Jo Jowett - Serve7
Now that we’re almost into the last quarter of the year, Jo reflects with thankfulness as she looks back on the year so far. Her Serve7 work has brought many encouragements, as well as some challenges in supporting some organisations through unexpected difficulties. The next few months will have a reasonably steady stream of work, but she would ask for prayer that some new projects might emerge in the coming months.
Regarding local church and community life, both Mark and Jo have significant responsibilities. As Jo writes this update, she is preparing for a weekend event called ‘History, Heritage, and Harvest’ (14th-15th Sept) which will include a projected presentation in the church throughout the weekend and an all-age harvest service on the Sunday which she is leading. This will bring in a number of people who don’t normally come to services so it’s a great gospel opportunity too. She also now leads a fortnightly Bible study group which has great potential for seeing spiritual growth in those who attend. Mark has now taken up the role of churchwarden which is very demanding as we are in the process of finding a new vicar and having significant work done on our historic church building. On top of this – and his day job – he is also a foundation governor for the local C of E primary school and is in the throes of recruiting a new head teacher. There’s a real sense that God has placed him in these roles ‘for such a time as this’ and he would appreciate prayer for the positive influence he’ll be able to have in these strategic roles.
On a personal note, there has been some health challenges too. In May, Jo had to spend some time in N. Ireland as her mum became seriously ill, but, praise God, she came through this. Then at the beginning of June, Jo fell and broke her ankle which somewhat curtailed a number of activities. Now, 13 weeks on, she is much improved but is still undergoing physio. Mark’s health continues to be monitored every three months with his renal consultant and his condition seems relatively stable at present.
Give thanks:
For the way in which SERVE7 has been able to make an impact over the past year.
For God’s hand on us in the face of various health challenges.
For the many opportunities for strategic input into the life of our church and community.
Please pray:
That the Lord would continue to open up new opportunities for SERVE7 to serve His mission in new ways in the coming months.
For our many responsibilities in our local church, that the Lord would give us wisdom and discernment, particularly regarding the appointment of a new vicar. Pray that God would even now have his hand on someone who will be able to breath new life into our church.
For continued relationship building in our community, beyond church activities, that God would use us to bless others, and be effective witnesses for Him.