And more Reflections on the Transit Pilgrimage

Here's Carla's reflections on her visit with us at the end of October;

"Personally I enjoyed going to Colchester, it was good to be back there and great meeting people I haven't seen in awhile.

It was great to get to know Richardand Katy and to hang out with them and everyone else in the Boiler Room Community. We were made to feel really welcome and it was great to be a apart of all they were doing. Everyone was very generous and kind.

I found it quite tough that week personally, my emotions were very up and down and was really anxious that week and things that wouldn't normally bother me, seemed to bother me. Which was a challenge and something I had to deal with during the week. Was hard not having my own space, a chance to be on my own.

On the other hand I really enjoyed everything we did,(well maybe not getting up for the 6am prayermeeting!!!!!!!lol). It was great to go along to the various prayer meetings and be a part of community life.

It really made me think during the week about prayer and how we pray, that prayer doesn't have to be something separate, and I know this and on a personal level it isn't something separate, I chat to God throughout the day, but as I'm going through the day with others, is prayer a part of it? not just the times where we meet to pray? Do we have to stop and say, ok, let's pray together or should prayer just be a natural part of our life with others that know Jesus?

There were times during the week where pray was a natural part of the conversation or came out of the conversation and this challenged me to think about this. Does prayer have to be be separate or is it and should it be apart of everything I do? I think this is something I'm really thinking about at the moment and will be sometime I'm trying to workout.

I really want to see the natural and spirtually things be one thing in my life, not two things that run side byside, but never mix. I want prayer, worship etc to be a part of my life all the time, not something separate. (don't know if i'd explained that well)

One of the moments that really stuck out for me was the community meal on Wednesday evening. I really enjoyed after the meal, chatting about journeys, itwas so natural and great to hear peoples stories. It didn't matter if the story was a spiritual one or not, it was good to share in that experience with others. Being creative and encouraging others was fun too. That evening was more than just sharing food together,it was about sharing our lives together.

Another cool thing was the tea and chat with the foreign students at the uni. We sat at the tables andas a student came, someone would direct the student toa table. It just amazes me how God works things out. The person who sat next to me was a Brazilian student,which was great, we were able to talk about Brazil. God's so good.

As a team it was really great Thursday when we put together the prayer room for Cre8, it was great to see us all working together and facing challenges together, where we weren't sure how to go about something we stopped and prayed about it and moved forward together. The prayer workshop went well too, all fitted together well. Was really great all the things we were doing and wouldn't have wanted to do any less coz don't feel we would have got a proper feel for what was going on in Colchester if we had.

It was hard to find time to do the reflection questions during the week, coz the time we did have free, we either spent with our host, or resting after earlystarts or having a bit of time in the town to do thetourist thing! Which meant we ended up doing the question when we got back. I don't know how i would change it, coz i wouldn'thave wanted to not do anything we did.

Was a good week all in all. Lots of praying, eating and laughing! Carla"

Reflections on Transit Pilgrimage to Colchester

BIG thanks to Tina for these reflections (and encouragements) on the Transit Pilgrimage week;

"Travelling to Colchester I didn’t expect to change or experience God in a new way. Carla asked us to spend the weekend before we went praying about God really using the week to stretch us and change us, but I mostly forgot to do that.

Getting to Colchester and being so warmly welcomed into a community of people was just amazing. I felt like I had come from home to my home. At that moment I realize that if I really wanted this week to be all that it could be I really needed to plug in and dig deep. I spend sometime praying and really just getting my mind wrapped around the idea of surrendering my all to God.

I really was challenged by the way the community of believes would just pray in normal conversation. If we were talking about a problem or an issue or a praise, they had this gentle flow of moving horizontal conversation and making it a vertical one without missing a beat. It showed me how easy it is to really put prayer into everything. Having a conversation with God is as easy as having a conversation with a group of friends over a bowl full of noodles.

I also really loved getting to create two prayer rooms. One was for a group of kids that would be going to a CR8 workshop and the other was for one of the outreach ministries the Colchester Boiler Room is involved with called Street Pastors. Both were amazing times of using my creativity in worship. It really sticks out to me because as a Transit team we were able to work together on a project and go through all the phases of putting it together as well as participate in the end result.

Lastly, coming from a Boiler Community that has an established Boiler Room hubbed around a building I was impressed to learn that mobile Boiler Rooms have a quite and unique strength about them. I learned the importance of being willing to go to the people and not always focus on bringing the people to a Boiler Room.

Overall this pilgrimage week gave me a chance to draw nearer to God and explore the ways he wants me to join him in the plans he has. Learning the ease in which I can intertwine God into the conversations and relationships I have will be a lessons I carry with me the rest of my life.

I’ve also been very encouraged to explore new ways of engaging with people in my community that are not focused around buildings but are free and movable.

Richard and Katy Smith were amazing role models for me to see how practical Christ center communities can exist in normal, funny, everyday life!"

Transits students inspiring Colchester Boiler Room Community... :)

And now some of Richard's reflections;

"I found it good to share what God is doing here with new people, but also challenging to be open about the difficult bits and disappointing bits.

I found it inspiring and life giving to share time with the Transit students, who have dedicated this time to praying and serving God.

As Community, it was a good stretching step for us to take together to host the Transit students, as it required sharing the hosting and meals between 4 homes. I realised these daring steps together are important for mobile Communities, because it can be difficult to have an identity as a body together when the parts are separate.

I found it gave me new vision and ideas to hear stories and vision from Corringham."

