n:flame blog

Lebanon Reflections

2010-07-13T13:28:00.002Z

Here are the reports from some of the team we took to Lebanon.

Rebekah - My time at Lebanon Evangelical school for boys and girls was definitely one of the most amazing weeks of my life and one that I will never forget. We just saw God work in us and through us and in the lives of the students in so many different ways that I just couldn't have imagined before going. For me the highlight was probably getting to know the younger children a little better out in the playground during their break times and building on the tings we had talked to them about in their lessons and assemblies. At first this was hard because they all wanted to talk to you and sit next to you and hold your hand (which was lovely but exhausting) but as the week went on, stronger relationships with a few children began to develop and I had the opportunity to pray with a few of them in the corner of the playground. Some had really tough situations at home, others had sick relatives and others struggled with school work and it was lovely to see them wanting to come and pray to their heavenly Father about these things. There was one little girl I will never forget who had a really tough family background and all she wanted to do with me was pray, she wasn't interested in any kind of small talk and I was encouraged and challenged by her desire and belief that God could change her situation. I think personally I grew and changed a lot from this experience. I was forced out of my comfort zone constantly and had to learn to say 'God help me' or 'God give me the words to speak I don't know what to say' and I soon discovered that when you ask God to help you, He never fails you. I think I discovered how when you have confidence in the Lord, you have confidence indeed! I will never forget my time there and am thinking and praying about the possibility of going to work there as a volunteer for a year or more some time in the near future.

Josh - The Lebanon trip was absolutely incredible, and was no doubt one of the best weeks of my life, I had no idea it was going to be that good. My Lebanon journey started out with me not wanting to go, as £550 and 10 days was a lot of time and money that I thought would be better spent in London, as there was already a team of 9 people going out to Lebanon, I figured one guy missing wouldn’t make a difference for Lebanon but would make a difference back home. But after I felt God (and Andie Frost haha) pushing me towards Lebanon I decided to go for it and start my fundraising full on. After a simple instruction from God I had my money pretty much collected in a week! When we arrived there the country was a real culture shock from England, the driving is absolutely insane, and I'm sure a lot of boy racers from Enfield would feel right at home there! Because we all had purple T shirts on all week at the school, we stood out and people knew were from another country, and the genuine interest and friendliness shown from the school was what really affected me the most. For them it didn’t matter if you were rich or poor, popular or smelly, they were just happy that we were there, and continued to flood with us attention for the whole 10 days. The kids were incredible, so funny and had so much life in them, it really is an amazing country, and an amazing school. The Principal Steve has done an incredible job with the school, and the general atmosphere of the school was amazing compared to English schools. All years groups hang out with each other, and students and teachers get on and have fun just as if they were in the same class. So much respect for each other out there… I really hope I get to visit again, and I would love to take more people out there. You go on mission to give to the people you visit, to serve and to be Jesus to them, but Gods grace is so incredible that you get so much back and forget that you went to serve THEM. I wonder if that’s how Jesus felt on his 33 year long physical mission trip to earth, he definitely came to serve us, but I reckon his trip changed him too, might be bordering on heresy here, but I gotta hunch! Absolutely incredible trip, its so amazing to see that Gods the same and works halfway across the world!

Nick - In the run up to the Lebanon mission I was a little slow in engaging with it all. I had been having second thoughts of short term mission trips, and also was really seeking clarity from God on whether to go or not. At the prayer meeting just before leaving I saw Jesus standing at the other side of the room and pointing to me. I knew He was sending me to Lebanon. The trip exceeded all my expectation. I absolutely love Jesus and love to walk alongside Him. Everything about the trip was blessed with such a sense of God’s presence and strength. As soon as we all met the team just bonded, and there seemed to be a determination to just love the Lord and each other, and see what happens. I was so blessed by the team’s hunger for the Lord. This was the note playing throughout the mission. It was refreshing. I think for each team member there was a sense of God’s leading and prompting in each moment, whether that meant sitting and praying with someone, talking to a student, or just chilling out in the middle of the day. I had never done schools work before, but I found that the Lord seemed to give me the option to move in His wisdom in each situation, or in my own. It was amazing to see how as a team we really listened to the Lord for the ‘fresh thing from heaven’. For me the highlights were quite hard to define. I found every moment to be incredible, generally for different reasons. I loved worshipping with friends each day and seeking the Lord. I loved talking to the kids, each one so wonderful and with a story to tell; I could see so clearly how God wouldn’t have trouble loving them. I really enjoyed the diversity of people and the culture, and seeing how the Holy Spirit wanted to use us to bless them. By the end of the first week I felt so near to the Lord, and could almost feel His movements. It was an awesome experience. And for me, meeting and worshipping with believers from a totally different culture was priceless, God loves us being one in Him. It was amazing to see God healing people, not just physically but emotionally and also relationally. On the last day there were 2 people I wanted to pray for, and the Lord gave me the opportunity to pray for both. If nothing else, this made the whole trip worth it. There was such love and power, our Lord is so wonderful. It’s hard to sum it up with any words that really capture the Lebanon mission. An amazing team, in an amazing place, with amazing people, doing amazing things, all because of an amazing God. Thank you Jesus.

Ruth - Lebanon was an amazing time. I went out not quite knowing what it would be like and how I would fit in and serve. I will attempt to do anything within my ability and God used me in the junior school. A place way out of my comfort zone. Leading actions songs in front of 100s of small children isn’t in my first choice of fun. But I loved it! (I even found myself this week voluntarily doing an action song from my pew on Sunday morning!!) It was so good to get alongside the children and spend time with them. It was nice to have an agenda of ‘just hang out with the children’. The lessons were so much fun and I enjoyed the questions time at the end, as we got to see how much kids had taken on board and were running through in their heads. We got to be so open about Jesus and it was fab! I felt at home very quickly in the school and after day one the junior kids would shout hello Ms Ruth/Mrs n:flame at me in the corridors. There is such a good network of Christians in the school and it was good to know that there would be decent follow up where required and that we weren’t leaving the pupils with no one to turn to once we had gone back to London. The team were great too, we all got along so well and it made such a difference I think.

Georgia - Lebanon was an excellent missions trip. It was my first trip and I was so excited to go and started praying about it regularly two months before we left. I got off the plane and left the airport and fell in love with Beirut immediately. It is so beautiful there and meeting the people, I loved it even more. Everyone is so friendly there. They want to know you and talk to you. In the school(LES) sharing with the students wasn't difficult because they are all so open to hear about what you believe in. The problem I found was that the lines were so blurred between Islam and Drue(or however its spelled), Christianity and all other religions. We had to break them down with each student we spoke to. However, the school was so open, we were allowed to have the senior school chapel open for prayer and worship on breaks, which brought so many opportunities to pray with people. I think we all saw students becoming Christians that week. It was brilliant. I personally was brought far in a few different ways. I realised that I loved working in the junior school even though I had been so adamant before the trip that I would spend as little time as possible there. I loved learning from them and teaching them, they really were a joy to work with and so much fun! I also had an excellent time in worship those 10 days. Just jamming in the evenings and prepping for assemblies/chapels tended to turn into full on times with Jesus which was brilliant. It was excellent to get lost in worship. It even attracted some students a couple of evenings. Its great how simply praising and enjoying God's presence is so attractive to people! Working with the local church was a lot of fun. I felt really stretched when we did street work on the Saturday night. Singing and dancing and praying with people on a boulevard definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone. Especially when you're so exhausted at the end of a week you rely completely on the Spirit to carry you through and He does! Finally our team was fantastic! God picked us all definitely for that mission. All of our gifts were so valued on the team. We all had different strengths and weaknesess and God really worked it so we could support, balance and build each other up. It was great getting to know the team better, even the other gappies, just spending 10 days with them was really great. All of the girls were in a room together and we just fell into the habit of debriefing and praying each night. All in all the mission was amazing and God will use all aspects of a mission to get work done. I left with such a heart for missions and a mass of new doors open for me to explore!

Lebanon Mission - email Update 4

2010-05-12T12:25:00.001Z

A Big thank you for all your prayers. As a team we were very conscious of your prayers and support during the week. Thanks for all of you who sent messages back and for the calls and emails we’ve received since returning

The team had a great day out in Byblos on Saturday and then worked with the church doing some outreach on the seafront in Beirut, worshipping, talking and praying with people, teaching some dances and inspiring the young Christians we were working with who now want to try it themselves next weekend. After another late night it was another relatively late start (8.30am meeting) to prepare the drama for the Jesus Prince of Peace Service. The journey down was remarkably quick and easy compared to Friday when we got caught up in an impromptu fireworks display (ask one of the team if you want a fuller story).

The service went well. Rebekah and Nick gave testimonies, Sola and Rowina did a drama and then at the end some of the team lead worship and a dance!

