Thank You for the Prayers and Encouragement
Hi All,
Jemima here, this last year I have been undertaking a New Wine Discipleship Year with a placement at St Michaels Stoke Gifford as Children’s Ministry Assistant, exploring where God is calling me and how I can continue to live for Him and shine His love into the communities around me.
Firstly, a huge thank you to all the lovely members of St John’s who have supported me through my Discipleship Year. It has been such an amazing year of personal growth, professional development and overcoming the challenges of the pandemic. I have been asked to share with you some of the best moments of this year, how I have been challenged by God and where I have grown.
Despite the restriction of COVID19 one of the most fulfilling experiences from this year has been the opportunity to plan and lead our Christingle service. Sharing with the children and families of St Michael’s the good news of Jesus, seeing their interactions online filled my heart with joy and spurred me on despite the pandemic. As lockdown has eased and we have been able to slowly return to the church building, it has been a privilege to welcome the children and families back. Re-establishing the Sunday groups and supporting the children through their journey with God, has been a lovely experience and even though the numbers are low I have built relationships with the children and been able to share Jesus’ love with them.
Throughout the year with the ever-changing rules and the uncertainty of what is next, I have been challenged to put my trust in God. By developing my devotional time and relationship with God, I have learnt to continually fix my eyes on Him and let His love pour out of me. As I explore what’s next for me, I am reminded again to put my trust in the Lord and believe He has great things planned for me, even if I do not know what they are. Prayer that I am able to fix my hopes and heart on the Lord would be greatly appreciated.
Again, thank you for all the prayers and encouragement through this year as I seek to hear what God is asking of me.
Jemima Downing
Short Term Global Partner