 18 Street Pastors who were out on Friday night 11pm - 4am.

And we were backed by many friends in the church who were praying for us.

Thank God He gave us a spirit of boldness to go out. I did feel nervous, because it was the first night out in our Street Pastor uniforms. But I was also really excited and buoyed by having so many friends around me.

During the night we were able to help many different people; we reported a girl who was missing, we stopped a girl getting bullied by her friends, we treated an injured woman and called an ambulance, we encouraged a group who were looking after a distressed woman...

There was one incident of threatened aggression against us. However, that amounted to nothing.

Please continue to pray for the Street Pastors who are out to help people 10pm - 4am on Fridays, and also on Christmas Eve and New Years Eve. Contact admin@colchesterprayernet.co.uk if you would like to be part of the prayer support.

Richard

Street Pastors launched at Mayors Parlour!!

We had an amazing evening on Saturday night. It was the comissioning service for the Colchester Street Pastors. These are Christians who are being sent out on Friday nights to help people and bring the love of Jesus to the streets.

There was prayer and worship in the Mayors parlour, Colchester Town Hall.

And the Mayor (alongside the Police and local church leaders) commissioned the Street Pastors with these words.

"Will you undertake your work as Street Pastors faithfully and to the best of your ability? Will you pray for the work you undertake and for the people with whom you come into contact?"

To which we replied. "With God's help. We will."

Street Pastors go out for their first night on uniformed patrol on Friday 10pm - 4am. And will be out evey Friday night.

If you are interested in being part of prayer support, please contact info@colchesterprayernet.co.uk

West Mersea news and request for help

Here's news from Joe on West Mersea.

I am running an evangelistic event on Mersea for Christmas. It is a Christmas Journey. The church will be laid out in 5 different stations and will be like a maze with dividing walls for each station.

The theme of each station is:
Brokenness - Reflecting on a broken world and us as broken people
Promise - God's promise to fix it all
Gift - God's way of fixing it through the giving of a Gift
Birth - The Gift is His only Son
Hope - The future is bright because of the Birth, death and resurrection of Jesus

Each station will have meditations and hands on practical things to do. People will come and go as they please with hot drinks and cakes being served. It is my hope that people will come and discover the meaning of Christmas in a new, fresh and relevant way.

We are running it on Sunday 16th December from 6.30pm onwards and Monday 17th December from 9am onwards.

When people leave they will get a bag of to take away things they have made during their experience and a DVD. The DVD is called More To Life and has 11 testimonies of people who's lives have been transformed by Jesus. It was made by Viz-A-Viz.

the favours:Could you circulate this for prayer please? I need prayer that practically it will all work. Presentation - that it will look really good. Fruit - That through it many will be drawn closer to Jesus.Also circulate for people to come and experience it for themselves.

I also need to find loads of purple, red and white material to dress the church with. I won't cut it or anything and the people can have it back after the event. Do you know anyone who has anything like that?

God BlessJoe

contact mail@colchesterboilerroom.org.uk if you can help.

Prayer for the Lakes Ministry

The Lakes Ministry will hold a Christmas service at The Lakes psychiatric hospital on Friday 21 December. The Lakes Ministry will be offering prayer to patients and staff at this event.

In preparation people will be praying and fasting for the Lakes Ministry on Thursday 13 and Thursday 20 December.

Support is also needed praying for the Lakes Ministry during the Christmas service, from 2pm to 4pm at the Colchester General Hospital chapel on Friday 21 December.

If you would like to join the prayer support please contact Richard Smith on mail@colchesterboilerroom.org.uk

Colchester at 24-7 UK Network Day

On Saturday Jean, Mike, Katy and I got up too early.

But we were full of excitement because we went to Reading to meet up with other people who do 24-7 Prayer from around the UK. (here's some picture of them...)

It was inspiring to hear stories of how God is leading people to pray and live out their prayers across the UK.

I especially remember stories from Matt and Ali from Cornwall who have an amazing calling to pray and do Chritian community amongst surfer people. And we had an amazing time standing alongside and praying for the pioneers from Reading who are once again stepping forward into 24-7 prayer.

I was very encouraged, again, to share and pray with James. He heads up Boiler Room Community in Egham.

Jean reflected that the most important message she carried away from the day was about community. The need for community. The fact that we are all part of community in some way. And also some trepidation for the young 24-7 communities that are starting.

Mike was again please to be amongst the 24-7 "family" and was encouraged by it. He was also excited to hear of the vision for mission to be led by each local 24-7 prayer community, rather than a central office. And to see this happening already....even in his own life!

There was a time of prayer for the different locations represented, and during this a time of prayer for Colchester. I remember two words being given in particular;

One was a picture of a town surrounded by a wall. And out of gaps in the wall came arrows. And these arrows were very directed and very effective.

Another was a prayer for Essex Men. And a prayer for redemption of Essex Men. That their talents for entrepreneurism, energy, doing new things and telling others would be redeemed and used for God's kingdom.

with excitement,

Richard

Reflection from Stephanie on the Prayer Hearing

Some of us went to a Prayer Hearing on Wednesday 21 November, organised by the Bishop of Barking at a local secondary school.

Sister Stephanie Cardis reports;

"The venue of the school and the context as given by Faith Spinlove gave powerful focus.

The presence of the young people and their willingness to speak brought a new dimension, much valued, to the Prayer Hearings.

And it was great that after their "conversation" they wanted to go on contributing during the plenum."

We then shared our different experiences and practices of prayer together.

The young people shared what they thought God would like to say to us. Some said that they thought God would be pleased with the good things that happen in Colchester. One young man said that he thought God would want us to seek Him wholeheartedly.

We also reflected on what we'd heard from the Prinicipal teacher, prayed for the school and shared our heartfelt desire in prayer.

Highwoods Prayer Room

Big Thanks to the Highwoods youth club crew for hosting our prayer room on Friday night.

It was a "Prayer Room Express" ;) Just open for one and half hours during the youth club. (And we set new records for setting up and taking down a prayer room.)

The prayer room was themed on the five senses; smell, taste, touch, sight and sound. And included a prayer jukebox, and a tent filled with the fragrance of Frankincense.

The young people were keen to have a look around. And all respected the prayer room by removing their shoes to come in.

I am praying this experience will encourage them and their friends to engage with a 24/2 prayer room happening on at Ark Methodist on Highwoods 18-20 January 2008.

love Richard

First fruits...in Colchester!

This morning, I had the privilege of praying with some friends of mine at the Out 4 Good Project house in Colchester.

This is a house for young men who are recently out of prison, who want to live a life free of drugs and crime.