The visit to Zhale had to be cancelled due to elections – yes there were more on the second weekend, the Lebanese like their elections – so after lunch with a load of people from church we headed back to the school for supper with all the staff who live on site!

On Monday we were not leading any Chapels or lessons but spent the whole day at the school from Staff Prayers to the after school conversations. In the first two lessons we did some worship and intercession in the Junior playground and did some more in the Senior Chapel after second break. In between it was a case of talking and praying with students in breaks and getting involved with some lessons. It was great to see the team following God’s leading too and praying with some staff as well. It was a very hot and humid day with the temperature in the mid 30’s Celsius so people were grateful that we could all work at a comfortable pace.

We finished the day off with a ‘Thank you’ meal for Steve and Grace and exchanging gifts. Steve commented that the team had made a great impression on the staff and it had been noted how they had been tireless in connecting with the students. We finished off the day by praying for the family with whom we shared the senior apartment and for the night watchman – Robbie – who we all got to know and love. A final game of basketball in the cool (mid 20’s) and it was time for a few hours sleep before flying out.

The journey back was not without its moments. The bus ride to the airport was straightforward, arriving at about 5.45am, but once there we switched to a later BMI flight which meant alot of waiting around which was not helpful as people were now rather tired. Once again the in-flight food was out to get us and Ruth and Rowina suffered later in the evening but are both recovering okay.

Before leaving God gave us some stuff to aim at: to serve the school and local church, share the gospel however we could, be a blessing and encouragement especially to the believers and pray for the sick and intercede as God led. Alongside that I wanted the team to have the time of their lives. In all that unfolded we saw this happen before our eyes and it’s been so good.

Thank you for your faithfulness and support – you’re as much a part of the success as the team themselves.

Andie

Lebanon Mission - email Update 3

2010-05-08T12:24:00.000Z

Well we’re having a great time here in Lebanon. It’s great to see God at work not only in the lives of the young people we’ve met but also in the lives of the team.

The talks at Staff prayers on Thursday and Friday were well received and we were able to teach a new song too which sounded really good on the second morning. Thursday was a lighter day as far as doing lessons was concerned but it enabled the team to step up in the breaks and after school. We’ve been using the Senior Chapel (assembly hall) as our base and we invited any students who wanted to pray to come and find us. Over the last two days there was a steady stream of young people with a variety of requests and it has been good to see them respond and heartening that we’ve been able to pass on names to the staff who will be able to follow up these breakthroughs in the weeks to come. Josh has been particularly good at tracking down people who indicated a response on the Thursday chapel when he gave his testimony and Rowina has had plenty of deep one–to-one conversations.

On Thursday evening Steve took us out to bakery which would be the UK equivalent of a harvester but with traditional Lebanese food. We had a mezee which was a wonderful introduction to Lebanese cuisine and a great time to relax and chat.

On Thursday the team also decided they would rather spend another day working in the school than have a day off on the Monday. Instead the sight-seeing would be packed in on Saturday before doing some street evangelism in the evening!

Friday was a full on day with Chapels and lessons in both schools right the way through. It was a case of being resolute and going for it but we’ve had some wonderful conversations both in the lessons and in the breaks as a consequence. The team have been challenged by the task but encouraged by the way God has been working.

One of the most gratifying aspects of the mission is to see the way in which the team have spontaneously got alongside each other, prayed and worshipped together and supported one another, it’s been great.

On Friday night we went to Jesus the Prince of Peace Church to lead a youth outreach event. It was great to see the premises that Fouad and Julie’s church is using as its base after many years of being confined to a tiny lounge. It’s on the first floor of an apartment block with a cafe underneath. The main hall can hold about 100 but around that is a great balcony which is about the same size! Their youth band started the event which was followed by the n:flamers with some dance, some crazy games, worship a drama sketch and an evangelistic talk. We prayed with most of the young people as they responded to various aspects of the presentations and the evening was finished off by an amazing BBQ on the balcony. A very tired team eventually got back at midnight (after starting work at 7am).

Today the team have been in Byblos seeing some of the amazing Phoenician ruins and have then gone back to the church for a tram meeting and prep before some street evangelism tonight. They’ve had a great time. Unfortunately I’m not with them. Since arriving I’ve not felt very well. I put it down to nerves but on reflection it may well have been the in-flight meal! Anyway I’ve kept going but last night I felt really bad. My night was spent going to the toilet for d or v, not very pleasant. I’ve spent the day in bed resting and drinking water and feeling much better. Grace has just brought some medication too so I’m hoping to be fine for tomorrow but more disappointed at missing a complete day.

Please pray for the team tonight and then as we take part in the service tomorrow in Beirut as well as for the three who will travel over to Zhale in the evening, probably Ruth, Nick and Rowina. The rest of us will have supper at Steve’s with the volunteer workers based here – mainly from the USA.

Monday will be a day in the school just being around. Talking and praying with students in the breaks, going to chapels and joining in with a few PE lessons too! Please pray that the team will stay focused to the end; listening to God’s direction, looking out for one another and making the most of every opportunity to share the good news.

We fly back early Tuesday morning – taking off at 0810 local time, that’s 0610 BST - and hopefully arriving at Heathrow at 11.15.

Please keep praying and also for the team as they arrive back. It’s been and intense and exciting mission and returning to the familiar might seem a bit flat. Please pray that each team member will not stumble as they return but will stay strong in Christ. Let’s pray that this extraordinary 10 days will be an inspiration for their own Christian lives and ministries as they return.

Andie

Lebanon Mission - email Update 2

2010-05-05T12:21:00.002Z

It’s been wonderful to know that you’re praying for us here. Thanks to those of you who have replied back. The email here is painfully slow (on purpose, to stop people downloading music and videos I’m told) but we are grateful for having it to send emails.

After a very hectic Monday, Tuesday was alot easier in terms of work load but more difficult in other areas. We heard late on Monday about a near fatal accident to the little son of some dear friends back home. Pippa and Gary Cant are old friends. Pippa used to work with n:flame, now works for Pathway (who do primary schools work in N London) and they worship at Chase Family Church. They have three kids and as we understand it their youngest, Toby whose just a toddler, fell into the garden pond at their new home. As far as we know he was saved just in time for the paramedic to find a weak pulse Toby is now in Great Ormond Street Hospital and there are concerns over whether this accident has caused brain damage. It was a tough call but we decided to tell the team, who were naturally shaken up by the news but Lucy (who goes to Chase) and Rebekah (who is a Gappie with Pathway) were particularly affected.

In addition our Senior lesson caused a few concerns among some of the staff. In London you often need to provoke a response to get students talking. In Lebanon you don’t have to try so hard and we needed to take our foot off the gas a bit.

Fortunately both situations are much better. Rowina and Andie talked the lesson through with Steve White and a few modifications have made it fit the school culture better. Lucy seemed to struggle more with the news about Toby at first but it has taken Rebekah a little longer to work it through. However, neither backed down form ministry and although the Cants are never far from their minds they continue to be very effective in the work they are doing. Please hold up the girls and Toby back home in your prayers.

Today was full on again with lessons and chapel meetings from the start of the day. At one point we were doing three lessons simultaneously which was a much an organisational challenge as much a delivering them. We spoke about healing in the Junior chapel and this has yielded several positive conversations including one Rebekah had with a girl whose uncle is in a coma. Rebekah was able to talk about the situation and pray with her about what was happening. The lessons have also generated plenty of conversations, particularly for Rowina who has been able to talk in depth with several students about following Jesus today. Please pray that these bear fruit. Sola, Lucy and Friede also had the opportunity to meet up with a small group of ‘on fire’ Christian students who meet every Wednesday lunchtime They led their meeting and prayed for them – it was a special time, but please pray for these young believers.

Yesterday evening Steve took us into Beirut to see the city centre, sample some ice cream and buy some presents. It was a welcome break for the team. This evening we joined a weekly prayer meeting for the school. The number of volunteer staff from overseas has swelled to about ten (i should have counted but forgot). They share a meal and pray together and it was a wonderful time. These teachers have been particularly supportive to the team with advice, feedback and practical help. It was good to double their meeting and to see the team bless them by worshipping enthusiastically, by bringing words of encouragement, and praying for these volunteers. It was great evening with some wonderful cake.

Tomorrow we have fewer lessons again but will be leading the staff prayers at 7.25 (that’s 5.25am if you’re up early enough to pray) and later planning for an evangelistic presentation at a youth BBQ for Friday evening. This event will be at Fouad and Julie’s Church, now called Jesus Friends of Peace and relocated to a building near Dekwaeh Circle.

On Friday we have an extremely packed day. We lead staff prayers again followed by Chapels and then a day full of lessons with the BBQ to finish. On Saturday we should fit in a later start. Hopefully I can send you some more news then and give you some more feedback plus an idea of what the weekend holds.