Practises for a missional community

Pete sent me some thought provoking stuff on mission centred community, from Frontier Youth Trust...I think from some teaching from Mike Frost.

Here's an extract with some suggested practises for a mission centred community...

Post a comment if you have reflections on this.

(ps Colchester Boiler Room Community is not committed to these practises....yet?!)


"Once they’d started to be part of a community and had been around for a while they brought in some missional rhythms:

• Bless three people every week (one member of the faith community, one non-Christian who was a part of the community, one other who is either). Blessing could be practical (financial or serving) or through affirmation (most common). Idea comes out of the idea of secret acts of kindness – if you’re found out, it doesn’t count. Christians will often ‘bless’ back. People who aren’t Christians find it really difficult and can be threatened by it.

• Eat with three people a week with whom you don’t live (one member of the faith community, one non-Christian in the community and one either). When people eat together they talk – also eating is a real equalizer.

• Spend one significant time each week listening to the Spirit of God. This is essential in terms of the other stuff you are doing. Prayer becomes really important in engaging missionally.

• At least one significant period of the week learning the person of Jesus through reading the gospels, books about Jesus, films etc. Importance of soaking yourself in the person of Jesus. We want to inspire people to become like Jesus. Lots of people coming to Bible College don’t hardly know anything about Jesus at all apart from a few facts. If we want to become more like Jesus we need to immerse ourselves in him. Area of mission activating discipleship is awakened here – we don’t have to look like Jesus in church but if we are involved in Christ-centred mission we can’t afford not to.
  

• Journal all the ways in which you have been sent into the world during the week.

What values do these practices release? – generous, hospitable, spirit led, Christ-like and Christ-centred, missionaries. Need to focus on practices rather than values, because engaging in practices will release the values."

New friends visit

This week has been an exciting week for us at Colchester Boiler Room Community.

We've been hosting Carla, Tina, Gemma and Charl from Corringham Boiler Room Community. They've come on pilgrimage here. And they've been joining our rhythm of prayer. And encouraging prayer in new places and fresh ways.

It's been great to meet them. And be inspired by their faith and energy (and jokes!).

Here's some pics from Colchester Institute. They were demolishing the library when we arrived!!

Movement and Pilgrimage

Here's an extract from reflections that Mike left with us, before leaving for his mission in North Africa. I think it's all the more valid because of how he has chosen to go and follow Jesus....

(Mike and Nicky doing abit of movement and pilgrimage in Liverpool...)

"Since being part of Boiler Room Community, I've realise that movement and pilgrimage is more than just moving house or travelling around on hols.

It's about going somewhere in obedience to Father God, led by the Spirit, because of Christ and for Christ. We go to bless and make an impact, to receive spiritual food, give hospitality and receive it. We enjoy the journey, but also learn from our goings and comings.

In Manchester, where I first learnt of Boiler Room Communities, I was blown away by the depth of relationship that the students had for each other and for Jesus. They were sold out for prayer, mission and justice on behalf of their local community, the nation and the whole world.

I was gobsmacked by the warm welcome and sharing given me by Oria and Ben and others. I immediately found it natural to be with them after a few days in their shared house.

I was amazed by their wild and outlandish exploits in mission, in the shape of a skate park. Some young people became Christians, and treated the converted warehouse Boiler Room as their church. So, skate park became skate church through a rhythm of prayer, worship and study.

I thought; "we need this down south!".

News from allsorts and Aidan

I found the Prayer for Muslims prayer room an inspiring place. We heard stories from several friends about their experiences with Muslim people. I was inspired to keep on praying for blessing for Muslim people.

Also last week, I helped to set up and guide people at the Sanctum "sacred space" in Alderman Blaxill School. It was a privilege to meet the young people, and talk to some of them about God and prayer. Nice one to Tim, Tom and Amy and Collective who made it happen.

Also last week, Stephanie, Jean and I spent time with Andrea from 24-7 Prayer, and Vicky from Wandsworth Boiler Room Community. We were hosted by Stephanie with her Sisters at her Community. It was a good time of sharing. I appreciated hearing stories from Andrea and Vicky and Stephanie. Together we considered how to be open and giving, whilst still retaining right boundaries for rest and refreshing and honouring our committed releationships.

And finally! I've been reading "Flame in my heart" by David Adam, stories and reflections on St Aidan, missionary to the British.

It is recorded that Aidan prayed about accepting the dangerous mission to take Jesus to the British. Then he realised, "This great God will be there wherever I go. I may not know what lies ahead, but I know who is there to meet me."

Aidan sang;

"God there before me, God there behind me

God's love about me, God there above me

God there beneath me, God's strength surround me

God all about me, God deep within me

God's grace toward me."

Step on, to where God is waiting to meet you. love Richard

Richard and Katy go Home

Katy and I had the chance to join with the 24-7 Prayer Gathering, Home, this last weekend.

And we cycled alot of the way (about 120 miles)! And took the train some of the way...

BiG thanks to Corringham and Stanford Boiler Room Community who hosted us warmly at their amazing hospitality and prayer house (pics below). It's amazing to hear the stories of God's provision there, and many new people giving time to pray with the Community there. And to be so blessed with hot baths, fine food and inspiring chat.

About 150 people from about 20 nations gathered in Southampton to share stories of prayer room and Christ centred communities.

The theme of our gathering was to consider the Scripture from Isaiah 56:7 "My house will be a called a house of prayer for all nations". How can we be at home with God? How can we welcome to God to be at home with us?

