Last night (Friday) I visited Glory House in Plaistow in the East End of London. This was a meeting for the youth leaders of Newham to get together to chat about what they could do together. Roy and I were there just to listen and make comments if appropriate. I never realised as I went, but this was the first time these people were getting together. That in itself was exciting.

Glory House itself is a wonderful church. I’m guessing it must be one of the largest churches in the UK, seeing around 2000 people over 2 services on a Sunday. Pastor Jonathan,one of the church leaders, who I met was very gracious, enthusiastic, and switched on to God. All that you would expect of a Pentecostal pastor – and more. IT really was a real privilege to meet him.

I arrived early and followed the noise to where I thought the event must be. I walked in on the youth group prayer meeting! They pray every Friday night and experiencing their prayers was both humbling and encouraging. It was simply an amazing experience. There were about 20 of them, all crying out to God, all asking him to act, all expecting him to act – I do not think they had heard of quiet, reserved prayer. This prayer meeting was livelier than a lot of worship service I have been to. I am sure many of us could learn from these young people who so obviously had an active prayer life with God.

While I was waiting for the meeting to start, I met Liz who has a great vision for Newham. She lives in the borough and has taken a year out after A levels to support things happening in Newham schools. She has a particular dream to have prayer groups in schools.

As well as Jonathan and Liz, I met lots of other wonderful dedicated and enthusiastic people who are committed to seeing Newham transformed with Christ.

It was a great way to spend a Friday evening. I don’t know what it is about Newham, but every time I visit there I feel a ‘buzz’. I’m sure the people of Newham are about to see some very exciting things happen. I’m really looking forward to the next time that I can visit.