So please pray for the whole team. Heads are spinning with the numbers of different students we are linking up with and at the same time there is the struggle to keep lessons fresh when we have already done them so many times.

The team continue to work tirelessly but are tired. Although there is time to chill there is still plenty to do. Today was a much hotter day and the nearby roadway works seem to have caused on increase in the mosquito population so please pray for energy and for good health.

Andie

Lebanon Mission - email Update 1

2010-05-03T12:18:00.002Z

Thank fully our journey here was very smooth. We all met up at Turnpike Lane on time, got to Heathrow by tube without a hitch and set off slightly late and in pouring rain. The flight was fine, as was our passage through passport control and customs and Steve White was waiting for us as we emerged into the arrivals waiting area.

Beirut was busy and noisy. They are in the middle of an election here and the roads were packed and along the route we regularly saw fireworks lighting up the night sky. We stopped at a 24 hour bakery for supper and already the team were getting to love Lebanon. Arriving at the school it was great to meet Robbie the night watchmen and other old friends from previous visits – it’s been like that throughout the day. They all send their best wishes to previous team members, especially to those who worked in the Junior School, from young men and women who are in Year 12 and ten days away from graduation!

We did a tour of the school, and after worshipping and praying, we set about preparing for Monday morning. This would involve the team being split three ways doing chapels (assemblies in the Senior and Junior Schools and doing a lesson in the Senior School simultaneously. The team worked really hard to get things right and we finally got to our beds at about 1am (11am UK time). No sooner had I turned my light out but someone set off a volley of fireworks that went on for what felt like forever – elections eh?

Five hours later and we were up. The day’s action started at 7pm with team prayers, set up in our various locations and then staff prayers with the school’s teachers and administrators. From there on it was virtually full on. There was time to grab breakfast from the student snack bar but not a lot else as we went from assemblies to lessons to meeting students at break time and so on. Come 3pm some people look a long nap before dinner.

This evening we watched the school basketball team winning again before having our team meeting and prep time. It’s been a full on day but everyone has worked so hard, throwing themselves into whatever they’ve been asked to do and doing it well. There was some reticence about working in the Juniors from some of the team but everyone has loved it. In addition break time conversations have been far easier than people had been expecting and the team are feeling far bolder about talking about the gospel.

Tonight we worshipped in the playground asking God to come and move in the lives of the students. Pray that everything we do – in assemblies, lessons and conversations – will combine with the Holy Spirits ongoing work and that we will see breakthrough and lives saved. It’s also good to have met several new staff full of zeal and active in discipling new Christians – please pray for Sola who will be helping a history teacher called Chris at a lunchtime Bible Study on Wednesday.

Tomorrow (Tuesday we work with the oldest students and then Wednesday is a very busy day with a crazy start just like today. My advice to the team of getting an early night tonight was greeted with scepticism yesterday morning but now seems to be the highest wisdom. Pray that the team stay disciplined, get the sleep they need, continue to excel and also have the time of their lives. Pray too that we all get used to listening to God’s voice and are flexible enough to go with all He is wanting us to do.

Andie

2009/10 Gap Year Team

2009-10-01T13:10:00.006Z

Its been a while since anyone has blogged on here, many apologies! However, here is the first picture of this years gap team.

Friedemann (Germany) - Josh (UK) - Lucy (UK) - Rebekah (UK) - Georgia (UK)

The GO Fest/Serve

2009-09-04T21:36:00.004Z

Where to start? If I wanted to sum Go up in a word it would be AWESOME!!!!!

For me Go was an absolutely amazing experience. The festival was stellar. I really felt the meetings hit the right spot. The speakers gave talks that were relevant not only to me but to the youth that were at the Go festival. Through out the weekend there were amazing times of worship and amazing times of learning and being in God's presence.
However, the camping which i absolutely abhor was surprisingly not too bad. For me that is an amazing feat something of fairy tales. All in all the weekend was an absolute blast and i meet a lot of cool people who were totally on fire for God and ready to serve, whether as a steward, as a security guard, as a team leader on GO serve. The young people who were ready and charged up after the preparation festival were also fantastic.

For me my team were fantastic and were so willing to serve. I was co-team leading with Josh Frost and Anthony Heyns. We were working in Barnet with the Stable Church. Over the GO serve week we worked in two estates and on the Barnet High Street. We worked on the Meads and in the Dollis Valley. Throughout the week we ran many activities in both estates.

Firstly, though i want to take about what a fantastic team we had and all that they were willing to do. The first day was spent prayer walking and hearing from God. That was an amazing time of being in God's presence and hearing what He had to say about the areas we were going to be working in. The second day was spent leaf letting both areas, about 900 homes, this included going from door to door and knocking and talking to people. The team that was working with us were amazing going from door to door and keeping happy and excited in site of not always receptive residents. The strengths of the team really showed when we got to the Dollis. When we got there it had started to rain, nevertheless the team carried on in the rain going up into flats and distributing leaflets and talking to people. This was an amazing feat and really showed us all and probably the people around us how Jesus was working through us.

Under Steve Neale and Nick Moeke's leadership the entire group really spent quality time in God's presence getting filled with the Holy Spirit and getting fully equipped to go out and fight. From these times in worship to God many things came out some of the team got the gift of tongues others started to prophesy and bring words of knowledge.

Anyways the stuff continued happening while this was going on. There were football clubs going on at the Meads as well as having a clean up of the green area. One day we had a Brazilian football school come and teach some football skills. The third day we had an amazing bar-be-que on the Dollis. Loads of people turned up and there was a real community spirit and a sense of there being a place to relax and get to know there neighbours. There were loads of kids enjoying themselves and eating till they were stuffed. At one point some of the kids from the estate started doing some entertainment and there was this amazing little girl singing her heart out beautifully. On the Dollis the team were really serving the community. Some of the team helped a woman move furniture into her house, while others helped one of the residents to cut back his hedge. That bbq for me was the highlight. We had another bbq this time on the Meads. The amazing Crown Jewels came and danced and performed for the residents. Some of the team started a kick about with the kids that were from the surrounding area.

After that the crown Jewels came and stayed at the Stable. As a then tripled group we had an amazing time of worship and being in God's presence. The next morning Sunday the last day of GO we as a team ran the service at the stable. The service included dances from Sola Ayodeji and the Crown Jewels a talk from Josh and Anthony as well as testimonies from the team about the week.

That evening we all went back to the campsite for a closing celebration were there was an amazing Worship time of thanking God for all he had done not only were I was but for everywhere people were placed. There were also testimonies to tell of the amazing things Gd had done.

Overall, the week was fantastic and a joy to be part of. So, for the week I give God thanks for all he has done and still has to do in the places the GO Fest/ Serve landed.

Tracey White

GAP Weekend in Wales

2009-04-17T15:04:00.004Z

Here is a shot of us at the top of Tryfan, a mountain in North Wales. It was hard work, but we all enjoyed ourselves and had a fun weekend.

Wednesday Training 11th March 09

2009-03-24T19:30:00.002Z

On wednesday we had a talk by Sharon Ansan on Evangelism. Evangelism is about giving or offering Jesus to people. Some references for evangelism are Acts 1 and Acts 4:13. From these verses we can gather that the key to effective evangelism is being with Jesus and having Jesus by your side. We then focused on what is an evangelist. In Ephesians 4:10-13 10He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things. 11And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.

Sharon also encouraged us that in order to reach out in our own communities we need to cater to their needs and that we need to find out what it is that the community needs and what would help them.

We then went out for a walk down the high street talking to shopkeepers to find out what they would want the church to do for them to help them in whatever way or how we could help to make the community better.

2009-03-10T15:47:00.002Z

A few images from the STOP Bullying Workshop dress rehearsal last Tuesday.

Wednesday Training 4th March 09

2009-03-06T17:48:00.004Z

We had our talk on conflict on Wednesday, it was conducted by Doug and Sue Barnet. It was a fun and enjoyable training. We did a lot of team excercises and looking at conflict around us and in the bible. We focused on 5 main topics.

The first 'Conflict is a fact of Universal Life' looked at conflict as being part of the world and all thats around us. For example it was estimated that in the past 4000 years there have been less than 300 years without a mojor conflict. The bible speaks of violence even in the begining with Cain and Abel.

This leads to the next topic ' Conflict is a fact of biblical life' with a lot of examples. David and Saul, Nehemiah and Sanballat, Jeremiah and Shephatiah, Euodia and Syntche, Paul and Barnabas and the ultimate conflict God and satan.

It also came up that 'Conflict is a fact of Personal Life' basically we have a conflict in us to get our own ways, but the peace of the trinity overcomes that. That is becauseGod is the God of peace and Jesus leaves us his peace and the fruit of the Holy Spirit is peace.

