Today is Remembrance Day, and this year the remembering is even more poignant as we remember 100 years since the start of the First World War. The Tower of London memorial features 888, 246 poppies, commemorating every British fatality during the First World War:

When faced with such an overwhelming visual reminder of the loss of life during war, it is easy to lose sight of the individuals concerned. The truth remains that God knows each individual and loves them; He does not need such reminders, for we are engraved on the palm of His hands (Is 49:16). For all directly affected by war, there is no need for visual reminders, for the loss and scars remain with them permanently. But for the rest of us, especially those who are younger and who may have no personal experience of this kind of loss, Remembrance Day is especially important. The video attached to the link above only takes 1m 32 to watch, but is a powerful way of remembering.

War is a result of sin. Our hearts ache for all caught up in war, but we know from personal experience that sin hits us all and affects every single relationship we have. Dislocation, misunderstanding, intolerance and hatred are not 20th century phenomena or the result of governments alone. They are part of the sin-cursed life and only by God’s redeeming love can they be overcome. As we remember human loss and grief, we rejoice through our tears that God has made a way for us to be reconciled to Him and to each other and that He is building a new heaven and new earth where all grief, sorrow, death and weeping will be removed. We long for this day to come.

We had the privilege of spending more time with Fredrick and Reeba yesterday. First of all, they had a crash course in English history as we visited Cusworth Hall near Doncaster!

We then visited the Salvation Army so they could see the food bank ministry we support in action and later visited Ralph and Letty who are not able to attend meetings because of ill-health but who have prayed for Fredrick and Reeba for many years. Letty was thrilled not only to be given a partnership plaque similar to the one we received at church but also a hand-made bag from the women who attend the Empowerment Tailoring Programme:

The church plaque:

Further information about the sewing programme can be read in this blog and we are excited to be able to give money to contribute to the development and continuation of this project. The programme is currently run in Guntur (in the Andhra Pradesh region) and Bangalore in the Karnetaka region) and there are plans for another centre to be opened in Coimbatore (Reeba’s home area, 8 hours from Bangalore in the south). One of the most exciting things about the stories they have been able to share with us is to hear how people from other faiths (mainly Hindus and Muslims) have been coming to faith in Christ through their ministries.

As we pray for international issues this month, let’s remember that God is working in miraculous ways all over the world and we can be in partnership with Him through our prayers and giving. If anyone is interested in seeing for themselves, Fredrick and Reeba are more than willing to show people around personally and there are many opportunities to be practically involved with them. Talk to us for more details!

One of the names of Jesus is the ‘Lion of the tribe of Judah’ (Rev 5:5) and this image of Jesus as the lion was taken by C. S. Lewis in his ‘Chronicles of Narnia’ series, where Aslan is a type of Christ:

Chris Tomlin’s new album ‘Love Ran Red‘ includes a song called ‘The Roar’ which takes this theme:

‘I waited for the Lord
He turned and heard my cry
His mercy opened up my eyes
When I couldn’t see and my strength was failing me

I heard the roar of the lion of Judah
I heard the voice that calms the raging sea
He came to me, came to me
When I needed the Lord
I heard the roar of the lion of Judah

I waited for the Lord
He appeared in blinding light
He led me through the darkest night
When I couldn’t see and my strength was failing me

I lifted my hands
He lifted me out
All praise to the Saviour, all worship to God
With all that I am
With all in my heart
All praise to the Saviour, all worship to God.’ (‘The Roar’, Chris Tomlin)

Fredrick urged us on Sunday to be thankful for all the problems we face in life because with every problem comes a promise. It requires faith to do so and indeed to thank God for breaking our hearts. Thankfulness for the problems and heartbreak is not a ‘normal’ response to pain and suffering. It is, however, entirely biblical, for the Bible reminds us that God is Almighty, in sovereign control not only of our own lives but of the whole world. and that He works in all things for the good of those who had been called according to His purposes (Rom 8:28). As we dwell on that fact more than on the problems and the heartbreak, we find peace and hope.

Fredrick spoke from Joshua 6:1-5 last night. Jericho was a strong, fortified city which seemed impregnable, but Joshua had God’s promise (‘Go and I will give you victory‘) to sustain him. The people of Israel were just like us in that they murmured, doubted, and frequently did not believe what God said, despite having seen many evidences of His power in their lives. They had many problems just as we do, but with every problem comes a promise from God. We can be glad when we face problems (James 1:1-5), because we know that we have a partner in the problems.

In maths, we often need a formula to help us solve a problem. Obedience is the formula God has promised will work in every situation. God builds us up through problems, for we learn to depend on His strength and not on our own. Ps 105:37 reminds us of God’s provision for the Israelites during the wilderness years; thousands (Num 1:46) were fed on manna for years, and yet their strength was not diminished. When we feed on God, we find both healing and provision in Him.

We need to do what we can do for God. Joshua had to move forward in faith, even though the command of God (to march and shout) seemed a ridiculous way of knocking down thick walls! God wants to be at our side, leading us into victory. (1 Cor 15:57-58) When we give of ourselves (our time, talents and money), we are investing in God’s kingdom and He is no man’s debtor. As with any seed, what is produced from the one seed far exceeds the original appearance, and so it can be with our lives as God awakes the kingdom seed in us. (‘Build Your Kingdom Here’, Rend Collective.) We participate in the many great and precious promises of God and can move forward in faith.

Fredrick and Reeba who minister in India came to visit the church yesterday. Fredrick used to attend our church when he was a student at Mattersey Bible College and therefore was probably no stranger to the birthday box (his birthday was last Friday):

Reeba shared about the Ladies’ Tailoring Programme which she has started (now in 2 locations.) This works on the simple principle that by giving women sewing skills rather than just food or money, they are empowered to be able to earn their own livings. The course lasts 6 months  and has been attended by 150 women from different faiths, with 4 graduation ceremonies so far. Many have come to faith through the gospel message given during the course and have seen answers to prayer. Reeba shared how one woman was always weeping at the weekly prayer meeting and when asked why told her that she had lost her son (aged 7) over 18 months previously and he had not been seen since. After prayer, the boy was found in exactly the same street where he was last seen! Another testimony was from a woman whose 9 year old son had a brain tumour that doctors had said was inoperable. After prayer, however, they operated and the procedure was a complete success!

At the end of her talk, Reeba presented leaders with a plaque to commemorate the church’s ongoing investment in this project:

Each sewing machine (given to each woman on her graduation) costs £100 and Reeba is hoping to start another programme in a nearby town. A suitable property has been identified, but the cost of £5,000 for this property (reduced from £30,000) has yet to be met. God is good and will surely release the funds for this property as Fredrick and Reeba continue to minister to so many women in faith and compassion.