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Blog Entries
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Alternate
Andy Hall
02.11.08
23.55pm
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Kingsley College - Halloween Weekend
What can I say? The Friday night saw 3 rock acts perform at high volume to a smallish but enthusiastic crowd.
Headline act Verra Cruz were excellent and put over an understanding of their faith.
On Saturday the two support bands were good buy completely overshadowed by thebandwithnoname. They were fantastic and
put Jesus first from the off - in no uncertain terms, in high-octane ways.
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The Father's Heart
Andy Hall
28.10.08
15.45pm
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Town Aflame 25th October
The major topic was 'the Father heart of God' and moving in that realm and authority.
Prayer also focussed on the youth of Redditch. In particular the 2 upcoming music events were covered:
Alternate - 31st October / 1st November
The Journey - 23rd November
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Let the Flame burn brighter
Andy Hall
06.10.08
12.40pm
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September's Town Aflame was really good. There weren't many of us, but there was a real sense
of God's presence as we worshipped Jesus and came before the throne in intercession.
The next meeting has been booked for October 25th. It would be great to see more people there.
In April next year, the Heartland Prayer Gathering, to which I subscribe, will be held in Redditch.
St. John's have kindly allowed us to use the church building. This will run into / be followed by a Town Aflame in the evening.
I'm really looking forward to that.
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Town Aflame
Andy Hall
28.08.08
12.40pm
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A new season of Town Aflame meetings are upon us. The next meeting has just been scheduled for Sat 20th September, in the
Huband Room as usual. We are grateful to St. Peter's for their helpfulness in letting us use this excellent facility.
The meetings have always left us with a sense that God was there. Despite fluctuating attendance levels,
which at a human level are very disappointing, we believe that God wants us to pursue this vision. So what is the vision:
The vision is to provide an environment for Christians from a diverse range of Church experience to come together to worship
and pray - to seek God's face.
We have not taken the route of having speakers (either local or guest) up to this point and currently do not see this as being
a part of what we are supposed to be doing. There are a couple of irons in the fire regarding visiting prayer ministries, but we will have to wait to see.
The meetings are open to anyone who wants to spend time worshipping Jesus.
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D Day
Andy Hall
19.08.08
14.21pm
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The doors are open - so to speak. I went down to the Centre this morning, put the hoover (Dyson - whatever) round and opened up the shutters.
The others then arrived just before 10.00am and I went to work.
This day seems in many ways to have taken a long while to come round but then again, in some ways, it was soon upon us. All we
can do now is leave it up to God - let's see what He wants to do. There is a lot of interest in the Centre from some of the churches.
Hopefully, we will be able to walk this path together. Interest from the community will probably be slow. The Woodrow Welcome Centre as it was,
was percieved to be a bit of a white elephant, a waste of public money. We need the new identity to become known. Hopefully
the Noise project in September and the Christmas Fair in December will begin to address this.
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Update
Andy Hall
04.08.08
11.32am
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Well, it looks like most of the preparations are complete for the Welcome Centre. We are waiting for the last few administrative
things to complete and then we are ready to open. We have implemented a weekly prayer meeting for any from Kingshouse, St. John's,
AOG or KV to attend. We aim to draw from those who can commit to prayer to assist as the centre develops.
Initially we will be open on Tuesdays - daytime and evening. This enables us to:
- Test the water ie assess who is about and interest levels
- Establish a presence in the community while seeking God's agenda
- Have (a house of) prayer at the heart of the community.
- See how we can best deploy those from the other churches who wish to be involved.
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Weddings
Andy Hall
24.07.08
10.22pm
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Angela and Kevin - 19.07.2008
Cathy and Nigel - 29.03.2008
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Hotspots
Andy Hall
12.06.08
13.40pm
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So, the anointing is transferrable! There are now reports of outbreaks of the Presence of God and the power of the Holy Spirit
coming from all corners of the US, and many other places throughout the world. It seems that God has not forgotten the UK either,
with 'outpourings' reported from:
Dudley
Chorley Wood
Glasgow
Broxburn, Edinburgh
Mayfair
Leatherhead
Cheltenham
Ransgate
with more being reported all the time.
