The Janitor and the CEO

I read the following on Facebook today and was challenged by it to re-evaluate my definition of success.
Blessings!
Ronell x
The Janitor and the CEO...
There once lived a janitor who worked for the same company for 40 years. He never rose above the position of janitor and never had anyone report to him. He never owned a home, never had an investment, never bought a new car. But he was a fine janitor.
Over these 40 years, from time to time, he would be asked: "How come you work so hard? You don't really have to put in all that extra effort." He would answer, "You don't understand. I'm doing this work for Jesus, and for Him it has got to be good. You see, He is my best friend. I love Him and owe Him my best because He gave His life for me."
Some of these people laughed and just walked on by. But others said: "Jesus? Your friend? How can Jesus be a friend? I don't know Him in that way."
The janitor would smile when this happened, and no one could miss the love in his eyes when he answered, "Well, let me tell you about me and Jesus." He was never too busy to share how the love of his Lord had touched his life.
In this same company there was another man who worked there for 40 years, starting his career at the same time as the janitor. He had attended an excellent university and had done well, working hard and making good grades. He joined the company as a salesman right out of college and quickly became the top salesman in his department. In record time he was promoted, becoming the youngest sales manager, regional manager, vice president of sales, and ultimately, the youngest CEO the company ever had. Under his leadership, the company grew and expanded? eventually becoming an international leader in its industry. He was a respected member of a good church. He and his family could regularly be seen on Sunday morning seated in the fourth row on the left side for the 11 A.M. service. But Sunday had little to do with Monday. He was so busy that God was crowded out of much of his life.
It happened that both men died on the same day. And as the Scripture promises (1Cor. 3), each man in turn went to stand before Jesus to give an account of what he had done with his life.
The CEO went first, as usual, and stepped before the Lord. Jesus put His hand on his shoulder and said to him, "My son, you have done well with your life. I gave you intelligence and opportunity. You worked hard and you took advantage of all that I set before you. You accomplished much. But, son, all that you built must remain behind. Your homes and cars, your company and clubs were good, but they are not a part of My Kingdom. The university that you loved and served refused to honor Me and it will burn up and be destroyed. Your money is not needed here. My son, you labored long and hard, but unwisely. You have gained the good, but missed the best."
The janitor stood humbly nearby, fearful and in awe. If a CEO could receive no commendation from the Lord, what could a mere janitor expect? His eyes were cast down and tears covered his cheeks when Jesus put His hands on the janitor's shoulders.
"Son, lift your eyes." The janitor looked into the face of the Lord he loved. "Turn around, and tell Me what you see." With the Lord's strong arm around his shoulders, the janitor turned. To his amazement, he saw crowds of jubilant people coming toward him. Their expressions reflected a pure love and joy that he had never seen. He turned to Jesus and said, "Lord, I recognize only a few. Who are the others?" Jesus said "Those you recognize are the ones you told of My love. The others are those they told. They are here now to thank you. Enter into the joy prepared for you from the foundations of the world." You see, both men had opportunities, just as you and I do. One built a fortune here, the other there. One fortune was temporary, the other, eternal. Both were the result of choices.
Which fortune are you pursuing?

Spreading HOPE

I received the latest update from Hope International today and thought I would share. I hope you find it both useful and challenging!

Blessings!

Ronell x

Easter is at the heart of all we do as Christians. Just as Jesus died and rose again, we lay down our lives at the cross and because of Jesus we rise to new life – life that is amazing as part of his eternal worldwide family. In Jesus we find our identity, strength and purpose. This is good news worth spreading. It is this good news we celebrate this Easter: the good news which gives hope to the world.


Resources to help you spread HOPE
This Easter sees the launch of HOPE’s resources to prepare the UK church for 2014 and a year of mission.

HOPE 2014 & the Rhythm of Mission is a 3-minute promotional video you can download from our website to inspire and inform others in your area, so churches can prepare together to do more in mission in word and action.

HOPE: together in word & action is our new brochure which folds out to a poster about HOPE and 2014. We’d love to see this poster displayed in every church in the country. Already we have requests for more than 100,000 brochures. Contact us to tell us how many copies you can use to promote HOPE in your area.