There is a growing support network of people from the church in Colchester who will support these young men in their brave walk.

And the house has just opened this week!

It's so exciting to see how God is providing through His servants and through us, the church!

We read from James and prayed together.

I was touched by this passage from James 1: 16 - 17;

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of heavenly lights, who does not change like the shifting shadows.
He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.

It's wonderful to see the firstfruits that God produces in our obedient lives.

Out 4 Good is a pilot project that will be rolled out to other towns in the UK, if it's successful here. What other first fruits can you see in Colchester?

Richard

A moment in school...

Here's a report from a friend of ours who teaches in a school in Colchester.

My least favourite time in school of the week is Wednesday break when I am on duty in the social areas.

These rooms are part of the only building left standing from when we held holiday clubs in the school. Added to that, of course this week we have the GSUS live bus parked just behind the building.

This morning I went on duty and for the first time it was fairly calm. So, I (probably to be honest for the first time outside my classroom) foundtime to pray. Praying for peace on the place.

I found myself start singing a Godfrey Birtill song I'm not that familiar with - so unfamiliarI couldn't remember any of the words!!! It was this from "O God, O God, O God";

I have loved you, I have held you
Though you weren't aware of it
Taught you how to walk and talk
and Abba your first word.

My heart breaks, as I wait
And I see you lost and cold
My heart breaks, as I wait
To see you coming home.

I have touched you, I have kissed you
Though you weren't aware of it
Taught you how to laugh and cry and
Watched you walk away.

There is more prophetic words on the CD than just these words of the song, about running to the father and faith rising.

Shortly after that I had to deal with an issue outside - but until then it was a very special moment.

Steph

Street Pastors prayer

This is an extra prayer update for Street Pastors to invite you to pray for us in the run up to the launch (14th December 2007) and as the initiative develops.

My hope is that every trained Street Pastor will be 'praying with their eyes open' as they walk the streets representing Jesus each Friday night in the town centre. Alongside this we would like to the prayer-support developed further.

I see this happening in a number of ways:

For people to commit to pray in a small group for Street Pastors during the night shift at a base in the town centre (venue TBC) – and to pray for Street Pastors when they come back to the base for breaks during their shifts.

For people to commit to pray individually for Street Pastors during the night shift at home.
For people to pray ongoingly for the work of Street Pastors – but not during the night.
Ideally we would like to have at least 3 people praying each Friday of the month – This would mean 12 committed Street-Pastor-Pray-ers altogether.

It may help you to get to know one Street Pastor, and to commit to praying for them. This way you will be praying for a person, not just a project! Ask God to show you if there is someone specific for you to support in prayer.

If you'd like to help, e-mail kt_anywhere@hotmail.com)

Thank you so much for your persevering prayer and faithfulness for our town

Love and prayers
Katy

What is your soul like?

I read this in Celtic Daily Prayer from the Northumbria Community and was inspired.

My soul is dry dust,
choking worldly ambition.

My soul is wet earth,
bearing rich fruits of grace,

My soul is a flame of fire,
blazing with passionate love.

News from Anne about the Clacton Prayer Room

The prayer room was open from 10am to 11pm on Friday 8am to 11pm on Saturday and 8am to 10am and an hour after evening worship on Sunday.

The theme was the body, focussing on the 5 senses:- taste, touch, sight, hearing and smell. This included a Poustinia where people were able to sit in complete darkness, things were available to smell and taste, meditations about hearing and a “touch pilgrimage”

Although not many signed up for an hour time slot the room was well occupied with people who came when they could and went when they had to.

There were over 70 different people attended in all (not including those who returned several times) including about 10 Boy’s brigade lads who demolished most of the food on the tasting table!! Their experience of the room was not quiet and meditative like many others but was an experience non the less!

Love Anne

More news from the JiW prayer room

Here's a report from a friend who visited the prayer room;

"I did get to the prayer room, and I was glad I went. I'd got a very busy weekend ahead of me and it provided a lovely oasis. I met with Audrey Castle who I haven't seen for years and we prayed together until others arrived. I love the way christians go to so much effort to provide such a space and also it feels like we 'unite' together for a purpose."

Thanks for the appreciation and the love! Here some more pics.

Richard

Clacton Prayer Room

Dear Boiler Room supporters,

Our friend in Clacton, Ann Scott, is organising a 24/2 prayer room at Trinity Methodist Church, Pier Avenue, Clacton. This prayer room will be running from 10am Friday 19 October to 10am Sunday 21 October.

If you would like to support this prayer room by booking a slot please contact Ann on zzzannies@btinternet.com Please note, this prayer room may not be open overnight unless the slots are filled.

love
Richard Smith

Journey into Wholeness Prayer Room report

Katy and I really enjoyed hosting the Journey into Wholeness prayer room at the St Pauls Centre from 28 - 30 September.

We were blessed with good help setting up the prayer room and with creative ideas and with generous support from pray-ers. Thanks especially to Ann, Trish, Nicky, Jason, Joan, Paul and Chris. And big thanks to Katy - what a star!

My favourite prayer area was the poustinia created by Nicky. a very black tent for experiencing darkness and calm and closeness to God.

I especially enjoyed the evening meals. It was fab to see friends from different places and different church congregations getting together and sharing and praying.

Also, it was great to support Journey into Wholeness http://www.journeyintowholeness.net/ who had a stall at the Mind Body Soul exhibition. They had good opportunities to talk to people about Jesus, inspired by a painting of Jesus being completed on the stall. They also had a chance to pray with some people.

Back into Colchester...looking forward to a Journey into Wholeness

Hi friends,

Katy and I are back from a holiday to Turkey. See some pics above. It was a great holiday. And also great to meet friends in the church there, and make new friends.

We met Turkish brothers and sisters who have suffered persecution from their family and the authorities for choosing to follow Jesus. I was humbled by the courage that they've shown. And I really want to support them in prayer and in other ways as my brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ.

Also I've been reading a book called "The Irresistible Revolution" by Shane Claiborne. It's stories from a man follows Jesus by living in community and sharing everything with the poor and needy. In this book Shane challenges us, where will we be when Jesus divides the sheep and the goats (Matthew 25)? Will we have fed the hungry? Clothed the needy? Invited in the homeless? Or will we just be hoping that by giving some money to charity that's all been covered?

The Journey into Wholeness prayer room is happening from 7pm Friday 28 September - 7pm Sunday 30 September at the St Paul's Centre, Belle Vue Road, Colchester. Book a 1 hour prayer slot leaving a comment using the link below.

love Richard

Sacred Space - Sunday evenings

I've been going to Sacred Space for the last couple of months. These are pics from inside St Martin's Church, where we meet for Sacred Space.