The interesting thing is that there is very little in the way of duplication of 'method'. Each outpouring is showing
a local identity, an identity that reflects the location and the people who are earnestly seeking God. Although there
are reports of signs, wonders and miracles there is a great emphasis on salvation. The people of God are taking their
God outside of the 'four Sunday walls' and taking Him to the streets.
Testimony on the streets (Dudley)
Father, cause the Church to burn with Your fire!
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Seems like Summer
Andy Hall
10.06.08
16.11pm
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Well, I'm looking out of my office window watching people in their summer clothes walking around in bright sunshine.
It seems like a long time since we had any of that!. The sunniest day in recent weeks was 11th May - Pentecost Sunday,
the day set aside as Global Day of Prayer. Last year the turnout was brilliant despite the monsoon conditions. This year the
sun only enticed a few more to join together to pray. I can only assume that, generally, there is still much apathy in the Church
towards prayer.
It has been heartwarming to see the faithful few supporting Town Aflame. Despite generally low numbers, there has been a sense
of God's presence and purpose in the meetings. We believe that we are to continue to promote unity in this way and will call the
next meeting in September.
With all the talk / hype / excitement / criticism etc about events in Florida, it will be good to take a couple of months to
find God's will and purposes for us, before calling the church together again.
The Council have a couple more jobs to finish at the Welcome Centre. Then, we will be in a position to open up for the Summer.
It will be good to get the thing up and running, at last.
On sunday, Sue and I went over to the Kidderminster Harriers Football Ground to support the PrayerWyre event. They had somewhere
between 300 - 400 people there. A good positive event on a beautiful sunny day. Well done to Miles and Anne Bonnett and the team.
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It's all kicking off
Andy Hall
15.04.08
13.35pm
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After 2 years of dreaming / praying, we had a meeting this morning with the council and signed a temporary
6 month lease (pending the real thing) for the old Woodrow Welcome Centre. This will be taken on a 5 year tenure.
We aim to keep the 'Welcome' message and be open as much as possible as a Christian presence and place of prayer
on Woodrow Centre.
Although the vision originates with KHCF members, particularly Michelle, our desire is for this to be a 'whole church',
or Kingdom venture.
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Poem2
Andy Hall
06.12.07
12.45pm
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A wind blows in the valley:
a hurricane of sorts
attempts to drown our voices;
manipulate our thoughts.
The isobars of politics,
anti-cyclones of the few,
storm across the senses
of the wider point of view.
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I don't want to be offended
Andy Hall
06.12.07
12.30pm
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Offence!
The word jumps out at us from the TV, the papers - all sources of 'news'. It is the new 'in' topic - the new
buzzword! What is actually going on? The media, obviously, concentrate on the 'big' and 'sensitive' issues -
Sexual orientation and Religion. The whole offence culture is, however, rife throughout society.
Under the banner of 'Political Correctness' there has been a move to protect people in minority situations from prejudicial
actions and words. This is very laudable. It is a shame that such legislation should be necessary in the first place. The
problem now is that it is becoming increasingly obvious that there are more sinister agendas at work here.
It has been said that 'blue is the new black' or some such comparison indicating the usurping of a particular fashion.
In many ways, in today's society, 'minority' is the new 'majority'. One of our western principles is the 'right of free
speech'. Protection for minority groups should have enabled the groups to have a voice and to make it heard in the general
conversation. What the torrent of Political Correctness has achieved is to raise the minority voice to a shout, while
silencing the majority. Free speech, as such, is no longer a reality.
The major victim in all of this is 'Truth'. The minority group must not be offended. The majority are being forced to
accept what was previously unacceptable and to compromise in areas of morals and ethics. Where a system allows the minority
to rule by fear, the very fabric of democracy is broken down.
Offence can be both given and taken. I can be offensive and I can be offended. I can be offensive accidentally (as in the recent
case of the teacher in Sudan - ill advised maybe but accidental none the less!). Equally I can set out to offend. It can be intentional.