HOPE – the Heartbeat of Mission is HOPE’s best-ever collection of tried-and-tested mission ideas. Denominations, dioceses and groups of churches working together have ordered thousands of copies to make sure that every church leader is inspired and equipped to do more together in mission in words and action in 2014. Before it was printed the Methodist churches had ordered 2,500 copies to give to leaders; they upped their order to 3,500 copies when they saw the book. The Revd Ian Bunce, Faith and Society mission networker of the Baptist Union of Great Britain and a member of the HOPE leadership team, said, 'It's a significant resource bringing together hundreds of missional ideas in an accessible way. I think its life will be beyond that of HOPE, as churches use it for ideas.'

HOPE – The Heartbeat of Mission is packed with resources
• Practical inspiration - 150 different tried-and-tested mission ideas that have worked
• Funding sources - 18 community projects backed with funding of up to £2,000 to start each new church-led initiative
• Mission practice - words and action linked to an annual rhythm of mission running through the church calendar

Buy copies of HOPE – The Heartbeat of Mission from the HOPE shop. A single copy costs £5.99 (plus P+P).  Order 20 or more for just £3 a copy.

Training
Invite one of the HOPE leadership team to provide training for churches in your area in preparation for HOPE in 2014. Roy Crowne, Phil Timson, Bishop Graham Cray and others are available to inspire leaders and to prepare Christians to share faith with courage and confidence in words and action. There are training dates available in June, July, October and November 2013.  For more information contact the HOPE office

Making a difference locally
We love hearing about local churches working together in mission. HOPE is developing a network of practitioners country-wide. Can you be the local link for your region and get churches working together in mission? Ask us about becoming a practitioner.

Prayer
HOPE’s daily prayer calendar is on our website. Churches have committed to pray daily. Contact us to receive the prayer calendar by email at the start of each month.

Praying through the night
The next Redeemed Christian Church of God Festival of Life is on the 19 April at the Excel Centre in London. Find out more here.

Thanks
Special thanks to Lucy Cooper for her enthusiasm and hard work as HOPE’s Communications Manager. Lucy was seconded by the Evangelical Alliance when the project was launched. Her HOPE role has now ended, but we still want to hear your stories about how you are spreading hope in villages, towns and cities. Email the HOPE office with your news.

Have a great Easter - from the HOPE team

Resources to help you spread HOPE
This Easter sees the launch of HOPE’s resources to prepare the UK church for 2014 and a year of mission.
HOPE 2014 & the Rhythm of Mission is a 3-minute promotional video you can download from our website to inspire and inform others in your area, so churches can prepare together to do more in mission in word and action.

HOPE: together in word & action is our new brochure which folds out to a poster about HOPE and 2014. We’d love to see this poster displayed in every church in the country. Already we have requests for more than 100,000 brochures. Contact us to tell us how many copies you can use to promote HOPE in your area.

HOPE – the Heartbeat of Mission is HOPE’s best-ever collection of tried-and-tested mission ideas. Denominations, dioceses and groups of churches working together have ordered thousands of copies to make sure that every church leader is inspired and equipped to do more together in mission in words and action in 2014. Before it was printed the Methodist churches had ordered 2,500 copies to give to leaders; they upped their order to 3,500 copies when they saw the book. The Revd Ian Bunce, Faith and Society mission networker of the Baptist Union of Great Britain and a member of the HOPE leadership team, said, 'It's a significant resource bringing together hundreds of missional ideas in an accessible way. I think its life will be beyond that of HOPE, as churches use it for ideas.'

HOPE – The Heartbeat of Mission is packed with resources
• Practical inspiration - 150 different tried-and-tested mission ideas that have worked
• Funding sources - 18 community projects backed with funding of up to £2,000 to start each new church-led initiative
• Mission practice - words and action linked to an annual rhythm of mission running through the church calendar

Buy copies of HOPE – The Heartbeat of Mission from the HOPE shop. A single copy costs £5.99 (plus P+P).  Order 20 or more for just £3 a copy.

Training
Invite one of the HOPE leadership team to provide training for churches in your area in preparation for HOPE in 2014. Roy Crowne, Phil Timson, Bishop Graham Cray and others are available to inspire leaders and to prepare Christians to share faith with courage and confidence in words and action. There are training dates available in June, July, October and November 2013.  For more information contact the HOPE office

Making a difference locally
We love hearing about local churches working together in mission. HOPE is developing a network of practitioners country-wide. Can you be the local link for your region and get churches working together in mission? Ask us about becoming a practitioner.

