Women World Day Of Prayer

On Friday 5 March over 3 million people worldwide will be praying and worshipping together during an annual day of prayer, using a service prepared by Christian Women in Cameroon. The first service will begin at sunrise in Queen Salote Girls’ school in Tonga and travel around the world until the sun sets some thirty five hours later in neighbouring Western Samoa. By then the Day will have been celebrated in over 170 countries and throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland alone over 5,000 services will have been held.

Emma Wilcox, president of the National Committee of the Women’s World Day of Prayer Movement, writes “Cameroon is said to be Africa in miniature”. It is a country of great cultural diversity with more than 240 ethnic groups and languages. The constitution promotes equality between men and women but traditional rights and attitudes discriminate against women in many areas of life. However giant steps have been taken towards assuring women’s rights and women are involved in the struggle for peace, justice and integrity.

Cameroon faces many challenges as its people seek to move forward into a modern age without losing their distinctive characteristics. But at all times, in all circumstances, Cameroonians are able to praise God with joy and exuberance and the service reflects this.

Although organised and led by women, this is essentially a day of prayer for everybody as we demonstrate our solidarity with our sisters and brothers in other countries and all are welcome to attend.”

Every year Churches Together in Belvedere arrange a joint service in our area. If you have never been to one, those of us who have attending for many years would recommend you give it a try and nowadays as Emma said we are inclusive so gentlemen who are free would be welcome, also children. The service finishes in time to pick up primary school children.

2 pm Friday 5 March

Pentecostal Church, Mitchell Close, Belvedere
Women’s World Day of Prayer Service

CAMEROON - One of our poorest neighbours

Following their independence in 1960, but whilst under the repressive regime of President Ahmadou Ahidjo, Cameroon began exporting oil. This has been followed by other crops: cocoa, coffee, timber and aluminium. However, due to sharp falls in the prices of coffee, cocoa and oil on the world markets, Cameroon has fallen into deep debt.

As a result of this, in 1996, Cameroon began a structural reform programme under the direction of The World Bank and IMF. In 2000, she formally began the process of trying to qualify for the status of a Heavily Indebted Poor Country (HIPC) to qualify for debt relief. However, as in other countries, this requires that Cameroon agree to a variety of onerous conditions, including the privatisation of the state airline and their telecommunications system.

The good news was that Cameroon eventually qualified for $2.4 billion debt cancellation in 2006. Unfortunately, the global financial situation has caused a massive slump in their major exports and their debt levels are reaching crisis point again…..and to add insult to injury, three ‘Vulture Funds’ (See October 2009 newsletter) based in the Cayman and British Virgin Islands are pursuing legal action for payment of purchased debts in excess of $300 million.

Update on the Calle Family in Peru

Unfortunately, Isaias and Olga were unable to visit us whilst they were in England recently, but they have sent their greetings to us at Belvedere. When they eventually reached home in Andahuaylas, they found themselves in a situation where several problems had arisen among the leaders and members of the church in San Jeronimo. These problems are in the areas of theological issues, relationships and quarrels. They have asked us for prayer for wisdom as they get alongside those who are involved. As Isaias put it “God is more concerned to have a strong spiritual Church first and foremost before a strong building.

WHY I BECAME A STREET PASTOR

By Stephanine Ross

I first heard about street pastors about three years ago and I couldn’t wait to be part of it. It was such a simple idea; to go out on a Friday or Saturday evening in your local area and combat the growing problem of antisocial behaviour by being a non-threatening presence on the streets. The emphasis being on listening to people and, if needs be, diffusing potential ‘situations’ before they escalate out of control. It seemed amazing to me that ordinary Christians from churches across every denomination could have such a profound effect just by walking the local streets at night. Binge drinking and the resulting aggressive behaviour always seemed like one of those things to avoid coming in to contact with and pray about from a distance. Here I was presented with and challenged by an opportunity to get stuck in and actually meet these people where they were at and in that sense offer a real practical example of Christ living in us and the church today. It was so exciting to see Churches meeting the needs of their communities, working in partnership with the local police and council, and such a relevant way to show God’s love that I could not wait to get involved.