We also focused on 'Conflict being a fact of Team Life' and that basically in teams conflict is almost unevitable because of the differences between people and the different cultures and backgrounds that members of the team have.

However, 'Conflict can have positive results'. When it is resolved it can increase understanding of each other and respect for each other. It can help to increase team cohesion and effectivenes and teach how to forgive and to recieve forgiveness.

March n:vison Blurb

2009-03-05T15:04:00.003Z

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS! A guest writer for you this month – Caroline Kingham.

If you know me, you’ll know that I love to stand up for my rights. I adore getting cross about women’s rights - I even cried last night during a piece on TV about the Countess de Markievicz, our first female MP. I get positively evangelistic about people claiming all the benefits due to them – "It’s your right, you may as well have it". I’m passionate about democracy – our right to vote and have a say in government. Woe betide anyone crossing my path who can’t be bothered to turn up at the polling station. I love the fact that the Council legally has to listen to resident’s opinions – I ring up to complain about pavements, parks and lampposts so often that I have their number on speed dial.

When I try this with God however, I seem to hit a bit of a brick wall. However grumpy I get with Him, there doesn’t seem to be a politically correct button to press when I talk to him. How dare He? Surely God knows my rights doesn’t he? The gospel doesn’t change – Jesus died for me, and therefore I receive eternal life. (And quite frankly, given the pressures of modern life, it’s jolly decent of me to go on believing).

Complacency can kill our view of God’s love. The cross and God’s phenomenal gift of life, becomes a human right, rather than an outrageous gift of grace. The Romans 9 quote "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy" is not a popular train of thought these days. Some of us can even catch ourselves thinking "well it’s very reasonable for God to save me – He must have realised I’m worth it." As we live in the benefits of the gospel, sometimes we forget that we are dealing with a real living awesome GOD who could after all just wipe us all away if he chose to. We are utterly dependent on his mercy and grace to keep us breathing each day, for the world to even go on turning. How can we say we deserve it?

How can we demand any rights at all with God, especially a right to our own salvation? He makes the rules and we lost our rights when we broke them. It is grace alone that gives us access to His love and kindness. It is grace that has marked us as His children, that allows us to TRUST God and lean on Him as a Father. He owes us NOTHING and we owe Him EVERYTHING. This realisation is the one that usually prompts the most gracious response from Him.

Look at the life of Jesus. He never stood up for his own rights - the cross would never have happened if he had. He didn’t even seem to stand up for the rights of others (not in the way that we would anyway, which so often involves bitterness). He showed us how to serve others - to wash their feet and care enough to pray out demons and heal the sick. The only time he seemed to get angry about rights, was to do with the honour due to His Father - to swing the spotlight away from us, and onto Him. Philippians 2 asks us to let this attitude seep through to our daily lives. Stop fighting for your rights, but give yourself on behalf of others and aim only for the honour and glory of God. After all, He is the only One who can lay claim to any of it.

3 W's

2009-03-03T10:18:00.002Z

so.. i suck at doing blogs on here regularly.. i'm sorry.

On Monday, Andie showed 1 Corinthians 13 in a light that I hadn't really realised before. Everyone just associates it with love, marriage, romance etc... but it's actually all about evangelism. In the first 3 verses, it talks about the 3 W's... Words, Works and Wonders.

"1If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames,but have not love, I gain nothing."

can you spot which ones are which?

Wednesday Training 25.2.09

2009-03-01T20:11:00.003Z

On Wednesday Kathy Goddard came in to give a talk about Forgiveness, Mercy and Judgement. We went through the 3 topics in a concise manner. Kathy provided clear explanations and meaning using the bible to back up what she said. For example, when she spoke on forgiveness she stated that if you don't forgive others you cant receive forgiveness from God which correlates with Matthew 5:23-24.

One of the phrases that really stood out to me was that God's love is unconditional but God's forgiveness is conditional - we must ask for redemption. This really stood out to me cause its so simple yet something people find really difficult myself included. We need to be able to forgive others as an extension of God's love through us and then because of God's love we will be forgiven as well.

March Tour Flyers

2009-02-27T14:52:00.004Z

Video Antics

2009-02-18T12:44:00.001Z

A video from the recent LET weekend away.

parable of the sower

2009-02-16T16:22:00.003Z

today we were discussing the parable of the sower (Matthew 13v1-23) at our morning meeting. something to think about...

who has planted seed in you over the years?

what were those people like/what did they do?

who are you planting seeds in?

Snowy Times

2009-02-06T10:01:00.001Z

Here we all are in the snow after training on Wednesday, minus Jan who is currently in Germany.

February n:vision Blurb

2009-02-05T15:17:00.002Z

One of the embarrassing problems of growing old is those haunting photos that tend to surface of you wearing ridiculous clothes in the past. Now I tend to be past embarrassment when it comes to clothes but even I have felt the odd twinge when remember how cool I thought some of my clothes were 25 years ago. Imagine what it would be like if we never actually took our old clothes off. Imagine going on the January shopping spree but simply putting on your funky new gear over the top of what you’re wearing now. I guess drainpipes don’t fit well over flairs so one way and another we’d all start to look (and probably smell) a bit weird.

Bart sat by the side of the road. Nothing new there really – he’d sat in the same spot every day for forty odd years. Bart’s clothes were a bit tatty, even smelly, but they did have a purpose. His brown beggars cloak marked him out for what he was – a poor blind man. They said to the people passing by, "Hey, please look out for me, cos I can’t look out for myself". I suppose forty years of begging does something to a man? Forty years of disrespect, forty years of people assuming you must have done something terrible for God to have taken your sight away. I suppose Bart ought to gotten used to it, accepted his place in the ‘food chain’ of Jewish hierarchy, but there was something in the air that day, a name buzzing in atmosphere of the passing crowd, that set a spark in his lifeless eyes.

"Jesus!! Hey JESUS!!!!" His hoarse cries rose above the general chaos.

"Shut up old man!" the repercussions were sharp and blunt at the same time - "what would the teacher want with you?!!"

"JESUS!!"

The crowd stopped – mostly because Jesus had. Bart felt rough arms grab him. "Come on old timer, He’s calling you, get to your feet!"

I don’t know what it was that made Bart pause, but pause he did. He stopped long enough to peel off his old cloak. "I guess I won’t be needing you anymore" he whispered as it slid off into the gutter. " I have a feeling that ‘Old Bart’ is about to stop being a blind beggar". And so it was that Bartimaeus left something behind that he’d lived with for most of his life - an old set of clothes. An old uniform you could call it – something that told him and everyone else his place in this world.

Sometimes it’s hard to let go of our old uniforms. Sometimes we struggle to let go of the things that identify us because, while they may well be smelly and tatty around the edges, they still feel safe. We know who we are with them. The problem is that Jesus has a new identity for those who follow him and news clothes don’t fit well on top of the old.

Who you were, is part of your History – nothing changes that. But now Jesus is calling you. Don’t let your history continue to shape your future. Peel of your old clothes (a layer at a time if necessary) and step forward. It’s time to let the One who has made all things new tell you who you are. He has promised to redefine your Future.

Phil Kingham

February Tour Flyers

2009-02-01T15:03:00.002Z

On The Road Camden - Sublime

2009-01-20T09:09:00.007Z

Following the celebration on the Friday night, the team went out on the streets of Camden on Saturday to evangelise and invite people to the Sublime gig night. Here are just some of the pictures from the rehearsal and the gig itself.

On The Road Camden- The Celebration

2009-01-19T16:09:00.005Z

Friday night saw the first of our celebrations, hosted this month in Camden. It was very odd for the team to be working in a new place, but we enjoyed the challenge.

Celebrations On The Road

2009-01-15T09:29:00.005Z

The n:flame celebration is going ‘ON TOUR’...

At the October celebration we made an announcement; the n:flame team have made the decision to take the celebration on the road in 2009. We will tour seven boroughs of North London and offer the n:flame package as a tool that can be used to equip, excite and release local young people.

This tour will aim to cast the net again and reach a new generation of young people. A group that so far may not have been in contact with n:flame or any of its current projects. It can also be a great way of reconnecting with churches and leaders who may not be aware of what n:flame can offer.

The original vision of ‘asking young people to stand up and be set on fire for Jesus and then spreading that fire’ is still extremely relevant and will continue to be the aim of the celebration tour. We will continue to enthuse and motivate people for mission and offer an outlet for this enthusiasm to be channelled.

