Tony Gale

Hello Everyone,

The weeks move on.

And life is not normal.

I am unable to visit as a Chaplain to either of my Chaplaincy bases: Woking Police Station and Headquarters. I write weekly to the Departments; hopefully to encourage.

I have asked the Lord that when I am in the car on my main shopping visit, or taking a close friend to/from a Dialysis Appointment, I would be stopped by a Police Crew checking up on why I am out in the car. But no …

However last Saturday I walked into Woking for my exercise and essential shopping and met two Officers. How wonderful to be able to chat with them and to thank them.

That is my continued desire today, to say, “Thank You”. I am truly weary of the criticism you receive. Please be assured the majority of the Public really do appreciate you.

Prayer Request.  L.S. describes himself as a “Chap in need of Prayer”. Here is his Prayer request –  “I’m going for a liver biopsy, on Friday 24th. So on that point, any prayers will be great. Prayers of thanks for the NHS, whoever sticks the needle in has a steady hand, and wisdom for whoever has to interpret the results”.

A fortnight ago – and I guess by then we began to realise we were in for a very difficult, long haul; I received an email from one of our Officers. In it was written the following –

“Lovely phrase I read on somebody’s email. Part of their Signature was ‘In His Grip’.”

Those three words, “In His Grip” have not left me.

I recall on occasions when I have been involved with Police Recruit Training that you receive input on how you handle people, not only by your voice/body language but also physically by using your hands.  You are aware of the “Grip” you need to have on someone determined to get away.

God Has “His Grip” on you at this time.

Below is a very old Hymn which has come to mind whilst thinking about “In His Grip”.

When I fear my faith will fail, Christ will hold me fast;
When the tempter would prevail, He will hold me fast.
I could never keep my hold through life’s fearful path;
For my love is often cold; He must hold me fast.

He will hold me fast, He will hold me fast;
For my Saviour loves me so, He will hold me fast.

For my life He bled and died, Christ will hold me fast;
Justice has been satisfied; He will hold me fast.
Raised with Him to endless life, He will hold me fast
‘Till our faith is turned to sight, When He comes at last!    

(Keith & Kristen Getty)

With love in The Lord and “In His Grip”.

Alice.

Hello everyone,

Perhaps like me you are “On Line” for your Church Services and Prayer Times.

The person who led one of our Prayer Meetings last week shared the following Psalm with us.

Although there are many theories as to why David wrote Psalm 13, it is generally thought to have been written, because David, like us often asks God questions; I know that I do. Perhaps the most used phrase in my questions is “Have you noticed Lord what is happening in this situation?” I immediately ask for forgiveness…

We can see in the Psalm below; that David was in despair, but… eventually he writes verses 5 and 6.

Psalm 13   A Psalm of David.

¹ How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever?
    How long will you hide your face from me?
² How long must I wrestle with my thoughts
    and day after day have sorrow in my heart?
    How long will my enemy triumph over me?

³ Look on me and answer, Lord my God.
    Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death,
⁴ and my enemy will say, “I have overcome him,”
    and my foes will rejoice when I fall.

⁵ But I trust in your unfailing love;
    my heart rejoices in your salvation.
⁶ I will sing the Lord’s praise,
    for he has been good to me.

We were encouraged to start our Prayers during that Prayer Meeting with “How long Lord…”

I leave that suggestion with you as you battle at this time.

I sincerely “Thank You” so much for what you are handling.

My love and concern for you all in His Name.

Alice.

Hello Everyone

The following email, sent to me by a Surrey Police Officer, is self-explanatory.

Dear Alice

Your emails are as ever so apt and speak to the moment.  “He also made the stars” really touches me deeply.  I feel it appropriate to share the following with you and would be happy for as much or as little of the verse and background to be shared more widely if you would like to.

My brother died in 1993 aged 38 following 20 years of dialysis.  During one of his many hospitalisations, and not long before his death, the minster of our church challenged the congregation to think about what their own psalm would look like if they were to write one.  My mother relayed the challenge to my brother in hospital and this is what he wrote.  We read it recently at my father’s funeral and I was thinking that at a time when we are all wondering who will next be infected, or worrying about elderly or immune compromised friends and relatives that my brother’s words, written in the deepest of dark times, might speak to some. 

In each day I rejoice at the morning;
I welcome the rising of the mighty sun.
All my days my Lord has been with me
And His hand has not stayed his gentle care.
In my sickness He has brought me help
And He has shown His love through His servants.
He has stood me on my feet;
He has shown to me the path that I must travel.
My Lord has brought me to my freedom;
His healing hands have set my broken wing.
Throughout my illness He has never faltered
He has not let one minute of my life escape.
He has forgiven my doubt
And has soothed the desperation of my heart.
I have lain in darkness and self-pity
In deep shadows I recoiled from dire foreboding.
But you my Lord have riven that despair
And set the light of love to be my beacon.
You have spoken to my spirit in its sleeping,
In my waking you have never left my side.
True, then, you are Lord, and I beloved
And my spirit shall be your instrument forever.

My love and concern are with you all during these very difficult days. Please keep in touch.

With Prayers

Alice.