Author Archives: robryan65

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About robryan65

fallible human, like a phoenix runner spouse, father, grandpa, Jesus lover, creative, real ale, rum and malt whisky drinker dancing - expressing only personal views.

ordinary people in a field with ordinary people

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busy boot fairOur current boot fair season came to a close yesterday …. and that gives me some sadness. I have loved getting up at 5am on a Sunday morning (really… I have!) and working with an amazing team who also got up at 5am for the chance to engage with people at the boot fair in some spiritual way.

I really have been pretty overwhelmed at how the Ruach Cards have caught the imagination of many passers by and how God has connected in real ways with people through these readings. It seems that this just works …. and it’s just a few pictures and some scripture connecting powerfully with people in the middle of a field with some shattered people. I am amazed!

The conversations we have had over the last two months have been amazing. I still hold the man in my prayers who was a recovering Heroin addict … he really connected with me and I have been caused to pray for him each day … and wonder whether one day I may find out how he is doing.

Other team members have connected with other people whether it be through Ruach, prayer beads, prayer braids or simply chatting. I believe all of us have had significant conversations with people. I’ve gone back through the notes of each time and it seems we have had contact with around 130 people which I think is pretty exciting. 130 people that God brought cross our path.

I believe that is 130 people that God has blessed … not instructed, or taught, or even convicted …. but simply blessed them for who they are while wanting them to know they are accepted, approved of, loved and ….. most of all I think … understood and not alone.

I seemed to chat with many who felt alone or bewildered by their experience … and it seemed that God used our willingness and a few tools to reassure just loads of people. I’m still surprised and amazed that this has worked so well. Just ordinary people, in a field, willing to spend time with other ordinary people. I have been reminded that, given the right inviting opportunity that some of these people at the boot fair are spiritually searching for something that works.

In my last post I spoke of John Drane’s challenge … ‘how do we make people feel so much that they can’t help asking’ … well … being in a field and using cards or prayer seems to be one way of achieving that.

People felt a presence
people asked
and we prayed with them

Our boot fair takes a break until September … so this is a good place to thank the team … thanks loads for your commitment and willingness …you really were an amazing joy to work with ….  you are all cool!

be human … not a saint!

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Quotation-Markus-Zusak-human-Meetville-Quotes-85425John Drane’s second session was just as good as the first.

Drane started the session by continuing to look at what people living in our conceptual age need. I loved his language when he challenged us to ‘create an artistic and emotional beauty to craft a satisfying narrative’.

He expounded on this by pulling out more stuff from Dan Pink who provides 6 keys: DESIGN – understanding how to create beauty using ordinary objects
STORY – telling story to promote compelling narrative
SYMPHONY – integrating lots of info into a new arresting way forward
EMPATHY – so we can build relationships
PLAY – living with joy
MEANING – living with a purpose

John Drane considered those 6 keys and simply stated ‘this is Jesus’, meaning this is how Jesus acted when he was on earth. He backed these up with bible references from the gospels. Jesus, says Drane, gave people experiences that caused them to ask questions.

He then asked us a question … ‘how dow we make people feel so much that they can’t help thinking’. One way he suggested is that we need to get to grips with people’s value, and understand more of how we can nurture humanity. He then suggested that maybe we, as Christians and/or church,  should be less worried about trying to be saints and concentrate more on being human …. think about that one.

I resonated with that comment or challenge immediately. I blogged a while ago (can’t remember where or when and simply couldn’t spend the time looking back though old posts!) about possible reasons that Jesus came to earth. Christian orthodoxy talks of Jesus being 100% human and 100% God. I think church does the 100% God well, but never really talks about the 100% human truth. I translate that into believing that Jesus came in his total humanity to show us how to be human. In other words … if we want to know how to treat people and remain humans with dignity … then Jesus shows us the way!

