Methodist & Proud Of It (After This Weekend)

OK Guys - I confess - what a FANTASTIC weekend at MAYC (Methodist Association Of Youth Clubs) Breakout weekend at Cliff College in Derbyshire.

Those who are new to my blog might not be aware of our faith journey. Having come to the Lord in a Methodist Church and training at Cliff College we went into full-time Christian ministry looking after 5 (yes 5) rural Methodist chapels in Derbyshire. This was on the back of Billy Graham's visit to Sheffield in 1985 and the chapels were full of new converts - a real blessing but hard work for a young married couple. If you've never been in 'full-time' ministry you've no idea how much hard work it is... funerals, weddings, Church politics. We ended up tired, disillusioned and fed up with all things Methodist. We ended up in the New Church movement (Salt & Light and then New Frontiers) for nearly 20 years before going full circle and rejoining the Methodist Church two years ago. We just had a growing yearning to return to our roots, to the familiar, to the known. We've no regrets and our church Wootton New Life Methodist (http://www.woottonnewlife.org.uk/) has restored our faith in church, the kingdom and our faith.

Well, I have to say that after this weekend I'm proud to be a Methodist. The weekend was brill, cutting edge, dynamic and fun! I had to pinch myself but you could have been at Soul Survivor, New Day or Hillsong. Great worship with Y Friday and Soundz Of Salvation (great SKA worship band) and 4 Kornez (R&B worship band). We sang, danced and laughed - great Christian alternative comedian called Joe Fisher. Fantastic communion led by the MAYC singers and Iona.

When James and I arrived on Friday night (we were the advance party) the rain was torrential and the temperature 12 o c. We put up Nick & Sarah Hearn's enormous and fabulous tent and ended up so wet we could (and did) wring out our pants afterwards. Saturday was dry and cold and of course Sunday, (go home day) was hot and sunny!

Being in a big 'main-line' denomination can be frustrating but ours has a great heritage, John Wesley had his heart 'strangely warmed' (his words) by the Holy Spirit and set off to preach to the world. Lord 'strangely warm' the hearts of your Methodist people again. Well, enough of preachy Dave - you know I can't resist!

Teresa and I are off to Halifax and Carlisle tomorrow - I'm going along for the ride and for moral support. Wednesday sees us in Neath - south Wales and of course Sunday is Race for Life! What a mad week!

Just a quick word before I sign-off about our brill youth group (XLR8). In these days of knife crime and angst ridden teenagers this group restores you faith in kids. To a person they are considerate, caring, kind and passionate about their faith. Helping lead this group is one of the greatest pleasures in my life. Working with them makes me realise that there is hope for the world, the church and our nation. Thanks Matthew, Scottie, Joel, Tom, Katie, Ben, Chloe and James and all those who stopped at home too. You are great young people - keep growing into men and women of God, I'll try my best to help you.

If you are reading this and don't believe in God then get real. He is real and my healing is testimony to that. I should be nearly dead by now and although I don't know what the future holds I do know who holds the future - He does! Get to know him and if you've been on a 'spiritual career break' then get back into church- keep searching till you find one that suits. If you live in near Bedford then I could recommend Wootton New Life Methodist (of course try it first), Bromham Baptist, Woodside, Brickhill, Kings Arms, St John's, Christchurch, Russel Park Baptist, Rutland Road Evangelical and our fantastic friends at Lidlington - take your pick Bedford, (and your town) is packed with thriving lively churches.

Well, 'America's Got Talent' semi-final beckons (trashy tele par excellence) - we love it.

See you, God bless, have a great week.

PS Health is good, swallowing 'A' OK at present.

Luv Dave