I learnt that God's Story (revealed in the Bible) is a story of wanting to be at home with people.

I also learnt that God has a home for us, a house of many rooms in heaven. And we can be a home, a temple in each one of us, for the Holy Spirit. And that as we pray and come in repentance and humility to God, He can be present in places for us and others to encounter.

I was inspired to meet old friends, and make new ones, and to hear more of people's stories. People who spring to mind include Lyndey and Katy from Wales, Merkel from Belfast and Alpin from Skopje (see tatoos!), James and Andy from Egham, Sarah from Exeter....

I feel inspired to keep on praying. And to offer myself, my community and my land as a home to God.

Richard

Pilgrimage Reflections

We made it!

Liz, James, Katy, Ian, Helen, Esme, Lewis and I made our pilgrimage across the Dengie Peninsular. We walked 9 miles to the chapel of St Peter, built by St Cedd when he arrived to bring the Gospel to the East Saxons in 653.

We prayed and read the Bible at points along the way.

We also use the Midday and Evening prayer from The Northumbria Community Celtic Daily Prayer Book.

And we met some more friends at the St Peter's and said and sung the Evening Prayer together (which sounded amazing in the ancient, high roofed chapel).

We reflected on that chain of relationship & discipleship that meant Patrick sent Coloumba who sent Aidan who sent Cedd.

I appreciated the big open skies of the Dengie, the beauty and wildness of creation. And I learnt that who we walk with really adds to the journey.

Bradwell Pilgrimage Plan

Monday 25 August 2008

Start – 10am Southminster

9 mile walk with prayer and Bible reflections.

Finish - 4pm St Peter's Chapel, Bradwell on Sea.
Tea and Cake at Othona Community

If you'd like to join in, please contact us on mail@colchesterboilerroom.org.uk

They asked each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?"

Hope on the Streets prayer and fasting day

Some info from Aaron on prayer for the Hope on the Streets day;

Hi guys,

We are holding a half day of prayer and fasting in preparation for hope 08.

Saturday 16th august at Orchard baptist church (Mersea Road) between 10amand 4pm.

The day will begin with some quiet meditation followed by a time ofworship, we will then spend a few hours praying for the differant areasincluded in hope. we will then spend some time in open prayer and willconclude with a time of sharing anything God has laid on our heartsfollowed by a final time of worship. There will be a break around 12:30 sopeople can grab a drink. (we will provide drinks)

please let me know if you can make it.

p.s. you do not have to stay for the whole day.

God bless. Yours in Christ,
Aaron Campbell
aaroncam85@yahoo.co.uk

A visit to Romford

Last Wednesday a group of friends from Colchester Boiler Room Community made a pilgrimage down the A12 to visit friends in a Romford prayer community.



And what a welcome we received! Emma, Phil, Helen and Ian really opened their home to us. We received more pizza than we could eat (quite something considering the boys present!). James and I enjoyed a kickaround in the garden. We enjoyed the space to hang out together.



After food, we came together to introduce each other and each share a story. We were particularly encouraged to hear from friends who have just recently encountered God, and started their walk with Him.

We also shared about our experiences of community.

We heard that our friends in Romford, having been in the shared house for 9 months, now feel challenged to follow Jesus out of their comfort zones. Also, that it is the small things (like the cleaning!) that often present the challenges to living in community.

If you're interested in joining in with our Colchester Boiler Room Community Time Together please contact us on mail@colchesterboilerroom.org.uk

love Richard

News from Sanctum

I had the privilege of serving as a prayer guide in Sanctum last week.

Sanctum is a prayer space that we set up in The Gilberd School, a secondary school in Colchester.

The prayer space was open during break times, lunch times and after school for pupils and teachers to use.

It was a prayer journey; including reflection, secluded space, contemplation of truths from the Bible, space for written prayers, space to listen and write what people thought God was saying...and people could even make their own prayer card to take away.

94 visits were made to the prayer room. Many pupils came back again after their first visit.

One pupil made a comment that they wished Sanctum was open all the time.

The prayer room was so popular that when we came to shut Sanctum at the end of lunchtime, several pupils still tried to come in.

I ws reminded of the openess and seeking that I encounter when I meet people at night as a Street Pastor. I was also reminded of Jesus' observation in Matthew 9 of the crowds being like "sheep without a shepherd".

For more stories and pictures check Tim's blog at http://timabbott.typepad.com/

The next Sanctum is planned for September...

love Richard

Some news and reflections from 24-7 Prayer

Check these links for news and inspiring relection from 24-7 Prayer.

Can we read the ‘signs of the times’ – from Lakeland, Florida to South West China –
Pete Greig challenges us to respond to global events and the movement of the Spirit
with an explosion of prayer.
http://www.24-7prayer.com/cm/content/887

“Two drunk girls walked into the prayer-room in a former shop in Northern Ireland.”
Writes Adri Roos. “‘What is this?’ they demanded loudly. Then realising that the
former handbag shop was now a space for prayer, they ran out into the street
excitedly shouting ‘Come in, let’s pray to God…’
http://www.24-7prayer.com/cm/content/883

The incredible journey of a Church on their knees: Lyndall Bywater interviews
Gillian Best about the story of the Methodist 24-7 Prayer community in Ireland and
how devoting themselves to prayer has impacted a denomination across the island of
Ireland.
http://www.24-7prayer.com/cm/content/890

“We get into God's presence, He rubs off on us, and we look a bit more like Him as
we go out into the darkness that covers the earth.” Rosie Frazier explores mission
and the words of Isaiah “Arise, shine, for your light has come…”
http://www.24-7prayer.com/cm/content/884

All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing.’ [Col
1:6];Jesus is on the move! He’s showing up amongst prostitutes in
Mexico, party-people in Ibiza, and praying punks in Germany. 24-7 Chronicler Bob
Jobe has produced five short documentaries telling five amazing stories of people
caught up in a genuine movement of the Holy Spirit. Find out how you can see them
here.
http://www.24-7prayer.com/cm/content/886

Sanctum

Dear friends,

A door has been opened to us.

