“The fields are white with harvest, but the labourers are few.”
In the last three months Chaplains walking around town have met people wanting to chat to someone or talk about health and relationships and issues around security: a job, home or money. We have been able to engage with people in the name of Jesus; we do not know where these encounters will lead but the Holy Spirit can speak into people’s lives.
We have started visiting shops again. Personnel have changed considerably, so there is an opportunity to start again and build new relationships. But familiar faces remain and on many occasions Chaplains have been told how much they have been missed. Several people have asked for a private conversation, as pressures have built up over the last year and there is now an opportunity to unburden safely to someone. Once there is mutual understanding and trust, many people feel able to tell a Chaplain about challenging things in their life.
We will resume attending the Magistrates’ Court in July, where we have been missed. Staff can find the situations they are put in to be highly stressful, and attendees are often worried, frightened and regretful. A word in season can be a great blessing and pointer to a forgiving God who loves them for the better, not a vengeful power over them.
Amid all the conversations Chaplains have with people, God is at work and we pray that others will be drawn into living for God, knowing His salvation and love. Hopefully, we can begin to show the way for someone to have a personal relationship with Christ which a local church can continue to nurture.
Along with prayer, we would greatly value more people considering becoming Chaplains. We offer a session walking round with a Chaplain to see how we work and are looking for people to give 2 hours a week in one of several slightly different roles, whichever suits the person best. We provide a uniform, full training and support. You can find more details on our Facebook page (Basingstoke Town Chaplaincy – New – via the button at the bottom of this email), or by sending us an email.
As more activities are allowed to re-start, we pray that you will be blessed with friendships and renewed fellowship and that you also will be a blessing to others.
John Hayward
Chair of Trustees
Prayer Points
Thank God
- that the town centre is returning to a new normal
- we are able to restart chaplaincy in the Magistrates’ Court from 5 July
- for the opportunities to expand the ministry
- for much-valued Chaplains, including Chris and Tessa who are sadly leaving the team, and Jan, Sandy, Molly-Anne and Alan who are taking a temporary break
Pray for people, that they will see God’s love at work, and will investigate the claims of Jesus
- shop assistants we are getting to know, some new to the shops and some having to work longer hours
- those running small businesses but who are not getting enough business, casting doubt on their survival into the future
- people we meet in the streets who are lonely or have worries
- staff at the Magistrates’ Court as they try to arrange hearings and reduce the backlog of cases
Pray for the Chaplaincy
- our link with the Street Café and outreach on London Road by the URC
- for more Chaplains to help us meet the need to provide a regular presence around the town and in shops and offices
- for progress in agreeing arrangements for Chaplains at the railway station
- that we may keep our focus of sharing God’s love and representing local churches
Basingstoke Town Chaplaincy
Suite 1, Paddington House
Festival Place, Basingstoke, RG21 7LJ
admin@basingstoketownchaplaincy.org.uk
basingstoketownchaplaincy.org.uk
01256 842232