Prayer
HOPE’s daily prayer calendar is on our website. Churches have committed to pray daily. Contact us to receive the prayer calendar by email at the start of each month.

Praying through the night
The next Redeemed Christian Church of God Festival of Life is on the 19 April at the Excel Centre in London. Find out more here.

Thanks
Special thanks to Lucy Cooper for her enthusiasm and hard work as HOPE’s Communications Manager. Lucy was seconded by the Evangelical Alliance when the project was launched. Her HOPE role has now ended, but we still want to hear your stories about how you are spreading hope in villages, towns and cities. Email the HOPE office with your news.

Have a great Easter - from the HOPE team
 
HOPE 2014 & the Rhythm of Mission is a 3-minute promotional video you can download from our website to inspire and inform others in your area, so churches can prepare together to do more in mission in word and action.
HOPE: together in word & action is our new brochure which folds out to a poster about HOPE and 2014. We’d love to see this poster displayed in every church in the country. Already we have requests for more than 100,000 brochures. Contact us to tell us how many copies you can use to promote HOPE in your area.

HOPE – the Heartbeat of Mission is HOPE’s best-ever collection of tried-and-tested mission ideas. Denominations, dioceses and groups of churches working together have ordered thousands of copies to make sure that every church leader is inspired and equipped to do more together in mission in words and action in 2014. Before it was printed the Methodist churches had ordered 2,500 copies to give to leaders; they upped their order to 3,500 copies when they saw the book. The Revd Ian Bunce, Faith and Society mission networker of the Baptist Union of Great Britain and a member of the HOPE leadership team, said, 'It's a significant resource bringing together hundreds of missional ideas in an accessible way. I think its life will be beyond that of HOPE, as churches use it for ideas.'

HOPE – The Heartbeat of Mission is packed with resources
• Practical inspiration - 150 different tried-and-tested mission ideas that have worked
• Funding sources - 18 community projects backed with funding of up to £2,000 to start each new church-led initiative
• Mission practice - words and action linked to an annual rhythm of mission running through the church calendar

Buy copies of HOPE – The Heartbeat of Mission from the HOPE shop. A single copy costs £5.99 (plus P+P).  Order 20 or more for just £3 a copy.

Training
Invite one of the HOPE leadership team to provide training for churches in your area in preparation for HOPE in 2014. Roy Crowne, Phil Timson, Bishop Graham Cray and others are available to inspire leaders and to prepare Christians to share faith with courage and confidence in words and action. There are training dates available in June, July, October and November 2013.  For more information contact the HOPE office

Making a difference locally
We love hearing about local churches working together in mission. HOPE is developing a network of practitioners country-wide. Can you be the local link for your region and get churches working together in mission? Ask us about becoming a practitioner.

Prayer
HOPE’s daily prayer calendar is on our website. Churches have committed to pray daily. Contact us to receive the prayer calendar by email at the start of each month.

Praying through the night
The next Redeemed Christian Church of God Festival of Life is on the 19 April at the Excel Centre in London. Find out more here.

Thanks
Special thanks to Lucy Cooper for her enthusiasm and hard work as HOPE’s Communications Manager. Lucy was seconded by the Evangelical Alliance when the project was launched. Her HOPE role has now ended, but we still want to hear your stories about how you are spreading hope in villages, towns and cities. Email the HOPE office with your news.

Have a great Easter - from the HOPE team
 
HOPE: together in word & action is our new brochure which folds out to a poster about HOPE and 2014. We’d love to see this poster displayed in every church in the country. Already we have requests for more than 100,000 brochures. Contact us to tell us how many copies you can use to promote HOPE in your area.
HOPE – the Heartbeat of Mission is HOPE’s best-ever collection of tried-and-tested mission ideas. Denominations, dioceses and groups of churches working together have ordered thousands of copies to make sure that every church leader is inspired and equipped to do more together in mission in words and action in 2014. Before it was printed the Methodist churches had ordered 2,500 copies to give to leaders; they upped their order to 3,500 copies when they saw the book. The Revd Ian Bunce, Faith and Society mission networker of the Baptist Union of Great Britain and a member of the HOPE leadership team, said, 'It's a significant resource bringing together hundreds of missional ideas in an accessible way. I think its life will be beyond that of HOPE, as churches use it for ideas.'