The Gildberd School, Highwoods, has offered space to us with CYO to run a
Christ centred prayer room. The prayer room will be open to pupils and
staff before school, during break and lunchtime, and after school.

The prayer room will be called Sanctum. This opportunity may be repeated
in other schools.

It is proposed that the Gilberd Sanctum will run from Monday 7 July to
Friday 11 July, and be open to pupils and staff 8am - 9am, 10am-10.30am, 1.15pm -
2.10pm, 3.15pm - 4.15pm.

We will need guides to welcome people and host the prayer room (and pray
in the prayer room!).

Guides can come along for single sessions. However it will be most
helpful for the running of Sanctum if guides can come for morning (8am -
12noon) or afternoon (12noon - 4pm) shifts.

To satisfy school requirements, these guides must have a Criminal Records
Bureau (CRB) check.

If you would like to host in the prayer room, but
don't have a CRB check, please contact me by leaving a comment here.

love Richard

Relections on Stories from Kansas City Boiler Room Community

On Saturday, Carol and I journeyed to Guildford. There we met about 40 others from Guildford, Cambridge, Southampton, Belfast, Devon and elsewhere. We had come to hear stories from Kansas City Boiler Room Community.


It was great to see Nate and Marissa again from Kansas City, and also to meet Adam, their friend and co-leader. These guys are so fun, but also really kind and encouraging. And they also have talents for prayer, teaching, wise leadership and being "master builders".

Adam shared his story of dissatisfaction with conventional ways of studying the Bible, and how he wanted to share God's story, and how people can be part of that story. He then took us through God Story in a potted version of the Bible study programme they've developed at Kansas City Boiler Room Community.

We then heard stories from Kansas City Boiler Room Community, about their growth and practices. And great stories of fruit and encouragement and new things springing up.

I particularly remember;

• stories of the art collective that has so impacted a local art school it now offers an internship through the art school
• the D groups of pairs and triplets that aim to learn together what it means to follow all that Jesus commanded (Matthew 28:20). In the D groups people ask how they're doing with loving God, loving people and loving the world. Also how they're doing with money and sexuality.
• they have Collectives within the Boiler Room Community that aim to serve specific spheres with love for God, love for people and love for the world. The Collectives include an artists collective, a social workers collective and a young families collective.
• Kansas City Boiler Room Community started with Nate and Marissa and Adam sharing pray time, and grew into shared prayer in a shared house of 5. This house began to be a focal point for many others coming to share community. Out of these friendships, but also a dedication to prayer and discipleship has grown the Kansas City Boiler Room Community.
  

There was a wonderful time of worship and prayer for one another at the end. We prayed for the release and encouragement of apostolic and prophetic gifts in 24-7 Prayer. And importantly for these gifts work together.

Find out more about Kansas City Boiler Room Community at http://www.kcboilerroom.com/home

Nate, Marissa and Adam have been praying for years that they would be "master builders" for God's kingdom. God is answering that prayer. I want to pray that prayer now.

love Richard

Upcoming Prayer Room in Clacton

Our friend Anne posts the following news;

We're having another Prayer Room on

Saturday 21st June

at Great Clacton Methodist Church, Old Road (B1027), Great Clacton.

This time 7.30am to 6.30pm, church open and vestry set up with the more tactile stuff.

Love Anne

Kansas City visitors drop by

Yesterday, I was privileged to spend some time meeting and hanging out with Nate and Marissa from Kansas City Boiler Room.

We had lunch, toured into Colchester along the river, cooked and visited Rosie and Mo in St Osyth (thanks for having us!!). Nate and Marissa appreciated a sea view!

I was encouraged to hear Nate and Marissa's stories of growing Christ centred community in Kansas City.

One piece of wisdom they shared was that "it's more important who we are called to be with than what we are called to do." That there is great joy in serving, loving and building relationships.

They also encouraged us that God appreciates our faithfulness in Colchester Boiler Room Community. Also, that we will be gates through which people come into God's Kingdom and also go out on mission.

I pray that the light of Jesus will shine out of faces, in Colchester and in Kansas City.

love Richard

Reflections on Not Religion but Love

I am reading an inspiring and challenging book "Not Religion but Love" by Dave Andrews.

He writes about his belief in following the radical, nonviolent and sacrificial example of Jesus. And also out of his experience living in community and serving marginalised people.

"But the only way we can live is to live in the real world.

And the only way we can live in the real world is to love the real world.

And the only way we can love the real world is to overcome our fear of suffering that love in the the real world involves.

We must not allow our fear of suffering so to take over our lives that we put all our efforts into building up our defences against the real world, and so alienate ourselves from the very reality to which we need to relate. We need to find a faith that can help us overcome our fear of suffering, so that we can embrace the world as it is warts and all, and live our lives, with friend and foe alike, to the full.

And the only way I know that any of us can do that is by following the way of Christ."

