First visit to the UK April 2016
This report shares just part of my findings. My trip was meant to be no more than a reconnoitre of the U.K. at this time, being just two weeks in April for this visit. Also, not knowing too many details, I went in simple obedience, nothing more.
Two Scriptures were given before I left Vernon, B.C. Canada
1. John 3:8, ‘The Wind blows where it will, and you do not know where the Wind has come from nor where it goes…’
2. Matthew 11:29-30. ‘Take My Yoke upon you, for My Yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’
In brief, the visit was exceptional, including my Satnav which took me to places I hadn’t planned!
Just prior to leaving for U.K., an email came, inviting me to speak at the ‘Filling Station’ in Hurst Green, East Sussex. (I had not heard of Filling Stations, up and to a few weeks before departure, but once the decision was made to visit the U.K. doors began to open).
My first three days were spent with James and Anna (Son & Daughter-in-Law) in Amsterdam which was excellent, following which I flew into Gatwick. When later that day I walked into the ‘Filling Station’ meeting with approx. Fifteen churches represented, I sensed something I had not sensed since the early charismatic days of the seventies and eager to hear about ‘Call The Nation To Prayer!’
When I was asked to speak, (I am now convinced and humbled at the same time with the word the Lord gave in June of last year – again I ask, why me, seeing there are so many significant movements of prayer and outstanding leaders in U.K.?); ‘Call The Nation To Prayer,’ it was like a flame was ignited – since that night, reports continue to come in from Hurst Green, asking to be kept in touch as everything develops.
From Sussex, and after spending time with some of my relatives in Eastbourne, I travelled to Winchester and met with Canon Mark Collinson at the Cathedral. An excellent time of sharing together – Colin shared more regarding ‘Thy Kingdom Come’, a prayer initiative by Archbishop Justin Welby and the Church of England, and the great wave of prayer linked with evangelism being called for et al.
Later that same day, I was able to spend time with Phil and Sally Thompson on their last day of holiday nearby, now semi-retired from the Elim ministry and this was just another divine appointment. Phil was the first guy the Lord linked me with following my baptism in the Holy Spirit back in the sixties (!) when we started coffee bar and street work, inviting young people from ‘alive churches’ to join us in evangelism! Now, some fifty years later, we reconnect, sharing our hearts on how the Lord has led down through the years.
Leaving the South West, I travelled to Ffald-y-brenin, a prayer centre in Wales, where prayer was wont to be made! When I arrived, I could not find any of the staff (although I had emailed ahead) but met a Baptist group from Shropshire who were enjoying a retreat there.
Three things came to light as they asked what I was doing there:
1. A hunger for the Holy Spirit.
2. A keen interest to know about CTNTP
3. How do we stay in touch – to quote some of the guys there: ‘We are praying as a company of people on what the Lord wants us to do next!’
Since then, the Senior Leader of the Baptist Church (Who was not at the retreat but heard of what happened) requested contact via Skype and it seems they are on the cusp of something in God. It so happens that the Minister, Graeme Clark, was 10 years old when he knew about the Festival of Light in 1971, so knew about my background. One of his questions, ‘Why were you there in Ffald-y-brenin at the same time my people were there?’ Apparently his people were impacted and cannot stop talking about it. They call it an encounter!
My next port-of-call was World Prayer Centre in Birmingham, where Ian Cole, Steve Botham, Jane Holloway and team are the leaders.
It so happened they were having a day of prayer, praying into the upcoming referendum with the E.U. amongst other things, and wanted to know about CTNTP. As I spoke, one of the men there, David Gilbey – a 24-7 Prayer leader from Chelmsford, Essex, collapsed on the carpet shaking – now these days, It is: 1. Medical help needed? 2. Demonic? Or, 3. The Holy Spirit coming on the guy?! It quickly became obvious as folk gathered around David to pray that the Holy Spirit was upon him in an unusual way. It seems he is going to be used in whatever the Lord has for him in the coming days… he is all alive re. CTNTP! (There is more to share but I am trying to keep this report as brief as possible).
From Birmingham, I stayed in Long Compton for one day and spent time with Anthony and Clare Wells, Anna’s parents. (Anthony looked after the coordination of the Trafalgar Square National Festival of Light gathering in 1971). During a time of prayer, Clare saw a number of pylons carrying cable across the Nation – seemed to relate to leaders/Intercessors, centres and communications.
As they were asking me where I was headed next, a text was coming through on my iPhone which led to staying with Chipper and Anna Betts in Manchester – it was good to catch up with their news and hear about his latest job, where amongst other responsibilities, ‘he gets paid for praying for people!’ It so happened I had arranged beforehand to drop my hired Nissan off at Manchester airport and fly Edinburgh to meet with David Hill and leaders representing 24-7 Prayer and Prayer leaders from Evangelical Alliance for Scotland and England.
My time in Edinburgh before returning Canada was significant I feel. David Hill who has written the booklet: Try Praying – designed for non-church goers, and is being used nationwide, lends itself to not only praying but to evangelism as well.
We continue to pray!
In the South East, The Heart Newspaper: published a Call to Nationwide Prayer – April/May edition – about the time I was flying into U.K. – Reps. from Scotland believe we are in a time of crisis – particularly the church . . et al . . and so, I continue to pray regarding the next step! I appreciate any input and comments etc., and please pray as well. Feel free to share this email to whom you think might be interested and I look forward to any response.
Grace and Peace
Peter
Call the Nation to Prayer 