We will offer each area a weekend package that will include the celebration event, practical training in evangelism and the evangelistic event ‘Sublime’

Sublime was an event was started in order to reach young people in a relevant and culturally acceptable way. It provides an outlet for local Christian bands and artists and its aim is to see young people come to Christ through music and the message of the Gospel. It is in the form of a band / artist gig that is accessible for non Christians and shows practically and through the Gospel that Jesus is still relevant and the only real hope that young people can cling to.

This weekend we will be in Camden Town. Please come along and join us.

January n:vision Blurb

2009-01-05T15:09:00.001Z

I wonder what made Moses falter at the burning bush. What was it that caused this proud princely leader to falter before God and say "I can’t do it – please send someone else". Maybe he did stammer? He certainly claimed that his brother was a better speaker, but surely he didn’t get that cringing nature from his upbringing? Raised as Pharaoh’s grandson, with the whole civilised world at his beck and call - why so insecure, why so uncertain?

There are few as insecure as those who have lost their confidence. Maybe it was the shock when, convinced that he was ‘Israel’s deliverer’, his countrymen rejected his leadership when he tried to arbitrate in their squabbling. One way or another, all the confidence built during his short privileged life vanished, and this great man ended up running for his life, hated by Pharaoh and sidelined by those he had assumed would call him "saviour". Self confidence can vanish in an instant, but maybe it took longer. Maybe 40 long years looking after sheep solidified his cynicism - The prince of Eqypt, washed up and abandoned by the tide of fate like a piece of beach driftwood.

I used to wonder why God used a burning bush to speak to him? Why not an angel or something? Burning bushes are no miracle in the desert - Dried up resinous trees often burst into flames in the blazing sun. What really grabbed at Moses’ jaded attention was that this bush did not burn up.

I’ve no idea if I’m right, but this is what I think God was saying ...

"Hey Mo check this out! You’ve seen people fired up with ambition,. You’ve seen them go out in blaze of glory (or a whimper of disgrace). You’ve seen people pursue greatness and a few even achieve it. You’ve sat in the palace of kings and known real power, but it always fades and failure can snatch it from you in an instant"

"Tell me Moses, have you seen a life full of glory that never fades? Have you seen a life set on fire from Heaven? The fire of my love burns brighter than the midday sun, but this fire will not consume your life Moses, spitting you out as a burnt ember having had its way with you. This fire will ‘make’ you Moses. If Pharaoh will not listen because of your clever words or imposing appearance, he’ll sit up sharp when this fire burns his butt! Now Moses for goodness sake quit whingeing, remove everything that stands between us and come close. Let me burn in you and I will blaze a trail across this wilderness that the world will never forget!"

OK so it probably didn’t come across quite like that, but the love of God turned this cringing man into one of the greatest leaders this world has ever seen. Moses became known for the fire that burned within Him. God did not snatch him to public prominence when he was at his best and half way there already, but waited till Moses was 80 – past his "sell by date". It is not our brilliance that God needs but our submission to His brilliance – any old twig or branch can become a blazing fire in the hands His hands

Imagine Jesus strolling the supermarket aisle. HE has no concern for "sell by dates". HIS interest is in one thing - "ON OFFER" or "NOT AVAILABLE". It’s HIS fire and no matter how broken and washed up we become (he searches the bins out the back of the store) HE has a way of restoring our confidence because HIS confidence in HIS ability to make us blaze...

... NEVER WAVERED!

Phil Kingham

Creative Worship Dance Workshop

2008-11-27T22:34:00.005Z

The title may be a bit wordy, but we didn't know what else to call it!! Those of us who dance at the celebrations each month are hosting a free workshop that is open for anyone to attend. It will be at IGC in Edgware on Saturday the 6th of December, from 10.30am-3.30pm. For more details contact info@nflame.org.uk

Updated GAP Team Photo

2008-11-19T20:43:00.003Z

Sammy (UK) - Kirk (UK) - Jan (Germany)

Ruth (team co-ordinator)

Ray (Zambia)

Megan (UK) - Muonga (Zambia) - Tracey (UK) - James (UK) - Michelle (US)

If you are interested in applying for the 2009/10 GAP Team then contact gap@nflame.org.uk

2008-11-17T13:26:00.001Z

It was the end of an era on Saturday night, seeing the last celebration at the Wood Green Christian Centre for a while. The celebrations are going out on 'the road'. For more information check our website.

Wise Words

2008-11-12T16:33:00.002Z

The GAP Year training session today was on Holiness. Three very strong points were made in the area of personal holiness:

1. Is this something that is Gods will for me?

2. Is this making me more like Jesus?

3. Is this making me holy?

These can be applied in most areas to keep us focused on Jesus.

The New GAP Year

2008-09-24T17:55:00.003Z

May I introduce to you the 2008/9 GAP Team

Michelle (US) - Muonga (Zambia) - Kirk (UK) - Tracey (UK) - Sammy (UK)

James (UK) - Jan (Germany) - Ray (Zambia)

Celebration Banners

2008-08-01T21:01:00.011Z

This week some of the team have been working hard creating new banners for the monthly celebrations. Its quite a long process, but we had fun at the same time. Here are a few pictures of the week's efforts. (more images to follow of them in use at the September celebration)

Thought For The Week

2008-06-23T12:26:00.000Z

29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." - Matthew 11:29-30

To the untrained ear the word yoke will only be linked to an egg. Whereas the use of the word throughout the bible means something totally different.

If we are in relationship with Jesus then we need to allow Him to help us. A yoke is designed for equal input. If one half of the workers using a yoke is stronger or weaker then the point of the design is pointless. It makes it so much more difficult. The quote that went with the picture I found online was 'Oxen Yoke is the Origination of Teamwork'. Do we wish to pull ourselves along in our own strength, or will we allow Jesus to get alongside us?

School Mission

2008-06-06T13:59:00.004Z

The 'By His Stripes' team worked alongside members of the n:flame team in Greig City Academy in Hornsey. The school runs a month long christianity focus as part of its RE teaching programme. The school was very positive in its feedback. The lessons enabled many of the young people to get talking about their faith.

Thought For The Week

2008-05-19T14:07:00.002Z

2You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody. 3You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. - 2 Corinthians 3 v 2 & 3.

Do we leave the scent of Jesus behind us when interacting with people? Are our actions showing the gospel without using words?

France........the tour

2008-05-15T08:03:00.002Z

ok, it may not be a tour, but watch this space. 3 team members are curently in France looking at the possibility of taking a future mission team. They arrive home today and we are looking forward to the ideas that they bring. This year has seen us increase our European potential with a recent trip to Germany, the Tenerife team in just a few weeks and now possibilities in France. Keep praying for us and with us that we plan wisely and with insight so that we may be most effective in the mission opportunities that come our way.

Pentecost Festival

2008-05-12T12:53:00.003Z

This weekend a team of us went to link up with the Pentecost Festival events in Camden Town. It was a good chance to work as a team to further the name of Jesus around Camden.

Phil's new mission

2008-05-09T13:05:00.001Z

Phil has been researching new techniques to engage in hit and run mission....this is his latest attempt!!

tenerife team

2008-04-18T14:23:00.002Z

Do you know that we have a mission team heading off to Tenerife in June? Andie Frost is taking a bunch of willing folk along to work with schools, hospitals and on the streets.....it promises to be a life changing experience.

If you would like to support the team then do feel free to visit their site here

Easter Happiness

2008-03-20T12:29:00.001Z

Easter Thoughts
Originally uploaded by thehutch

from all at n:flame, have a good Easter. We trust that is a good one and that you all have an opportunity to reflect on Christ during this weekend.

Easter Story

2008-03-18T14:21:00.002Z

Have you ever wondered why we spend so much time and energy preparing for Christmas and yet Easter seems to have much less effort expended on it? Easter is the central message of the Christian faith, without Jesus' death can sins be atoned for? Without the resurrection, do we have a faith?
Just some thoughts to ponder.

Thought For The Week

2008-03-03T13:46:00.002Z

What do we do each day for God? How much of our day do we give to God? Are we carrying out God's Business in all that we do?

Thought For The Week

2008-02-25T11:19:00.002Z

How often do we experience true silence? How often do we need something in the background when at work, home etc? Are our 'quiet times' ever really quiet?

Thought For The Week

2008-02-04T12:50:00.000Z

What defines our identity...?

Is it that we are known as someones relative? Is it by our course/job? Is it by something we did in the past? Do we rely on the opinions of others?

Who should we rely on for our true identity?

Thought For The Week

2008-01-28T13:22:00.000Z

6Also before the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal. In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, and they were covered with eyes, in front and in back. 7The first living creature was like a lion, the second was like an ox, the third had a face like a man, the fourth was like a flying eagle. 8Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under his wings. Day and night they never stop saying: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come." - Revelation 4

We ourselves are covered with spiritual eyes. Our human eyes are not enough to take in and understand God. When we are looking at Jesus through our spiritual eyes we will make decisions a lot differently to if we used just our human eyes.

