August September 2011

Volume 43 Number 2

LETER FROM THE MINISTER I want to understand.

Dear Friends,

What a time. A time in which many lives have been irrevocably influenced.

The famine in East Africa, scenes none of us want to see, of starving children, grief stricken parents and miles upon miles of land turning to dust through lack of water.

The atrocity in Oslo and the horrendous deaths and injuries there and on the island of Utoeya.

The closure of Latchmere House Resettlement Prison and its consequential impact on prisoners, staff and their families.

Loss of home, loss of life, loss of security.

It perhaps can prompt us how life that can seem so good, so enjoyable can in a stroke be taken away by things beyond our control.

And then in the midst of my anger, my despair, my disbelief, I heard a voice reminding me of Romans chapter 8 verse 28:

'We know that in all things God works for good with those who love him, those whom he has called according to his purpose'.

My thought, Yes God I know, but why? I know you didn't craft it but why does it have to happen? Why the pain, the grief, the suffering?

Then the same voice points me to Romans Chapter 5 verses 3 & 4. Read it and inwardly digest and ponder and believe.

God doesn't wish these things on us, but when we as men and women have created them, he is there to work them through with us, to comfort, to grieve with us and to bring peace.

It is a matter of faith. It is hard, sometimes almost impossible but we need to have faith and rest in him. 'Come unto me all ye who labour and are heavy laden.'

Let us trust, let us rest in Him, let Him address our confusion and as we do so let us continue our prayers so that He may bring understanding and peace to all.

May God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit be with you in all things visible and invisible.

Graham