The Beacon August 2013 - Beacon Parish of Ditchling, Streat ...

Where have you been?
Bible Notes
Seven years ago Andrew Fanstone came to speak at Westmeston Church when
the church was supporting his Christian work in Brazil. Recently I went to hear
him give a presentation on his work in the Fortaleza slums where he has been for
10 years now.
He was speaking about his year’s sabbatical in preparation of developing the
work with families including the many affected by drug dealing. This sabbatical
gave him time to help with his own family (they have 3 children 5½ years and
under), attend a couple of study courses and principally have more time for
prayer and Bible Study. He explained that it was then he felt God was saying
“Where have you been? I have missed you”. He realised that he had been so busy
doing God’s work, preparing talks and coping with the family, that he hadn’t
spent real time with God. He now makes time to really pray, read the Bible and
commune with God as a priority then the rest of life falls into place far better. In
fact he admitted that he had been putting the second great commandment
before the first (Mark 12:29-31).
The verse of the month from 1 Chronicles: How much we can learn from David, a
real man of prayer. In Chapter 16 David’s Psalm of thanks is so worthwhile
reading, here is one verse to encourage you; 34 says “Give thanks to the Lord, for
he is good, his love endures for ever”.
Jill Veness
SING GOD’S
PRAISES
Hymn Singing for everyone
Thursdays 29 th August & 26 th September, 7pm
St Margaret’s Church
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