Thought For The Week

2008-01-21T14:40:00.000Z

2He made my mouth like a sharpened sword, in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me into a polished arrow and concealed me in his quiver. - Isaiah 49

God knows us so well. He knows when to release us and when to hold us back. We dont always have to shine. We have to respect His timing.

Tandem Trouble Update......

2008-01-18T09:52:00.000Z

Roy and Phil's London to Brighton tandem bike ride has been postponed. It WILL go ahead but probably closer to the summer now. The date will be published as soon as it is decided. Others will be joining them now, so if you are interested then get in touch.

2008-01-15T13:33:00.001Z

Cartoons to make you think can be found at asbojesu s

Thought For The Week

2008-01-07T12:14:00.000Z

Bread and wine. How often do we seriously think about it? Sometimes the ceremony and routine of it takes over.

35Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty. 36But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe. 37All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. 38For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. 39And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. 40For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day." - John 6

lebanon 2008

2007-12-14T14:30:00.000Z

once again we have another team jetting out to Lebanon. The dates are 4th-13th March 2008 and Andie Frost is leading the team. The flier will be ready to download very soon.....watch this space, meanwhile feel free to sponsor the team here.

By His Stripes

2007-12-05T13:54:00.001Z

The n:forum theatre company have almost completed their new rehearsals for the new production, "By His Stripes". It is a forum theatre spectacular based on a talk show and deals with issues of Betrayal, Self Worth, Self Esteem and Bullying and is followed up with suitable lessons. If you are in a school and believe it would be useful, then please get in touch and we can talk through the possibilities and provide you with literature. It is a strong production and is well worth a viewing!

tandem trouble

2007-12-04T13:01:00.000Z

Phil and Roy are riding from London to Brighton on a tandem!!! Either crazy, foolhardy, mad or all three. They are doing this to raise money for n:flame, please feel free to sponsor them.....just click here......they attempt it on Saturday 9th February!!! Sheer madness!

Thought For The Week

2007-12-03T11:31:00.000Z

What do we fear? How far away or close to God do we have to be to fear Him? Does getting on and doing things we are scared of help us to overcome the fear? Are fear and love the same thing where God is concerned? What is the balance?

Click For Cash

2007-11-30T16:32:00.000Z

Forget Google and Ask, its all about Everyclick here in our office. If you search via http://www.everyclick.com/ we get money. All you need to do is select 'the n flame charitable trust' as your chosen charity. It is a good search engine, so go ahead and make the change on your pc!

micrsoft products on the cheap

2007-11-27T16:42:00.001Z

hey folks, if you have an email address ending .ac.uk then check out a very cheap option of getting Microsoft Office. Check out the Microsoft page here. May be worth it!
Thanks to Ian for the HT.

Thought For The Week.

2007-11-26T11:17:00.000Z

We are the disciples that Jesus loves.

Simple as that!

Thought For The Week

2007-11-08T10:13:00.000Z

17(a) Put on salvation as your helmet. -Ephesians 6.

A Roman helmet was used for protection and recognition. The long piece at the back was to prevent heads being chopped off. The face was open to allow clear sight.

The enemy wants to cause us to doubt. The helmet protects our mind and helps us to stay focused on our amazing God.

Thought For The Week

2007-10-30T10:51:00.000Z

16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. - Ephesians 6

Fiery arrows can come in all shapes and sizes. Fire when out of control can cause us to act irrationally. A shield of faith is for our defence as well as others. It is better that the arrows hit the shield than us.

Decorating

2007-10-25T08:44:00.000Z

With the arrival of the portakabin, we have had the chance to change our church office space around a bit. Part of this process was decorating.

Before......

Roy and Phil K....

Kathy & Phil B.....

Its a working progress...finished product photos to come soon!!

Thought For The Week

2007-10-22T11:25:00.000Z

15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. -Ephesians 6

Roman shoes were designed for rapid mobility. Good shoes enable us to change direction at any time.

Runners are prepared to go on the starting blocks. They have shed any unnecessary clothing, the right shoes and are focused to go as best they can when told. They have nothing that would weigh them down. We become immobile of we are weighed down.

Thought For The Week

2007-10-15T15:15:00.000Z

13Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. -Ephesians 6

When would a Roman soldier would remove his armor? When do we think that we do not need protecting? Are there times when we feel we do not need/do not want Jesus around? When Jesus becomes an an inconvenience, we simply shouldn't be in that place.

Thought For The Week

2007-09-24T12:09:00.000Z

1Now the gates of Jericho were tightly shut because the people were afraid of the Israelites. No one was allowed to go out or in. 2But the Lord said to Joshua, “I have given you Jericho, its king, and all its strong warriors. 3You and your fighting men should march around the town once a day for six days. 4Seven priests will walk ahead of the Ark, each carrying a ram’s horn. On the seventh day you are to march around the town seven times, with the priests blowing the horns. 5When you hear the priests give one long blast on the rams’ horns, have all the people shout as loud as they can. Then the walls of the town will collapse, and the people can charge straight into the town.”

How often do we pass places in our local areas? Places that have a lot of activity (good and bad) but we take them all for granted? After prayer walking we found that actually standing in those places made us commit them to God. Walking round with a mind only on prayer opened our eyes to our local area.

Thought For The Week

2007-09-18T11:55:00.000Z

17 Elijah was as human as we are, and yet when he prayed earnestly that no rain would fall, none fell for three and a half years! 18 Then, when he prayed again, the sky sent down rain and the earth began to yield its crops.
James 5 v 17 & 18

Things happen when we continue to pray. Things beyond our biggest desires. God knows us and what is best for us in accordance to His will and timing.

Arrival of New Office!!

2007-09-17T11:33:00.000Z

Today finally saw the arrival of our new office space. After the first delivery attempt last Tuesday being stopped in its tracks by our steep ramp, another huge truck easily delivered our portakabin like it was the smallest lightest thing in the world! (when it's really not!)

TUESDAY 11th
First attempt at delivery....one very stuck truck!

...even trying the other way round.....it still got stuck. Off it went back to the depot!

MONDAY 17th

Take two...in she comes...!

...making sure she's level....and finally she's set down!

(phew and yay!)

We look forward to this space helping us to function even better than before!

Thought For The Week

2007-09-10T13:05:00.000Z

One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers—Simon, also called Peter, and Andrew—throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” And they left their nets at once and followed him.

Matthew 4 v 18-20

What do we consider to be an authority that would cause us to drop everything and move into action? Would we act as the newly chosen disciples did, literally leaving our lives there and then? Is it that easy in today's society? Do we let practical things get in the way of our decisions? There are certain people in our lives that we trust to take advice and orders from. What is it about them that makes us sit up and pay attention?

If Jesus was to call us in to a totally different direction, are we ready to obey that word for our lives?

Thought For The Week

2007-09-06T09:36:00.000Z

Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Ephesians 6 v 11-17 (NLT)

Are you ready to do battle, with the creator of the universe on your side leading the way? Are we really prepared for what the opposition has to throw at us? Do we have the well used tools ready at our disposal or do we just look at them from afar and presume it will be ok? Swords work their best when they are practised with and sharp!

work on the new office

2007-08-31T15:33:00.000Z

Work began on the new office yesterday. We have been dreaming of larger office space to accommodate our work and after a year of waiting on planning applications and such we have begun work to provide a space for a portakabin behind the current space in Palmers Green. The ground has been flattened, prepared and the portakabin should be here at some point during September. There will be great rejoicing amongst the office bods as they have regularly been exposed to a rather "full"space with all the challenges of noise and lack of breathing room. We will upload some more pictures as we progress.

thought for the week

2007-08-29T09:10:00.000Z

"How can a young person stay pure?
By obeying your word and following its rules."
Psalm 119:9

Thought of the Week

2007-08-20T13:28:00.000Z

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9 NIV

How do you respond when you are feeling lonely? How do you respond to being fearful? Do you act even though your scared?

Thought of the Week

2007-08-13T08:25:00.000Z

'He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God'
Micah 6:8 NIV

In life there is a lot stuff that seems to matter - whether the t-shirt and trousers I am wearing clash? The vase of flowers needs to be exactly on the crease on the table cloth otherwise it is in the wrong place. Or I must not wear the same outfit to the parties that have the same people. Or I need a new top for every evening out I go on. Or that the jars of pasta and rice are exactly in line with each other.

For some of us this stuff matter and to other it doesn't. It may look nice. But there is always stuff that is really important to us but when we think globally - does it really matter? Does it matter if I am wearing sky blue flip flops with pea green toe nails, when there are people in the world starving. Do I really need to have a take away beverage every day to wake me up when there is someone dying of thirst?

What really matters in life?