We start by doing 45 minutes of silent prayer. Inspiration is provided by Simon, Catherine and Nicky in the form of Scripture passages, and sometimes poetry and prose.

Then we finish with a spoken prayer together, often a Celtic compline prayer.

I find this Sacred Space time is a great time for reflecting on the week, and listening to our Father God.

Sacred Space is every Sunday, 7pm to 8pm, at St Martin's Church, West Stockwell Street, Colchester.

Richard

Journey into Wholeness prayer room 28 - 30 September

Dear Boiler Room supporters,

There will be a 24/2 prayer room at the St Pauls Centre, St Pauls Road,Colchester from 7pm Friday 28 September to 7pm Sunday 30 September.

This prayer room will provide creative prayer activities, and prayer support for the Journey into Wholeness Christian stall at the Mind, Body, Soul exhibition that weekend.

We had a productive planning meeting this week. The theme for the prayer room is "the body".

If you'd like to book an hour slot or longer at the prayer room, please contact us at mail@colchesterboilerroom.org.uk

We will also need help setting up the prayer room on Friday 28 September and packing up the prayer room on Sunday 30 September. Also some sleep over slots will be available in the prayer room.

Richard Smith

Reflection on the daily prayer

Here's a reflection from Marie on her experience of joining in with the Colchester Boiler Room Community daily prayer.

"I find I am challenged on different aspects.

Sometimes I am reminded about being true to Jesus, when it would be easy to go for comfort!

At other times being kind to others is my challenge, when it would be my first instinct to go for justice.

I think there are many opportunities in Colchester to touch the nations with the gospel. The daily prayer is one way for me that community and spirituality can be linked together and so avoid compartmentalisation. This link leads to greater integrity and so helps us to be more true to Jesus...and so we begin again!"

A week at Abbotswick House of Prayer

Here's an entry from Jason, a friend of Colchester Boiler Room Community. He recently spent some time at Abbotswick House of Prayer in Brentwood.

"From the moment I stepped out of the taxi on the Tuesday afternoon, to the moment I stepped out of the sisters little run around car on the Sunday to go home my confidence in the Lord was pushed to new levels of highness.

Prayers every morning, afternoon and evening in either the Chapel, Church or Cathedral a time for reflection this week most certainly was.

The Chapel was quaint with a little tabernacle for holding the blessed sacrament (body of Christ) and the altar was neatly arranged with candles and clothe.

After going to an evangelical church for so many years it was different to be amongst Catholic brothers and sisters, lots of Hail Mary’s and Our Fathers kind of washed away any negativity from my soul and the receiving of holy communion felt almost higher than flying, very uplifting.
Mass in the Cathedral was angelic and sacred, the choir sung as if straight from heaven and the one drop of wine I drank from the silver cup (blood of Christ) almost sent me a bit drunk on the spirit.

On the Friday there was a massive barbeque and a great conversation about the differences in denominations in the Christian church. A group of evangelicals came on the Saturday and were vehemently speaking out loud in tongues to our maker, I hope they got what they asked for because the passion was high.

Walks in the garden were very enjoyable with willow trees, butterfly’s and statues to gaze upon, the place is well maintained by volunteers and looked immaculate (apart from the mole hills).

Places like Abbotswick only exist because Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ lived and died so our sins may be forgiven and it is on this note I close with a thank you to Sister Camilla and Sister Gaby for their lovely cooking and hospitality and spiritual guidance."

Update from Lakes Ministry prayer

I had an encouraging time praying for the Lakes Ministry in the hospital chapel on Sunday.

I was led to pray into the theme Jesus giving living water to those who are thirsty. John 4: 13-14. Also Revelation 1 :15.

I also prayed into the Scriptures that were given from the last Lakes Ministry prayer session.

I prayed for Mark's ministry that afternoon, the team and the patients.

love Richard

News from Clacton 24/2 prayer room

Dorothy Smith from Clacton reported from the 24/2 prayer room held at the Clacton Healing Rooms at the beginning of June.

People who took part enjoyed the prayer room and creative prayer activities. Some people received pictures and prophecies.

Dorothy said the prayer room encouraged the Healing Room team, and grew the number of people involved in the Healing Room.

Also one person was able to share the prayer room with a work colleague. This work colleague had an experience of the Holy Spirit in the prayer room and made a commitment to Jesus.

Daily Prayer with Colchester Boiler Room Community

A few of us have started to pray a daily prayer at 12 noon every day.



Here's the prayer (it's based on vow of the Honourable Order of the Mustard Seed as prayed by Count Zinzendorf)

"My Lord Jesus,

Help me to be true to you,

to be kind to people,

and to take the Gospel to the nations.

Amen"

We're sharing this with other friends in Colchester Boiler Room Community.

If you'd like to join us in praying this prayer every day please let us know.

love Richard



PS for more information on The Order of the Mustard Seed see "The Vision and the Vow" book by Pete Greig. Or check http://www.mustardseedorder.com/

News from Liverpool

Mike, Nicky and I visited Liverpool last week...

We had a great time visiting the docks in the sunshine and enjoying the Liverpool Tate gallery...

We were there as part of the UK 24-7 prayer network day. This was a gathering of people who have been making 24-7 prayer rooms and communities happen around the UK...and beyond.

We heard about God working through prayer in;

• a skate and surfboard shop in Devon
• rural Scotland
• a camper van travelling to Macedonia and now based in Germany
• a prayer room in bar in Nottingham
• rhythms of prayer being practiced in Guildford
• a prayer community in Earls Court, London

We stayed in Liverpool Boiler Room, and participated in prayer through the night. (Although I missed my prayer slot through bleariness ;)

It was great to hear of how God is growing the Liverpool Boiler Room Community, which is a Salvation Army congregation, and also a place of prayer and hospitality for many church congregations in Liverpool - from Pentecostal to Catholic. And is a base for YWAM and Pure youthwork in Liverpool.

The message that I brought back was how God has been working through Boiler Room Communities in many different ways. Different Boiler Room Communities have different shapes and places within the church. Praise God for His creativity, and the freedom of serving Him.

I also saw that the Boiler Room Communities, and prayer rooms, that have seen most growth and life are those that are committed and compassionate.

love Richard

News from Joe and Walk Cumbria

Thanks to everyone who supported me in prayer whilst on WalkCumbria last week with Through Faith Missions.

It was an awesomeweek and Satan was injured. Many came to Christ and a lot more have been told that they are loved by God. Unity was growing between the churches and they have a fire in their belly now for evangilism.