Richard

Hope Prayer Room Reflections

A Big Thanks to everyone who supported the Hope 2008 24/10 Prayer Room.

More than 200 people from 18 church congregations took slots in the prayer room. Together we sustained 220 hours of prayer over 10 days.

"There is a real sense of the presence of God." Prayer Room user.

"I feel much clearer in my head in the prayer room." Prayer Room visitor.

Excitingly, many passersby left prayer requests on the church railings, that could then be taken into the prayer room and offered to God in prayer.

"Many thanks for setting up the 24/10 at St Peter's, and for leaving it so clean and tidy.

I was very conscious of the Lord's presence the times I spent there, and St Peter's felt it a privilege to host it."

Rev Fred Woods, vicar of St Peter's Church congregation.

If you'd like to be involved in future Hope 2008 events in Colchester check http://www.hopeforcolchester.blogspot.com

Or leave a comment.

love Richard

News from the Hope 2008 prayer room

The prayer room has now been the site of 4 days of prayer room, with seven church congregations taking slots.

Visitors have commented on the sense of peace in the prayer room. But Magic, a visitor from Poland, also commented on the life he saw.

Passers by have taken the chance to hang prayers on the church railings. (These prayers are then brought inside and prayed).

Free slots in the prayer room are still avaiable at 7pm, 9pm and 11pm today. Also midnight - 1am, and 2am - 5am Wednesday morning. Also Saturday 12noon - 8pm.

Please sign up for slots in the prayer room, St Peter's Church, North Hill.

Also please consider asking your church leader to support the Global Day of Prayer on Sunday 11 May. The Hope 2008 Colchester organisers are asking church congregations to say the Prayer for the World together at 11am on Sunday.

For more info visit wwwglobaldayofprayer.com It's an awesome prayer! And amazing to be part of a prayer being said across the world.

If you intend to join with this global prayer, please let marie@colchesterprayernet.co.uk know.

Richard

Boundaries

Here's a great bit of wisdom from Marie....

"I learned something in the Easter holidays that may also be an encouragement to you in this busy season.

Grace and I visited an owl sanctuary.

We discovered there used to be 14,000 owls before the second World War. At that time fields were fairly small.

During the war the government became worried about feeding the people. They encouraged farmers to remove the hedgerows, creating bigger fields, and to plough to the edge of the field rather than leaving the edges alone.

Of course, this meant there was nowhere for some animals and birds to shelter and find food, and so their population rapidly declined.

Until that point I had always thought of setting boundaries as an issue of my health, spiritual, physical etc. That day I realised it's about people who live on the edge of society and who rely on what they find there.

If I plough to the edge there is nothing left for them."

Hope 2008 24/10 Prayer Room update

The prayer room will be running from 8pm 1 May - 8pm 10 May at St Peter's Church, North Hill, Colchester.

So far 16 different church congregations have committed to taking prayer slots in the prayer room, covering about 8 days of continuous prayer!!

If you'd like your church to be involved please contact Richard Smith via mail@colchesterboilerroom.org.uk

The prayer room will be open to visitors 7am - 8pm Friday 2 May - Saturday 10 May.

One minute of prayer for Zimbabwe each day

Hello Boiler Room friends,

There is a state of emergency and dispair in Zimbabwe currently. However, there also seems to be an opportunity of movement towards change as well as potential violence.

Please would you join me in praying for Zimbabwe for a minute a day at this time? This could be added to our Daily Prayer, if you pray that.

Further info on Zimbabwe and the one minute prayer are below.

with appreciation of your time and prayers,love Richard

Dear World,

I am a 16 year old person living in Zimbabwe. I think the time has come for a more direct appeal, and so I am writing to you, the world.

Maybe, just maybe, there might be someone out there who can help us...It's tough here now.

The inflation rate is so high that if you don't change money within 6 hours you could get half the amount of foreign currency that you would have originally received.

We're starving now; people die around us. In the last year alone at least ten people associated personally with my family have died despite the fact that they were only middle-aged. Other people don't make it to middle age. They don't even make it past childhood.Our once-proud nation is on it's knees. We flee or die. This beautiful, bountiful once-rich land has become a living hell. We have dealt with it until now; we have made a plan. That was the Zimbabwean motto: 'MAKE A PLAN'.

But now we can't make a plan. We're too tired, too broken, too bankrupt. We can't afford life, and life does not cost much, not really. We cannot afford to eat, we cannot afford to drink, and we cannot afford to make mistakes, because if we do we die. We don't have the capital to support ourselves, and those few who do, have to deal with the horror of watching their friends and family fall into absolute poverty as they cannot afford to help them.We're waiting desperately for a great hand to pick us up out of the dirt because at the moment we are outnumbered by Fate herself, and so we close our eyes and pray. We have fought for too long, and have been brought to breaking point. We simply stand, heads down, and bear it. Our spirit has gone; we are defeated. After a valiant struggle of over fifteen years, we have been broken.

There is no will left, no spirit. Like a horse that has been beaten until it cannot fight anymore; we are the same, and, like that horse, we stand dusty, scarred and alone, with dried blood on our sides and lash marks along our flanks. Our ribs too stand out; our hide is also dull.
Our eyes are glazed, our throats are parched, and our knees struggle to support us so that we stand with splayed legs to bear the brunt of the next beating, too dejected even to whimper...

This is my plea. The thought of picking ourselves up again is sickening; one can only take so many blows before oblivion is reached, and we are teetering on the rim of the bottomless void. One more push will be the end of us all...There must be someone out there who can do something. There must be someone out there who cares! We are a destroyed nation, and the world sits back and watches, pretending they cannot hear our cries. I appeal to you all...HELP US!

