Cheltenham Race Course is where Karen and Toni will be spending the August Bank Holiday – no, we are not betting away Festive funds! We are going to Greenbelt. With designated funds coming from Dare-2-Engage and the offer to help man the exhibition stand, we thought we would take the opportunity to meet festival goers and engage with them. So please pray for us – for great openings with students, staff and parents!
© Jonathon Watkins / Greenbelt Festival
“Goodbye volunteering, hello working!” I have loved my volunteer year with Festive! It has come with its challenges and highlights. I think the first challenge has been learning to rely on Jesus for what comes in each month but he has always provided what we need. (Thank you if that came through you!) Another thing I have been learning is how to keep motivating a small, struggling CU – it’s tough when the easy way out seems to be giving up. The biggest of all though, has been feeling so overwhelmed by the size of the work… there is so much to do and I often felt like a tadpole in an ocean! The highlights? Here are a few! Seeing one of the CUs quadruple in size (to four students!) and witnessing them grow so much in their faith over the year. One of the most exciting things has been to see tiny local CUs share the Gospel with their peers! From a small conversation to a full blown mission week
– it’s been such a joy! I had the opportunity to run a Christianity Explored course for some seeking Sixth Formers; this is the most overtly evangelistic thing I have ever done and I was so nervous about answering questions. God miraculously though, often equipped me the day before with the exact subject matter in question as Claire and I studied through Wayne Grudem’s systematic theology… He is good! I have learnt so much. I feel strongly that this ministry is overlooked in the UK and the need to invest in our 16-19s is imperative. I am so glad that God has provided a way for me to stay on the team as the work has grown and there is a real need for two workers. I can’t wait to get stuck into a new job role (advice and communications provider) and hopefully come and visit many of you to pray with your churches about your local colleges.
02 FESTIVE NEWS “Goodbye volunteering, hello working!”
KAREN
Please give thanks: • For a year of massive growth in my relationship with God. • For provision of enough donations to support my year. • That God has developed my gifts and grown my knowledge of the work. Pray for: • Me to find my feet as I work in a new job role! • Wisdom as I start to take over the email support side of Festive’s ministry. • My heart and the hearts of the whole team to be centred on Jesus and His will – not ours!