So to be offensive need not be deliberate. Being offended is, however, always deliberate. I cannot be offended accidentally,
I have to choose to be offended. It is this deliberate choosing of offence, and the manipulation that goes with it that is
driving the current situation - in all areas of life.
In the church we are not exempt. Because we are constantly brushing shoulders with people from different walks of life, with
different viewpoints, we are constantly in situations where offence is possible. The choice (as the voice on Blind Date used to say)
is (y)ours! The Kingdom principle is:
'The meek shall inherit the earth' (Matt 5:5)
'The last shall be first' (Matt 20:16)
'If someone wants to take your tunic, let him have your coat as well' (Matt 5:40)
Historically, the Church has been seen as those who are quick to take offence, quick to anger. Take a look at the Witch hunts
and the schisms that have occurred over the centuries. This is not the Kingdom way! The Kingdom way is the way of love: even to loving
those that would abuse and persecute us. May they 'know we are Christians by our love'.
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Town Aflame
Andy Hall
26.11.07
1.41pm
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There must be more
There were at least seven churches represented on Saturday with a head-count of around 50.
This was really encouraging for the young people who had organised the meeting. The worship was well led by Ben
and Dave from Kingdom Vision. It was nice and loud too! Several others were able to take part in the worship team,
some for the first time ever. This is part of the aim: unity across churches, and the age-groups with opportunity for
everyone to take part. Kev started the meeting with prayer and Angela gave a brief talk on 'fanning into flame the gift of God'
(1 Tim).
We will plan some more for the New Year. These meetings have run periodically for 2 calendar years, now. We are encouraged
that people are supporting them. We really feel that there is a need for the body of Christ to come together in more than
just a notional way.
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Town Aflame
Andy Hall
12.11.07
11.57am
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Prepare a way
Isaiah 40.3 - Prepare a way in the wilderness .. It is when we are in the low times, the hard times that God is shaping
us for what lies ahead. Often we think he has gone on holiday and left us to it. We have to 'know' that He is just as much
God when we are not aware of Him as when we are.
When we feel alone he is closer than a brother
When we can't hear Him we listen for His voice
When we can't see Him we will look for Him
When we can't touch Him, we raise our hands in praise
As we seek Him, His glory will be revealed.
When He seems to withdraw it is time for us to draw close in holiness.
We have to begin to 'see' the reality of what He has spoken. Kim Clement said 'if you can't see the water in the rock, it is
pointless striking it'. This is part of appropriating what has already been done in the heavenlies and bringing it into
our current reality.
The turnout was pretty good round about the 40 mark, with a number of churches represented. People still come and sit ready
for a 'service' though. Our desire is that in time people will come prepared to contribute to the meeting so that it is not
led from the front. Our dream is for a meeting where the Holy Spirit is allowed to direct the procedings.
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The whole truth?
Andy Hall
23.10.2007
13:35pm
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I am in the process of reading 'I don't have enough faith to be an atheist' by Geisler and Turek. I was listening to one
of the authors (no idea which - sorry chaps!) on God TV. He was pointing out the absurdity of some of the scientific and
philosophical hokum that is so widespread these days. He was doing it with clarity and humour. When he mentioned
the title of the book, I knew I had to get it. As it turns out, it is very readable and also very funny in places.
In general, those who set out to disprove Christianity end up grasping at straws and making deep statements which sound very
clever on the surface but, in fact, don't hold water and are often self-defeating. Let us make no mistake here - the target
is Christianity. Even those who attempt to debunk religion generally, do so to prove they have no need of a personal relationship
with God the Saviour.
Unpopular question
The statement 'There is no such thing as truth', cannot by definition be true if truth does not exist.
'There are no absolutes' is a statement that is purporting to be absolutely true, so therefore disproves itself. And yet,
popular philosophy and science not only make these untrue statements, but in many cases, make them foundational to their
mantras.
Since the dawn of time (a beginning to the universe is scientifically proven!) man has either endeavoured to discover or
obscure Truth. Pilate was of the 'perhaps there is no truth' camp as seen in John 18:38. Jesus, however, claimed to
testify to the truth and, in fact, claimed to be The Truth.(John 14:6)
'If you look for truth, you may find comfort in the end; if you look for comfort you will not get either comfort or truth only
soft soap and wishful thinking to begin, and in the end, despair.'
