Good afternoon All
Given the recent re-launch of the Christian Association within Surrey, it was suggested to us that those involved should write the following prayer letters. You received Nick’s last week, and now it’s my turn. As I start I want to acknowledge the work and service of PC 1945 Nick Sharpe. I have been involved in the CPA here in Surrey since 2008,; Nick has been branch secretary of the CPA in Surrey since 1999. Since I have known him, and since being asked to be involved in the CPA I have never known him complain, and he has always been an example to look up to. I admire Nick a lot. Nick, I know, has seen this only ever as a great privilege. In my very early years Nick came to my assistance after I had been assaulted in Guildford [ one of my less glamorous moments!] and he sat with me up in A&E. I know that some of you will have similar stories to tell. I feel fortunate that Nick is still heavily involved with the running of the CPA, and I am delighted that Bert, amongst others, have joined the team.
This year I am going to the Big Church Day Out at Wiston House in West Sussex for the first time. At the beginning of the week it looked like a great idea, I’m less sure now because of the weather! I am serving on the safeguarding team.
“Could I ask that one of the prayer requests is for fruitful, key connections, that will help advance the work of Faith and police together.”
I have also had another request for this event, “That it will be a great success and also for the Police who will be attending from Surrey, Sussex and The Met, working in various areas of Safeguarding.” Thank you.
For those attending and serving I look forward to catching up over the weekend. 🙂
So my thoughts that I wanted to share with you this week is to do with teaching I have received recently. I am/have been attending a course in Bedford for the last 8 months every Thursday on Supernatural Ministry.[ Great course if you are interested, drive is a killer!] I have been really challenged by teaching that essentially says, that regardless of the sin that can be committed against us, our sin is greater. To my mind that’s a tough one and you may not agree, or even think the teaching is skewed! I think there is truth in it but I am wrestling with the fact that we all know stories of people who have had it really tough, or been victims of crime, and had untold harm caused them. I know that “Jesus… is the Author and Perfecter of faith…”[Hebrews 12:2]and with Him I will work this one out.
In a way, this is what I see the CPA in Surrey doing/being, and in the wider region. We can’t do it alone, but we can do it together. We are a broad church[forgive the pun!] and our communality is our faith in Jesus and our work for the police. I can’t think of a better bunch I’d rather do it with! 🙂
If I[we] can help, please do get in touch – that goes for those in the Church and not.
My thoughts and blessings are with you all. I hope that you have a great bank holiday weekend, and half term if off work with family.
Simon