(From a 16 year Zimbabwean.)

IN VIEW OF THE CURRENT STATE OF AFFAIRS IN ZIMBABWE WE ARE ORGANISING A DAILY ONE MINUTE PRAYER TIME AT 8 A.M. OR 1 P.M. OR 8.00 P.M. AT ANY ONE OF THESE TIMES, PLEASE STOP WHATEVER YOU ARE DOING AND SPEND THAT ONE MINUTE PRAYING FOR GOD TO INTERVENE IN THE AFFAIRS OF OUR COUNTRY.

SOMEONE SAID IF CHRISTIANS REALLY UNDERSTOOD THE FULL EXTENT OF THE POWER WE HAVE AVAILABLE THROUGH PRAYER, WE MIGHT BE SPEECHLESS.

THANK YOU, ZIMBABWE 24-hour Solidarity Vigil

Ordinary people going extraordinary places

Last weekend, I visited Shropshire - land of rolling hills, wind and rain... and... snow! I joined other believers for a training conference for voluntary work with a Chiristian company either overseas or in UK.

These other people were really encouraging. I'm more and more convinced God chooses people who seem ordinary or clearly not naturally qualified for the job. The Bible is full of them... Moses, Abraham, Gideon, David, Peter. I believe this means God will choose you some day...

God has chosen me to go to Africa in September this year. I wake every day saying thanks to God for this opportunity. I'm mixed with feelings of humility, joy, peace yet also thougts of, "Why me?" "What will happen to me there?" and "What will I do when I'm there?" I just wanna seek God my Father and do what he says.

I need your prayers and so do many other volunteers sharing the gospel. Ordinary people who go out every Friday night as a Street Pastor and those who tirelessly prepare food for the Soup Run every single evening. Those are just two examples of many... I really hope you listen carefully to what God would say to you about sharing the greatest story in the world.

Much love and thanks
Michael

Please get in touch if you would like to know more about my work in Africa by the email on this website or phone - (01206) 523923

24-7 Podcasts available for to inspire prayer and reflection

Check this link http://www.24-7prayer.com/spaces

I think these podcasts inspire Godly reflection and prayer...

what do you think?

love Richard

Great Clacton Prayer Room

Anne Scott, prayer room creator extraordinaire invites us to the;

Great Clacton Methodist Church Prayer Room

Day of prayer
Share time with God and with others.

5th April 2008 7.30 am – 10.30 pm

Hope 2008 24/10 Prayer Room

Many people across the church are coming to together with the dream of seeing many people reached by the love of Jesus Christ. This is Hope 2008. We believe prayer is crucial to enable us to be guided by God, and to see fruit for His kingdom. You and your congregation can be part of a special prayer time to fuel Hope 2008 in Colchester, and inspire our work together for His kingdom.

The vision is for a 24 hour Prayer Room runnning continuously for 10 days at St Peters Church, North Hill 1 – 10 May 2008, in the run up to the Global Day of Prayer 2008 on May 11.

This vision involves more continuous prayer than has been seen before in Colchester. It is pioneering but possible, if we work together. We need 19 church congregations to each commit to filling a 12 hour block of one hour slots.

What will the prayer room be like?

The prayer room will be available for all types of prayer to Jesus. So, a group may come and pray during one hour slot, or people may want to come on their own. People may want to pray in silence, or play music.

There will also be creative prayer activities in the prayer room.

The prayer room can be a place of mission, too. It will be open to the public during the day, so that any interested people can come in and find out about prayer and about Jesus.

Each person who is booked into a slot will have the responsibility for looking after the prayer room. People who are in the prayer room at night should find another person to accompany them so they are not alone at night. There will be prayer room supervisors on call at all times.

How can you be involved?

You can contact Richard Smith on richard@colchesterboilerroom.org.uk to check which slots are available. The slots will run 12 midnight – 12 noon, or 12 noon – 12 midnight.

Richard Smith, Colchester Boiler Room Community
Hope 2008 is supported in Colchester by
Seeking God's Blessing for Colchester, Colchester Prayernet,and church congregations.

Encouraging news from Turkey

Here's some encouraging news from the hosting church in Turkey, who we worked with to do a 24-7 Prayer Room.

"We can see a new zeal for the Lord and a new desire to pray.

The biggest thing happened to a couple who thought they have to go back home to work and earn money. One of them just found work last week in the International School as a teacher. She can start in September. Also housing and schooling for their kids is free. That is a miracle. It popped up in one day. They are so happy. Also we, since he serves us as finance man.

Alfa courses is also going well. Easter was also a good Sunday. We had a big celebration and cooked dinner for 200 people. Praise the Lord."

Amazing times in Turkey

Colin, Jean, Katy and I had an amazing trip to Turkey. Thanks so much to all of you who prayed and encouraged us. God provided all we needed, and answered all our prayers for the week.

