Thank you to FP interns

We are pleased to offer a year-long Frontier Project internship. This year, we've been blessed to have Hannah, Tom, Ashley, Micah and Chloe serving us. 

They've just finished their year, and shared a few reflections with us. We pray God's blessing for each of them, whether they are moving on to new places, or staying with us at Emmanuel. 

Hannah Pereira

Things I've learned
I often find it hard to remember that’s it’s not about me, it’s about Him. This year I’ve learned to go to God and lay my plans and dreams at the foot of the cross and earnestly cry out for His will to be done, and me to be radically obedient to walking in His plans and purposes.

Abiding
I’ve had a fun time this year exploring new ways to go about praying and exploring the Bible! It’s been amazing meditating on truth and learning what it means for Him to be a good father.  I’ve learnt that surrendering to Him and abiding in Him leads me to seeing Him being faithful in a fresh way.

Rest
I can always find rest in knowing He will lead me into the plans and purposes He prepared for me beforehand, as I desire to finish faithfully.  

Things I’m the most grateful for
Emmanuel Church Chester-le-Street: I’ve been so privileged to be a part of a congregation that is selfless in the way they love and serve each other so well. I’ve been struck by the generosity in the way people steward their time and money, faithfulness and passion in serving the local church, and the eagerness to see the kingdom come in Chester-le-Street.  “Emmanuel”, God is with us, is not just a token name. I’ve seen how the congregation acknowledges their absolute dependence on him and his powerful presence, and it’s been a total joy to be part of advancing God’s kingdom with them.
Authentic Friendships: The friendships I’ve formed this year have been a constant reminder of God’s blessing in my life and an icon of His faithfulness. These friendships have been special in the fact that they have withstood the weathering that comes with difficult seasons, yet through which made them strong enough for the high times along the way.

Tom Widdowson

Things I've Learned from FP:
1) Life is about doing the right things, not seeing the right results. Obedience is more important than fruitfulness.
2) People are worth all of the effort even though they are messy
3) Being self-disciplined is crucial
4) It's not about me
5) Busyness is over-rated

Things I'm grateful to the Church for
1) Prayer: it has been incredibly heartwarming to hear of people I don't even know in the church praying for us. Thank you!
2) Interest: I have felt so valued by the church, with people constantly asking me how things are going and what I'm up to
3) Finance: the financial generosity of the church for us is staggering. Our training in Bedford (paid for by the church) has been an amazing experience and a real highlight of the year
4) Gratitude: I have not felt taken for granted but instead people have been really kind in their words and very appreciative of us as a team and individuals. 

How I Have Grown This Year
1) Consistency of commitment
2) People skills
3) Things of the Spirit and getting to know the Holy Spirit
4) Clarity regarding calling
5) Building into my routine reading Christian books
6) Seeing all of life as worship
7) Seeing the importance of team

Ashley Corke

Overall I have really enjoyed this year of FP and I'm so glad I've been given this opportunity. God has been so faithful to me and it has been a privilege to serve the church by His grace. May He be glorified in all things.

In my year doing FP, I've had chance to try new things, spend more time exploring the Bible and help at Durham Money Advice Centre (DMAC). Here are some of my highlights and things that I've learnt:

At the start of the year, God challenged me to do a sermon, something I've never particularly wanted to do as I dislike public speaking, and I did so in May at the Hub (the students and 20s meeting). I've always struggled finding enough to say for essays and presentations and so this proved a big challenge to me but God really came through, giving me words to say and and replacing my nerves with his peace - God does honour us when we are obedient and faithful to him. This sermon on Noah's faith came days after receiving a job offer, following a seven-month struggle of rejections, doubt and massive amounts of prayer from people. Thank you for praying, wonderful church family.

Something else that I tried this year was leading worship, once in my Emmanuel Community and twice with the FP team in Albania. In all them, I ranged from not perfect to a bit of a musical mess (combination of nervousness and me trying to sing), but '[God's] power is made perfect in weakness' (2 Corinthians 12:9). I've known this in the past but never so clearly as in these times. Even when I was singing wrong notes and with poor timing, the Holy Spirit was powerfully present and speaking to people deeply. With the number of musical flaws, there's no way it could have been anything but God! Leading others in worship is still not something I feel particularly called to do but I discovered that truth about God for myself and also that when we call on him, He shows up - we just have to seek him.

