A Sunday in the life of us.

As I drank my early morning tea (courtesy of my husband, who brings me tea every morning. What a star!) I began reading the day to day diary of the Army at work in Haiti The following comment by Cedric Hills for the 6th February was a thought provoking start to another Sunday. He writes:

"As I worked at the distribution this afternoon I found myself next to the first part of the sewage channel. I wore a face mask to stop myself breathing in toxic fumes and to keep the smell away. At the corps behind me a cornetist ran through the hymn tunes- I became aware he was playing the tune we associate with the words "This is my Father's world" (SASB 42)
Comptemplating these words we tend to focus on mountain views, picturesque waterfalls or rippling lakes. Yet the world of the rubbish dump, sewage channel and excreta-covered camp is just as much God's world. Those who inhabit those toxic-fumed streets are just as much his children as any other. As the music wafted over the air it seemed surreal but I thanked God for a timely reminder of his love for his creation." (Salvationist 20th February 2010)

Before we left for the meeting Alan and I sat on the bed and read Psalm 73. We have decided to read a psalm together everyday. It was a good one as Alan admitted to particularly feeling the weight of responsibility for leading worship and preaching today.

"I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel and afterwards you will take into glory.
Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail but God is the strength of my heart and my portion for ever."

Worship at the Army was a real blessing this morning. There was a good number in and a buzz of happy chatter as folks greeted each other. As usual there was a bit of banter as everyone was welcomed and laughter at my expense!! I don't mind. It was all about the family of God enjoying being together and it led so well into I am so glad that Jesus loves me. I had to smile at 3 year old Jemima so enthusiastically banging her tambourine in the opening song. Moments of reflection were followed by freedom in prayer and there was a passion in our singing, Alan's preaching was challenging and I felt the Spirit was near as we asked the Lord, "Let me love me Saviour, Take my heart forever. Nothing but they favour my soul can satisfy."

I'll skip quickly over the part recorded Rugby match between England and Ireland which we watched after lunch. Just to say to anyone who doesn't know England lost!

Tonight's blessing in our evening gathering was the testimony time. We do not do this enough. It is so encouraging to one another and so important to voice our acknowledgement of what God is doing among us.

And then it was home to Pancakes for Supper!!

Last week was busy and demanding and the coming week will be just the same but worship with God's people today has restored and renewed me. Thank you Lord.

God bless

Carol

Keep on caring and Keep on Praying
Sitting in the dark in the big top watching the powerful images, blown away by the appalling statistics and completely shocked by the fact that this crime against humanity was probably happening in a town or a city that I visited every week, the issue of human trafficking was suddenly in my face, calling for my prayers, my voice in protest and a change in the way I did my shopping. Trips to Ethiopia and Ivory Cross re-inforced my passion to keep on praying and keep on speaking out and not to compromise on ethical shopping.

But I have grown used to the stories, the statistics and the memories of women sleeping on the market stalls in Abijan where they would sell their bodies for sex as night are fading? We have all heard about it now. The TV has covered the issue in it drama's. It's been done, move on, we're bored now. Let's have a new passion, a new campaign. Shock me with something else.

But the victims of modern day slavery do not have the luxury of moving one. They need us to keep on caring and to keep on praying.

God of the poor

Friend of the weak

Give us compassion we pray
Melt our cold hearts

Let tears fall like rain

Come change our love

From a spark to a flame.

Join us tomorrow evening, 6.00pm to pray

God bless

Carol