Here's the entrance to the daytime prayer room (we had two prayer rooms making up this 24/7 prayer week). "Hos geldiniz" is "you are welcome" in Turkish. A key prayer for us during the week was "Hos Geldiniz, Isa" or "You are welcome, Jesus."
Preparing the sunny patio where we could offer hospitality at the entrance to the prayer room.
The team on the "crown of Smyrna", a strategic hill and castle in the middle of the city.
The night time prayer room, in a central church building. It was a peaceful and inspiring place. And the site of the most amazing musical worship on the last night with young people.
I hope to share more stories with you in person. But particularly special things spring to mind now;

• prophecies received, confirming those received over many years, about Holy Spirit fire coming in this place and then spreading across Turkey,
• many stories of the Holy Spirit miraculously touching people, including a Muslim woman healed by Jesus in a dream then waking to find she is healed,
• I experienced an overwelming filling of the Holy Spirit whilst being prayer for in the prayer room
• we sang the Hallelujah chorus at the ampitheatre at Ephesus together with a Japanese tour group!
• many people now want to see more 24/7 prayer in Turkey

Thanks and glory to God.

love Richard

News from Turkey

Dear friends,

Thanks so much for all your encouragement and prayers. We have really felt supported in our trip, and we are seeing answers to your prayers.

We have been welcomed very well by many friends here. The two (!) prayer rooms are now running. And many of the slots are booked up.

One is a basement boiler room, with a well in the back room. Living water is a theme in this room and people coming in can draw a Scripture verse in English and Turkish from the well. There is also a graffiti wall, art activities, a hoş geldiniz (welcome) patio, and a chance to wash one another's hands.

The other (night time) prayer room is in a new church building. The top floors offer a view of the crown of Izmir. There is music making, and areas for thanks and prayer for Turkey.

In both prayer rooms there are many prayer requests gathered from the church here.

Give thanks for;

The provision of the venues
The church congregations working together here, including a church leaders meeting in the prayer room on Wednesday
Good team working amongst the Colchester team
Good response and interest in the prayer rooms
A policeman visiting the prayer room, and encouraging us, saying he's "here to protect you"
Holy Spirit visions and words of prophecy that are already starting to flow

Please pray for;

Holy Spirit inspiration and guidance for all in the prayer rooms
Ongoing unity, especially between two hosting congregations
Good balance of work rest and pray for the Colchester team
God to continue to take care of the logistics
The exciting sessions planned with children and young people on Friday and Saturday
Surprise(d) visitors called by the Holy Spirit to the prayer room!


love Richard and Katy

24/3 Prayer Room at St Stephens

Here's a message from Chris,

The 24/3 prayer room will be at St Stephens Church, Canterbury Road, Colchester.

"If you have time please could you publicise the prayer room as we would really welcome anyone and everyone.

The prayer room starts at 9pm on Maundy Thursday (20thMarch) and runs till Easter Sunday 10pm (23rd March). During the days the prayer room will follow the different days of easter.

The theme for the prayer room is praying for the spiritual Health of our nation.

People can contact me, Chris Liddamore, to book a slot or phone on 01206 560822 or
0775 236 9612."

A vision for Prayer Rooms as part of Hope 2008

A vision for Prayer Rooms as part of Hope 2008

Church congregations have been working together to run 24-7 Prayer Rooms in Colchester area since 2000. These Prayer Rooms continue to be a place of inspiration, refreshment and encounter.

Colchester Boiler Room Community would like to co-ordinate a 24-10 Prayer Room at a town centre location 1 – 10 May 2008, in the run up to the Global Day of Prayer 2008.

The vision is that this prayer room wil run continuously night and day, and that different congregations can take 12 one hour slots, keeping the prayer room running. The prayer room will be open during the day, so that any interested people can come in and find out about prayer to Jesus.

By running this Prayer Room together we can encourage; prayer for Hope 2008, church congregations working together, inspiration for fresh actions during Hope 2008, and a place of mission.

24-7 Prayer Rooms could also be part of Hope 2008 action in your local community. Colchester Boiler Room Community would like to serve you by helping you to run a 24-7 prayer room in your area.

How can you be involved?

Come to the Hope 2008 meeting at St Botolph's Church, Colchester at 7.45pm Monday 10 March.

Help us find an accessible venue for the 24-10 Prayer Room.

Ask your congregation to commit to taking responsibility for a 12 hour slot in the prayer room, and come and pray in the Rrayer Room yourself.

Plan a 24-7 Prayer Room as part of your action for Hope 2008. All you need is a venue available for a whole week, and willingness to pray and act.

More stories from the Highwoods prayer room

Thanks to Gillian for this report of comments on the Highwoods prayer room in January;

‘I felt the prayer room had a peaceful atmosphere and I felt very much at home there.’

‘I felt a new commitment to the people on Highwoods generally.’

‘'Break through' was a major theme that cropped up again and again’

‘It was good to know that there was an hour where you weren't going to be distracted. It was peaceful but very stimulating.’

‘Sometimes I didn't know what to pray but there was always something there to help’

‘I really enjoyed the opportunity to be involved and to pray for different needs. ‘

‘ It was as if He was showing me that time spent with Him is always good, which I should of course know but which sometimes gets a bit lost. Anyway, trying to clarify this I would just say that it felt as if offering prayer in that room for 48 hours was pleasing to Him.’

Also several people have told me about how they found peace in the prayer room and could sense God’s presence there.

This is from an e-mail from Jamie sent yesterday about the Youth café on Friday.

‘The most amazing thing for me is that last night we put Luke's friend, Lee on the hot seat at the end. A tradition to put adult helpers, particularly new ones, on the spot to keep them on their toes. We request questions from the young people - the person on the hot spot can choose not to answer. First question he gets is: "So when did you become a Christian?".. to which he responded " Last Sunday!". When we quizzed him about it afterwards, he said he became a Christian during the prayer room session that he and Luke were doing overnight on Sat night / Sunday morning. SO HALELUJAH TO THAT!’

