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So I went to the Christmas markets and was asked by s lady running a stall if I like crystals. The stall was selling crystals and angel wings.  I ended up telling her that I believe in Jesus and that he’s like the sun. That I think crystals and noticing things that make you thinking angels is like noticing and liking the sunlight on the floor, yet knowing Jesus from whom it’s all from us like finding the sun and basking in His light, He’s the source. I can totally believe that God in his wisdom has put power into things - like the body ability to heal and the natural power of some foods to be better for us. I told her of some of the times in the bible when angels have turned up.
She told me of an occasion where she nearly died and she’s no idea why she’s still here. I told her God had purposes for her……

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Me and AP enjoyed a spot of golf and breakfast yesterday morning and met a guy outside the cafe who AP knew. We got chatting and he was struggling with homelessness. I felt God prompt me to ask about pain in his shoulders, and he stated he had pain all over, and terrible backache. We prayed for him, and for healing, and went on and prayed for his housing situation and invited him down to Open Door. Such a joy to pray for others and share Gods love

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Walking along talking to a parent who I knew had an appeal that day for a school place for their child. I was about to offer to pray for them when they went into a shop! I waited for them and then offered to pray. They said yes and so I did! It was very emotional, lots of tears. Anyway, had a message this afternoon to say that their child has got a place!

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Yesterday at work I met a lady with four children who, because of an issue with a govt dept taking 6 months to deal with a document, was on the verge of eviction and destitution, with no entitlement to benefits and despite working part-time, unable to manage the bills. I made calls and appointments for her and arranged to see her again today before the main appointment. Today, I felt a really big push from the Holy Spirit to pray for her and she said I could. She was very upset and stressed but glad of the prayer. An hour later I was called to help her as my colleague said she had collapsed in her appointment. She was crying and struggling to breathe. My colleague advised that the appointment had went well and her whole situation had been turned around, the document had been dealt with and her benefits would be re-instated. She was so overwhelmed and said that in the morning she had asked God for someone to pray for her and couldn't believe it when I offered. She praised God for the wonderful news and was so relieved. He is good!!

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Woke up this morning with the intention of going out to buy lunch and a drink for a few homeless people on Wellfield or Albany Road. However when I stepped outside the weather was THE WORST (fatal combination of rain, wind and cold) and when I got to my destination, I couldn't find anyone.
I was beginning to feel that my mission pointless and was starting to feel pretty damp and cold (despite my umbrella) so started heading back home. Just as I had made that decision, I  came across a homeless guy outside Tesco.
I approached him but noticed that he already had two hot drinks and a pasty so I asked if he wanted anything else and he just began to tell me how rough his life had been.
I really wanted to do something so I asked if I could pray for him, which he responded really well to, gave him my umbrella and some money for his next meal. It meant that I didn't end up buying anyone a meal, but God reminded me that praying for him was worth more than anything I could have bought him, so I'm taking that as a Kingdom Try success!

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Yesterday while waiting in a queue in Lidl I had a great chat with a guy called Jacob. The discussion started with why cooking Sweet potatoes on a bbq is a thing and moved on to him saying that he went to a church once with a full band with drums and would love to go a church like that again. I told him about Vineyard and to look us up. I then prayed a blessing on him.
Thank you Lord for queues

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I sat and offered to listen to people on Roath Rec, with a sandwich board and a spare camping chair or two. I had some really lovely conversations, mostly with people bored of zoom socialising, others intrigued at the concept, and one absolute legend thought I looked cold so brought me some tea. I was able to name drop Jesus a few times and share a little of my testimony too which was fun. The response from everyone walking past was pretty overwhelming, a lot of people were taking pictures of me from the street and sharing it on various social media platforms. It made a lot of people happy, according to screenshots of comments my small group kept sending me, but what really brought me joy was that a few people said they'd wanted to do the same thing elsewhere and that they felt they now had permission to go do it themselves. I hope they do. Not seen any miracles or huge conversion stories yet, but as a kingdom try beginning I'd say its gone OK.

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Hearing God speak clearly and stepping out no matter the cost! 

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Hearing God speak clearly and stepping out no matter the cost! 

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In this season my own personal financial circumstances have been tough.. As I slowly get back into the flow of working and earning I'm thinking I need to save to make sure I have enough to pay the bills.