Working with DMAC has been a learning experience and a challenge. Going with Isla to meet new clients in their homes was something I enjoyed as it helped me see the people as people, not numbers on a computer, and understand something of their circumstances but this has unfortunately ended due to a lack of funding. As a result, I've spent more time in the office working on clients' cases and have learnt to pray for clients whilst working, both helping me see the clients as individuals and helping my prayer-life throughout the day.

Lastly, I went with FPers from across the country to Elbasan, Albania to work with and encourage a church there, doing things such as helping with the youth and kids outreach projects and the blind ministry. It was really encouraging seeing how God had worked to reunite a broken and divided church to build a church stronger than before.

To summarise what I've learnt this year into one point: God is who He says He is and it is displayed in all of what He does.

Micah Cox

This last year doing FP has been one of the most rewarding, yet challenging, in my walk with God so far. Not only have I found myself falling deeper in love with God and gaining and increased sense of his presence on a day-to-day basis, but in him I have just found so much joy – joy that has consumed with excitement for God’s plans and purposes both in my life, and the lives of those around me, and which has hopefully overflowed from me.

A key part of the year for me has been learning more about God’s faithfulness: discovering that when I step out in faith into something I feel he is calling me to do, he always goes with me and never fails me. This has encouraged me to take more risks for him in things I never thought I’d do before (such as preaching – which I happened to do for the first time ever last month on the other side of the world). I have learnt that rather than waiting to feel comfortable before stepping out in various areas, I need to just be obedient and step out anyway, sacrificing my pride and dignity to allow God to work. For it is in my weakness that his strength shines through, and he is glorified. Indeed, although this has not always been easy to do, I feel it is something I have become much better at (and something that I hope I continue to grow in).

Alongside this, I have had the joy of working closely with our students and 20s community over the last 12 months. They are a group of young people who are dangerously passionate, self-giving and Jesus-seeking, and I have benefited so much from their friendship and learnt so much from them. I can’t wait to see how God continues to work through them both as individuals and as a community in the future as they step into the plans he has for them.

In terms of what comes next for myself, I am really excited to be staying in Durham for the next few years, working for Durham Police in the Chester-le-Street area. This is a job I’ve always wanted to do, and so far I am loving it! It is also great to know that I can continue to be a part of the great family I have found here at Emmanuel as well.

Chloe Boyd

Having completed FP I am grateful and amazed at everything that God has done in me. Whilst it has been perhaps the toughest year I've had, I have learnt so much: about how endless God's grace is (loving me even when I take my gaze off of Jesus), how there's nothing quite like being in his presence (but that it takes discipline to keep walking in dependence), the beautiful gift of family found in the church (especially shown to me through the love of my EmmComm and church mentors) and so much more.

I have loved walking alongside the students as they step out in loving the poor and the lost, even just in the small acts of generosity that have become a natural part of their daily lives. It has been a privilege to grow alongside a group of people so in love with God and so excited to see his kingdom come in Durham.

A big highlight of the year for me was the training at Center Parcs in January. The teaching was amazing, so biblical and made me realize so many new things about Father God's heart for us. There were also since amazing prophetic words spoken over me whilst there about working with vulnerable women and mental health. I'm now working in Bedford at a nightshelter, having amazing chats about God with both the men and women here, many of whom have mental health issues associated with the drug addictions they are currently battling.

I still cannot believe I get to serve the poor so practically and up-close as my job! This would never have happened if I hadn't of stayed in Durham for another year, discovering the nightshelter when on training in Bedford and allowing God to heal my own heart in preparation for the role.

Thank you Emmanuel church for giving me the opportunity to do FP. It has been the biggest blessing and I love and will miss you all very much (though no doubt will be visiting soon!).

