Following Jesus entails developing an intimate relationship with him. This is what elevates Christianity beyond all other religions, philosophies, and worldviews. Mark 3:14-15 says, ‘He appointed the twelve—designating them as apostles, that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority over demons’.

A closer look at this Scripture—‘that they might be with him’—reveals that endeavouring to do anything for Jesus is linked with desiring and developing a relationship with him.

Christianity in general and discipleship in particular is based on a relationship with Jesus, not on spiritual directions and rules. Once we decide to let him have control over our lives, he will show us the way and teach us. This entails all the directions we need as we deepen our relationship with him.

Isaiah M. Dau(excerpt) Lausanne Movement

Since coming to power in 2014, Egypt’s President al-Sisi has treated Christians more favourably and his government has passed laws making it easier to build new churches, reversing restrictions from the Ottoman era. However, Christian communities regularly face violence at a local level and church buildings are often targeted by Muslim mobs, especially those which are unregistered or newly registered. Muslim-dominated Egypt has a substantial Christian minority, which is one of the oldest Christian communities in the world, dating back to the first century, and pre-dating Islam by some 500 years.

Tear Fund lent appeal

Until 17th May, the UK Government will match all gifts to the Tear Fund lent appeal, up to £3 million. The money will be used to set up waste recycling hubs in Pakistan’s slums.

It will create a healthier ,safer environment. The rubbish is collected on a daily basis and processed on the streets . Rubbish that can be recycled is sold as a resource and organic waste is turned into compost.

Healthier living, safer living and also providing dignity to marginalised people who earn a living.

www.tearfund.org/Nargis
Tel 020 3906 3906

A short Drama suitable for performing in a church service

Requires 8 players

Main Points :-Nobody is insignificant in the body of Christ  If we work together, celebrating our differences, acknowledging our gifts, each bringing what we can we can achieve more. Each part of the body is important and has a role.

Contact:  colincd@hotmail.co.uk

Nahum’s singular focus on the impending judgment of Nineveh offers a continuation of the story that began in Jonah. Sometime around 760 BC, God sent Jonah to Nineveh to preach repentance and hope to the Assyrian people, a message they heard and adopted—at least for a time. One hundred years later, during the time of Nahum, the Assyrians had returned to their bullish ways, conquering the northern kingdom of Israel and lording their power over Judah in the south (2 Kings 17:1–6; 18:13–19:37). Jonah failed to realize what Nahum reminded the people of Judah: God’s justice is always right and always sure. Should He choose to grant mercy for a time, that good gift will not compromise the Lord’s ultimate sense of justice for all in the end.     (Chuck Swindoll)

www.insight.org/resources/bible/the-minor-prophets/nahum

When Dr. Graham turned ninety-nine last November, his son Franklin released a video that turned out to be his father’s final public message to the world. Here is my transcription of Dr. Graham’s message:

“I’ve been praying that we might have a spiritual awakening. But I think that becomes possible only as individuals surrender their lives afresh and anew to Christ and live the Christian life wherever you are.

“First, we do everything we can to follow in the steps of Jesus. We’re to live a life in which we love one another, we help one another, we live according to what Jesus lived.

“The Holy Spirit is the one that helps us live that new lifestyle, which is one of love, gentleness, and patience, and all of these things that are the fruit of the Spirit.

“Secondly, you read his word every day-the Bible. I know it’s very difficult, but you need to start somewhere and I suggest you start with the Gospel of Luke in the New Testament, and in the Old Testament start with the very first verse-‘In the beginning, God.’ And study those passages.

“And the third thing: go to your knees and pray, until you and God have become intimate friends. I cannot describe to you the joy and the peace that he gives to you as a result of that daily routine that you have in prayer.”

Waleswide is a collaboration of evangelical churches and organisations for the planting and strengthening of churches across Wales.

Waleswide was established after a nationwide gathering of church leaders in 2005.  This church planting consultation acknowledged the need for an intentional and collaborative approach to church planting and strengthening in Wales.  As a result Waleswide was formed and commissioned.

Waleswide works with leaders to see churches established especially where there is no evangelical church presence, and where churches need to be strengthened in their effectiveness.

Devon based charity Restore are working with trafficked women to give them long term support. Survivors of trafficking currently receive 45 days of government-funded support. Restore says ” survivors are still coming to terms with what has happened to them and in many cases have not even begun to heal”

When the women are referred to Restore, they are given a safe place to recover for an extra year. With the mission statement “rebuilding the life intended for survivors of human trafficking”

http://www.to-restore.org/

(Stewardship)