Colchester could really do with inviting Through Faith Missions tocome and help out with mission here - its inspiring. Check out thelinks for what happened in Walk Cumbria and what Through FaithMissions is about:http://www.walkcumbria.org.uk/http://www.through-faith-missions.org/

They only work and get involved when local churches invite them along.

Going on the Walk was excellent and you really learn firsthand about bold but gentle evangelism. Next big mission is Walk Swansea Valley in September 2008 but there are shorter/smaller missions in the meantime.

God Bless,Joe

Opportunity to support a prayer room in Clacton

Some fantastic people in Clacton are running a 24/2 prayer room from 6am Friday 8 June to 6am Sunday 10 June.

Here's your chance to get involved!

Contact Dorothy Smith on 01255 426921 to book a one hour or longer slot in the prayer room.

The prayer room will be at 7 Wellesley Road, Clcaton on Sea, CO15 3PP.

(from Richard)

Keep on Making Poverty History

Remember Make Poverty History? Live8? G8 at Gleneagles in 2005?

Well, 8 world leaders made some very important promises....

Click on this link to add your voice to make sure they honour those promises.

http://www.oxfam.org.uk/what_you_can_do/campaign/g8/index.htm

love Richard

News from the Lakes Ministry

Hi All,

I was joined yesterday at the lakes by Ann Blackmore which was such a blessing as she really just goes with the flow and is such a blessing to the patients in there... thankyou Ann :)

Yesterday was a good time in the lakes... it wasn't particuarly spiritually hard going and we could really sense the peace and gentleness of the holy spirit. We spoke on resting in God's presence and on how we can leave all our baggage at Jesus' feet and just rest in his presence.

One of the patients sparked a discussion on how she felt when she was sectioned (detained against her will). she said how she has been wondering whether this was some sort of punishment from God.... so that steered the discussion onto God's grace and unconditional love.

A prayer pointer... there is a guy that has started coming reguarly that is very ecentric and is very dilusional... he thinks that he has led a life, that he quite clearly hasn't. anyway he has been quite disruptive and yesterday in the midst of the flow of the holy Spirit he started steering the meeting off in a different direction and to be honest I had to really shut my thoughts down and focus on God to get back on track. it was almost like he was there to throw confusion into the mix. Obviously not intentionally.. but I felt like this was abit of a counter attack from the enemy to disrupt the peace that was in the room. This guy brings a scientific argument to everything we mention and also has the ability to hook the other patients into his ramblings which are mostly fictional.... I long to see freedom in this guy!!! Yay!! Please pray against confusion!

I am away in singapore for the next lakes service... but I think that a couple of the team are still going to go in so we would still appreciate prayer cover as normal please.

I just want to add that I am so grateful for all the support you all give this ministry... It can be very demanding at times but God has some amazing things up his sleeve. We just need to keep pressing in and I truely believe that there will come a day when God's Glory will just be poured out in that place and we will just see the shackles fall off these lovely people!!

I listened to a sermon last night about God's glory.... and that before the Glory always came the order. This last year has been a year of God bringing order to our personal lives so that he can use us as pure yielded vessels to flow through us freely and also to prepare the ground in the lakes for what he is about to do!! So watch this space!!

Thankyou also to Ally who has been putting loads of time into organising the prayer and keeping great records of prophetic stuff and of what has been going on during the services.

Bless you all loads and thanks again
Sarah

New date for Street Pastors meeting - 8 June

Thank you to all those who have got in touch about the forthcoming Street Pastors meeting. Being the first weekend of half term, there are a few people away who would otherwise like to be there, so we've decided to move the meeting on by two weeks.

The meeting will now be on
Friday 8th June, 9:30pm to 11:00pm, at Eld Lane Baptist Church.

A revised notice to this effect has been sent to churches for their notice sheets, but please could you spread the word to any you know who were intending to come on May 25th.

We've had lots of expressions of support for getting Street Pastors under way and although we're keen to get started, it's important that as many people as possible can take part in the early stages of setting up Street Pastors. This is worth doing well and we hope this change will enable more people to get involved.

As before, please could you let me know if you can get to this meeting. This not only helps with planning, but gives us an indication of whether this date works for people.

Thanks,
Tim Abbott

Report from Jesus Centre Prayer Room

Jesus Centre, Colchester 24-7 Prayer Room
22 – 29 April 2007

The Jesus Centre 24-7 prayer room was used by more than 40 people from more than 10 church congregations. There were also prayer requests posted into the prayer room by the local community. The prayer room hosted worship music sessions, united prayer with local congregations, soaking prayer and sessions with young people.

Here are some stories from people using the prayer room.

“I had a two hour slot in the prayer room. But it wasn't long enough.”

“I valued the community feeling in the prayer room. It felt like home. It was a wonderful place with intercession, worship and creativity going on all at the same time. It was a place of personal spiritual expansion.”

“I came back from a time away and walked into the prayer room. I fell to my knees from the presence of the Lord, crying, praying for Colchester and thanking God. I was led to pray for the homeless and The Lakes (psychiatric hospital).”

“I thought it would be just hard work, and that I'd only last ½ hour, but I stayed for 2 ½ hours!”

“My colleague from work came to the prayer room. He loved it. He said the smell of fresh baking reminded of him of his grandmother's house! He came back the next day to read more prayers and scripture, and to receive prayer.”

And here's a report from St Lukes, Highwoods

Here's news of a prayer room that happened at St Luke's Highwoods, from our friend Gillian.

We’ve been encouraging people to pray at St Luke’s over the choosing of our new leader. There were even a couple of 6.30am prayer times in the prayer room! (I confess I wasn’t at those!) Numbers have been small and sometimes its felt discouraging at times but God has definitely been at work.

You may have heard already but I thought I’d let you know that it was announced in our Easter Sunday service that a new minister has been appointed for St Luke’s which is great news for us. His name is Jeremy Noles. He will be coming with his wife Gill and 2 daughters from Southend. He will start working here in September.

We have been very conscious of God’s hand being on all this. The day of the interview we had our little temporary prayer room open and over 20 people came at different times to cover the day in prayer. It was very encouraging to me as prayer leader that this happened but what was even more encouraging was that several people reported back to me afterwards about what an good time they had praying in the prayer room!

We were able to pass on to those involved in the vicar selection words the Lord had given as people prayed.We can use our prayer room for a while longer but the vicarage is going to be sold. I’m praying that the Lord will somehow provide us with a new prayer room!

Report from St Stephens Prayer Room

Here's a report from the St Stephen's prayer room, back in January 2007...