HOPE – The Heartbeat of Mission is packed with resources
• Practical inspiration - 150 different tried-and-tested mission ideas that have worked
• Funding sources - 18 community projects backed with funding of up to £2,000 to start each new church-led initiative
• Mission practice - words and action linked to an annual rhythm of mission running through the church calendar

Buy copies of HOPE – The Heartbeat of Mission from the HOPE shop. A single copy costs £5.99 (plus P+P).  Order 20 or more for just £3 a copy.

Training
Invite one of the HOPE leadership team to provide training for churches in your area in preparation for HOPE in 2014. Roy Crowne, Phil Timson, Bishop Graham Cray and others are available to inspire leaders and to prepare Christians to share faith with courage and confidence in words and action. There are training dates available in June, July, October and November 2013.  For more information contact the HOPE office

Making a difference locally
We love hearing about local churches working together in mission. HOPE is developing a network of practitioners country-wide. Can you be the local link for your region and get churches working together in mission? Ask us about becoming a practitioner.

Prayer
HOPE’s daily prayer calendar is on our website. Churches have committed to pray daily. Contact us to receive the prayer calendar by email at the start of each month.

Praying through the night
The next Redeemed Christian Church of God Festival of Life is on the 19 April at the Excel Centre in London. Find out more here.

Thanks
Special thanks to Lucy Cooper for her enthusiasm and hard work as HOPE’s Communications Manager. Lucy was seconded by the Evangelical Alliance when the project was launched. Her HOPE role has now ended, but we still want to hear your stories about how you are spreading hope in villages, towns and cities. Email the HOPE office with your news.

Have a great Easter - from the HOPE team
 
HOPE – the Heartbeat of Mission is HOPE’s best-ever collection of tried-and-tested mission ideas. Denominations, dioceses and groups of churches working together have ordered thousands of copies to make sure that every church leader is inspired and equipped to do more together in mission in words and action in 2014. Before it was printed the Methodist churches had ordered 2,500 copies to give to leaders; they upped their order to 3,500 copies when they saw the book. The Revd Ian Bunce, Faith and Society mission networker of the Baptist Union of Great Britain and a member of the HOPE leadership team, said, 'It's a significant resource bringing together hundreds of missional ideas in an accessible way. I think its life will be beyond that of HOPE, as churches use it for ideas.'
HOPE – The Heartbeat of Mission is packed with resources
• Practical inspiration - 150 different tried-and-tested mission ideas that have worked
• Funding sources - 18 community projects backed with funding of up to £2,000 to start each new church-led initiative
• Mission practice - words and action linked to an annual rhythm of mission running through the church calendar

Buy copies of HOPE – The Heartbeat of Mission from the HOPE shop. A single copy costs £5.99 (plus P+P).  Order 20 or more for just £3 a copy.

Training
Invite one of the HOPE leadership team to provide training for churches in your area in preparation for HOPE in 2014. Roy Crowne, Phil Timson, Bishop Graham Cray and others are available to inspire leaders and to prepare Christians to share faith with courage and confidence in words and action. There are training dates available in June, July, October and November 2013.  For more information contact the HOPE office

Making a difference locally
We love hearing about local churches working together in mission. HOPE is developing a network of practitioners country-wide. Can you be the local link for your region and get churches working together in mission? Ask us about becoming a practitioner.

Prayer
HOPE’s daily prayer calendar is on our website. Churches have committed to pray daily. Contact us to receive the prayer calendar by email at the start of each month.

Praying through the night
The next Redeemed Christian Church of God Festival of Life is on the 19 April at the Excel Centre in London. Find out more here.

Thanks
Special thanks to Lucy Cooper for her enthusiasm and hard work as HOPE’s Communications Manager. Lucy was seconded by the Evangelical Alliance when the project was launched. Her HOPE role has now ended, but we still want to hear your stories about how you are spreading hope in villages, towns and cities. Email the HOPE office with your news.

