I sat in Madrid
airport and began writing this blog and reflecting on the past few months which do resemble
my pilgrimage from Winchester to York. Energy sapping, totally exhausting days,
travel and then the long waits at airports (reflection time, like Narnia’s "The wood between the
worlds."). So below is a brief summary of our journey.
The last week of
my sabbatical was spent at the Desiring God Conference in the US. A
rich roast dinner of prime beef, carved to mouth-sized pieces, by our chef and
teacher John Piper; an amazing man of humility and grace who opens the bible
and leaves you hungry for more of God.
Returning home it
was so good to reconnect with Citygate Church and to hug dear friends as well
as catch up on all the post Westpoint news.
Within two weeks
we were flying again and this time to India. We arrived at Kochi and stayed with our good
friends Arun and JoyAnne. The first night after
arrival I woke to the "alien in my gut" experience. Lying
on the cool marble floor in agony, I was reminded of those dear friends around
the globe praying for us. Twenty-four
hours later, I was fighting fit and enjoyed being with Robin and Rani in their
brilliant church.
Bangalore was next
with Steve and Debs Tibbert, for 2 days fellowship with leaders. So encouraging to find a number of city
churches reporting excellent growth. The
rest of the week was time with other leaders being stirred to pray for this
great nation of India.
Returning to the
UK, we spent the next weekend with Grant and Suz in Plymouth,
teaming with John Groves and also speaking at the Spirit and Fire celebration. The following week we spent two days as
Citygate elders praying and seeking God for 2015 - an intimate time - and
excited by the plans God has for Citygate.
I can’t wait to see them unfold. Having
Mick Taylor in the room is a God-send - another pillar in the building of this
incredible church.
From Bournemouth,
it was off to Madrid for a church and wider NF churches weekend with me and Lee
& Stacey Yarborough speaking. God
was all over this time with many significant Holy Spirit moments. The church in
Spain (and Portugal) is in a new
season of growth and salvation. We were truly blessed to be a part of this and
to hang out with our dear friends - Kevin, Ness, Mike and Jessica.
Now we were home
for Christmas, no more international travel till February and a time to
reconnect with our family and church family. We managed to squeeze in a hog
roast at Camberley for Mark and Bev's final send off - a moving tribute from
the church to this faithful couple, as well as excitement for the new church
plant in Newbury.
Last week we
gathered as UK based NF apostles for catching up and prayer for the nation and
our partnering together in this. It felt like someone
had opened a window, and fresh air filled our lungs as we breathed out our
shared hopes and dreams for our nation; an intimate time and so encouraging.
So now to
Christmas, and this special weekend where I will be speaking at our traditional
Carol service. I love preaching the
gospel, and on this, the 100 year anniversary of the WW1 Christmas day peace, I
am asking God for many to
get out of their trenches and embrace the Prince of Peace.
Thanks to all who
pray for Heather and I.
Much love, Guy
