Turning up the heat in Reading - 18 Apr 2002
It feels like we're moving into a new phase of what God is doing in the Reading Boiler Room (U.K.). Last week, after a day away to consider where God is taking us, we spent much of Saturday asking God to take things to a new level - in prayer, in our work with unchurched young people and in what he's doing in the town.That night, we had 50 young people in the Boiler Room because of a series of fights and violent stuff going on in the town. (See the story on the main site for details).
Behind all of that though we saw many breakthroughs - deepening relationships, prayer times with people who weren't meant to believe anything, key people asking big questions about Jesus and about faith.
This week it seems like a new atmosphere has emerged in the place - some amazing times of prayer, a depth in whats going on and the presence of God in the place. We have been blessed with new resources; financial, equipment and even people offering to help. (This has tended to happen when we've stumbled on the right track).
In the midst of this we have seen some very direct opposition. As well as the violence on Saturday, one of our team had to deal with some very 'in yer face' evil, some very difficult people and situations to deal with.
As the heat is turned up so we amazing stuff and face tough stuff. As a team we've committed to pray and fast every Monday - if any of you wanna join in please do. Be great if you could pray for us.
Andy 'the Abbot'