Paul Wilson's March Letter

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Dear All,

Shortly before I came to Knutsford, I had a vision of a flow of water coming down from heaven upon KMC and splashing out to wet a surrounding area. As I prayed into what I saw, it became evident to me that this was the flow of the Holy Spirit who would impact our corporate and individual lives so that we can minister to others. On arriving, I soon learnt that similar visions had been given to others, particularly during a Wellspring mission to KMC.

How has that vision been fulfilled? In ways that we could never imagine possible!

The Welcome has always been on the heart of KMC. Through several changes of emphasis over the years the vision of the project has remained the same – to present Christ’s love in word and deed. Even in recent weeks, amidst all the reorganisation of the Welcome and searching for funding, we have heard of lives changed and people coming to faith. We need to commit the Welcome to our prayers that God will guide us in the reorganisation and search for funding for the coming years. Please pray for Rev Ben Clowes, Martin Howden (Lay Chair), and all the staff and volunteers at this time.

Over the last twelve years we have seen people leave KMC to fulfil their ministry elsewhere as presbyters (Margaret Fleming, Hilary Ewing and Caroline Ryder), deacons (Debbie Clarke) and in lay roles (Jason Bowler and Alistair Johnson). Others have been called into Local Preaching in Methodism (Richard Cussons, Dave Waters, Alison Maynard) or in other denominations (Tim Wilson). We should continue to pray for all these and others who have answered this specific call.

Of course the biggest splash of Christ’s love into the wider community is in your life. In your daily lives, you are God’s people in the world. By your life and example, you present Christ in the world wherever you are. Your Christian service is not limited to your role within the church, but is in your workplace, home life and recreational activities. I know I beat this drum all the time, but it is a message which so many Christians fail to realise.

Of course our influence goes well beyond Knutsford and the circuit. People from Knutsford have been sent far beyond the bounds of the UK. Our young people have been on missions in Europe (Ollie Morrison) and Africa (Becki and Caroline Bayliss) to mention those in the last couple of years. Others are involved in projects in Ethiopia (Martin and Liz Howden), South Africa (Phil Bland, Pete Thompson, Stuart Crawford and Steve Wilkinson), Zimbabwe (Richard and Sue Cussons), Thailand (Mike and Lesley Bayliss) and Germany (Andrew and Michi Evans). This may not be an exhaustive list, but indicative of the way that God is taking us beyond the bounds of Knutsford.

We also support, through our giving, the Methodist Home Missions, Methodist Missionary Society and Relief and Development Fund congregations all the way around the world. As I write, our national representatives, who once served in Haiti, are touring the congregations throughout Haiti supporting people in their current situation.

Some years ago, someone prayed over me Isaiah 54:2, “Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back the length of your cord”. Whilst my ministry has taken me to Europe, Africa and America as well as throughout the UK, I feel this refers to where God is leading KMC at the moment.

As we celebrate what God is doing and hear more (in our Café Church on 7^th March and 4^th April respectively) about the ways God has spoken to and used Mike Bayliss and Phil Bland, we need to consider how we can nurture our links abroad. I do hope that you are able to join us for Café Church on these occasions. One outcome of their visits may be to create links with churches in Thailand and South Africa. Whilst we must not lose sight of our primary mission to the people of Knutsford, we are placed on a wider world map with members called to minister to other countries. In prayer and in others ways we are called to support them.

Finally, it is with great sadness that I must inform you that Gill Morrison will be leaving her role as Children’s Worker on March 21^st. This is to provide more time to pursue other work that God is calling her to, and provide more time to support Mike and the family. We do thank Gill for all the work she has performed strengthening the children’s work and launching Open the Book into local schools. We pray for her in the coming months. This leaves a hole in our children’s work which will not immediately be filled. Please consider whether you can help in Junior Church or the King’s Club on Thursday evenings.

Love and prayers,