As I logged on to social media last night an international project working with under priveleged children was launching a summer camp. They were asking for sponsorship.. I've supported this charity by serving many summers over the years.  I've been asking God lately how can I sow more, make a bigger difference, give outrageously without the fear of going with out or not being able to meet my own needs.. I've been frustrated because I want to be able to bless more!

It's not about me it's always about him!!! Reality check!  As I watched the clip tears filled my eyes. What was once the very thing that ran through my veins... A heartbeat for the orphans, for those who didn't have the basic needs, for those forgotten and marginalised in the world... My heart was beating so strong and I literally heard this voice. Just do it!!!
For a moment I thought but I can't.... Then I was reminded that during this pandemic God has met every single need of mine by the outrageous generosity of people stepping out, seeing a need and choosing to do something..

Now I know that approx 140 kids will be able to enjoy a summer camp, it will be the best time of their life and I pray that they will encounter God's amazing love for them! Sometimes in our giving it doesn't seem logical, it doesn't add up but I realised it wasn't about me, it started with saying yes Lord I'll do it! It's  seeing God's kingdom come among a community I long to see transformed... These kids can only ave a better future if people believe in them, invest in them and educate them...

My heart is bursting for i know the Lord is stirring my heart afresh and bringing me back to a place of radical worship where I step beyond  logical thinking to see him invade lives 🙌

The funny thing also is that the day before I wrote down some words.
It doesn't matter where we are,
United we can stand together,
To champion the cause,
To help the unseen feel loved.

There is hope there is light,
Together we can make it brighter!

Whatever it looks like I know my hearts cry is Lord here I am.. Whatever it takes I say yes!

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I've been a part of a small group of students, who've met on Tuesdays to memorise passages of scripture, while walking round Roath Rec. As we were memorising Matthew 5:17-20 A Jogger ran up to my friend and said 'Is that a Bible?', 'Yes' he responded. 'Man, I really need one of those!'
We pointed him towards amazon or anywhere online, and he walked away but my friend just said 'I really need to give this to him' so we caught up and he gave him his bible, and we're talking a soft-leather-bound NICE Bible, but hopefully that'll mean this person will have a harder time leaving it alone! Later that evening I was reminded of the Isaiah 55:10-11
“For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven
and do not return there but water the earth,
making it bring forth and sprout,
giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater,

11 so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;

it shall not return to me empty,
but it shall accomplish that which I purpose,
and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it."

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On Monday, I was speaking to one of my housemates, and he casually mentioned that his ear was quite sore. As he was about to walk away I remembered Mark & Anna's talk and asked if he'd like prayer. He pointed at me and said 'yesss'. So I prayed pretty simply, but in faith. At the end he rubbed it and said, 'oh yeah that's much less painful'.

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I asked God to show me how to be outrageously generous. He reminded me of my friends who have recently moved into their new house. When I last saw her there were a few basics that they were short of, but with everything else to sort they would be no where near the top of the priority list. So as prompted by the Holy Spirit, I ordered them some baking trays, some tea towels and some hair bobbles. They were totally surprised and delighted when they arrived. Even though she knows I’m a Christian, I haven’t quite plucked up the courage to tell her the reason behind why I did it. Perhaps I’ll TRY next time there’s an opportunity and pray for God to create opportunities.

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As part of the Kingdom Try challenges I’ve been asking God to help me see people how He sees them and to be Jesus’ hands and feet, particularly at work. I work on a children’s ward in South Wales. During one long shift recently, amazingly God gave me the opportunity to speak words of truth into 5 different situations involving children/ young people and their families. I got to give them hope that things would get better in the future as well as signposting them to ongoing help and support. I boldly told them that lies that they had been believing about themselves were simply not true and spoke truth and encouragement instead. I didn’t explicitly preach the gospel, but God helped me to have the courage to step out beyond my comfort zone. I pray that things will change for these young people and that my words would be seeds of hope and love in their lives.

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I had a great chat at the weekend with a few friends of mine. They were talking about meditation and asked if I ever did it. I shocked them by saying that indeed I did but it was meditating on the Bible. I could tell it surprised them. Because of Try stuff, I went a bit further telling them about a verse I regularly meditate on and how I use breathe prayers as part of it. I told them to give it a go!!