Lots of people seem to have experienced a sense of God’s presence in the prayer room and a number of people said that the time went very quickly one person wrote “my time in the prayer room has been a wonderful moment of healing in a safe place where we felt able to be open with God and one another, 3 hours went very quickly.”

Someone else wrote ‘praise the peace of god in this place.’ There was also the chance to just relax and be yourself. One of our visions for the prayer room is summed up in this next quote that someone wrote during their time ‘be still and know that I am God … they that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength…’

During the week this theme of light has been a feature of some people’s comments in the prayer room log. Some prayed that our church would be a beacon of light for Colchester and Hythe. Some people felt strongly that God is seeking to give a voice to this church in our community and saw this church covered in light drawing many to his kingdom.

During the week many scriptures have been given, Mary was repeatedly given Isaiah 40 9-11 and 29-31 which we have repeated here:
“Jerusalem, go up on a high mountain and proclaim the good news! Call out with a loud voice Zion, announce the good news! Speak out and do not be afraid. Tell the towns of Judah that their God is coming! The Sovereign Lord is coming to rule with power, bringing with him the people he has rescued. He will take care of his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs together and carry them in his arms; he will gently lead their mothers.”

“He strengthens those that are weak and tired. Even those who are young grow weak; young men can fall exhausted. But those who trust in the Lord for help will find their strength renewed. They will rise on wings like eagles; they will run and not get weary; they will walk and not grow weak.”

One friend who is an agnostic was reluctant to go but on entering someone prayed with him and he found it a comforting place and stayed for two hours.

The superb news is that our prayer room has inspired another prayer room at Wickham Bishops.

In addition we also felt the need to do more pray together and therefore a 24 hour day of prayer was arranged for 24th -25th March.

‘We give thanks to those who have built your church here. The mantle of stewardship is with us now and here. We are the laborers now, for the mill cannot grind with the water that is passed.’

Mark goes to Africa

Mark Cronin left Colchester on 15 April to join a discipleship course in Malawi. He plans to be there for 2 years learning Arabic, learning about mission and evangelism, studying theology, praying alot....and many other things beside....

You can check his blog at http://markbythebook.blogspot.com/2007/04/africa.html

I think it's exciting that we can be part of sending people out on mission, and supporting them while they are serving.

Please support Mark in prayer. love Richard

Mersea prayer shop exterior

Report from West Mersea 24-7

Place: West Mersea, Essex

When: Sunday 18th March – Sunday 25th March 2007

Mersea Island is located on the coast of Essex and has a population of approx 9000 people. This is the first prayer room that has been done on the Island and we were all very excited by the prospect of it.

Sunday 18th March saw the launch of our 24/7-prayer shop with a service at West Mersea Free Church explaining who Stop The Traffik were and what they are trying to achieve. After the service we all walked down to the prayer shop (10 min walk) and began the week of prayer.

We managed to secure a vacant shop premises that was situated right in the heart of the community and the leaseholder was very generous in allowing us to use it for free for the week.

The vision for the week was that the shop would be a place where people from the community could come and find out about Stop The Traffik and its work in trying to prevent human trafficking. The shop provided information about STT and gave other information about the terrible state of human trafficking, which is happening on a global scale. We encouraged people to sign the declaration and put their handprint on our freedom wall. Alongside this there were many prayer activities for people to do and it gave opportunity for people to express themselves in prayer in ways that they may not have previously thought of.

Throughout the week people from the various churches in the area came and got involved and there was a real sense of fellowship between the many and varied Christian community. Fantastic friendships have been built as a result and we all believed Jesus’ prayer that we ‘may be one’ was being answered in some way as we all met and prayed together.

One evening a group of teenagers came in the shop. They would normally never step foot into a place that had something to do with God! They signed the petition, put their handprints on the freedom wall and stayed for an hour chatting. We pray that the conversations that we had are a beginning to seeing these guys again and again.

On the Saturday morning we handed out hot cross buns to passers by and encouraged them to come into the shop and sign the petition. Because we held the week of prayer in a shop people were much more willing to come in a see what it was about.

The week saw many different and varied people come to the shop to sign the petition and say a prayer. It has given people a real passion to see something like this happening on the Island week in week out. Time and time again throughout the week people were saying to me that this was a place that they could come to, no matter what time of the day and really meet with God and have fellowship with other Christians. We believe Gods Spirit brooded over the shop for that week and that lives have been changed as a result.

We finished the week sitting on the floor of the shop, everything having been packed away and the shop vacant again, and took communion together.

Huge thanks to Richard and Katy for sparking the vision in our hearts and helping to get the fire burning. A big thank you to Cas, Stuart, Claire, Andy, and everyone else who gave so much time in getting this shop off the ground and running.

Our prayer is what happens next. How do we keep this vision alive? How can we continue to support Stop The Traffik? How do we ‘flesh’ the gospel out?
Pray with us that we may know the heart of the Father.

Joe Haward

Jesus Centre 24-7 now booking

There will be a 24-7 prayer room running from 4pm Sunday 22 April to 4pm Sunday 29 April at the Jesus Centre, King Harold Road, Colchester.

You can be part of this community prayer room by booking a 1 hour slot during the week. Contact Tracey Cowell on tracey.cowell@ntlworld.com

Alongside the prayer, we need to have rota of people on call to supervise the prayer room. We also aim to have a supervisor sleeping overnight in the prayer room. If you would be available to be on call for some time during the week please offer your help to Richard Smith on r_g_smith@hotmail.com

There is limited parking available in King Harold Road. Please park considerately and avoid parking on both sides of the road, as this blocks the bus route.

News from Lakes Ministry

Update on Sunday 1 April prayer and ministry.

Sarah went in with Andy Smith and Trish Halsall. Sarah said that she felt everything was very difficult with thepresence of the Holy Spirit hard to sense and came out feeling very despondent. It was like a wall and it felt like people had shut down.They were only able to pray for and lay hands on one person and werestopped from going further.

Words from the prayer room:
* This is breaking ground
* Hearing the sound of the bucket hitting the well of salvation!!
* Picture of a person on a raft in a cave, standing in a stance ofvictory, arms outstretched, moving from the darkness of the cave,through the waterfall and into the light.
* A small shoot in the ground, trying to break through fightingthrough the darkness.
* God's not given us a spirit of fear, but of power of love and ofsound mind. 2 Tim 1v7

Points to pray for:
* Favour
* Strengthening and protection of those going in - this week is Sarah and possibly Andy, but tbc.
* Holy Spirit presence and guidance
* Open hearts of the patients and staff

Also, if you have any words at all regarding the Lakes ministry,please let me know so I can pass these on.