Have a great Easter - from the HOPE team
 
HOPE – The Heartbeat of Mission is packed with resources
• Practical inspiration - 150 different tried-and-tested mission ideas that have worked
• Funding sources - 18 community projects backed with funding of up to £2,000 to start each new church-led initiative
• Mission practice - words and action linked to an annual rhythm of mission running through the church calendar
Buy copies of HOPE – The Heartbeat of Mission from the HOPE shop. A single copy costs £5.99 (plus P+P).  Order 20 or more for just £3 a copy.

Training
Invite one of the HOPE leadership team to provide training for churches in your area in preparation for HOPE in 2014. Roy Crowne, Phil Timson, Bishop Graham Cray and others are available to inspire leaders and to prepare Christians to share faith with courage and confidence in words and action. There are training dates available in June, July, October and November 2013.  For more information contact the HOPE office

Making a difference locally
We love hearing about local churches working together in mission. HOPE is developing a network of practitioners country-wide. Can you be the local link for your region and get churches working together in mission? Ask us about becoming a practitioner.

Prayer
HOPE’s daily prayer calendar is on our website. Churches have committed to pray daily. Contact us to receive the prayer calendar by email at the start of each month.

Praying through the night
The next Redeemed Christian Church of God Festival of Life is on the 19 April at the Excel Centre in London. Find out more here.

Thanks
Special thanks to Lucy Cooper for her enthusiasm and hard work as HOPE’s Communications Manager. Lucy was seconded by the Evangelical Alliance when the project was launched. Her HOPE role has now ended, but we still want to hear your stories about how you are spreading hope in villages, towns and cities. Email the HOPE office with your news.

Have a great Easter - from the HOPE team
 
Buy copies of HOPE – The Heartbeat of Mission from the HOPE shop. A single copy costs £5.99 (plus P+P).  Order 20 or more for just £3 a copy.
Training
Invite one of the HOPE leadership team to provide training for churches in your area in preparation for HOPE in 2014. Roy Crowne, Phil Timson, Bishop Graham Cray and others are available to inspire leaders and to prepare Christians to share faith with courage and confidence in words and action. There are training dates available in June, July, October and November 2013.  For more information contact the HOPE office

Making a difference locally
We love hearing about local churches working together in mission. HOPE is developing a network of practitioners country-wide. Can you be the local link for your region and get churches working together in mission? Ask us about becoming a practitioner.

Prayer
HOPE’s daily prayer calendar is on our website. Churches have committed to pray daily. Contact us to receive the prayer calendar by email at the start of each month.

Praying through the night
The next Redeemed Christian Church of God Festival of Life is on the 19 April at the Excel Centre in London. Find out more here.

Thanks
Special thanks to Lucy Cooper for her enthusiasm and hard work as HOPE’s Communications Manager. Lucy was seconded by the Evangelical Alliance when the project was launched. Her HOPE role has now ended, but we still want to hear your stories about how you are spreading hope in villages, towns and cities. Email the HOPE office with your news.

Have a great Easter - from the HOPE team
 
Training
Invite one of the HOPE leadership team to provide training for churches in your area in preparation for HOPE in 2014. Roy Crowne, Phil Timson, Bishop Graham Cray and others are available to inspire leaders and to prepare Christians to share faith with courage and confidence in words and action. There are training dates available in June, July, October and November 2013.  For more information contact the HOPE office
Making a difference locally
We love hearing about local churches working together in mission. HOPE is developing a network of practitioners country-wide. Can you be the local link for your region and get churches working together in mission? Ask us about becoming a practitioner.

Prayer
HOPE’s daily prayer calendar is on our website. Churches have committed to pray daily. Contact us to receive the prayer calendar by email at the start of each month.

Praying through the night
The next Redeemed Christian Church of God Festival of Life is on the 19 April at the Excel Centre in London. Find out more here.

Thanks
Special thanks to Lucy Cooper for her enthusiasm and hard work as HOPE’s Communications Manager. Lucy was seconded by the Evangelical Alliance when the project was launched. Her HOPE role has now ended, but we still want to hear your stories about how you are spreading hope in villages, towns and cities. Email the HOPE office with your news.

Have a great Easter - from the HOPE team
 
Making a difference locally
We love hearing about local churches working together in mission. HOPE is developing a network of practitioners country-wide. Can you be the local link for your region and get churches working together in mission? Ask us about becoming a practitioner.
Prayer
HOPE’s daily prayer calendar is on our website. Churches have committed to pray daily. Contact us to receive the prayer calendar by email at the start of each month.