That would be the Jesus who never excludes, the Jesus who always accepts, always waits, and always hopes. The Jesus that stands with open arms and says come … with you I am well pleased. There is lots more to write about …. but I am particularly taken at the moment by Jesus teaching us how to be human …. part of that is finding joy in ourselves so that we can illicit it in others …. that … I guess … is the Jesus way.

searching and being

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imgresOn Thursday I attended the Bishops Study Day for clergy and licensed ‘leaders’ in the Diocese of Rochester. I had been quite looking forward to the day as the key speaker was John Drane. he was talking on ‘Sharing the Gospel in a  world of atheist churches and spiritual searchers’

The day was good. It made me think. It reminded me of stuff I had forgotten. It challenged me. John Drane did not disappoint. I love his clear and direct style mixed with a calm passion to do whatever it takes to make a difference.

There is a mass I could write as from his 3 sessions I have 3 incredibly detailed mind maps on the iPad. He started the day by setting a context that showed that, although people had given up on established religion, as such, they were still very spiritual. 39% of people in the UK pray regularly, 17% every day. Those are big figures!

One stat that hit me was that only 17% of people in the UK are certain, beyond doubt, that there is a God. The corresponding figure in the US is 60%! That disparity alone explains why I am always suspicious and warey of people who try to directly bring stuff that works in America here …. we are a very different nation! But I digress!

From the stats and other stuff, Drane asked what are people searching for …
– something that helps with everyday challenges
– somewhere to be accepted
– how to live and make sense of life
– someone to journey with
From my discussions in High Streets and pubs, I really relate to those ‘needs of search’. In many ways I think that is not only what people I hang out with are searching for … but if I am honest … it’s what I have been and am searching for as well.

Drane ended the first session by quoting Daniel Pink who says to relate and share relevantly in our world today we need to be:
creators, empathisers, pattern recognisers, meaning makers,
artists, storytellers, caregivers, big picture thinkers and consolers.

I love that …. mainly because I see something of myself in those words, or are they labels?. They are character traits that are hard to assess or evaluate. Sadly, too often, I think the church values strategists and project leaders more than the creators, big picture thinkers and empathisers. But … I do believe it is through these skills that we are able to listen, to learn and then be able to create with others in a relevant and meaningful way.

warning … i think the next paragraph became a bit of a rant … so feel free to skip this …

I guess I try and use those parts of me when I am out in the community. I’m searching for patterns while trying to get alongside, listening to stories and looking for creative opportunities. Thats actually makes life sound a lot grander than it is. Only last week a church leader (not an Anglican this time) said it was not fair that I get to do all the ‘fun stuff’. I find myself becoming incredibly frustrated now by such comments!

My ‘secret’ …. which is what people ‘ask’ for … is that I meet with ordinary people in ordinary places … and I believe … seriously … that anyone can find an ordinary place and an ordinary group of people in their own ordinary context! So … please … stop pretending I do something special that you can’t do …. cos actually I think you are using me as an excuse to not act …. and that’s pretty crappy … so … why not just go out and have some ordinary ‘fun’ with ordinary people in your own ordinary context!! Sheeesh!
Rant over …. but with no guarantees not to be repeated!

There is lots more to share from session 2 …. maybe tomorrow!

 

 

 

meeting where you’re at

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busy boot fair_edited-1The last two Sunday mornings have been a real highlight and a blessing to me personally as a small team of amazing people have continued to run the stall at the boot fair. Over the two weeks we have done around 70 Ruach cards readings, Jesus Deck readings and prayed for healing or life situations with people who have just popped down to the boot fair to buy some stuff. They came looking for things to buy and left with some amazing encounter for free.

As well as card readings, the team connected through prayer beads and hair braiding … and it has been a real joy for me to see team members have ideas that when we put into action simply connect with people. It is key that that stall continues to try new things so that we do not become stale in our approach.

I guess I should not be surprised … but I have been truly amazed at how open people have been with us this year … and how God seems to use a pack of cards to really engage with people in incredibly significant ways. Over these last two weeks people have been amazed as they have connected in some way with the Divine Creator God. They have left in tears of joy, or been inspired to some action or simply pleased to be able to grasp that God approves of who they are and loves them.

There are so many stories to tell of how Ruach has really blessed both the people having a ready and members of the team as they have been involved. The stories ahve been raw, bare, amazing and wonderful. I could write for hours, but you would not be happy to read so much … but one thing in particular inspired and amazed me yesterday. I read and prayed with loads of men.