Thank you for praying. Love Ally

Prayer Support for the Lakes Ministry

Sunday 1 April - 4pm - 5pm.

Colchester General Hospital chapel (1st floor next to Wivenhoe Ward). Prayer support for the Lakes Ministry.

Please join in because Richard may be on his own! For further info please contact Richard Smith 01206 522781

Prettygate 24-7 Prayer Room 22 April - 29 April 2007

"A girl came into the prayer room at 5am in the morning. She told me she'd heard a voice telling her to go for a walk, and then she came across the prayer room. She didn't know the prayer room was there and she wasn't a church goer."

Sounds like a story from the Book of Acts? This is a story from the West Mersea 24-7 prayer shop that happened earlier this month.

24-7 prayer is coming to Prettygate. 22 April - 29 April at the Jesus Centre, King Harold Road, Colchester we'll aim to run a prayer room 24 hours a day for a week.

You can be a part of it. We need help with planning the prayer room, setting up the prayer room and taking one hour slots in the prayer room. The prayer could even be base for mission or provision for the community...

There will be a planning meeting on Thursday 5 April at 7.30pm - 9pm at the Jesus Centre. All who who are interested in the 24-7 prayer room are invited.

Please spread the word to interested people that you know. Please do contact me if you have any questions.

with love
Richard Smith

Friday Night Street Prayer feedback

Here's some feedback from Isabelle, from the Friday Night Street Prayer

22nd Feb 07

Rev5:8b-9
Is:61v1

We are fore-runners piercing the darkness.

Saw Jesus weeping for the young people.

We would be given new songs to sing – Songs of victory and songs of deliverance.

Encouraging Word for Colchester from Is 46v10
I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please and purpose

9th March 2007

Come out of this world. Come away with the Lord We need to be different and people need to see that we are.

Is 58:12 – And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt, you shall raise up the foundations of buildings that have laid waste for many generations; and you shall be called the Repairers of the Breach.
Restorer of Streets to Dwell in.

When we declared this word the Holy Spirit moved in increased power and led us in fervent prayer some of which from Michael - rebuild Celtic ancient worship.

We prayer walked the circuit around the High Street.

The anointing left at 1.30am - so obviously we did too.

Request for help from the West Mersea prayer room

The West Mersea 24/7 Stop the Traffik Prayer Room is going well. Many unchurched young people are visiting the prayer room. It's great to see the handprints filling the Freedom Wall there...it makes me feel like I am not alone in my prayers and in Stop the Traffik.

Joe Haward requests help from anyone willing to be a duty supervisor at the prayer room. This would mean being on call for a set period of time. There is a bed at the prayer room, so this could be a "sleeping duty". He needs help early Friday morning, Saturday day time and early Sunday morning. He also needs help with people filling slots at these times...

If you want to sign up to help then let Joe Haward know by phone 01206 383067 or 07708948802.

24-7 Prayer Shop opens at West Mersea

We can now confirm that the 24/7 Stop the Traffik Prayer Room Will be Held in a shop at 2 Kingsway, Barfield Road (the shop was called Lots For Tots), West Mersea, opposite the Chemist and next door to the Essex Air Ambulance Charity Shop! We will be there from Sunday 18th March until Sunday 25 March!

Free parking is available at the library on the High Street, West Mersea. This is 5 minutes walk from the prayer shop.

There are regular bus services between Colchester town and West Mersea. http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/southeast/essex/timetables/timetable.php?day=1&source_id=2&service=67/67A/67C/67D/67E/67B&routeid=1071908&operator=8&source=sp

Check the tide tables to ensure that you arrive for your booked slot on time...otherwise you may be delayed by up to an hour by the tide...
http://www.west-mersea.co.uk/West_Mersea_Tide_Table_Mar2007.htm

There will be a launch service held at West Mersea Free Church, Mill Road, Sunday 18th March @ 6.30pm from this we will then walk to the shop in Barfield Road! Look Forward to seeing you there.

If you want to sign up to help for that week then let Joe Haward know either via email evangelist@wmfc.org.uk , by phone 01206 383067 or visiting www.supportstopthetraffic.infoThe shop will be open from 18th -25th March, day and night!

Please feel free to visit whenever you like. We can all help end human trafficking.Thank God for this significant breakthrough opportunity. Please support us if you can.

with love
Joe Haward and Richard

Prayer for the persecuted church Sunday 4 March 2007

We have a chance to join with the Shockwave prayer for the persecuted church.
( http://www.odshockwave.org/data/shockwave/ for inspiration)

Come to the University of Essex Chaplaincy on Sunday 4 March 8pm - 10pm to join in.

love Richard

Upcoming prayer rooms

There will be a 24/7 prayer room supporting the Stop the Traffick campaign. http://www.stopthetraffik.org/default.aspx This prayer room will be at West Mersea 18 - 25 March and is being hosted by West Mersea Free Church. For more information contact Joe Haward on 01206 383067 evangelist@wmfc.org.uk .
Also, there will be some action happening in Colchester Town Centre on Saturday 24 March to publicise the campaign. To get involved contact Katy Smith kt_anywhere@hotmail.comFuture prayer room dates....

22 - 29 April at the Jesus Centre, King Harold Road.

13 - 15 July at St Marys Arts Centre as part of the Be Xalted festival http://www.xalt.org.uk/

(also from Richard!)

Bad news and good news

First the bad news....

The proposed Shockwave prayer room, to inspire prayer for the persecuted church, has been cancelled. This is due to two proposed venues falling through, and a lack of interest in supporting that prayer room.
I feel a personal sense of failure about this, and I acknowledge I have more to learn about communication and getting other parts of the church involved.
I also think this shows a failing in the church of Colchester...that despite our spoken unity we didn't manage to support this prayer for the persecuted church...not very good considering the tens of different congregations, the dozens of buildings, the thousands of believers in Colchester...it leaves the question...what do we need to do better?

Then the good news....

A regular Friday night prayer gathering has started. This is called Street Prayer and happens between 11pm and 3am on Friday nights, based at Colchester Baptist Church, Eld Lane. We prayer walk, we pray for God's blessing on the people out on Friday nights, we keep our eyes and ears open for opportunities to pray with people, and we invite people back to the prayer room if we sense they would benefit. For more information contact Katy Smith on kt_anywhere@hotmail.com

A regular prayer time to support the Lakes Ministry has started. This Ministry aims to bring Christian worhip and prayer into the Lakes Mental Health unit. There will be prayer to support this work in the Colchester General Hospital chapel on Sunday 4 March, Sunday 1st April, and Sunday 29 April at 4pm - 5pm. For more information contact Richard Smith r_g_smith@hotmail.com

with love from Richard.