Praying through the night
The next Redeemed Christian Church of God Festival of Life is on the 19 April at the Excel Centre in London. Find out more here.

Thanks
Special thanks to Lucy Cooper for her enthusiasm and hard work as HOPE’s Communications Manager. Lucy was seconded by the Evangelical Alliance when the project was launched. Her HOPE role has now ended, but we still want to hear your stories about how you are spreading hope in villages, towns and cities. Email the HOPE office with your news.

Have a great Easter - from the HOPE team
 
Prayer
HOPE’s daily prayer calendar is on our website. Churches have committed to pray daily. Contact us to receive the prayer calendar by email at the start of each month.
Praying through the night
The next Redeemed Christian Church of God Festival of Life is on the 19 April at the Excel Centre in London. Find out more here.

Thanks
Special thanks to Lucy Cooper for her enthusiasm and hard work as HOPE’s Communications Manager. Lucy was seconded by the Evangelical Alliance when the project was launched. Her HOPE role has now ended, but we still want to hear your stories about how you are spreading hope in villages, towns and cities. Email the HOPE office with your news.

Have a great Easter - from the HOPE team
 
Praying through the night
The next Redeemed Christian Church of God Festival of Life is on the 19 April at the Excel Centre in London. Find out more here.
Thanks
Special thanks to Lucy Cooper for her enthusiasm and hard work as HOPE’s Communications Manager. Lucy was seconded by the Evangelical Alliance when the project was launched. Her HOPE role has now ended, but we still want to hear your stories about how you are spreading hope in villages, towns and cities. Email the HOPE office with your news.

Have a great Easter - from the HOPE team
 
Thanks
Special thanks to Lucy Cooper for her enthusiasm and hard work as HOPE’s Communications Manager. Lucy was seconded by the Evangelical Alliance when the project was launched. Her HOPE role has now ended, but we still want to hear your stories about how you are spreading hope in villages, towns and cities. Email the HOPE office with your news.
Have a great Easter - from the HOPE team
 
Have a great Easter - from the HOPE team
 

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HOPE is working towards a year of mission in 2014 – the whole Church, reaching the whole nation for a whole year – together in word and action.
To unsubscribe to HOPE email updates please reply to the email with ‘unsubscribe to general updates’ in the subject field along with your name and address.

Roy Crowne, HOPE’s Executive Director

The time is now!

I received this email today from an organisation called Christian Concern. I thought it summed up our roles and positions as Christians over this Easter time. Please take the time to read it and to support Christian Concern in any way that you are able to.

Blessings!

Ronell x

The time is now…

How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? (Romans 10:14)

At this time of year we remember Jesus' victory as he died for our sins on the cross and rose again. But it’s becoming more and more difficult for people to hear of Jesus Christ in public life. I believe this is why Christian Concern is being called to walk alongside the champions of religious freedom across the world. Since the beginning of this year, as well as tackling the many challenges we face here in the UK, we’ve been encouraging like-minded Christians in Australia, the United States and Europe – yet we’re barely into Spring!

This is why we urgently need your help. 

There is a window of opportunity for us to take action, not just to share our experiences with other nations, but to bring the UK government to recognise that its continued marginalisation of Christian faith is unravelling the social fabric of our nation. The door is being closed on our ability to freely share the gospel – what a loss for our nation!

A few weeks ago I was in Strasbourg, preparing for the defence of a number of Christian religious freedom cases before the  European Court of Human Rights. Some of the people I spoke to were astonished at how the United Kingdom, once the shining example of religious freedom and tolerance, had become so aggressive towards the exercise of simple Christian freedoms. We were able to gain some legal ground during these cases which is wonderfully encouraging as we appeal to the Grand Chamber, the outcome of which will have implications not just for the UK but for the whole of Europe.

Simple freedoms we have taken for granted are now under threat. Freedoms such as the right to wear a cross at work…to speak of one’s faith when invited to do so…to hold to the Christian definition of marriage…to stand for the rights of the unborn child…to foster children…to share the gospel on the streets…to practise as a Christian counsellor.

