A day in the life...

After a GP visit and blood test this morning, I was feeling a bit sluggish but things soon picked up. Several excellent conversations during our street evangelism this afternoon, and for the first time during one of these, a troubled young English man asked on the spot how he could be saved and prayed to put his trust in Christ. Praise God! Do pray for Jed, that his repentance and faith would be genuine, and for the church and me as we seek to disciple and pastorally care for him.

Towards the end of our outreach a scuffle broke out around the corner between a group of young men and women vs. another young man on his own who was thrown to the ground and being mercilessly kicked in the ribs and head. I, backed up by church member Murat, intervened. Murat made sure that the lad was safely rushed into a random gent’s car who drove him to safety while I held off the others. As I pushed one of them against the glass, I had a flashback to my friend and brother sharing the gospel a few meters away who first met me when I pushed him up against the glass, and - in some ways through that day - later met Jesus and is a faithful member of the church. May these young men I encountered today also meet Jesus as he did.

Later, the police arrived and I had a word with them. “Don’t I know you?” the officer asked.

“I’m not sure, maybe” I replied.

“You’re from the church, aren’t you?” It’s nice to be known, and even nicer to be identified clearly with the church - if only it were for reasons other than having to confront local lawlessness.

Some of the violent youths were still standing around, and saw me speak with the police. They walked by me later: “Look at the snitch” one of them said. Doing the right thing doesn’t always win friends. I would as ever value prayers for ongoing protection as my list of enemies grows.

I then spent an hour or more with a church member - we just chatted as he visited some shops. I greatly value such easy-going, everyday interactions with church members. Later I ran into a man I and another brother invested much time in last year but who sadly has kept his distance this year - possibly when he figured we would not indulge his childish attention-seeking. We had a good though not particularly deep chat and I hope he may return to the church with a different mindset.

Whilst walking up the High Road I observed a couple of middle aged men meandering up the road on what I recognised to be stolen Ofo bicycles. I called the police and trailed the men for a good while as they leisurely went in various shops but eventually lost them. This was followed by a positive interaction with the police later - responding to another incident - speaking in person and again over the phone. Unfortunately they are not to be found on patrol when needed anymore, but that is not entirely their fault.

All that and still managed to see the end of England’s nerve-wracking win against Columbia! 

Please pray for my lawless area, and for me as I seek to faithfully love and lead my church, my family, and my community.