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I went for coffee (inside!!) for the first time in a while today. Started a conversation with Jesus, asking Him how I can be outrageously generous. Felt Him prompt me to go back up to the checkout and ask if I could put £20 behind the checkout to pay for the next few people’s coffee. I was quite nervous doing it as I’ve never done anything like that before. The barista let people know their coffee had been bought by me and I had people come and say thank you, that I’d made their day! The last gentleman asked why, and I got to explain to Him our church were doing a bit of a challenge at the minute and today’s challenge was to be outrageously generous! He thought that was great and gave his thanks. A fun way to be generous and spread some Kingdom joy too! Praying for seeds to be sown in their hearts today! PS one of the other people I bought coffee for told me at the end of his time in the shop that he’d gone and paid it forward too!

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I was guest preaching today at my regular church. (I also attend Vineyard Cardiff often as my partner is a member, and so have signed up for Kingdom Try). On the basis of one of the daily suggestions, I invited my Dad and my Sister to attend via Zoom, but it took a lot of courage as they are an agnostic and quite a strong atheist. I didn't expect them to attend, but they both came along and both said they found it really interesting :)! This may not sound too remarkable on the face of it, but if you knew my family, then you could appreciate this is quite a big turn of events. Praise the Lord - I have found He always meets you more than half-way whenever you try to advance the Kingdom!

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Phone shop

We called in to see about upgrading a phone. The assistant was new and still training, and apologised for being slow. We were there far longer than we anticipated and she kept thanking us for our patience! Whilst sitting there I asked God if there was anything He wanted me to know about her and I felt Him say something like,  “ she’s worried about her mother.”  As the time went on I felt too tired to be bothered but then I thought I can’t let this opportunity pass as by now we knew so much about her and vice versa! As we were about to leave I said nervously,   “We’re Christians and we like praying for people. Is there anything we can pray for you, as well as success in your new job, ...like your family...or...your mother?”  “Oh yes”, she said. “ My mum. She’s disabled.” So we prayed there and then and she was really appreciative and almost in tears, and said she’d have to go out the back for a few minutes to recover! It was worth the time we’d spent,  just to have the opportunity to give her an encounter with God.

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What’s App message

There is an ongoing situation in our street with a resident who has complex mental health issues. It is not at all unusual to have flashing lights from emergency services in the middle of the night and unsavoury characters hanging around. It is very difficult for the immediate neighbours, especially those with young children. There are often updates on the street what’s app group which can sound like sympathetic gossip. Last Sunday evening I wrote that I was praying for a peaceful night for everyone; the first time I have mentioned prayer. No comment was made about my prayer  but on Monday the neighbour said it had been calm so far. There have been no further updates on What’s App.

I found myself waiting to post on here to see if the ‘calm” lasted! Then I sensed God say “ I just asked you to try,  and to use the word Prayer - not to fix the problem!”

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Sharing Jesus with children.

Today when I was in work, a little boy said he will be coming to my after school club, i said you will be very welcomed and he said I dont want to be welcomed like jesus.

Then he and another little boy said I like the bible I have read it. Such a blesssing that children are aware of christianity.

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Where was I going today? The bank... People who are paid to talk to you ... ! Sweet conversation with two of the staff members about church, one was catholic and showed more of an interest. Shared how the worship really gives me an ability to reflect on this world and the pandemic.

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Water of life!
Living in the very south of the UK all my life I find it hard to imagine not having rain! We go for a few weeks without it then we go for days with it. We easily moan, its too dry oh now it's too wet!
But what of those who are wandering around having a drought within? Maybe trying any source to find living water and quench their thirst.These are the people we meet every day, these are the people, given a few kind words, or acts of kindness can make all the difference,  and the rain, a few drops at a time will be their intro to that living water. This is the water of life our saviour offers, pure and free, the only cost is for them and us to surrender all. The reward, eternal life, its is so worth doing,  Kingdom try....this is how we can offer  the living water, rain from heaven!

