So two days in Birmingham with the OM team . . . this went well. It was great to meet the folks and see who is involved in the ministry there. 29 nations represented, so a typical OM setting. We looked at the nature of the gospel and the trinity, before moving into a discussion of conflict resolution in light of our being made in God’s image (i.e.as relaters rather than “individuals” in the traditional sense our culture has imbibed). We finished with a look at the possibilities of unity as an overflow of who God is, rather than as a pragmatic necessity and got into some of the practical issues that will help that. It was a meaty couple of days, but hopefully helpful.
Peter with Cor Deo grad Jonathan (& Rosie!)
On Saturday I took a friend with me up to Cinderford where we had a great group of folks together to look at reading Biblical narrative effectively. Again we delighted in the gospel together as we pondered a couple of passages, then enjoyed lunch and a good Q&A session. It was so encouraging to be with so many friends in this setting. We drove back and returned just in time for me to enjoy a little favourite activity of mine – lighting fireworks for the church display. That went well and we all survived!
Sunday I was back up in Cinderford again, this time with the children, and I got to preach on Hebrews 13. After a good lunch together as a church, we headed over to Newent for another meeting where I got to preach from Philippians 2. By the end of the day the children were tired, but we made it home safely and I have to say they did great being away from home for a day with me busy and Mum missing. I really enjoyed the conversation with Aliyah on the return journey too.
Most of the Meads at Cinderford
Then this morning I got to spend a couple of hours with a good friend doing some church history reading in anticipation of next year’s Cor Deo.
There was more involved in the weekend, but this is a summary and we’re thankful that the ministry seems to have gone well overall. It really is a privilege to be involved in this kind of work! Now into the week ahead. Just one prayer request:
* This Thursday I am preaching at a missions event for students in Birmingham. Please pray for lives to be stirred in that gathering for the sake of a desperate world!