I started training in March 2007 and have been street pastoring regularly once a month for 2 years now. The change we have seen on the streets of Bexleyheath and surrounding areas in those 2 years is astounding. When we first started going out on a Friday night we often encountered many groups of teenagers drinking and looking for trouble, we regularly heard rumours of planned fights or saw aggressive situations, many of which were diffused by the simple presence of the street pastors and talking to the people involved in a calm and loving fashion. Even when going in to help disperse a gathering crowd there is no fear; we know we are working in partnership with the local police (who know when we are out) and more importantly we are covered by prayer. There is always a team back at the church base praying for us while we are out and we know we go out with God’s protection and blessing. If anyone is able to join the prayer teams it would be marvellous as we can not function without them. One of the most amazing truths of street pastors is that to date not one member has been hurt whilst on duty. It is such a powerful example of God’s provision to be able to say this, especially when people question our sanity, going out in to potentially dangerous situations; but the truth of the matter is that He walks with us and has never let us down in this.

When we patrol now there is a different atmosphere, we now rarely see any kind of aggression or anti social behaviour. It is a joy to talk to people whom we pass or sit and have a chat at the skate park or outside bars to find out how people are, what they believe the needs of the community are and sometimes we even have the opportunity to verbally share the gospel with them! We have had times where we have been able to pray with people as we talk or often requests that we pray for them back at the base.

The links with the police and local councils are vital to the success of street pastors. Not only do they help with funding for training but it also means that we are able to minister to them as well. Police officers patrolling on the same nights as street pastors have made comments such as ‘we always know it will be a quiet night when street pastors are out’ and other such wonderful recognitions for the power of Christ in the community and the peace that he brings. We chat to local shopkeepers and doormen that are about at that time of night all of which are pleased and have been blessed by the presence of the street pastors. So many members of the community are being touched by the Lord’s love through this work. I thank God that I am able to be a part of it and strongly recommend it to anyone who is able, as a brilliant way to practically share your faith.

A Chat With - Kath Andrews

Kath, many thanks for agreeing to have this chat. So could you tell us something about

……………. THE PAST (up until you married Richard)

I’ve lived in Bexleyheath almost all my life and went to local schools. The biggest events in my earlier life were getting two brothers when I was old enough to help care for them and losing my father when I was 14. It was a big change too when Mum remarried to Ray who had two children and a mother in law. We all lived together surprisingly harmoniously and I stayed at home until I got married. I met Richard through an evening class choral group we joined at the same time. I had only gone because my Mum agreed to go too, so if she hadn’t been willing, Richard and I would never have met. We had a whirlwind courtship really – he proposed after we’d been going out for a month and I said ‘yes’ immediately. I thought I was on the shelf at the age of 21 and he seemed like a real catch!

I went to the church round the corner and to a youth group at Christchurch until I was about 15 when the group I was part of got bored with it. I didn’t make any commitment to Christ – that was never talked about. We were taught about Christianity and I only remember church as a slightly dull experience with a good social scene attached to it. I accepted the teaching but it didn’t have any personal application and I didn’t get any sense that a deeper response was desirable to enhance my life, so I didn’t see any point in being confirmed.

………… Since your marriage

Since we’ve been married life has followed a fairly ordinary pattern. We’ve lived in the same house since having our three lovely daughters – Jenny, Helen and Heather - and our lives were taken up with family activities, particularly revolving around the girls and their interests – music, dancing, gymnastics, horse riding included. We were taxi drivers and supporters’ club members for years and really that hasn’t changed much since they’ve become adults! They provided lots of the best times including their coming to faith and being baptised. Worst times: I guess family illnesses and bereavements. I’ve coped with the support of Christian friends and knowing my Father’s love and peace. On the church front, I started to go to my old church again in response to an appeal from my Mum to go to a Mothers’ Day service just after I’d had Jenny. I was surprised to find that the service had changed – it was modern in style and I actually found the sermon relevant to me! I wanted to keep going every week and from there I came to a real faith and made a commitment to Christ. I was confirmed and became fully immersed in the life of the church, which was growing spiritually and becoming a close fellowship. Over about 10 years I had various roles including youth leader, house group leader, PCC member, being part of the women’s group leadership team, prayer team, worship group, dance group and nurture team. I came to BBC over 16 years ago and was baptized not long after – a very special event.