[C. S. Lewis ]
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In the Wilderness
Andy Hall
19.10.2007
16:20pm
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John said in the words of Isaiah the prophet, "I am the voice of one calling in the desert,
`Make straight the way for the Lord.'" [John 1:23 NIV]
This is the classic call for us as Christians to search our hearts and ways in order for a greater revelation of God.
How we long for those special moments of deeper relationship with Him in order to work out this call.
In one of his books, Pete Greig from the 24-7 prayer movement points out that the verse quoted here (Isaiah 40:3) actually says:
The wilderness
A voice of one calling: "In the desert prepare the way for the LORD; make straight in the wilderness
a highway for our God. [Isaiah 40:3 NIV]
We so often wait for that 'special moment' when God seems close and all is right with the world in order to praise Him.
In our trials we think 'when I get through this I will be able to serve him!' Isaiah points out the shallowness of our thinking.
It is in those trials , those darkest, roughest times that we should prepare for a visitation from God. Our praises and worship
rising despite our afflictions please the heart of God and as this accompanies our confession and repentance, a way is made
for all that he has designed to bring into our lives.
Destiny demands that God prepares us. God's presence demands that we prepare ourselves.
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Sci-Fi!
Andy Hall
10.10.2007
11:00am
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A Britain-based palaeontologist believes he has found the world's first known Tyrannosaurus rex footprint,
he told a BBC television documentary Wednesday.Phil Manning said he has "high hopes the one square metre
(about 11 square feet) print, from the famed Hell Creek area of the northwest US state of Montana, is from
the flesh-eating giant, although 100 percent certainty is impossible."
"People have been trying to find T.rex tracks for a hundred years," Manning, who specialises in Jurassic and
Cretaceous period dinosaur tracks, told the BBC.
"There is no such thing as a truth in science, so for us this is as close as we get to what
I think is a fantastic find." said Manning.
Special Agent T-Rex recorded many tracks
As scientists generally maintain that science is the pursuit of truth and that truth only exists in systems that are
quantifiable scientifically then Manning seems to have shot himself in the foot. If there is no truth in science and
according to science there is no truth outside of science, who can you believe?
Special agents Mulder and Scully maintained that the truth was 'out there'. It would now appear that it is the scientists
who are 'out there', the truth has been here all along. The apostle, Paul put it in this very un-PC way:
The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men
who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them,
because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities
-- his eternal power and divine nature-- have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been
made, so that men are without excuse.
For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their
thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise,
they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man
and birds and animals and reptiles.
Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading
of their bodies with one another. They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served
created things rather than the Creator. [Rom 1:18-25 (NIV)]
Fiction is stranger than truth!
As I said, not very PC. But then if there is no truth, it cannot be deemed as either correct or incorrect, politically
or otherwise!
The evolutionists and Dawkins of this world are going to extraordinary lengths to fabricate anti-god theories to justify
their decision that they don't want to acknowledge God.
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Town Aflame
Andy Hall
09.10.2007
5:00pm
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The faithful few. We are encouraged by those who have supported Town Aflame and caught the vision. What is the vision?
- a place for the whole church to meet with the Father at one time. A place of Worship, a place of prayer.
This time we had managed to coincide with harvest suppers and things so the low numbers were, perhaps, understandable.
We still long to see loads of people there though. Not to make it a big meeting, not to make it a 'good' meeting but as a
sign that the body of Christ is desperate for more of Him.
This time we had the privilege of praying with Stuart and Margaret for Redditch Baptist Church. I shared the prophetic
word 'I am not a caged Lion'. Ben, Dave, Lorraine and Cathy joined in with the worship team so there were nearly as many
out front as in the main part of the room. That's fine - the priesthood of all believers!
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Gospel on the Green
Andy Hall
08.10.2007
5:30pm
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Well, Gospel on the Green continues apace. Scott and Katie are doing well in keeping on with this. After the 2 week
presence of the market stall in the town it is important to keep the public attention. It would be so easy to let it slide.