I have just returned from Australia where I had the privilege of sharing with MPs a little of what is tragically happening in our Country. Many, who have a heart for the UK, were visibly shocked by what they heard.

We must stand for gospel freedom – for God’s glory and the good of our nation. Help us keep the door open for the gospel this Easter by making a donation today. Every penny you give will count towards proclaiming Jesus in our nation’s public life.

Thank you so much for all your support so far, we could not do this without you.  

Andrea Minichiello Williams
CEO, Christian Concern, Christian Legal Centre

40-DAY JESUS IS ____. VIDEO JOURNEY WITH JUDAH SMITH

Be a Part of the 40-Day Jesus Is ______ Video Journey starting Monday, April 1st!

Beginning April 1st, you can be a part of the 40-Day Jesus Is ______ Video Journey led by Pastor Judah Smith.   For 40 days, Pastor Judah will share a short message (via video) centered around the Jesus Is _____ content.  Each video will be posted on the blog, so that you can easily access the message and follow along.

The best way to make sure you don’t miss a day?-  they’re going to be sending an email to all those that are interested in being a part of the journey. If you would like to get a daily email with the video, sign up here.

Continue to check the blog for more updates and news!

Join the movement and let the world know who Jesus is to you!

Blessings!

Ronell x

Don't "Just" Pray

I read the following passage (see attached image) as my morning devotion and was very challenged by it! I often pray 'just' prayers because I dont want to seem needy/greedy or I don't want to put myself 'out there' too much. I challenge Yup (and myself!) to really stand firm on your faith in your BIG God and to pray all out!- whether it is for your own needs or the needs of others, fully commit to the prayers you pray today for the changes you want to see in the world.

Blessings!

Ronell x

Trust

Tonight at re:think/life skills at re:generation church, we discussed trust from the point of view that we need to trust that we are not here by accident and that God did not just throw us together in a hurry, but carefully chose all our physical features and our characteristics to make us exactly how He wants us to be, long before we were even conceived. Once we learn to trust this, we can learn to trust that He has an incredible plan for our lives.

God commands us to love our neighbours as ourselves, but in order to love our neighbour, we must first learn to love ourselves the way God has made us. He also instructs us to pour the love that He places in us out on others. So, in order to be effective at loving others and making a difference in the lives of others, we need to love and trust the way God has made us and to learn to walk in that trust to find the path He has set out for us.

Blessings!

Ronell x

Trust in Christ to Lead You

by Joyce Meyer - posted March 26, 2013

You will guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to honor and glory. —Psalm 73:24

We believe that God is inherently good and that He is also in control of our lives. Therefore, when tragedy strikes or loss occurs, we don't understand why God does not prevent such things from happening to us and hurting us so badly.

Faced with tragic loss, often we become angry and ask, "If God is good and all-powerful, why does He allow bad things to happen to good people?" This question becomes a major issue when it is we, God's own children, who are the ones suffering.

At such times, reasoning wants to scream out, "This makes no sense at all!" Over and over the question, "Why, God, why?" torments those who are grieving over losses in their life, just as it also tortures the lonely and the dejected. Excessive reasoning, trying to figure out things for which we will not be able to find an answer, torments and brings much confusion; but Proverbs 3:5,6 tells us that trust in the Lord brings assurance and direction: Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths. When we face a time of crisis in life, we need direction. These scriptures tell us that trusting God is the way to find that direction. Trust requires allowing some unanswered questions to be in your life!

No matter how badly you may be hurting from a loss or tragedy, the Holy Spirit can give you a deep peace that somehow everything will be all right. Being angry at God is useless because He is the only One Who can help.

{From the book New Day, New You by Joyce Meyer}

 

Patience

I was in a situation where someone else's poor decision making put me in a frustrating position, which made me early angry! As I settled down and began to pray, I found this verse using my 'Wise Proverbs Daily' app for Android phones and thought I would share.

Patience:

"32) He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city."  (Proverbs 16 : 32 - KJV)

Find out more:
http://www.roboticode.co.uk

Blessings!

Ronell x

ESC: Every Second Counts

Tonight at re:generation church, Stephen Poch spoke about the new trust that he is heading up in association with Scripture Union, called ESC Trust: Life in places of death. Hope in places of despair. Freedom in places of addiction.