………….. THE PRESENT

15 years ago I went to University and became a qualified teacher. After a few years of full time teaching I now do regular supply work, which I enjoy. This fits in with looking after our gorgeous grandchildren part time. Hobbies: I used to do cross-stitching and I did a drawing course recently and go to jazz music events regularly too. We go ballroom dancing weekly, which is great fun.

At church I served on the Diaconate during the inter-pastorate time and during Frank’s first year; I now do the minutes for meetings. I am one of the worship leaders and love being part of the worship team. I am also part of Oakley House Church, which is exciting.

…………… THE FUTURE

Future-wise, I have no ideas!! I’ve never been good at projecting into the future and don’t like to plan far ahead either. I tend to live in the moment really. Family are important and I would like to continue to be closely involved with them. Church-wise, I hope to see Oakley House growing and play a part in that. I also hope to discern what part I can play in the Refresh Centre initiatives – I ‘m sure God’s got something I can do; he’s challenged me before with community outreach and equipped me for it, so I’m prepared for almost anything!

Thank you, Kath, for spending the time in your very busy life to prepare this interesting article. Although I have known you for many years quite a lot was new to me!

AROUND THE CHURCH - With Charlotte Kenton

Charlotte Kenton kindly agreed to appear in this spot this month and she shared the following with me about how she came to be where she is today. She appears in the photograph with Jack and Reggie (Harry, like me, doesn’t like having his photograph taken!)

Basically I come from a good family – lovely, lovely people. When I was little we used to go to church; my sister and I went to Sunday School as we were growing up. I am not sure why we stopped going, but we did, and obviously we both took the paths we wanted to go down! I was quite a naughty little girl – oh, my poor parents! – so I went down the wrong path when I grew up. I sort of met a few of the wrong people, got into drugs and ended up in trouble with the police.

Whilst I was working at Renaults I met the father of the boys. He was obviously not the greatest character and he was not really right for me, but I chose him; we set up home together, and had three lovely children. Life was not easy - sometimes he was in work, then I could have anything I wanted, but mostly I never knew security or stability. I could really relate to what Frank was saying about money in today’s sermon (31st January) money is the root of all evil. Then at the beginning of 2009 he ended up in prison! At that time I had been living in Chatham for six years, had built a life there and had friends, but I decided to move to a refuge in Ashford to get away from him. This experience was so surreal. We had to share a house with two other families – who did not speak English – it was not a normal life, one loses control, and I could see it was destroying the kids. There was a lady from Bexleyheath in the refuge at this time and she suggested I move to Belvedere and get my name on the council list for a home. I had never been here but one night during the summer holidays I knew I just had to go – that life in the refuge was doing the children no favours – so I picked the kids up and we left.

So I moved here and I met Sharon Barker when I went to Tots’ Club; she talked about church and invited me to come along. At first I was hesitant but I am so glad that I did because since I came to know the Lord my whole life has changed! I don’t worry about those things which worried me in the past because I know that God has everything under control. I just want to learn more and more about God – I want to get to know Him a little bit more and I am not sure how to get to the next stage. I did have good get-togethers with Sylvia, Jill, Fleur, and Jacqui but had to stop going because I decided to go to college to study for a Diploma in Law. The reason I am doing this stems back to my past. I had decided to take an injunction out against the children’s father and realized I knew nothing about the law! But on the day I went to Court I realized that I could not go through with it because, whether I liked it or not, we had three things in common – our children – so I could not avoid seeing him, as so many events in the future lives of the boys would mean that we would have to see each other! With the Lord’s help I have forgiven him for everything in the past and we are now able to meet together quite amicably.

As far as the future is concerned I am hoping to go to University in September – I am at present studying Maths, English, Study skills, Legal methods, Legal skills, ICT, Sociology and Politics – and for the boys my greatest desire is that they know that God is there for them, because I did not have that when I needed it. But I now realize and understand that it was God holding my hand and taking me on this journey: He knew that I was going to become part of His family.

Thank you so much Charlotte for sharing with us – it was great to sit and chat with you and to hear how the Lord has been working in your life.

