There are some days in the many years of my Christian life when I have felt overwhelmed by the love and faithfulness of God.
When it seems to me that what has happened is a direct answer to the prayers of many people, over many years, and that His grace has been poured out on undeserving people
Yesterday was one of those days!
The verse that came to mind again and again was from the psalms
"The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy."
Yesterday was handover day for the new building.
That means it was the day when Central building was formally completed and passsed into the ownership of Shrewsbury Baptist Church.
It is the day when the electrics people and the alarm people and the developer explain how everything works.I was glad that Rob and Rob and Steve and Jude were there, because ,as those who know me well will testify, -I dont understand these things easily!
This process took a couple of hours until those who needed to understand everything did so.
Anyway, once everyone was happy we shared a glass with Steve and John from the developers who have been amazingly helpful.
By a strange conincidence although Steve is not a church goer himself one of his ancestors helped carry Spurgeon's coffin at his funeral!
They then left us in the building and we were joined by some of our leadership team (sadly not all were able to come) and we prayed and gave thanks to God for His generosity and faithfulness
As I looked around the faces present I felt grateful for them all. Some have been with us just a short time and some for many years but the experience of not building a building, but building a new church, has birthed in us what Hirsch call a sense of communitas "Community born through struggle "
I am especially grateful for the encouragement, the love and the support they have given to Steve and I- They are a gift from God
Now we move into a new phase in the life of our new church as we seek to go where God calls, to bless people, and to share the gospel in word and deed
I am looking forward to it!
Brilliant. So pleased for you and everyone at Shrewsbury Baptist. A town centre ministry...now there's a challenge. I'm sure it will be hugely fruitful and beneficial to the town and surrounding area. You've lifted my heart today. Tim
ReplyDeleteThank you Tim!
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