August's Doing

Rural Evangelism Network www.ruralevangelism.net

We had a good committee meeting at Selly Oak. Two new committee members joined Barry Osborne and I who hopefully will bring some new life to REN. Some argue that faith in rural areas is more implicit than explicit. A faith more caught than taught, a process of osmosis with the faith being imbued through engagement with the church. However we need to recognise that fewer people are engaging with the church, even in rural areas. Therefore whilst we might accept the historical reality of implicit faith we also want to offer the dynamic of an explicit faith with people being called to a living, personal relationship with God. That, in large part, is the remit of REN. In rural terms a farmer sows the seed and looks for a harvest. Therefore if we are sowing Gospel seeds through words and actions should we not be looking for a harvest?

 This was very much the topic of two seminars on Rural Evangelism I gave at the Detling Summer Festival. http://www.peoplewithoutlimits.org/

Apart from the enjoyment of being able to offer some creative and challenging aspects of rural evangelism, God had obviously worked to ensure Jane and I were there for a few days. (Holidays prevented us from staying the whole time) God spoke powerfully to us both and in particular with the theme of ‘To Boldly Go.’  (with due apologies for the split infinitive!) Neither of us can say exactly what but we both have that feeling that something is going to change, perhaps a new direction for one or both of us. We also loved a phrase that we were asked to repeat, ‘I am not my history, but I am my destiny.’  Although as you know I am not a card carrying Evangelical, I did find the Festival Theme Book ‘To Boldly Go’ by Eric Delve a real challenge and very exciting. I read through the entire book on a recent Quiet Day. Interestingly it reads in a similar fashion to Teresa of Avila’s ‘Interior Castle.’  Both speak of the necessity to go further and deeper into the Father heart of God, to discover that all we are and are meant to be are waiting there as treasure to be discovered. (Colossians 3.3.)

It was a quick turn around to go home, drop off the Caravan and then head for Gatwick the next day. We flew out to Corfu for twelve sun and fun filled days. This was a perfect follow up to Detling as it gave us an opportunity to begin to process what God had been saying to us, individually and as a couple. What was also a delight was the simple joy of enjoying each others’ company 24/7.

We swam, laughed, ate perhaps a little too much, certainly drank more than was good for us on occasions and only had the odd ‘disagreement’ when discerning maps and directions. Driving in Corfu is a really interesting experience! We also managed to get to the Anglican Church in Corfu. Over coffee we chatted away and I reflected on how they face similar ‘problems’ as many rural Churches in England. So I mentioned the Rural Evangelism Course and the ARC and sent on the links when I got back home. www.arthurrankcentre.org