E.S.C — Every Second Counts — seeks to reach young people, and young adults who are current and ex-offenders, rescuing them from a cycle of crime through practical support, spiritual guidance and, most of all, God’s love and hope. E.S.C makes the gospel relevant to today’s street culture, reaching young people and young adults that are disengaged and discipling them into a loving Church community.

“If it wasn’t for Stephen, I would either be serving a life sentence or I’d be dead. He never lets me go, and always brings me back to Church!”— Tony

Stephen's Story:

In 2000, Stephen Poch set up a graffiti crew called “E.S.C” (Elevating.Street.Crime). This reflected the friendship group and lifestyle he once was a part that included illegal graffiti, crime and violence. However, when Stephen encountered Jesus it transformed his life and he rebranded E.S.C as Every Second Counts. This is now a ministry that seeks to reflect the changes that have occurred in its Stephen’s life. It’s sole purpose is to penetrate a world of crime and darkness with the love, hope and light of Jesus Christ.

Over the course of seven years, Stephen has mentored several young men through the support and resourcing of his home Church, Re:generation. For example:

Tony a friend of Stephen, is someone who has been in and out of prison and has led a life of crime for a number of years. He has been connected to Re:generation Church through the work of E.S.C and says ‘it is the only place I feel safe and have a sense of peace’. As a result he has come to the realisation that Christ loves him, but has yet to commit his whole life to following him. We seek to help him make that decision through demonstrating Christ’s grace and love.

Danny is another example of someone Stephen has worked with through E.S.C's partnership with Holy Trinity Brompton’s Caring for Ex-offenders program. He is a young man aged 21, who already has served two years in prison for a firearms offence. He has a girlfriend with two children and is expecting another. Since meeting Danny and his family, there have been great opportunities to build relationship. Stephen and Danny have together redecorated Danny’s family home, and Stephen and his wife have befriended Danny’s family offering practical advice and support.

 

The Need:

Through E.S.C’s partnership with “Hope4Havering” (a homeless night shelter based in Romford, Essex) & “Caring for Ex-offenders” over the past three years, E.S.C became aware of how few Christ-centred organisations exist in the day to day lives of young people and adults who are trapped in gang culture and cycle of crime.

E.S.C believes passionately that the Church is for everyone. E.S.C believes that the Church has a role to play in supporting young people and young adults who are at risk of offending, and that it can be the “arm” of the Church that reaches out to those that would not feel comfortable walking into a Sunday Church service.

E.S.C will practice relationship-based outreach to these people. It will continue to find and establish new ways of working with and supporting young people (and young adults) into a positive lifestyle, as well as seeking to support them into training or employment. It will also support the Church to engage these young people (and young adults) more effectively.

​

How They Do It:

Building relationships with ex-offenders and a loving Church community around them

• Building friendship and showing love through spending time with ex-offenders and young people

• Listening and persevering

• Supporting the wider family

• Giving practical support such as finding training and employment opportunities, accommodation, accommodation refurbishment, mentoring, teaching them skills such as painting and decorating

• Giving spiritual support

• Introducing ex-offenders and young people to other Christians who can build their own friendships and offer support

• Helping ex-offenders and young people to settle into a loving Church community

• Connecting with graffiti crews through the medium of legal graffiti and art

 

Building a network of different partners to find/who give employment opportunities to ex-offenders

• Establishing partners – charities, Government agencies and Christians – who know of employment opportunities for ex-offenders

• Sourcing companies directly who would be willing to employ ex-offenders

• Giving references to potential employers

 

Working in prisons, within greater London and with chaplaincies, sharing testimony, mentoring prisoners and teaching new skills

• Working with and building on existing chaplaincy work

• Speaking at Sunday services in prisons

• By using past experiences and a personal faith in Jesus, show the inmates an alternative lifestyle option

• Praying for and visiting inmates

• Teaching skills such as painting and decorating

 

Educating the Church about the ministry and life of ex-offenders and how they can support E.S.C

• Visiting local Churches and giving presentations to raise awareness of the need, the stories of changed individuals and the work of the trust

• Tell Churches how they can support it both financially and spiritually

• Find volunteers who feel they could help further the work of E.S.Cnot short term.

Please support Stephen and ESC through your prayers! You can also support the work of ESC financially.

Blessings!

Ronell x