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In the staff room. Myself and a colleague started talking about church not sure how it came  up.  The conversation led to me sharing about miracles  that had happened to me and others as we prayed  She seemed shocked, amazed and a little skeptical. The more we talked she was genuinely interested in listening. I said to her she should come to church some time and she was definitely open to coming when restrictions ease more. 🙌🙌

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Had a dream last night about an old work colleague who I haven’t seen in about 3years! In the dream she was having a hard time, and was telling me she was struggling. When I woke up and remembered the dream, I felt I had to text her and let her know I was praying blessing over her and her family. She is a Christian so was hopeful it wouldn’t sound too weird! She responded well to my text and was very thankful for the encouragement and verses i shared with her. She didn’t mention things were hard, but I guess it felt like I was just being obedient to what God was asking me to do.

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I had a very brief chat with a school mum friend yest eve at my son’s football practice. She was telling me some stuff that’s going on with her daughter that’s been quite hard. It was raining and the kids had finished and were running off but I said I would be praying for them that things would go smoothly. She said thank you and received it well. Next time I’m hoping I’ll get to pray for her there and then!😬

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Sharing Jesus and speaking words of life In school. 

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Sharing Jesus and speaking words of life In school. 

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When pupils have used the name of Jesus in vein this week I've seen it as an opportunity to talk about him. Responding with do you believe in Jesus?  Some responded with no he's not real why do you? Yes I do and I have been able  to share a little bit about Jesus and how I put my trust in him!

Also, God has been giving  me so many opportunities in school  as I work with difficult groups of young people to speak life, to listen and encourage those that are struggling. When one girl declared they are stupid or dumb, just the fact I said no you are not, that is  not true, I don't believe it and neither should you. Her face  changed mmediately.

Having patience with these young people is crucial, listening is vital and believing in them impacts greater than what I'll ever know!  I pray for more opportunities to be a light, to shine hope and to be able to champion them with words of truth and life.

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After being inspired by a friend who did something similar, I posted a message on our street WhatsApp group, inviting people to direct message me if they had anything they’d like me to pray for, big or small (there was a bit more explanation than that!). I’ve had no replies, and a couple of people have posted loads of messages literally just after mine about garden gates, so my message is a bit lost now! Was feeling a little bit rejected but has been so good to share with a couple of friends and laugh it off. Still praying for God’s kingdom to come on my street! Break through Lord!! 🙏🏼

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I have been getting the Try texts and being praying for opportunities to put some of them into action. I was at a soft play with a couple of mums from school and got talking to one about her child not getting a place in reception in Sept 21. It was the first time I have spoken to her properly and found myself explaining I was a Christian and belief in the power of prayer and said I would commit to praying for her little one and her school place. Afterwards I thought I should have offered to pray then and there but at least it was a start!

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God just seems to be putting people in my way at the moment.
I Went to the gym for the first time in a while. I had an amazing conversation with a guy called Hugh mainly about exercise and diets. Something just seemed to click with us and I explained that I went to church. I asked if I could pray for him and a blessing on his diet and exercise and he bowed his head and closed his eyes. Really felt the Holy Spirit on him. He asked if we could meet again and we exchanged phone numbers.
It was as if we had known each other all our lives.

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Took a couple of friends out for lunch who I know through the wedding industry. We had a great chat and I shared some testimony about Gods blessings. I asked if I could pray for their business and bless it and them. They replied how can we turn that down (maybe because I paid for lunch)
We had a good time of prayer and we felt Gods presence.
Please pray for them. They are called
Paul & Jacs 🙏

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I had a work commitment that involved a long car journey with two colleagues who knew I went to Church but we'd never discussed it in detail before. They were really interested in the sound of Vineyard and now want to come along to a service! I've always been so worried about sounding preachy in these kinds of conversations but I was blown away by how excited they were and how both of them had said they'd been wanting to find a church for a while! Exciting times!

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My housemates belong to Emmanuel Church, a NewFrontiers plant in Cathays. When we moved in we began listening to ‘this Cultural Moment’ podcast, which led to us reading Mark Sayers’ Disappearing church and Reappearing church books, as well as the Rebuilders podcast with Red Church. We’ve become expectant for God to move in both our churches, and to revive Wales. In this past week we’ve met new people from Urban Crofters who are being moved by the spirit towards each other, and now moved closer together, which led to me participating in a student prayer event, attended by all three churches. I feel the Lord is drawing us together to co-labour in intercession, worship and evangelism for the Kingdom.

