Tim Harrold
Jesus in Matthew 28:19-20
‘… go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you…’
Since last Spring’s Firestarter training in Treasure Hunting, Street Healing and Spiritual Readings, a small group of people have been evangelising once a month in Grays High Street.
The team has consisted of no more than 8 people, but is drawn from three local fellowships, all with very different styles but with one vision and united heart to see the Good News of the Kingdom of God touch people’s lives.
This outreach had already begun prior to Firestarters – Pastor Sam Ajetunmobi and Dr Jimi Fawehinmi of New Covenant Church, Grays, had for some time been offering prayer in the High Street, using a gazebo as a base among the market stalls. Jimi came to the Firestarters’ training and the link was made.
Initially, because the Treasure Hunting session had especially made such an impact (some 40 people went out into Grays that morning to evangelise), it was thought that a fair-sized team would be established very quickly, and a consistant presence put into almost immediate effect. However, for various reasons, this did not happen.
Nevertheless, the group got going and, apart from on a couple of very windy and wet occasions when the gazebo simply couldn’t stand up for being blown away, has been active in the town ever since.
Last Saturday (16 January 2016), there were 6 of the team present. Using the ‘spiritual readings’ picture cards, we spoke and prayed with:
- a stall holder with a Sikh background
- a stall holder who comes over from Kent
- an uncle and nephew about to move up country
- a couple who wanted to pay for a ‘reading’ – it was explained that this is about Jesus and the Holy Spirit and it’s free
These are just four examples of many conversations we had over the three hours we were there.
What is very apparent is that many more people are seeking spiritual answers than we realise – and Jesus is bringing these ‘people of peace’ to such pop-up ‘thin places’ as this.
God the Holy Spirit is already at work on these people. They are not-yet-disciples of Jesus. We are already-disciples of Jesus – well, we’re supposed to be… many of us are ‘unready’ disciples, which means… we’re not really… real disciples… at all.
Disciples make disciples. Simples.
Challenged? I am!
This is not intended to be a guilt-trip, but a means of grasping potential, moving in true identity, and living out reality. The Father has ordained all of us for this work (not just the ‘professionals’) – which we don’t do to achieve acceptance, peace and rest, but we do because we are already fully accepted, have peace, and are at rest.
We are looking to expand this team and increase the frequency of our presence. If you are interested in joining us, then please contact tim@transformationthurrock.com
We are looking to expand this team and increase the frequency of our presence. If you are interested in joining us, then please contact This is how God’s will is done on earth as it is in heaven. This is how God’s will is done in Grays High Street as it is in heaven. This is how heaven invades Grays High Street, He uses me. He uses people like us. He can use you.
Other local churches also do their outreach in Grays High Street on a Saturday. The JWs also have a presence. Other Christian methodologies are available!
Photos show Pastor Sam and one of the team (top); Jan Blakey talking with one of the market stallholders (centre); and Jan at the table in the gazebo – the pictures are the cards used in ‘spiritual readings’, that is, prophetic prayers for people (bottom).
“A church without a clear definition and process for discipleship is unlikely to produce Christlike followers.” Alan Hirsch
“Re. the current state of the Church in the West – we are perfectly designed to achieve what we are currently achieving.” Alan Hirsch (think about it…)
“Christianity without discipleship is always Christianity without Christ.” Dietrich Bonhoeffer
