Aside from reaching out in central London, our time here in Woodford (out in the northeast boroughs) has been outstanding. Besides participating in a host of church activities, and spending time investing relationally with youth and interns, we continue to host the Summer Mission School course. Our numbers are increasing as attendees bring friends and spread the word; we're really enjoying getting to know the regulars and seeing God impact everyone who drops by for even a single session!
Today I taught the session again- a variation on our theme of opening up our lives so that the "salt and light" of our life in Christ can affect those around us. Fairly simple and straightforward, but the Holy Spirit really used it to challenge a lot of the habits and patterns we all have of treating people around us as scenery rather than engaging them as people. We also addressed being better listeners (so we can discern what God is doing in someone and then join Him) and better question askers (so we can take conversations beyond the surface banter about sports, tv series and weather). Some people felt at dead ends with talking to acquaintances, but received encouragement by cultivating simple skills like asking why questions, not just what questions (for example, not just asking what someone is studying, but rather why they chose that field- this opens up the realm of values where you can interact about what matters to people and allow them to share what motivates their lives.) I continue to enjoy the vulnerability and honesty of the group, all of who have sincere dedication to the Lord and are eager to grow in their faith and witness. Such a privilege to host them in this course, and to see the Holy Spirit at work in their lives, even when the course was put together so last minute. I am SO glad God gave us this opportunity to invest in All Saints Woodford Wells!
Downtown Woodford- not exactly a metropolis but there is a grocery store, coffee shop, and of course the tube station connecting us to central London- so we come through quite often. We have also had good conversations here in the community with everyone from muslims to eastern cult members.
This pic is from an earlier Summer Mission School session- we have had more attendance people join us lately but i've been too busy hosting to take pictures:) Glad to be a part of equipping the church to reach their community!
