April 2009

Journeys of Hope

With news of financial meltdown hitting the headlines, it’s rare to hear positive stories of hope about people who’ve struggled with their finances. Journeys of Hope offers twelve such stories – testimonies of people who were living in desperation, until they sought help from Christians Against Poverty, the national debt-counselling charity. The book is the second published by the charity, following Nevertheless, the story of CAP’s first twelve years. Journeys of Hope is a testament to the power of God working through His people to change lives, with accounts of how these people were freed from the chains of financial misery and given new life and hope for the future.

The shocking realities of debt, such as extreme hunger, mental illness, abuse and suicide, paint a bleak picture of life for many in 21st century Britain. Christine lived a “waking nightmare”. Lyndsay attempted suicide. Ralph stopped eating due to stress. These are stories of lives taken to the brink due to the suffering and deprivation brought on by their debts. But, as the title of the book suggests, in each case the transforming power of God shines through, as CAP gives them a practical solution to their financial difficulties, offering hope where before there was none.

Journeys of Hope is an inspiring and moving book which will remind you of just how much God can do. It’s not just a book full of ‘feel good factor’, though. This collection of testimonies is a wake-up call to UK Christians who think debt is a third-world issue; it powerfully depicts the struggles and the transformation of people who live in every city, town and neighbourhood of the UK, and maybe even next door.

Christians Against Poverty won the Sunday Times Best Small Company to work for in 2008 and 2009. Check out their website www.capuk.org

Journeys of Hope is available from Christians Against Poverty
Registered Office: Jubilee Mill, North Street, Bradford, BD1 4EW t: 01274 760720

What is THE BIG LUNCH?

Basically, it’s a party in your street, in everyone’s street. On 19th July we’re asking the people of Britain to stop what they’re doing and sit down to lunch together. Why? Well for lots of reasons really but mainly just cos we think it’ll be fun.

It’s a Very AYL idea and it would be great if every Activator in the UK could be involved. Log on to www.thebiglunch.com and see the amazing website full of ideas and great reasons to be involved.

Most of us are shy, many of us lead single lives and even when we are together often go our own way. We all know about the problems in our society and don’t need to be preached at about them. But inside almost everyone there is a notion that despite our differences, the ties that bind us are important.
The shared enjoyment of eating together, laughter, play, music and conversation bring us together and for all the fact that we are so fabulously different in our outlook and experience on many things, we know a simple truth – together we are strong. Wouldn’t it be great if for just one day we remind ourselves about all that is good about us and bring about a moment that ignites a spark?

It may be tricky, it may feel slightly uncomfortable to start with. It takes a bit of courage to stop being a stranger. But think of the prize – to be able to walk down the street and into the wider neighbourhood and realise how many good people there are: people who, acting together, can create a real sense of community – a word that in Latin means; “together, in gift”.

So… if you’re up for it, try growing something, making something or generally getting stuck in for the Big Lunch. No one is going to tell you how to do it as your ideas will be perfect for you. If you want any prompting we’ve gathered together lots of ideas that might set you on the road for a day that at worst might be fun and at best could start to change your life in unexpected ways!

It’s your party. All we’re doing is giving you an excuse but if you need more than that, then there is a remarkable reason to hold your Big Lunch.

The Passion is a term used for the physical, spiritual and mental emotions in the hours before and during the events of Jesus’ trial and execution.
Passus in Latin meaning ‘to suffer’.

Jesus is the example of the perfect passion we seek to develop. He was not enthusiastic about going to the cross. He did not walk towards it with strong positive emotions. The Bible tells us that in the Garden of Gethsemane His soul was grieved. But Jesus made a choice to do God’s will.

Passion for us is a decision that we must make. It is our decision to do what pleases Christ even though our emotions may scream their objections. If we are deeply passionate about something, we are centred in God.

‘Remember God is with us’. David said, ‘Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me, your rod and your staff, they comfort me’ (Psalms 23:4 NIV). God not only promises his power; he promises his presence. We will never go through a dark day alone. Jesus knew he wasn’t alone as he walked out his Passion.

Jesus wants us to be passionate about Him, to know Him and for us to give Him our time and love. When we are deeply passionate about Christ, we will not be able to hide it. Passion will drive us to obey at all times, even when we don’t feel like it.

Another word for heart is passion. We can feel deeply passionate about certain inborn interests God has given us. These can reveal the nature of our hearts; which if we listen for inner promptings, can point to the ministry God intends for us to have. Our emotional heartbeat is a key to understanding our purpose for service.

In those interests we are passionate about; let us take up the challenge of dreaming God’s dreams for our lives and consider how they might be used for His glory.

‘Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.’
(Ephesians 3:20,21 NIV).