'He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God'
Micah 6:8 NIV

Thought of the Week

2007-08-08T17:48:00.000Z

Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.

Acts 4: 12 NIV

Thought of the Week

2007-08-01T17:51:00.000Z

In his heart a man plans his course,

but the Lord determines his steps.

Proverbs 16:9 NIV

Zambia Report

2007-07-24T12:31:00.000Z

For a full report of the mission trip to Zambia please click here

Thought of the Week

2007-07-23T13:20:00.000Z

And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!
Romans 10:15

End of Term.....

2007-07-21T13:27:00.000Z

It's the end of the summer term, end of the academic year and the end of the gap for the nflame gapies. For all of them they are moving on to exciting things. We'll miss them lots but it's not goodbye but more manana.....

Gapies pictured with people a couple of nflame cheeses. left to right: Paul, Lydia, Martin, Em, Phil, Flick and Roy.

Pray for them as they move out of what's been home for them this year and move on, to uni and work.

Thought of the Week

2007-07-18T17:14:00.000Z

Guys and gals, the reason we post thoughts of the week is to give you nugget of truth. So, that you can chew over and allow to sink into your heart and mind. Don't just read the words but think over them through out the week.

Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.

Proverbs 4:23

Thought of the Week

2007-07-09T15:23:00.000Z

But now, this is what the LORD says— he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.
Isaiah 43: 1&2

Zambia

2007-07-05T10:13:00.000Z

The team landed in Heathrow at 10:13am this morning and are currently in baggage reclaim before heading the last leg of the journey home.
Welcome Home Team!

Zambia Mission: Text Update

2007-07-03T08:23:00.000Z

Text update from Phil early this morning (thanks for the wake up call):

A number of people gave their lioves to Christ at the conference yesterday and also kids in the park where Sandjea ran a kids programme. Today we are running open air events in the park between 10 and 1.
The team are tired so pleas pray for this one as it has been a fight to get this opportunity. Pray for Zoe's health (tummy bug) and also for travelling tomorrow. Ta'

Thought of the Week

2007-07-02T13:27:00.000Z

make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.

2 Peter 1: 5-7

Zambia Mission: Text Update

2007-07-02T07:55:00.001Z

This message came through over the weekend from Andie:

On Tuesday we're hoping to do an open air cocert in the middle of town. Please pray that the door of this opportunity will stay open and that we'll do it God's way not ours. We want to start something the church can continue to do not a one off event.

Zambia Mission: Text Update

2007-07-01T08:26:00.000Z

A message has just come through from Phil:
Conference is fairly full on. It's good discipline for us to listen to such different culture but some of the team are struggling ton concentrate and it's tempting to switch off or become discouraged.

Pray for each team member that God would strengthen them and speak to them.

n:vision blurb: Faithfulness of God

2007-06-30T13:36:00.000Z

Sitting up, he could feel his legs and arms – they ached, they were stiff, they were bruised and his hands were calloused and blistered. Not exactly what he was used to! Something wet dropped onto his face, making him jump in his bleary-eyed, tired state. Pushing the pig to one side, he pulled himself to his feet and went to wash his face in the animal trough on the other side of the yard. Splashing his face with the icy cold water he caught his reflection. He looked so different from the day he had left home. Face weathered from the sun; clothes grubby and tatty; hair tangled from lack of care. ‘What have I become? Dad’s employees are better looked after than me.’ His stomach groaned in agreement.

Growing up I learnt there were two types of friends – fair-weather ones and faithful ones. There were the friends that would be there when you had the latest popular toy or those really nice crisps in your lunch box, but were not there when you were being picked on by others in your class. Then there were the friends who would sit on the bench with you when you were feeling sick or would lend you the book you really want to read.

Jesus told the story of the Lost Son to teach us many things. The son had acted as though he’d like his Dad to be dead – he’d swanned off and squandered his inheritance on wild living. He had money and he had friends. Yet, when there was no money left, he was alone and in need. He had tried to help himself by working during the famine, but was so hungry he could have eaten the pigs’ food. The answer to his situation was back where he had left, back with his Dad. And despite everything his Dad welcomed him home with open arms. George Moore once a said, ‘A man travels the world in search of what he needs and returns home to find it.’ This is an image of God’s relationship with us, his children – He doesn’t want us to leave his side, but sometime we do. God is like the faithful friend who sits on the bench and stays beside you when all else is going wrong. But when everything is going well….

The summer holidays are looming and it’s the time of year where it’s easy to get side tracked. We get caught up in lying in the sun reading a good novel, Frisbee in the park, water fights, BBQs and holidays. We can get so distracted by these things that we can miss God. We get to the end of the day so tired that we don’t really feel like picking up the bible, and we say, ‘Oh I’ll do that tomorrow’. Gradually days slip by; before you know it it’s nearly September.

God, like the Dad, wants to stay with us through it all. He’s gone through the stresses and strains of the past year with us - the highs and the lows, the exams, the job changes, and he’ll still be there with you on results day. Are you going to be faithful to your faithful Heavenly Dad? Or will you get lost during the summer? Will you sit on the bench with God?

(Due to Phil being in Zambia we had to get someone else to write the blurb)

Zambia Mission: Commitments, Intercession and the big tree

2007-06-29T08:58:00.000Z

After the last report, we took part in an event at a very near school where we performed various bits and pieces to about 300 students (11-17). During the first five minutes a boy on the front row passed out. He was quickly carried out as we thought he had fainted. One of the Zambian team tried to help him but then realised that it was God at work and the boy ended up being completely set free from demonic influence in his life. He consequently gave his life to Christ and is now being discipled by Charles, who used to be with us in England, but is now back at his home church here in Kabwe.

After this slight hiccup the event continued and Terry (a local schools worker) preached in Bemba asking for people to respond if they wanted to follow Jesus. It was difficult to judge what was really going on as it was in a different language, but it seemed like most of the kids responded and prayed along with Terry at the end.

After this we went straight back to the church prayer meeting and then zipped off in the bus to the 'Children of Promise' Orphange, where we shared a wonderful meal with the children. It was hard to drag Lydia away, but we succeeded in the end, having left behind lots of smiles, a football and some football strips.

Yesterday, after breakfast and the team meeting, most of the day was spent preparing for a college outreach trip in the evening. We arrived at the college at about 5.30pm and started to set up in the canteen area. Unfortunately about 15 minutes later we lost all power, inc. lights. The sunset was beautiful but that was the last light we saw and we decided to press on with an entirely acoustic set, lit by candles and mobile phone lights. There were probably about 150 students gathered to listen to us sing and then finishing with a Gospel preach. It was awesome! Five people gave their lives to Christ and were prayed with to receive the Holy Spirit and many other students responded to commit themselves to reaching their friends with the Gospel. The ministry for those was brilliant with many tears being shed for friends and family who don't know Christ. Please pray for Sally's family who need both Jesus' healing and salvation.

This morning many of us piled down to the local village to play with children and chat with the locals before heading back for a late breakfast. After breakfast we picked up a message from Lisa in Brazil about celebrating with food and taking food for those who had prepared none. At the point that we received the message we were just heading back to the village, so we packed our lunch with us and took as much as we could to offer to others too. We had a great time playing with the children and sitting around with the locals in their homes and having the opportunity of praying with them. We had to literally drag Sandjea out of someone's home, where she was just about to embark on a six course meal.

This afternoon we came back into Kabwe to join with the schools team again. Our schools ministry trip which was planned for today had been cancelled, which was disappointing, so we trekked down to the big tree in town where Jon led us in a time of intercession for the nation. If you would like to join with us in that intercession we are praying for breakthrough in the aids epidemic, malaria, Government corruption, debt and poverty relief.

Tomorrow we have a little time before the conference starts and then the conference will be full on until Monday evening. We are hoping and praying (please join with us) that God will open doors for us to do a Gospel concert under the big tree in the town centre on Tuesday. This is important to us as we feel that we would like to get our teeth into some open air evangelism before we come home. People are so open to talk about Jesus here - it would be a shame to miss this opportunity.

Not sure how soon we will be able to e-mail again, but please be praying for us that God would give us more and more opportunities and that we would not get buried in a Christian sub-culture for the next few days.

Love Phil & the team

Zambia Mission: In School

2007-06-28T01:16:00.000Z

Text update from Phil:

'Had a good day at the school yesterday [Tuesday]. A lad became a Christian after manifesting and being delivered at the event. Many other responded to the appeal but true results hard to judge. Lovely evening at the orphanage afterwards. Today [Wednesday] geared to college outreach event. Power cut meant the event was simplified. Dark and accoustic. 5 serious commitments and some great ministry.

We need to push some doors. Pray that God gives us favour and they open. Visiting village tomorrow [Thursday] and someones home to pray for healing'

Thought of the Week

2007-06-26T19:53:00.000Z

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.