Hub trip to South Africa

Recently members of our Hub community of students and 20s visited South Africa. One of the group, Katie, tells us how they got on...

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
— Matthew 28:19-20

In the book of Matthew we are commanded to “go and make disciples of all nations”, while as part of Regions Beyond we are committed to building relationships both nationally and internationally. In response a group of eight from our Students and 20s group headed to Clarens in South Africa to work with Dihlabeng church. Here is just a short summary of what we got up to:

After a long 40 hours travelling, we arrived in Clarens late Tuesday evening, where a family had cooked dinner that was waiting for us. Here we had our first South African meal of pap and chakalaka. It was a great opportunity for those of us who had been before to catch up with our friends and family, while those who were tasting their first South African meal met a number of friendly faces. Shortly after, we headed to our host families who we would be staying with for the next couple of weeks.

The next morning we woke up to see Clarens in the light, a small town surrounded by beautiful mountains. We all met at the Nnete Foundation which hosts a number of activities which mainly involves supporting children with their school work. We began by worshipping alongside some South African friends and praying that God would open our eyes to what he wants to show us over the next two weeks. We then met Tiban who was in desperate need of a shack and through prayer God had amazingly secured a piece of land for him that very morning.  As a team we would build the shack over the next two days in order to provide Tiban a comfortable and safe shelter. We walked through the township, praying with anyone we passed for happiness, protection and healing and ended up at the Tiban’s new piece of land which we fenced off ready for tomorrow.

Later that day, Gareth then took us to an isolated farm village, where every week he and Tiban would visit to have their own church service involving some worship and Bible teaching. Ashaleigh shared her story with them and the challenge of sacrificial giving. We were amazed that even though this family are in an isolated location God still knows them deeply and continues to strengthen them.

Thursday morning we all met at Tiban’s land ready to build him a shack, which would be our project for the rest of the day. A few of the team, Katie, Ashaleigh and John went to visit ‘Silver Hope’ a bible study group for the elderly members of the Church. Katie shared her testimony while John taught about trusting in God with all your heart. Their highlight of their visit was meeting Francina, a woman who is 99 and few years ago had been raised from the dead!!

So so good, proving that the miracles of the Bible still happen today. The rest of the team continued to build Tiban’s shack that was completed in the afternoon ready for him to move in at the weekend. Praise God!

On Friday we were ready to run our sports camp for the children of the township, with over 180 children we played a number of games and activities, followed by John telling them about David and Goliath, reminding the children and us that God gives us our power. The afternoon involved the boys playing a football match alongside and against some people from Dihlabeng Church, although a great effort from all and a final score of 2-2, in true English fashion we sadly lost in penalties. In the evening we had our first braai (a South African BBQ with more meat that you could ever imagine), filled with great food and conversation. We got to hear from Jabu, who talked to us about the injustices he has previously faced from being a black South African. God was starting to 'break our hearts for what breaks His', learning that we need to listen to each other’s experiences to truly understand them, while relying on God that he has a plan for South Africa and similar nations.

Saturday, we woke up to a cold and drizzly morning, leading us to move the sports camp into the hall at Dihlabeng church. Despite the weather we were able to work with 70 children, all enthusiastic and willing to play the games and activities we put in place. We then shared the story of Jesus calming the storm, encouraging them to pray to God when they need help. The afternoon was spent preparing sermons for Sunday and an exciting game of mini golf. In the evening, we were able to join in with Dihlabeng’s youth service at a bonfire and worship night. Bekah and Tim shared their testimonies and we prayed with them that they would know their identity in God. We ended the day at the Highlander, a restaurant famous for their T-bone steaks.

On Sunday, we visited four different churches, Katie and Tim both preached at Foriesburg, Bekah shared at Dihlabeng with Ashaleigh, Luke preached in nearby Bethlehem with John, while Will and Micah crossed the border into Lesotho. It was great to have the opportunity to see and hear stories about how similar and different they all were and the work that God was doing. Sunday afternoon was filled with the World Cup Final, we were welcomed within different families, making the most of fellowship between different nations.