Marching On

Again the Editor has threatened me with exposure if I don’t submit this issue on time. Then she goes and gives me a week less than usual in which to submit my copy. Did you listen to the morning sermons in January? Andrew started the year Pole dancing at Oakley House and I must admit I was confused (it doesn’t sound very Christian) and I felt that he was in danger of offending the large Polish community in the area around Gravesend and Istead Rise who may well have a penchant for ballroom. Now if it had been LINE dancing I would have understood as I think that Peter and Spero have been known to go to Oakley House. Then he started talking about cartoon characters and being ‘morphed’ (is that really a word in the OED?) into things, but thankfully not pole dancers. Oh and by the way he actually said that God made our Freda (the esteemed editor of this most noble publication in case you had forgotten) and now I know that it explains a lot. Then we had something about smiley people. Again I found this confusing until I realised that he wasn’t referring to the characters in a John le Carré novel. In the same sermon we heard (well you had to listen carefully) the ‘heartbeat effect’ an intriguing sound effect created by gently thumping the chest close to the lapel microphone, a feat copied by Frank in later in the month, although not as effectively (sorry Frank, no compliments is my motto).

February’s about Life in the Spirit, a great subject except that so far there has been no mention of any of my favourite spirits, or even fortified wine or wine or beer or indeed any alcohol, which when you think about it is quite OK as we do not allow alcohol in the church. I’ve just realised that I’m guilty of falling into the bad habit of using initials (OED and not Oxford English Dictionary) instead of the full titles for objects, books, organisations, machines, phrases etc. which seems to me to be a growing habit with the younger generation (under 40) and is gradually creeping up the age range, fed by text messages and other things. I was recently reading some documents and kept coming across initials used in place of words and I just did not understand what they meant. I, unlike others who were also reading the same documents, decided to ask what they stood for, at which everybody else admitted that they too did not know what was meant and that without knowing that the document was nonsense.

Society today seems to be unable to think in words and is obsessed with acronyms (the on line free dictionary has over 4,000,000) so we have as everyday expressions things like NHS, VAT, KPI, KYC, MP, APR, AER. Of course this can be confusing, e.g. is PM the Prime Minister or is it the time of day? Even the LCC became the GLC and morphed into the GLA. Now I see we have a new abbreviation, yes the National Health Service (NHS) has come up with the latest acronym SCRs, part of the NHS CRS but not part of their CSR, which is really confusing. It seems all our Care records (used to be NHS Files and always lost somewhere) are to be stored in one place on a SCR (Summary Care Record), so that all health care professionals can see our record, but will ask us every time they need to, so they can go into the PC and see the SCR. They don’t say what happens if we are unconscious and they ask us and we can’t answer, but my guess is that they will look anyway. However you can opt out, you do not have to have a SCR, so you may just have to stay unconscious until someone can guess what may be wrong with you and not give you a CT or MRI scan and ECG or take your BP (don’t know what British Petroleum has to do with this).

A short nonsense story: Agents from the CIA & FBI with US based MI5 and SAS flew BA to LHR protecting NATO and NAAFI C-in-C’s. Their ETA was 17.50 BST on VE day. On arrival they were met by CID from the Met. and taken to HQ in SW1 where a meeting with the PM and A.V.M. of the RAF (who has a VC, DFC and is a KCMG) and was tba. The MOD, DWP and DEFRA were not invited but the DPP, (a QC from the CPS) was available to bring a case against the MEP’s & MP’s and their PPS’s for expense claims for furniture from IKEA & DFS (+ VAT) as well as bribes for WMD from BAE, BNF and ICI. The meeting was reported on the BBC, ITV and BSkyB. The GMB, UNISON, RMT and TUC were defending their members and the BNP denied being racist and violent as did the AA and RAC. This is all too PC so I’ll stop typing on the PC except to say that the IMF, OECD, WWF, G7 and G4 have not been concerned with the PFI and nobody has left the BU to join the CofE. Our children are being taught by members of NUT’s so little wonder we hear so much gobbledygook. That’s the end so TTFN TNT and RIP.

Sometimes I struggle with life as a Christian and want to know just what God has in store for me. It’s very difficult to let go of this and let the Holy Spirit take over my life and for me to draw the line between when I need to take action and just when to let Him take control. I’m sure we all suffer in this way from time to time and that’s when we need to be renewed in the Spirit. I trust that February has been a month of renewal for us all at BBC..woops!! there I go again !!
ANON