A few weeks ago we decided to go as a group to Costa coffee house in Cheetham Hill. The idea was to spend time together being church, have a drink, and to seek to reach out to people in the area with the good news about Jesus Christ. We felt that a visit to Costa was a suitable activity for us because it was informal and everybody could be involved, and also there was minimal organisation required.

We had a good time. It was great to catch up with each other and to get to know one another a bit better. Interestingly, about the first thing the girl serving us said was that we were like a big family.

After coffee and chatting we spent some time outside in the immediate area. Some of the members gave out leaflets while others talked to people and shared the Word of God. I was encouraged to see how committed and engaged everyone was – men, women and children. It was also a blessing to see someone come to the church meeting on Sunday as a result of one of the conversations.

On another occasion, we went car washing (free of charge) in the Cheetham Hill area. Several people allowed their cars to be washed, and there was also much hilarity as some of the church members took the opportunity to throw water over each other!

I believe that the Lord’s blessing was and is upon our efforts to share the new life we have in Jesus, and that as we together prayerfully persist in sowing we will see a harvest in Cheetham Hill and the surrounding areas”

Damian Johnstone

“This a word of encouragement for those who go into work every day; don’t give up, your presence makes a difference, He is restoring his people and we are the vessels of restoration;

A while ago Ezekiel preached about Gods children being in places of influence and making a difference; well a couple of months ago I found myself writing the Business Plan for the largest Criminal Prosecution firm in Greater Manchester. I sat with my manager and we worked on the document for several weeks. During that time she regularly commented on the fact that the draft appeared easier than previous years; little did she know that there were actually three of us around the table as I asked God to influence every plan and decision made.

Think about it God in the middle of the crime and disorder strategy for the whole of Greater Manchester. Wow! We submitted the draft to our Headquarters in London and received favourable feedback. Two weeks after the feedback, my manger and I were again discussing the document and completely out of the blue she commented that I had a lovely “spiritual presence”. She mentioned other things which I don’t remember; I guess I was too busy thanking God for his awesome power and asking him to reveal himself to her as we sat together.

His presence is with all his children and as we ask God to dwell in our lives, his presence will ooze from our very being. God is restoring his church with his presence, sound, salvation and celebration. He deserves all the glory.”

Jacqui Nelson