The worship music seems to get some people to stop - we even had applause this week. Preaching tends to get people on
the move again. The location give totally 'passing trade' (apart from the long-suffering people in the shops) so it is
becoming increasingly clear that the messages need to be short and sharp. We don't want people to just hear about sin
without hearing about the salvation in Jesus.
Market stall
There is now a good mix of people who come and help when they can. Pete has been really faithful in providing PA equipment.
The worship team (representing several churches) is starting to work together well. As we get into next year I would like to
see some diversity in those taking part so as to avoid getting stale.
The Team
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Sept. Review 2
Andy Hall
04.10.2007
3:30pm
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For me the whole mission project has been a challenge. It has been interesting to work with such a wide range of
people, both from the churches and from Counties. Some good relationships have grown out of this and hopefully these
will prove to be foundational for whatever comes next.
I really enjoyed being involved with the logistics for GSUS Live - what a great resource that is.
GSUS Live
The LIFE Exhibition
looked very good but I only saw it briefly, I didn't get chance to experience the whole thing. It's a shame that some
school staff thought the crucifixion part too much for their students - a bit of an over reaction from someone who was
unfamiliar with the truth of the story, I suspect. The little darlings probably had to wait until they got home to get
their daily fix of death, mayhem and gore - and that's just Eastenders!
LIFE Exhibition
It was great to meet Clive Cornish, with his cross. I thought it was great that he got thrown out of the shopping precinct.
I don't know what the objection was - carrying an offensive religious symbol, carrying a portable execution device, moving
in a manner likely to cause religious hatred - who knows! Making the detour around the centre via Ipsley Street gave him the
opportunity for some good chats in KFC!
Clive with the cross
The highlights for me, probably, were working with MJK - Tim and Charissa, Matt and Arran with their decks, live visuals and
rap gospel. They were tireless, despite Charissa being seven months pregnant, and up for a challenge, The challenges came in
terms of hastily rearranged school appointments, impromptu gigs at Winyates shopping centre and Chicago Rock Cafe. They
were fearless, easily communicating their love for Jesus with anybody.
MJK on Church Green
MJK in Chicago Rock Cafe
I am quite pleased that for an old bloke, I managed to span the musical spectrum with ease, being involed also in the band night
at Kingsley. Felton played well and were a good opener. Band2 (as they hadn't actually decided on a name by the time the
gig started) were also good. Verra Cruz were excellent, and showed why they were able to play Greenbelt. It was a good evening
although the attendance was lower than expected - but a valiant effort on the part of everyone.
Verra Cruz
Bob Telford's talks were very good and gave a clear delivery of the gospel. Mark and Maria Brannelly did a good job on the
Wednesday and Thursday nights with their musical contributions. I am not sure that Birchensale school was a suitable venue
(even though I have lived in Redditch all my life, I didn't know where it was). Also I am not sure that a meeting of that
style is what is required in Redditch. We seemed to have a better response when we went out with the gospel than when we invited people in.
Mark and Maria
Bob Telford
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Sept. Review 1
Andy Hall
02.10.2007
5:15pm
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Well, after all the preparation and all the meetings, the summer outreach programme is over. Celebrate Life has
completed all the planned events. So what are the results:
- As a group of churches we have seen something in the order of 20 people come to the Lord or make a rededication.
- The gospel has been presented to about a thousand people in one form or another.
- There has been a growth in the desire for unity amongst the participating churches.
- Several people have had the opportunity to do things they've never tried before in terms of witnessing / counselling.
- Many have had the opportunity to 'get involved' where normal church activity may not make this possible.
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Poem 1
Andy Hall
04.08.2007
1:15am
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Let me play the harp of healing
to your tormented soul;
And bring the balm of blessing
that will make you whole.
The anguish and the nightmare;
the terror of the storm.
will flee from my Spirit
in the cool clear light of dawn.
A Word from the Source of Wisdom
to you my precious one:
The glories of my Kingdom
are yours in Christ my Son.
Lift your eyes and see me now
look up and reach for me.
In me you will become
all that you were meant to be.
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