Thoughts June 29, 2009

I’ve been running through all the stuff in my head trying to work out what to say, it’s one of those times when there seems to be many thousands of words and then none at all.

Church yesterday was precious, painful and bewildered but overwhelmingly beautiful. We sang songs about the greatness and faithfulness of God; We meditated on the words and promises he has given us, we found that there is such comfort in drawing near to God, and to each other at times like these.

One of the six elements that make up Wandsworth Boiler Room is Community, and yesterday we all relied on that. After the service we stood in small groups, chatting or praying, laughing or weeping together, we talked about the depths of grief we are experiencing, but we also cherished good memories of what has been, and what is to come. Communing with each other, and with the Trinity will get us through these times.

Maybe the anger and questionning will come later, but a lot of us commented that there seems to be a real sense of peace surrounding us at the moment. Alan spoke words of faith about God’s enduring love, Matt preached a message of hope, encouraging us to remember the love, words, promises and eternity of God, many of us had come to a place over the week of praying ‘your will be done Lord’, with pain but with all the faith we could muster.

It feels too early to think about what is ahead, what is t0 come. To be honest, I’m still finding it tough to believe it actually really happened, I don’t think it’s sunk in yet. But I am sure of a few things:

Firstly, Jo would be encouraging us to keep focusing on Jesus, even and especially in the moments that seem bleakest and consuming. She’d remind us that, in all things, God works for the good of those who love him. Jesus is with us as we grieve, but in him we find the promise of a hopeful future.

Secondly, the story isn’t over. Prayer in the Salvation Army, the work of God in Wandsworth Borough, and the personal journeys Jo joined many of us on, will not stall just because she is no longer here with us. Its hard and it’s painful but I find myself feeling hopeful, I find myself still able to believe for unity and transformation in his church, for freedom for the captives and for a future that is brighter and better than anything we can imagine. Nothing can seperate us from the love of God, nor the plans he has to bring wholeness.

The third thing is about love. Jo had the capacity to love and love and love. Whatever your background and however you were struggling she was happy just to get stuck in and to believe for great things. She was patient, she bore others burdens and always pointed to the freedom that was possible in Christ. I believe the results of her faith and her ministry will be far reaching, and I find myself challenged to love like that – to love like Jesus did.

We appreciate your prayers as we work through this challenging time. Please keep upholding Alan, Ben, Sam & Ruth especially – that they would know God as their comforter, provider and strength at this time. Thankyou for walking this journey with us.