Tonight I attended my last Executive meeting of Gillingham YFC. I feel really strange and kind of sad. GYFC has been a big part of my life for nearly a decade and for so long it has been ‘my baby’. Sometimes that has been good, because I have cared for it and encouraged it to grow; but other times God has had to wrestle his baby free and develop it in ways which I would never have dreamed of or thought possible.

 

One such way has been our move into performing arts this year with D2. I find it bizarre to think that I, a man who runs away if anyone suggests dancing, acting or singing, can be managing  a performing arts team. The idea is actually quite laughable! From this year I have learnt that God does not just use our experience and capabilities only. There are times when he puts us in places where our skills seem irrelevant at first sight. In God’s eyes, it matters not that I can’t dance or sing, all that matters is that I’m willing to go where he leads. This year that meant taking on and supporting D2.

 

Back to the Exec … Tonight the people were very brave and I think that is really cool. They have stepped out in faith in agreeing to host D2 again next year. At the moment we do not know where we are going to house them, or how we are going to pay for them. It makes no sense but we feel God is saying we should trust him and continue to move ahead.

 

If you would like to pray for us as we seek a house for them that would be cool.

 

When Peter had to step out of the boat I always think he must have been terrified. The waves rolling around him. He was called to be brave in a new world. All his natural senses and common sense must have screamed ‘NO‘ when he thought about stepping out on the water. But he did it because he recognised the new world Jesus was bringing in. He was brave in the new world.

 

I think some of my exec feel a bit like Peter now. They know they have got to get out there, but it’s pretty scarey all the same. I admire them for it- as I have over the last 10 years or so. They are seeing the new world with Jesus steering things. They are exhibiting great bravery in that new world, and I am quite sad to be leaving this part of God’s adventure.

 

It will be strange waking up on September 1st knowing that I am no longer the Director of GYFC. For a long time it was all I ever wanted, and only a little while ago the thought of leaving would have crippled me. It’s strange how God changes your thoughts and presents new challenges.  A new world is just around the corner and I’m pretty scared – so a bit of bravery needed there too!

 

All of us, I guess, are being called to be brave in a new world, wherever we may be, at the start of every new day.