Wounded for Jesus

Julian of Norwich wrote of three "wounds" she came to desire in 1373.

"...by the grace of God and the teaching of the Holy Church I conceived a mighty desire to receive three wounds in my life: that is to say the wound of very contrition, the wound of kind compassion, and the wound of steadfast longing toward God."

What "wounds" would you desire to carry for Jesus?

24-7 Prayer Trip to Turkey

Date

Depart Friday 7 March – Return Monday 17 March.
Prayer Room runs Sunday 9 March – Sunday 16 March 2008.

Place

Turkey has a strong Muslim culture. Although freedom of religious practice is in the constitution, the practice of Islam is strongly culturally enforced. Turkish believers suffer persecution from their families and community. The secret police persecutes church activity.
The language is Turkish. Some English is sometimes spoken by educated young people.

The Mission

We have been invited by a church congregation to help them set up and run a 24-7 prayer room. They will also try and invite involvement from other church congregation.
The prayer room will be aimed at Turkish speakers.
The theme for the prayer room has yet to be agreed. However, there are recurrent prophecies about the fire of the Holy Spirit sweeping through Turkey. It should also be a place of meeting with Jesus. We will also pray for strength and grace to endure the persecution.

Prayer Points

For God to guide the planning and running of the prayer room by the Holy Spirit.
Presence of the Holy Spirit in the prayer room.
Financial provision for all team members.
Good preparation for the visiting team, and for the church in Turkey prior to the prayer room.
Good communication and working together.
Protection and perseverance for seekers and believers in the face of persecution.

Colchester Boiler Room Feast Reports

"I was chuffed to welcome 88 people to the Colchester Boiler RoomCommunity Feast, as part of the 24-7 UK Tour.

The had been alot of preparation. In fact it felt like we were organisinga wedding feast! But the God provided and worked through the preparation. About 20 people worked together to make the Feast happen. I'm sure thisis preparation for future service and community time together.

BIG thanks to Phil, Lucie and Charlotte for coming to encourage us...andshifting tables and helping decorating and serving!To me, 2 days later, it feels like the Feast was the beginning ofsomething, not the final event...

If you'd like to be part of the nextchapter of 24-7 Prayer with Colchester Boiler Room Community then please leave a comment below... " love Richard.

Here's Jason's experience of the evening....

"Welcomed with an orange, apple and tropical juice taste bud explosion; the guests and volunteers to the UK 24-7 Tour Colchester Boiler Room Feast wasted no time with introductions. People from various groups around Colchester and further afield mingled in the main hall and lobby after receiving a goodie bag, created by a boiler room member. What was in the bag will be revealed later...

Drumming was the primal medium to announce the feast with words swiftly followed by the Boiler Room duo of Richard and Katy Smith. Much to the delight of hungry faces food followed and table conversations lit up the Church at St Botolph's with a 24- 7 film shortly after the entree.

With some musical chairs, companions were shifted after both the main course and the dessert giving people the opportunity to chat to other organisations represented at the various tables.
The tables were represented by such organisations as: Street Pastors, New Neighbours and Highwoods Youth Cafe.

24- 7 provided the viewing for the next 45 minutes with short films and an awe inspiring talk from Phil T of 24 - 7 UK. Mustard seeds (in reference to the Parable) and bells (played by Chris) were used as contemplation devices with sounds seeming to come from the ethereal realms of heaven itself.

A lively prayer time and a noisy 'lively up your soul' time preceded the meditative bell. You see, inside the goodie bags were kazoos, whistles, and other noise makers. The idea was to wake up to the Holy Spirit to be in the presence of the Lord.

At about 10 o'clock the feast finished and clear up time went on, and on and on but it was all worthwhile.

Special thanks for the evening have to go to the cooks, especially Sue and the Decorating team headed by Michael. The whole evening wouldn't have taken place had it not been for the Richard and Katie combination whose constant eye for detail and people direction was fab.

Of course without the foundation of our faith, Jesus, none of the guests would be united under one roof. Thank you Jesus!"

Highwoods Prayer Room news

The Highwoods Prayer room was a special place to be.

The creation and running of the prayer room was a real team effort between Highwoods Methodist Church, St Lukes and Colchester Boiler Room Community. Special thanks to Helen, Gillian and Daphne.

As soon as we'd set up the prayer room there was a sense of God's presence in the room.

Young people from the Highwoods Youth Cafe really responded to the activities in the prayer room on Friday night.

And I was encouraged to meet some new friends who were praying and hanging out from the small hours til dawn on Saturday night.

I also felt God will continue to pour out His Spirit and build His kingdom in Highwoods, because people there are willing to listen and submit to Him.

Richard

Reflections in a desert place

I have just been away the Sinai region of Egypt.

There's alot of desert there. It was a daunting environment to drive through...so arid and bleak.

I've also been reading, as you do on holiday. I've been really loving a book called The Journey by Alister McGrath. It's a real and wise book about the Christian journey, and the different places and seasons you encounter on the journey. Here's a prayer in the book from Anselm of Canterbury, Archbishop of Canterbury in 1093;

I thirst for you, I hunger for you, I desire you, I sigh for you, I covet you:

I am like an orphan deprived of the presence of a very loving Father,

who, weeping and wailing, does not cease to cling to the dear face with all his whole heart....

All this I hold with unwaivering faith,

and weep over the hardship of exile,

hoping in the sole consolation of your coming,

ardently longing for the glorious contemplation of your face.

Richard