Down, but not out. The joy of the Lord is my strength.

Friday Night Prayer starting soon

When: Every Fri from 23-02-07

Time: 11pm-3am

Venue: Colchester baptist Church, Eld lane Colchester (downstairs lounge)

Aim: To pray for peace on the streets To pray and chat with people on the streets and in the prayer room

WATCH THIS SPACE FOR MORE NEWS

Prayer requests from Journey into Wholeness

Here's a prayer update from our friends at Journey into Wholeness, who aim to make Jesus known to spiritual seekers....


Prayer Points

# for more committee members
# that our budget target will be met
# for revelation to know the theme for the 2007 stall
# for wisdom regarding follow-up events after the MBS Exhibition
# for a wider vision for the work, and involvement on new people in it
# for contacts made last year,
# for new opportunities open to us in the Brentwood/Southend area
# for the continuing involvement of the Boiler Room Community and the Colchester PrayerNet

Prayer Support

Last September, we wondered whether we should continue these monthly prayer meetings, so planned just the one, on 22 January this year. It was well attended, and it was felt extremely valuable to meet face to face – with each other and with God – to pray for the work, for those touched by the work, and for the future needs of JIW.
Subject to confirmation, therefore, we will be holding monthly prayer meetings at Mount Zion Salvation Army Centre on the fourth Monday of each month, except for August, i.e. 26 Feb, 26 March, 23 April, 28 May, 25 June, 23 July, 24 Sept, 29 Oct and 26 Nov.
If you would like more information about these meetings, please contact our Prayer Co-ordinator, Paul Jonas, on Colchester 520021.

More prayer and action being planned

We're currently setting up planning groups for a Shockwave prayer room on the weekend of 2-4 March. Also a planning group for the Stop the Traffick prayer room at West Mersea on 18-25 March.

Would you like to be involved in making these prayer rooms happen? Contact Richard Smith on r_g_smith@hotmail.com

Let's see more real prayer happen in Colchester area. love Richard

PS the St Stephen's 24-7 finished on Sunday 4 February. They'd had a great 24-7 week, but didn't feel led to do it for another week. Fair play, and well done.

PPS to send an email requesting fair European trade laws for developing countries in Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific

visit http://www.oxfam.org.uk/what_you_can_do/campaign/mtf/actions/merkel.htm

Creative prayers from St Stephen's prayer room

Something traditional found in the St Stephen's prayer room:

The Nunc Dimittis (Now be sent away)

Alleluia. Christ the light of the world, alleluia, has manifested his glory. Alleluia, Alleluia.

Now, Lord, let your servant go in peace: your word has been fulfilled.

My own eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared in the sight of every people.

A light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people Israel.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now and shall be forever. Amen.

Alleluia. Christ the light of the world, alleluia, has manifested his glory. Alleluia, Alleluia.


Something original found in the St Stephen's prayer room;

Workers Required

Everyone can apply.

Strong or weak, tall or small, thin or fat, rich or poor, talented or not, old or young...

No one rejected.

Workwear provided. God's armour.

Your own personal trainer. The Holy Spirit.

And more than you can think or imagine.

Apply TODAY.

Help needed at St Stephens prayer room

St Stephens prayer room has been running continuously since 11am on Sunday 28 January.
Well done St Stephens church congregation, and those from other places who have supported it, too.

It's been an inspiring place, with stories of not-yet-believers using the prayer room, and also many prayers being released from New Town and the Hythe.

There are still slots to fill on Saturday morning and afternoon, and early Sunday morning. Please consider if you could take a one hour slot. Book your slot by popping into St Stephens, Canterbury Road.Or phone Chris Liddamore on 01206 560822.

The prayer room is open to all visitors 9am - 5pm until Sunday 4February.

Some of us are praying about continuing this prayer room...watch this space.

love Richard

ps this morning a spring of fresh water appeared at the top of HytheHill...it was a broken water main...was it a sign?

St Luke's Prayer Room, Highwoods 21 - 28 January

It looked like an ordinary garage....

So much so that when Katy and I turned up we went to the wrong house! (Oh well, at least they know there was a prayer room happening now...)

Inside was a light and friendly space, where Gillian and Sarah welcomed us. And there was a list of suggested prayer activities, as suggested by the St Lukes young people. These included hand washing for repentance, and a breathing meditation....

In fact, the whole prayer room had been set up by young people. Nice one, guys!

It was exciting to see more God inspired prayer. And a prayer room that had just sprung up out people's desire to see God's kingdom come. Also, this prayer room meant that were 3 weeks of prayer rooms in the Colchester area in January 2007....great preparation for the St Stephen's prayer room starting on Sunday.

love Richard

A poem prayer from Christmas 24-7 prayer room

Here I am, not much.

Here you are, everything.

Here I am, in you - safe!

Here I am, in me - dangerous!

Here we are.

Infintessimal and infinite.
Sinner and sacrifice.
Saved and saviour.

Christ in me and I in Christ.
I in Christ and Christ in me.

The hope of glory.
Just like you said.

(John 17:22)

24-7 prayer at Stephen's

Dear Boiler Room supporters,

A 24-7 prayer room is starting at 11am on Sunday 28 Jan and running to noon on Sunday 4 Feb at St Stephen's Church, Canterbury Road, Colchester.

Get involved by booking a slot by contacting Chris on 01206 560822 or popping into the church. Some boiler room folk will be praying there from 6am to 8am on Monday 29 January.

There is a need to fill time slots in the small hours most days. And on Saturday 3 Feb afternoon.

with excitement, Richard

Up and coming prayer projects

Hi all Boiler Room Bloggers!

Trust you are all enjoying 2007 so far and you have sense of anticipation of what God is going to do through His church this year. I know I am!

Some dates for your diary and possible 'projects' to think about....

Shockwave: 2nd-4th March
Persecution of the Christian Church is increasing all over the world. Jesus warned us that this would happen - people hated Him so He foreknew that the Church would suffer also. We need to pray and continue to depend on God for strength and wisdom.
We would like to host a prayer vigil over the weekend (2nd-4th March). If you have a particular passion for this theme, and would like to take part in planning and organisation or have a venue in mind, please contact us with e-mail or phone number below.
Click for more: http://www.odshockwave.org/

Stop The Traffik - 18th-25th March
24-7 Prayer are involved in partnership with a movement called Stop The Traffik (STT). As you may know this year 2007 is 200th aniversery of abolition of slave trade and human trafficking. Christians are involved in a campaign all over the world to end the illegal injustice and abuse of human freedom still happening today. This is a high profile national campaign. MTV (the youth music tv station) say it's a "no-brainer" to get involved. ie it's obviously good!
We would like to take part with a week of round-the-clock prayer between 18th and 25th March 2007. The official day of STT campaign is on 25th March. Please contact us if you would like to help in planning of this prayer room, providing a venue, time or other resources.
We are also interested in other creative ideas of promoting the justice campaign. So far we are thinking....

