Nearly there.

Well, it is only one more day till we move from Leicester to Nottingham. As from my previous blogs you will have gathered that we can't wait to get there. We have nearly finished the cleaning, only a few last bits to pack and my new car arrives tomorrow.

On Thursday we make the short journey up the M1 to our new home in Aspley. It will be sad to leave Leicester. Lots of happy memories like our first marital home, getting Ruby (our dog), various meal with big Andy, moving from Leicester Castle to Leicester South and much more. But we are assured that what is before us will give us just as much joy as Leicester has. Looking back God has taught us a lot about trusting him and being patient (not always easy for me) and we know that what every is put before us in the future, God will not abandon us but we need to make sure that we call on Him in confidence and hope.

Next week we are at a Summer School for young people in the Salvation Army and then the fun starts in seeing what God has in store for me as the Corps Officer (church leader) in Aspley.
Matt

Life and Dignity

Gordon Brown was in Iraq this week to promote the "success" of the Coalitions efforts in reducing violence and the deaths of UK soldiers and Iraqi's. Obviously, this is very positive news for those who want the Coalition to withdraw from Iraq but I can't help thinking that it seemed a well timed visit know what the "good news" was. Is it possible for politicians (of all parties) to be driven by "the right thing" rather than political gain. This may seem cynical but it is frustrating to see such devastation being used for sound bytes.

Wallis states that; "In matters of life and death there is no left or right right, only right and wrong." (Wallis, 2008:169). This maybe a dream, an unrealistic hope but surely it is not difficult to understand the difference it would make. If our nations were to respond to Darfur, Zimbabwe or Iraq with a basic hope that those that have been wronged are dealt with for their own future and not the future of their own governments what a statement that would make to the world about the importance on individuals lives.

Matt

Commissioning 2008

Commissioning 2008

What a weekend. I have now been commissioned as a Salvation Army Officer, have moved back to Leicester and in 24 days move to Aspley to take up my appointment as the church leader.

It has been a long and difficult year. Lots of traveling for Lizzy and I (22,000 for Lizzy to be precise), lonely weeks apart and the strain of exams and assignments but we have made it.

For me, commissioning weekend symbolised all that is good about faith in God. When He calls people and they respond amazing things happen, anything is possible. For me it is being a church leader for Lizzy it is being a surgeon. Our vocational paths may rarely pass but our journey of faith is very much as one.

God has called us. We responded. Now, we follow.

Matt

P.S Aspley here we come. We can't wait.

Covenant Day.

I have now completed my training as an Salvation Army officer and tomorrow is our sessions Covenant Day. This is where we sign to say that we are committing to live our lives for God as Salvation Army officers. This is a significant day in the process of training and will be a commitment that I make for my life, allowing God to direct me and the ministry I am involved with.

This has felt like a long time coming and am looking forward to it and commissioning on Saturday. But I am more excited about what those days mean in terms of Gods plan for us in the future. Lizzy and I are both excited about moving to Aspley this month (Yippee) and that we can live together permanently again. But most of all we are excited about how God is going to us us as a couple in the life of the church and the community of Aspley. We don't know what that will look like but that's part of the fun and our faith.

Matt