Pastor @ mbc’s Weblog

Firm Foundations (FF) was fantastic – a really wonderful weekend. Of course, it helped that the skies were blue, the ground stayed dry, and I personally had a nice comfy bed in a nearby travelodge – but nevertheless, I was deeply impressed by the whole event, and I now know what all the fuss was about. There is something very moving and inspiring about the sight of 1000 young people all praising God together (in their own way); and committing themselves to living for God when they go back home. At several points during the weekend I had tears in my eyes (and I have been to many of these kinds of events); to quote the kids it was “well good”.
On a serious note, there have been times in recent years when I have been deeply depressed about the future of the Church: will the next generation pick up the torch and carry it forward? I now know that the answer is a resounding YES, and my gloominess has turned into an excited optimism. I cant wait to see what God is going to do in and through our young people. It certainly wont be the same as the past – each generation has a new calling and a new way of going about it; but it will be great to see it happening. Meanwhile, we older folk need to be praying, supporting, encouraging, and setting them free to be themselves for God’s glory.
Have a good week and may God richly bless you!
Stephen.
One final joke: “Fisherman, how many fish have you caught? Answer: “Well, when I have caught one more, it will be one.”

Yes, I know I havent posted anything on here for ages. Sorry, but I just seem to have been so busy, and there have been a million other things to do. Not a good excuse, I know – but I will try to get back here more often.
This week though, I am on holiday and going to see my grandson Jacob for a few days. Then I am going to spend the Bank Holiday Weekend with about 800 young people in a field in Hertfordshire!!! Firm Foundations is a youth camp organized by the Boys Brigade and Girls Brigade – a group from our Church goes every year, and this year they have persuaded me to go too. One thing however – they are all camping in tents – I am not. My camping days are over….I dont DO camping (unless it is in a Winebago)…camping and me dont mix. Therefore I will be staying in a local Travelodge (with my own bathroom, shower, TV, toilet and comfy bed). During the four days of the camp, though, I will be “roughing it” with the guys – eating- and no doubt getting rained on like them. I’m sure they will give me a hard time for not “camping” with them – but tough! Hopefully we will all have a good and blessed time, and will return home safely and happily to our loved ones afterwards.
Great to report that our Church Weekend at Eastbourne went very well. 26 of us had a fantastic weekend of study, fun and laughter. I hope everyone had as good a time as I did – there are certainly a few voices calling for a repeat next year – although I think it is more likely to be in two years time. Thanks to everyone who came and took part – we certainly did a lot of laughing!
To those who still keep checking this blog – thank you! Stick with it – I will update more often, when I get back into my routine. God bless – Stephen.