Over the last few weeks I have noticed something significant about ministry in the town centre of Blackpool, New Central Church has a Coffee Bar and many folk come in, some are local, others tourists, some of those tourists are Methodists seeking out a Methodist Church ( we do that!). Others though are folk seeking a bit of peace away from the hustle and bustle of the shopping centre and promenade, I've adopted a stance of lurking in the coffee bar with intent and chatting to people, many of those people happily share some of their life story with me, and many of them welcome the offer of prayer or a blessing. I am not surprised by this, partly because those who come in know they are coming in to a church coffee bar, but also because I firmly believe that many people are open to a touch from God.
What has surprised me however is the effect that all of this has had upon me, I find my faith strengthened, and I can genuinely point to answered prayer from a young man who wanted prayer for his driving test to someone who wanted prayer for healing. Earlier this week I had the privilege of praying for a church member, we prayed for his healing, and as we did so we experienced the presence and love of God in a powerful way.
This has been echoed for me in North Shore Church a little way along the coast from New Central, again opportunities to share in the lives and stories of others have opened up naturally and powerfully. Yet in both of these places, maybe particularly North Shore there is a vulnerability, the vulnerability of being called by God but not being sure that we have the strength to step into that calling, and through this God is working, and that is wonderful...
Lord have mercy upon us...
Be the strength in our weakness, help us to hear your voice, help us to follow you...
