We kicked off 2023 with Disciple Making Training where a small group of us learnt how to become more confident in our ability, no matter how well we know Scripture or anything else for that matter, to help others in their discipleship journey.

One of the main things that has cone out of that training is that we want to be able to ‘go out amongst the lost’ and find people of peace that are looking for Jesus, whether they have been walking this faith journey all their lives, or whether they don’t have a clue who Jesus is and what He stands for.

It’s been really interesting for me as I have always been one to make sure that my faith doesn’t make anyone else feel uncomfortable. It’s never something I have openly talked about to friends yet alone random strangers. It’s really not my style or vibe to go out of my way to talk about my faith.

Yet it is what we are called to do. To share the Gospel and the good news of Jesus and His love for us.

So doing the training has been really great to understand how best to do what, as a disciple, I am called to do, but in a way that makes me comfortable.

Since finishing the course, we have gotten into smaller groups to meet weekly to pray, catch up and hold each other accountable in living that Shema lifestyle (loving God with all our heart, soul and might), all the while sharing the Good News with others. It feels like everything we have been doing as a church family has been linked to the same focus.

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Last Thursday we began 10days of prayer for Thy kingdom Come focusing on #PrayForFive; praying for 5 people to come to know and love Jesus. Each day they provide a video, reflection and a little task to carry out. Thus far, my favourite video has to be last Friday’s. A beautifully illustrated video showing us how much God loves us and that through His sacrifices and steadfast love, our limits know no bounds.

If you haven’t had the chance thus far, join us in harnessing extraordinary prayer from for those across Barking Riverside, Thames View, Barking and Dagenham to come to know Jesus and know the Father loves them and hears their prayers. Always.

Thus far we have learnt that God:

• Loves
• Speaks
• Creates
• Gives
• Walks with us
• and He Listens…

(you can catch up on each day’s video here)

Today’s Bible Verse is:

You have searched me, Lord,
    and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise;
    you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down;
    you are familiar with all my ways.
Before a word is on my tongue
    you, Lord, know it completely.

Psalm 139:1-4

Take time to pause and pray for 5 people God has put on your heart, that they will learn to know Him and His constant presence. Then, if possible share with teach of them in turn that you have prayed for the and will continue to do so. But most importantly that God always hears their prayers.

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If you need a starting point for your prayers for your five, here is one Sam shared for us to be praying for during the last Prayer & Fasting week:

“Father God, thank you that you love xxx so much that you sent your only Son to give them eternal life (John 3:16). Help them to hear your voice, your knocking at the door of their life, to open up and let you in (Rev 3:20). Show me how to love them, pray for them, and share Jesus with them.
Amen.”

Just a reminder on Thursday we will have a Half Night Of Prayer 9pm – 12am at Christ Church Thames View because prayer is powerful. So join us if you can

So Holy Spirit Come…
Thy Kingdom Come….
Amen