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