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to people with life-disrupting problems |
Prayer Letter
March 2008
Praying for Crisis Centre Ministries,
its work, staff
and clients
in the context of Bristol's inner city areas.
Dear Prayer supporters
Psalm 90 v 14 - 'Satisfy us with your faithful love very morning.'
So far, we are experiencing a year with much positive change, which also has the desired effect of keeping us on our toes.
In brief the following events have taken place in the past two months.
News
January 2008 - The LITE students' trip to Dartmoor
For further details please see last months' prayer letter!
February - LITE and 'Sorted' course
Following the completion of the last LITE course and Dartmoor adventure, Andy Luxford and volunteers have been running a basic Exploring Christianity Course called 'Sorted'. We have had two committed attendees but also two others came for some sessions. Rather like a simplified and shortened Alpha, this has presented the good news of the Gospel in a lively setting with time for discussion and prayer. One of the students commented only today how much she enjoyed and was challenged by the topic covered this week which was 'How to know God'.
The new LITE course started at the end of February and there have been varying numbers of students which we are praying will even out soon.
February - New Assistant Coffee Shop Manager
Following applications and interviews for the post of Assistant Coffee Shop Manager, Lisa Mannion, who many of you will already have met, was appointed and started in her official capacity in the Wild Goose on Monday 3 March. 'Welcome Lisa!'
February 29 - Sleep Out at Clifton Cathedral
Five of our staff and volunteers bravely slept out in the grounds of Clifton Cathedral along with about 25 other foolhardy, wonderful people! Alan generously supplied the Crisis Centre staff with cardboard boxes and cardboard to use for their maximum comfort and despite it being an horrendously windy night, the rain held off. Most people did get some sleep during the night, including Paul Hazelden, who by all accounts slept like a baby with his head exposed to the elements! (We even have the photographs for evidence.)
If you have sponsored any of the team then we would appreciate receiving your sponsorship money as soon as possible. If you feel you would also like to give but may not have filled out a sponsorship form then any donations would be greatly appreciated. (Please don't forget to Gift Aid it.)
Beginning March - Extended opening hours - More volunteers needed
Alan Goddard, our coffee shop manager decided to begin opening the Wild Goose every week day for lunch and every evening (apart from Friday as there is another group running here.) This is in response to the needs of our clients; to provide somewhere warm and friendly to go every day. This has already been very well received by everyone. However, it leaves us in a position of obviously needing more volunteers to come and help in the day. If you would like to come along and help out at the coffee shop during the day then please get in touch. We would love to be able to form some more teams of volunteers that can be relied on to cook some basic lunches, serve, wash up and also chat to clients.
Finally...
And lastly, here are some more points for your prayers -
- The new LITE course students. Pray they will be committed and will bond well within the group.
- Students involved in 'Sorted'. Pray that they will encounter God in an amazing way and for personal guidance.
- Lisa. Remember her in prayer as she settles into her new role.
- For the Wild Goose. Pray for a spirit of peace on everyone who comes into the shop, for each client that they will know love and acceptance and for the staff and volunteers as they deal with varying situations, some good, some difficult.
- Trudie's clients. Pray for their numerous situations and struggles and for ongoing guidance.
Thank you one again for taking the time to read this email. If you want any further information about anything mentioned here then please do get in touch.
Also if you feel you could volunteer in the coffee shop during the day then we would love to hear from you.
With all good wishes
Claire Collins
Office Manager
Crisis Centre Ministries