In the past at such events most people to respond have been women. I am not sure why this is … but yesterday I gave card readings and prayed with loads of men … and to me it seemed a pretty significant and vulnerable time for those concerned. I am now starting a process of thinking through why men in particular were responding yesterday … did we do something in out set up which helped, or was this just a case of God bringing us people to spend time with? I’m mulling that one over.

Yesterday I was struck by the story of a young man who was searching since the unexpected death of a parent. He was looking for some way of connecting with God and each of the cards he drew spoke to him powerfully.
I also remember a young woman who had a reading about new beginnings and a new chapter with a ‘promise’ that God would support and guide her … she then shared that she had just emigrated from South Africa for a new job.
Yesterday an older woman  shared with me that she was looking for calm …. and then she chose the peace card from Ruach which says …. “I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind & heart and the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” (John 14 : 27)  After seeing the card she tearfully said ‘that is amazing …. that’s just what I said … it’s just what I was asking for!’

There are many stories like these which are incredibly exciting and humbling to be a part of. Sadly the boot fair stops for a while after next week to restart in September …. Sunday mornings are going to feel strange for a while …. I will miss meeting these people where they are at, I will miss working with such an amazingly talented and open team … i wish to send a big heartfelt thank you to all the team who have taken part … without you this would not have worked.

I guess a good use of the time off could be to think more about our name …. we cant stay the stall with no name …. even tho every other stall is!

mbs wow!!!

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IMG_1254Wow!
Just wow!
Today I have been amazed.
Stunned.
I shouldn’t be.
But I am.

Stunned that God can use some cards to speak powerfully into the lives of people.
Incredibly powerfully.
To real people.

Today I have experienced stunned silences, seen tears, and heard comments like ‘that is sooooo accurate … that’s weird!’or comments like ‘are you sure you don’t know me?’ as people have had Ruach readings which connect with them on both a superficial and deep level simultaneously.

Today I have sat with people as they have cried as their creator has brought things to the fore that they needed to deal with.

Today really has been immensely exciting and a great privilege to be involved in.

The nine hours in Earls Court simply flew by. We were inundated with people from around 11am until 5pm where we simply gave reading after reading from either Ruach or the Jesus Deck.

Some interesting highlights which have stayed with me….
a humble older man who shared his desire for space and silence and had a card reading that both reflected and helped him in that
a couple who in individual readings both chose the same card which was pretty exciting for both of them
the young lady who was worried about a new role … only to receive words from God that told her she had no need to worry
a young man who drew a card about the empty tomb which was HUGELY significant to him in his current situation
a young lady who rushed up to us in the last few minutes to ask if we could sit with her and share ‘words from Jesus’ for her … which we did … and the words were amazing and gave her what she was looking for.

Today has been amazing … I have loved working with Andrea, Steve, Mary and Maddie. The team that work tomorrow are pretty amazing … please hold Steven, Mary, Liz, Judith and Steve in your prayers as they work dekhomai on the last day.

God … using cards … to powerfully connect with real people …. who’d have thought it!

it’s that MBS fair time again …

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MBSOn Sunday I will be at the Mind Body Spirit Festival in London.

I love this event as we engage with spiritual seekers who come searching for an experience that makes a difference.

As has been the case in other years I will be working on dekhomai and this year we are on stand B32 …. so come check us out.

I’ll write more about what happens after the event.

Chin up!

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Chin up!I saw this tweet last week and sighed with despair :

Talking about our problems is our greatest addiction. Break the habit. Talk about your joys.

I was going to write something about it … but then saw that Graham had written something great already …. so why write when I can just point to a great blog post that is already out there.

I’ve also unashamedly taken the pic from Graham’s blog too …. for me it kind of sums up the crap that some of us say when really we should just hush ourselves and stand alongside and … well just be there …. as well as be honest ….

Go read ….

an amazing experience

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hannah bootThe Boot fair happened again on Sunday.
The amazing team managed to drag themselves out of bed at 5.xx am and made their way to Greenfields field for 6am.
It was already warm at 6am, we knew the day was going to be hot, and last weeks boot fair was cancelled due to the weather. So … we expected to be busy.