For the next few days we headed to a resort called Qwantani with 10 members of Dihlabeng church. We had four main teaching sessions, two were led by Durham and two were led by Dihlabeng. We were able to split into smaller groups to share our experiences and learn from each other. A lot of the team were struck by the amount of injustice that occurs throughout of Africa that we weren’t aware of, it was reassuring to be reminded that God has always known what is going on as he sees those who have been invisible to us, as well as the reminder that we cannot do anything without God! It was also a great time to encourage one another, while spend time as a fellowship through the wide variety of sports available and a beautiful walk around the reservoir on Tuesday afternoon. After a word from God, Gareth was keen for us to walk up the nearby mountain for sunrise on Wednesday morning. We went up expectant, worshipping him alongside the rising sun, learning that God has got amazing things planned.

As we arrived back to Clarens on Wednesday afternoon, we headed to the Nnete Foundation to help them with their maths and science, Ashaleigh shared her testimony while we learnt about the youths' motivation to achieve their potential at school.

Thursday morning saw an early start for most of the team, Katie and Luke went to Dihlabeng Christian School for the day, teaching and helping a range of classes from Grade 1 to Grade 7. Meanwhile, Will, Micah, Ashaleigh and Tim decided to trek up the nearby mount Horeb. In the afternoon, the team headed to Nnete Foundation to continue supporting some students with their school work.

Next, as a team alongside Stive, Ragka, Gareth and Yolanda from Dihlabeng, it was time for Lesotho. Despite a delay at the border the team were in good spirits driven by the continuous mountain views. God’s creation frequently left us in awe. We climbed to over 3,000m and came across Africa’s only ski resort ‘Afriski’, calling us to go “bum boarding” for our midway stop. We never thought we would see snow in July, let only go to a ski resort! After a couple of hours and a great snowball fight we continued driving through the mountains to Mokhotlong. We were greeted by a lovely couple Nsomani and Mametsolo at their house which they open up for mission groups like ourselves. Over another braai we learnt each other’s stories and our passions and prayed that we would see God move over the next two days in Lesotho.

On Saturday morning Nsomani asked if we would help him to move some rocks outside his mortuary. Although this activity seemed small, it will allow Nsomani to grow his business, helping more people in his community. God also used this opportunity to remind us of his power, as we struggled to move a boulder, God can easily move a mountain. After a feast for lunch, we headed to the local hospital and in small groups we were able to go around praying for a number of wards. Some groups saw whole bays giving their lives to Jesus, while others allowed us to prophesy over their lives. Despite the greatly challenge environment, God used us to bring peace and good news to a number of individuals. In the evening, Nsomani had invited a number of church leaders for dinner. We worshipped and prayed together and Gareth spoke about what God’s church looks like and how an effective ‘leadership’ can help to facilitate it, through promoting and helping people to use their God-given gifts.

On Sunday we headed to two different churches; Gareth preached at Harvesters while Micah shared at their church plant; Rainbow International Church and saw a lady give her life to Jesus. We enjoyed yet another great meal together before saying goodbye to our Basotho friends. We started our journey back down the mountains reflecting on everything God has taught us over the last two weeks. As we arrived back in Clarens, we enjoyed our “last supper” and shared what God had been teaching us each of us, while finishing with a thankful prayer to God.

As Monday arrived, we each said our goodbyes to our hosts and thanked them for their hospitality. We headed into school for an hour to read with some children before starting our 26-hour journey home. As we were on our way to Johannesburg, we knew that God was continuing his work in Clarens, by the news that Tiban (who we built the shack for) has got a new job! Praise God!

We are incredibly thankful for everyone we met and everything we did. God has deepened the relationships between Emmanuel and Dihlabeng Church, benefitting both communities in a number of ways. We will take home a number of messages, particularly the vision of God’s future church filled with every nation and language (Revelation 7:9) and our call to reach out to these communities.

“After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the Lamb”
— Revelation 7:9

We would like to thank every one for your ongoing and generous support through fundraising and your prayers. As well as those who were involved with organising the trip in the UK, South Africa and Lesotho, without you, this trip would not have been possible.