It was a privilege to be invited to serve on the "If I were God …." mission week at St Botolphs and St Edmunds. I was involved in the schools and youth work, which was exciting. There was interest from a number of young people at the school, who would not describe themselves as Christians.
For example the lunchtime sessions enabled us to invite some along to the Link youth event in the school sports hall on the Friday night. Some of the lads that had come along to the lunchtimes but had mostly pranked about in the sessions, showed some interest in the Link event. A 45 minute conversation with them after the event showed that beneath their "hardman" mask were three ordinary lads trying to work out life.
The conversation included explaining how Jesus is at the heart of the Christian message, and is the vehicle for salvation rather than "being religious"; with one of the lads themselves introducing the opportunity to discuss the meaning of Jesus' reaction to the prostitute who washed his feet with her tears, whilst he was eating dinner in the home of some religious people of his day!
The hospitality afforded us was wonderful. My hosts were very kind and tolerant of my unpredictable comings and goings. The meals and lunches brilliantly organised, hosted and cooked! Thank you, we were well looked after.
It was hugely encouraging to be able to share in your gospel work, and I would love to be updated on the ongoing growth.
Steve Price