The day started quite slow, as it normally did, before picking up quite majorly. We were ‘hit’ quite early on by an older guy who sat in a chair and asked ‘who is God?’ There is nothing like a bit of a theological discussion before 7am in the morning!

From that point on the team were pretty much immersed in discussion or prayer bead making. The Ruach cards were again the overwhelming hit …. we did over 20 card readings and, again, at points during the morning we had people forming a queue.

People seemed very amazed when the cards linked with aspects of their lives. ‘That’s weirdly accurate’ or ‘that’s so me’ were the type of comments I heard from people throughout the morning. It seems that God … the Creator … really does use these cards to speak powerfully to people so that they leave feeling blessed and in some way touched by The Divine.

Without breaking confidences … some of the stories we heard …
one person’s reading was all apart caring and a new start and to have courage – this person shared after the reading that they were a carer, had just been promoted and was unsure whether she could do the job
another person’s reading centred around remembrance and thanksgiving – this person then shared they were learning to cope with bereavement
another person returned from last week and has three times received the same card … which talks of love and acceptance which is what I believe this person needs to accept for themselves

This three snapshots are just a little indication of the wonder and awe that people seem to go away with after having a reading.

For me, a particular highlight is always seeing the team grow in confidence. I want to put a bit of a spotlight on an amazing young person of 15 who has joined the team – you can see her in the picture using the Ruach cards. It was amazing to see her engaging powerfully with people in conversation while making prayer beads as well as through Ruach. Even more exciting are her plans for development … so soon … very soon … I think we will be offering prayer braids as a different way to engage with people.

I’m struck, from just the 2 weeks of this new season how people seem ‘hungry’ to connect with something outside of them. We do not push any of this … in fact a lot of the time we are sat down chatting and only respond to people who show interest. We are the only stall that is not selling anything for money and we extend that philosophy to not pushing in any way what we do upon people. So … we will not stand in the aisle and coerce people to the gazebo … we sit and we wait.

As we wait it seems people come … and God speaks ….and people connect … and that’s better than making any amount of money on earth. It’s amazing to experience.

I just want to say thanks team again for working so well … this is such an amazing opportunity. The privilege of seeing people connect with their creator, and the joy of working with such a great team makes this all such a great thing to be involved in.

The next boot fair we will hopefully be covering will be on June 1st … I say hopefully as I don’t have a full team yet … so if you fancy coming and having a try … please give me a shout!

an abundant life…?

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lifeThe gathering got together on Sunday and looked at John 10:10 and the whole thing of ‘abundant life’. We were drawn at some stage to the picture … feeling that there is something in the image that speaks of ‘abundant life’ that you cannot verbalise … I guess we came to an agreement that there is a lot when talking ‘abundant life’ about our attitude to life.

We heard these words from Tom Wright before we entered a time of discussion. He spoke about abundance not meaning lots of ‘stuff’ but rather about being the ‘true and unique person we are meant to be which leads to a sense of yes … this is what I was out here to do!’

So abundant life …. maybe that is something about discovering, or re-discovering, who we are and what inspires us. When we discover that which really inspires and excites us and live in the joy of that … then maybe then we are living abundantly. This isn’t about ‘calling’ as such, which can be quite power heavy language, but this is about discovering what brings us alive.

For me … that would be being with people outside the church who love the pub and talk ‘stuff’ with me, or people I engage with at the Boot fair or at Mind Body Spirit fairs …. these are activities that seem to bring me alive. I know this because a six hour ‘duty’ can just flash by unnoticed.

I can’t find the quote … but sometime I have used some persons words which say something like ‘what the world needs is Christians who love their life’ …. because then people start to believe that what Christians have makes a real difference.

So …. an abundant life …. living the life we were created to live …. I can live with that!

 

why do we need pioneers?

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http://vimeo.com/churchmissionsociety/missionpioneers

Great video of the CMS Pioneer course …. is it coincidence that Jonny is ‘releasing’ a video so soon after Harry? …. lol

If I was looking for a training course … this is the one I would go on, without a doubt …. it’s a no brainer!