This could be a long story, but I will attempt to be brief. In the early 1980’s life had become pretty grim. We were in a recession; the interest and inflation rates were climbing, (I think something like 18% at one time) OG had three building contracts cancelled in one weekend – well, you probably get the picture.
Through a series of “coincidences” that would have to be the subject of another blog, I went from being a complete agnostic to becoming a Chistian. I then looked for a church that was "worthy" of my Christianity (only kidding) and found one in Guildford called Millmead. It was (and, I believe, still is) a very vibrant place to be on a Sunday with three services and 650 people at each service singing their heads off. Cliff Richard was a member of the congregation. The neighbours used to complain about that, the noise I mean, not Cliff Richard!
At that time this was just what I needed. A place of safety where I could learn, regroup and re-energize myself. There was a particular minister that was an ace communicator and with his guidance I was baptized and eventually OG and I were married with him officiating.
Circumstances changed and we moved away from the area but I never forgot that church or that minister, especially at this time of year, because on the middle Sunday of Wimbledon the Christian tennis players used to visit and give their testimony.
So, this is where I am going with this. Recently life has become pretty grim again and I have often wished that I had the love, warmth and commonsense of that churchand that minister to support me. On Saturday a friend, who knew about me going to this church, mentioned the minister that had been the original inspiration, David Pawson. He said that he had a website. I didn’t really know this man because he was just leaving as I was newly introduced to the church. But it did get me wondering what had become of “our” minister Justin Dennison, so I “Googled” him and traced him to a church in Canada.
And this is the miracle. Last night I was able to listen to yesterdays’ sermon online. It could have been written for me and has given me a lot to think about. I shall continue to listen to his weekly message at http://www.hopetoyou.com/ and, hopefully, may even become a more rounded individual again?! Do you think? Nah!.
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17 comments:
Ah, the Lord move in a mysterious way! (Not sure about sermons on the internet, though - you should have heard the Precentor yesterday. Definitely NOT one for the 'Listen Again' button.
Maybe you should send an anonymous note to the Precentor suggesting that he follow the link to Justin's sermon to give him inspiration!
He is the only minister I know that can keep his audience enthralled for over 40 minutes. Not only does he walk the walk, he also talks the talk.
There are no accidents!
Thanks for your comment on my blog - the words you were told that were helpful to you, are very helpful to me, too. Thank you.
It's always amazing that when a need arises there is always someone or something knocking at our door with the answer. I know you were put on this earth for me as I've used your wisdom and knowledge to set my mind on the brighter thinking pattern when I thought things were hopeless. Thank you for your reminder.
I am so glad you "felt the meaning" in my comment on your blog. There are some mad bastards in this world, let's not be one of them eh?
And, Flagmaker, weren't you my salvation? And wasn't it you that set me on my road of "coincidences". Thank you dear friend.
I've arrived here via someone else's blog (have already forgotten the route...). I just want to wish OG and yourself good luck as you go through chemotherapy. Stick with it, it's not all bad - I've not long finished with a 'just in case' chemical cosh and I have to report that there is life afterwards! If i'd opted not to have the chemo, I would always have doubted my choice and the outcome. And my brother-in-law had bladder cancer several years ago; he's made a great recovery and deals with his bag as though everyone has one. Don't they?
So glad you found the comfort you were looking for in your prior minister...miracles do happen!
Sandi
It is really difficult to move from a good church or have a brilliant minister move away.
Also the cares of life can bog you down, as I know so well & so do you. This blimmen Big C that is the curse of the family!
If you want a laugh, visit me!
I think you were meant to listen to that sermon, which means you were meant to find that website, which then means you were meant to think about the minister in question. Funny how life has a pattern isn't it.
CJ xx
Well as a lapsed Catholic, organised religion does nothing for me. But, sprituality and the hope that is attained by being spiritual is a very powerful force. If you have found an inspirational talker such as this guy who was so influential and helpful in times gone past then you must grab it with both hands, internet sermon or not. We all need a power bigger than us sometimes just to cope with life's curve balls. X
Welcome guineapigmum, you have said word for word what the oncologist said. Good to hear the success stories. Thanks.
And Sandie it gets better. I now have his email address and can, hopefully, re-establish contact.
I was spoilt by my introduction to christianity at Millmead. It was a very special place.
Oh sorry, I was replying to Maggie with that last comment. By the way, how's the poo these days?
I passed your comment on to Justin Crystal. I think you are quite right, it was meant to be.
A lapsed catholic talking about a power bigger than ourselves - MOB you aren't a friend of BillW by any chance are you?
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