Saturday 2 August 2014

Peace and hope amidst the grief in Gaza
There are many stories emerging from Gaza of Christians showing the way to peace. One of those is the friendship exhibited between Arab Christians and Messianic Jews who attend the Fellowship of Christian Students in Israel, an IFES group which serves students in Israel scattered around 8 universities and 52 colleges. “We are one in Christ and therefore we can show people that it is possible to live together.” Read their powerful testimony here.

3 common traits of youth who don’t leave the church
Ever wondered what makes someone stay in church if they’ve been raised going along every Sunday? Clearly not all stick around. Here are three traits that might surprise you. Read them here.

Young mothers, your presence is enough
For Mums with small children, it can be tempting to think: why bother coming to church? I can’t concentrate, I can’t engage fully. Well, read this and be encouraged: your presence is enough. “I wanted so deeply and desperately to meet with God. Of course, I knew God could be met outside of the sanctuary doors too. But I missed the feeling of getting lost in a worship song or challenged by an engaging sermon. After all, God could meet me just as well in my living room at 4 am. I didn’t have to schlep my sorry self to church for that.” Read the rest here.

“Street pastors” reduce crime at music festivals and melt an atheist policeman’s heart
Over in the UK, Christians have been baffling festival-goers with their strange brand of non-judgemental help. “In 2013 the work of the Festival Pastors at Latitude had developed such an impressive reputation that organisers from other festivals came to visit to see them in action. Teams from Street Angels and Street Pastors who had been operating at Leeds and Reading festivals came to observe and learn. As a result the Festival Pastors sent some of their members to support the Christian groups at both festivals and make more permanent bonds under the Festival Pastors name.” Read the full story here.