• A Confession Booth - in which followers of Jesus Christ would sit inside and invite people for confessions. Not for them to confess, oh no! The Jesus followers would confess to unbelievers, apologising for acts of cruelty and unkindness, for war and 'The Crusades', for making slaves.... The booth could be set up in the town centre?

Click for more: http://stopthetraffik.org/default.aspx

March will be fast approaching so if we are going to do anything we need to get moving!! Please e-mail Michael Holden: hichael_molden80@hotmail.co.uk or Tel: (01206) 523923

Thanks for your support, much love Michael and Richard

Prayer on the streets at Christmas

As I came out of the 24/7 Prayer Room at Colchester Baptist Church, Eld Lane a stocky man came running across the forecourt. I did not recognise him at all and thought he was either going to hit me or ask to come in. As he came closer, he seemed distressed and was pressing his head.

The man cried, "You must let me in, I need help".

"How can we help you," I replied. He showed me his forehead with a deep cut just above his left brow. Blood was pouring out. Immediately I helped him put pressure on it and pushed the buzzer for someone to come down from upstairs. Before someone could get down and you could say 'Christmas pudding', two Police Officers arrived, taking over the situation and questioning the man. Jamie McCallister was with me, talking to the military officers. Just as we were leaving the prayer room, Katy Smith arrived to take part in the adventures on that starry Friday night. In the next few minutes there was much activity, giving the injured man a warm and comfortable place to stay a while with coffee and medical attention.

So after we worshipped and prayed to Jesus Christ, the opening opening moments of praying for town centre revellers and party-goers were very busy. God continued to give us opprtunities to serve people of the town and pray for them on the streets between the twighlight hours of 11pm and 3am.

Jamie and I found the experience a little daunting at first, praying around the town on a busy night, starting conversations with people. We most definitely looked a little odd to some revellers in 4 layers of clothes wrapped up like very warm snowmen with scarves, hats and gloves. I still felt a little cold under all that yet people were charging and dancing around, singing under influence of alcohol just wearing thin shirts and skinny skirts.

Doormen became a captive audience for Jamie. He started chatting with them, asking questions, soaking up their stories of incidents that would make you either chuckle, cry or scream out to God. Outside a bar at the bottom of the High Street, I shared with a doorman (or ‘bouncer’ as some may call him) about serving God. I encouraged him that God loves it when people give up their time and energy to do good things for people. This conversation was inspired by Psalm 84, where David wrote he ‘would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of the Lord than dwell in tents of wicked’.

We gained much information from these chats. It was as though we were spying out the land getting inspiration for talking to God. I reckoned that to be the role of a priest. They hear people’s requests and troubles then take them to God on behalf of them.

While we were on ‘walkabout’ round Colchester town centre, Jamie and I had no clue as to what was happening back at the prayer room. Upon arriving back at 12 a.m. we discovered more activity. A kind man named Dave, on his way home, stopped to help an 18 year old recover from his long night out. Dave brought both him and his friends into the prayer room. They all had coffee and something to eat in a warm place while waiting for a parent to come pick them up. Fascinated by our decorated prayer room with lights, drapes as well as angels and sheep on the wall, they all kept asking questions. We chatted with the party-goers about Jesus, church, God and the universe, praying with them and for them. There were some really significant moments and conversations.

Katy seemed to build a good rapport with one girl. Katy shared stories of Jesus, stories of how she knows the King of kings. Our new-found friend opened up with her ambitions and dreams to be a writer. Dave turned out to be a writer too and a follower of Jesus, with a new-signed 5 book contract. He gave her advice and prayed for her dreams to come true.

These chats and prayers with walking carried on through the night til 3 a.m. It really felt like God had come and walked and talked with us on these adventures of Friday night. Jesus Christ, His Holy Spirit and God the Father all joined the party! We want to do it again so if you love talking to God about people and love talking to people for God, sharing His love with miracles then please contact us. We are looking for a venue in town centre to use as a base for regular prayer walks on Friday nights.

Please contact Katy Smith for more details….
Tel: (01206) 522781 or e-mail kt_anywhere@hotmail.com

Much love from Michael Holden

24/7 Prayer Rooms in January

Arlesford 24/7 update

Marguerite reports that the 24/7 prayer room at St Andrews church in Arlesford has been going well, with most of the slots filled. The prayer room is running until Sunday 7 January.

There are still some slots vacant on Saturday 6 January day time. However, even if you haven't booked a slot you can visit the prayer room.

Call Marguerite or Alex McCann on 01206 826896 for more information.


St Stephen's prayer room

And don't forget there's a 24/7 prayer room at St Stephen's Church between 28 January and 4 February. Contact Chris Liddamore to book a slot on 01206 512845 or email st.stephens@xalt.co.uk

Christmas prayer room report

Town Centre Prayer room report

In the week before Christmas 2006, more than 50 people from more than 14 different congregations prayed in the 24/7 prayer room at Colchester Baptist Church, Eld Lane.

Thank you to all those who gave time at this busy time of year to support the prayer room. A big thanks to Lyndsey and Rod, and all the church at Eld Lane who gave us a home when we had “no room at the inn”.

There were some significant times of prayer for both individuals and groups. Also, the prayer room was a base for mission and action with present wrapping for shoppers during late night shopping. Also 6 people from 5 different congregations prayer walked and gave hospitality to late night revellers on Friday night/Saturday morning. Look out for a more detailed report on that eventful night!

A message that I felt through the people's prayers and time in the prayer room was “perseverance”. Several people spoke of coming against the barrier of delay. I feel called on to persevere and breakthrough in the new things of God in 2007.

We were not able to run the prayer room continuously during the whole week. This was because there were not enough people offering to take on time slots, especially the late night/early morning slots.

I felt frustrated that a town centre shop front prayer room was not available, despite many empty shop units in the town centre. I will be praying for an opportunity and a way to do a shop front prayer room this year, because I think it will give many unchurched people the chance to pray to and meet with Jesus. And because I think that we can do it, given the unity in the church in Colchester, and the desire to pray.

love Richard