SMILE!
Despite snow, and even more snow we have at last completed the first weekend of the Potenciál course! Over 35 people from around the Czech Republic battled against the weather to arrive in Hradec Kralove and begin working together to develop their God-given potential in church work. Photo:Smile! Many thanks to all of you who prayed for us and the course. Your contribution is vital. From the word ‘go’ the whole weekend seemed to gel. Considering many of the people didn’t know anyone else in the group there was an amazing sense of unity. We are so grateful for the presence of the Holy Spirit with us and His working all things together for good. Read on for particular blessings [and photos].
After a full year of preparation both day and night, the computer has had a breathing space! Christmas was very busy with all the family and then we had just five days to prepare for take off. Literally.
As you can imagine those last five days were difficult as we struggled with the weather. Both Peter Sargent (from Pembrokeshire) and ourselves had to set off a day early to make sure we even got to the airports we were using. Our flight was delayed and after all the snow and ice the fog came down. The Czech Republic had even more snow than the UK and so there were further struggles with travelling. However, we all, including the students, arrived at the hotel on time and we were able to make a start.
As we said above, we are so grateful for the presence of the Holy Spirit with us and His working all things together for good.
Particular blessings were:
The great organisation of Jakub and Kamila- The lovely hotel; particularly the en-suite bedrooms!
- Having Dana who is an excellent translator
- Peter Sargent who seemed to have been on the scene for years (He will say it differently!) He will be a great asset to the course
- The calibre of students and wide range of age and experience. We have six denominations represented and most parts of the nation
- The sense of expectation and eagerness
- The excitement of witnessing God speaking to people right from the beginning.
Many thanks again to all of you who prayed for us and the course. Your contribution is vital.
What Next?
- Working in groups: the students will continue working in their own churches, studying the material covered on the course, and getting to know others in their group
- Saturday March 6: Dennis is preparing for the next meeting of the course, when he will be accompanied by our friend from Worcester, Rick Thomas [of 'Trust Me, I'm a Preacher' fame]
- Weekend April 9th - 11th: We are also already planning this weekend, when Garrie-John Barnes, the head of the Christian School in Barnsley will be drawing out our potential in prophetic worship. We shall also have Rachel Hickson with us. That will be some weekend!
Hopefully this will give you a bit of a flavour of things! Please do continue to pray that God will give us shepherds after His own heart, who will lead God’s people with knowledge and understanding [Jeremiah 3v15].
Much love, Sue and Dennis
Jan 14 2010