2 Timothy 1:7

Zambia Mission: Waterfalls, Livingstone and Duets

2007-06-26T12:22:00.000Z

Sorry it's taken us so long to get in contact, but internet access is not simple out here. We have had a great time over the last few days with lots of time travelling which probably wasn't so great! We arrived at Kabwe on Thursday evening with just time for a team meeting before we went to bed. We were up early the next morning for the ten hour coach trip to Livingstone, arriving at our accommodation in time to eat, spend some time as a team and then go out to pray in the open air, where we prayed for a security guard outside his shop.

Saturday morning saw us involved in a mini conference for the Livingstone Church doing praise and worship before zipping off the most extraordinary experience of most of our lives! The Victoria Falls were breathtaking and very, very, wet!!! We were soaked to the skin inside two seconds, except for Karen who had come prepared (girly swat!) with a kagoule! After the complete assault on our senses it just made us want to worship - it was awe inspiring. We then climbed down to the place at the bottom of the Falls, called the 'boiling pot', which was also amazing. We'll tell you more when we get back.

After the Falls we went to see some wild animals in a game reserve; it was quite amusing because the driver was scared of them and it was hard to get him to stop so we could take photos. But it was great.

Sunday morning we were with the Livingstone Church again for morning worship (check out Henry the worship leader - he's amazing!) and then we were in the coach again for a humungous trip back to Kabwe. The trip back was made bearable by some singing duets that brought us much joy and lots of stupidity. Joel is the king of supersongs about Zambeef!

Monday they gave us a day off, but after a lay in we traipsed down to the local village and had a fantastic time playing with kids, chatting to people and praying with anyone we could get our hands on. It was really special. Monday evening we had an amazing prayer meeting at the church and the n:flame band got to rehearse a bit ready for the next few days in school and the church conference at the weekend.

In about two hours we will head into school for the first of four evangelistic presentations to high school students. The team are working hard and almost behaving themselves! Please pray for us that we don't miss a single opportunity to bring the grace of Jesus into people's lives.

Love
Phil and the Team

Zambia Mission: Back in Kabwe

2007-06-25T12:27:00.000Z

We got a text from the team this morning. Please pray that God would lead them and open doors. Some of their schedule is not happening and apart from Tuesday to Thursday in schools they have minimum opportunites for evangelism.

'Still we sneaked out and had a great time playing with local kids this morning. I got an opportunity to pray with someone on their way to work. The team is well. Planning to do lots of prayer out and about today' from Phil

The team hope to send a fuller report soon.

Zambia Mission: Livingstone

2007-06-23T22:59:00.000Z

Message from the team:

Great time meeting with the Livingstone church today and a stupendous time at Victoria Falls. Church here tomorrow and then very very long drive back to Kabwe.

15 Peaks - This Weekend

2007-06-22T11:29:00.000Z

This weekend two teams ('Stuck in First Gear' and 'Stop Start' are attempting the 15 Peaks challenge to raise money for the work of nflame. Please be praying for them - there were a few nerves flying around on Thursday.

If you haven't already and would like to sponsor them visit here

Zambia Mission: Arrived

2007-06-21T16:44:00.000Z

The team arrived safely this afternoon in Lusaka, and are now on their way to Kabwe in a mini-bus. All is well.

Zambia Mission:Departure

2007-06-20T19:58:00.000Z

This afternoon the team left the nflame office to start their journey to Lusaka, Zambia with lots of laughter and joy. All 15 of them travelled by public transport to Heathrow - I am sure they had some fun on the bus and tube. The teams flight is due to leave at 9.35 this evening.

We shall be posting updates from the team here - as and when we receive them. Please pray for the team. To get you started here are a few prayer pointers:

The Team will remain safe and healthy during the 2 weeks
The team will be a blessing to the church in Kabwe and Livingstone
God would provide loads of opportunities for ministry and they will be fruitful times
Each team member will grow in faith and gifting during the mission

Thank you in advance for all your prayers. The team value your prayer support. If you receive any words or pictures for the team please email info@nflame.org.uk and we shall pass them on to the team.

Thought of the Week

2007-06-18T15:30:00.000Z

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.

Philippians 3: 12

12 days and counting......

2007-06-11T13:22:00.001Z

More Crib Goch
Originally uploaded by thehutch

well not long now and the nerves are starting to kick in. The training is maxed out and the only thing stopping us is high winds or serious injury. the 2 teams are having variable success with their sponsorship - feel free to help out and visit their pages....hint hint! You can find them here!

Keep thinking of us, pray for us and where possible, please sponsor us....every penny counts.

thank you so much

Thought of the Week

2007-06-11T08:45:00.001Z

'But, the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart and these make a man 'unclean'.'
Matthew 15:18 NIV

Sheffield Mission

2007-06-07T10:15:00.000Z

Finally, some testimonies from the guys who joined the n:flame mission team to Burngreaves, on the east side of Sheffield.

'Over May bank holiday weekend, a group of us went up to The Rock Christian Centre in Sheffield for a 3 day mission. The trip was really great, and I think we all had a really good time. The best part for me personally was the street work, where I got to do a sketch board talk on the street. It was really scary but it was a great learning experience for me and I think it was a really important in getting me to step out of my comfort zone! I definitely hope to have more chances to do it in the future, and I’m really looking forward to Zambia now! On a lighter note, missions always need some fun random activities to keep you sane, and so Sheffield also became the birthplace for the new craze taking over Enfield- roflling. Roflling is Rolling On the Floor Laughing, and all the boys especially had a right laugh (literally) roflling about and causing general mayhem, which was rather good fun!'
- Martin, n:flame GAP student. He is a great dude.

'Well I found the weekend really hard and tiring. My testimony I suppose it that even though I found it hard the street work was new for me. I had a good conversation with a guy who lived in Sheffield who was ill and so he can't work. He didn't say why he was ill but he said he doesn't do anything during the day. I was talking to him with a couple of other people there as well. I suggested that he writes poems or something down and tries to do things during his day even if he is at home. He said he was glad that he was out the day we were there. He believes in God and reads the bible. One thing he kept saying was that he needed support but didn't have any, and needed to find a church that was supportive. I got his contact number and gave it to the pastor of Church on the rock. Prayer would be good for him, for the church to get in contact with him, for him to get the support and help he needs. His name is Michael. I felt sad inside my heart because i could feel the hurt, pain and loneliness in him. So please pray and I pray that he is able to find a supportive church.'
- Charlotte, from the Enfield LET Course. This was her first mission and she's awesome.

'Was an amazing week … I was in a really rough place spiritually and at the weekend I was expecting God to break through (as he has a knack of doing!!) He blew me away with everything that happened to others and myself.'
- Simon, from the Rock Christian Centre (the church we worked with). He has been part of all the missions nflame has done up in Sheffield. He's a dude.

Thought of the Week

2007-06-04T14:51:00.000Z

When the foundations are being destroyed,
what can the righteous do?'
Psalm 11:3

What are your foundations?

Thought of the Week

2007-05-28T09:21:00.000Z

Keep vigilant watch over your heart; that's where life starts
Don't talk out of both sides of your mouth;
avoid careless banter, white lies, and gossip
Keep your eyes straight ahead;
ignore all sideshow distractions
Watch your step,
and the road will stretch out smooth before you
Proverbs 4:23-26 The Message

Training for 15 Peaks

2007-05-23T08:17:00.001Z

Crib Goch
Originally uploaded by thehutch.

Our team "Stuck in First Gear" has finished its last training weekend in Snowdon and with 4 weeks to go are well set for the challenge of completing the welsh 3000 in 24 hours. Our second team ("STOPstart") have one more training weekend.
It is an exciting time and, if we are honest, is a tough time as the evnt itself is a tough endurance that tests the hardiest of walkers. Crib Goch (pictured) is the first of 15 mountains and the toughest in wet conditions as it is a grade one scramble. The walkers have put a lot of effort into the event on behalf of n:flame and we appreciate their sacrifice. If you would like to sponsor them then you are able to at either:
www.justgiving.com/roy2007 or
www.justgiving.com/stopstart

Every gift is appreciated, thank you.

Thought of the Week

2007-05-21T12:58:00.001Z

The seas have lifted up, O LORD,
the seas have lifted up their voice;
the seas have lifted up their pounding waves.

Mightier than the thunder of the great waters,
mightier than the breakers of the sea—
the LORD on high is mighty.

Psalm 93: 3&4

Thought of the Week

2007-05-15T16:01:00.000Z

By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.
2 Peter 1:3&4
Picture is one of Roy's :-)

Does Jesus have a myspace page?

2007-05-09T10:54:00.000Z

Check out this link.....it may challenge you

ht: Ian