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Special Guests at Thurrock's Battle of Britain Day Commemorations
 Rev John Guest of St Margaret's, Stanford-le-Hope, took part in this year's Battle of Britain Commemoration Service at the War Memorial in Grays High Street. It was especially special this year as Andrew Mackinlay MP was attending for the last time before he steps down at the forthcoming General Election, expected sometime in the New Year. John presented Andrew with a Bible on behalf of Transformation Thurrock.
Transformation Thurrock caught up with John and asked him a few questions about the proceedings.
TT: What is the Battle of Britain Day all about?
JG: Remembering the Battle of Britain, giving thanks for the deliverance of the nation, praying for those suffering as a result of war, preaching the Good News about Jesus Christ.
TT: How did you come to be asked to lead the service in Grays?
JG: I am the Royal Air Force Association chaplain and padre to the 1582 (Stanford le Hope) ATC squadron
TT: Who was there?
JG: Lots of members of the public, police, representatives of armed services, British Legion etc. the 2 local ATC squadrons, naval cadets, Grays Town Band, St John Ambulance, the Mayor and her consort, the local MP and me.
TT: What was Andrew Mackinlay's part in the proceedings?
JG: He has attended every year since being appointed. He has served overseas as part of the Parliamentary services (see his website). He takes a special interest in WW1 veterans and he laid a wreath.
 TT: What did you say to him as you gave him the gift of a Bible from you on behalf of Transformation Thurrock?
JG: I told him how much we appreciated his hard work on behalf of his constituency and how much we recognised him as a friend to the church in Thurrock. I told him how sad we were that he was retiring but recognised how tired and stressed he had become. I hoped that his wife Ruth (suffering from shingles) would recover quickly and be able to enjoy their family wedding this past weekend. I commented on his faith in God (he told me later how much his faith has sustained him during difficult times in politics) and I hope that whenever he used his bible (as I know he will) he will think of us.
 TT: What was Andrew Mackinlay's reaction to receiving the Bible?
JG: He was deeply moved and hugely appreciative. The first thing he did when the service finished was to call Ruth to tell her he had been given a bible.
TT: In what other ways can the Christians of Thurrock show their appreciation of Andrew's long stint as our MP?
JG: By praying for Andrew and Ruth! He needs a good long rest first and then he will no doubt continue to be involved in politics in different ways. Christians can also write to him and show him their support and encouragement.
TT would like to thank John for his time and wish him and his wife Kim a great time on their up and coming trip to Japan to see their son.
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Tim Harrold, 19/10/2009 |
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