From the Manse  May 2002

I’m always being surprised by the obvious. Not long ago, I was visiting one of our church family in a local hospital when, to my surprise, a nurse at a nearby bedside called over to me: "Where is that passage in the Bible about the need for people to hear about God’s word?”

Although I do not carry chapter and verse in my head, fortunately I had a good idea where it could be found. So I directed her to Romans, suggesting around chapter 10. In fact, the relevant passage is Romans 10:10-17. May I suggest you read it

So a discussion began in the ward.

God needs preachers to get his message to people all over the world.  But who are these preachers? Some say it is the clergy or ministers.

However, in the City Hospital, where the message of God is needed as much as anywhere else on God’s earth, it was recognised that the preachers are Christian men an women who talk about their Saviour and their faith in the place where they work.

God needs preachers everywhere, and so where we are is the place where he wants us to do the telling!

This conveniently beings me to Pentecost. After the excitement of Easter, when we celebrate the Risen Christ walking with, and meeting, his followers, we come to Pentecost.

Easter is Christ in his body meeting his people.

Pentecost is the birthday of the Church: the new Body of Christ. It Is Christ meeting the world through his new body - his people.  Here is an amazing truth and a high privilege that Christ lives and works through you and me.

This is deeply humbling, bringing us to our knees while, at the same time. encouraging us to open our lives to him, so that we may be filled by his spirit. This is the lesson learned in the local hospital. This is Pentecost!

The Pentecost weekend will provide a time of inspiration to recall what God has done here in Marshalswick; to renew old friendships and make new ones; to be challenged for the future and, not least, to share fellowship at the Sunday lunch. If you have not yet committed yourself to this weekend, do so now, or you will lose out on an inestimable and enriching time in the life of this church.

God bless you all,

Robin Davies