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A friend of mine had invited a course-mate to their church (not vineyard) and as they were waiting to go in, she began to share some of her story and how she had been hurt by Christians before. This led to a short discussion on whether that represented Jesus truly. As we spoke I felt the Spirit prompt me to ask if she’d like prayer. She turned me down, said she had her own version of praying, then asked me if I wanted prayer because she was a Wiccan and knew quite a few protection spells. I respectfully declined. But I had tried.

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After a fine breakfast and catch up I noticed a homeless guy outside the Co-op on Crwys Rd, so I went for a chat. His name is Ozzy and I managed to share some testimony with him, also we agreed that it was cool that Jesus was homeless too. He allowed me to pray for him and he wants to come to Open Door next Friday
🙏😀

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Great Auntie send her healing.

Our great auntie has been in hospital for over a week now, she is 93 and is strong person. She likes to do things for herself and she keeps telling everyone I will be out by Friday to have my hair done. Sadly she is still in hospital on vitamin drinks and on the antibiotic drip, please can we have a prayer for Jesus healing powers over her please. She is very active and has strong faith.

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Today I posted on our street what's app offering to pray for anyone who wants it. Felt rather scared as I posted the message! No DM's so far but lots of people posted back onto the group saying thank you which was encouraging!

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Only a little story, but I got to tell my daughter Sarah's nursery school support teacher today that when I suggested Sarah tell God something she was thankful for at bedtime the other week she said her name very enthusiastically! She was really touched and it was a good way to start a conversation in the future hopefully.

Also, this has been happening over a long period of time, but my other daughter decided at the beginning of the winter lock down to send an elderly lady who lives across the street from us a little love letter...It has since brought forth the most lovely friendship for all of us with her and she and the girls regularly write and send things to eachother. She has told me several times how much difference it has made to her and has her kitchen wall covered with the girls pictures 😍. Now I just need the courage to take it deeper! So would value prayers for more meaningful conversations to open up with her 😊 x

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Window Cleaning!
Last week our window cleaner called to do his usual  and give us squeaky clean windows.  At the time we were having work done on our roof and guttering,  so my husband  said not really with doing them this time. Now our window cleaner is waiting surgery and has a very serious  condition, his business is his living and I noticed how his faced dropped, perhaps the thought of no money  from this job. A voice clearly said in my head pay him! So I said actually even though you are not doing the windows we want to pay you ...he was blown away, he could not get over our act of kindness,  ..not at all, it was us reaching out ..Trying! Small step but we can keep praying for him

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Went for a walk yesterday with my father in law, who has been through a lot of tough stuff and disappointments over the last 20 years, to the point where he has become very cynical towards God and the church. I felt prompted as we walked to not try and make him see my point of view, but simply to listen and ask questions, and point him to Jesus. I forgot to ask if I could pray for him, but this is my reminder to do that next time!;-)

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Talked about fasting with a Muslim student

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Talked about fasting with a Muslim student

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I was covering Reception at my work today and was helping an Arabic student. I asked how was class and he thought I said how was fast! Behind our masks we can get lost in translation sometimes...
But after checking how his class was I went on to ask how he was doing fasting and he started to talk about Ramadan and the daily routine. I began to share how I had fasted for a day too before. He was really surprised and the conversation started to open as we shared about what the experience was like and why we did that.
Honestly, I was then interrupted by another student - asking about Covid vaccines in the UK - before I could get to say the reason why I prayed and fasted for a day. BUT I felt that I'd carried the Try into my day and I felt this was a Try conversation. One that I became present in and that a seed was sown in starting to share and talk together. I often recognise that I work in a multicultural environment with so many nationalities under one roof. There is a big focus on this time of year for respecting and supporting our students who are young people studying through Ramadan. Yet I've never quite had the bridges to conversation. Plus I'm also really self aware of my professional role and being inclusive and diverse as an organisation whilst knowing that I am a Christian within it and Christ is part of every area of my life. So today encouraged me and I hope there will be opportunity for more conversations to open up and to keep trying!

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So I got chatting to a homeless guy called James and I told him about Ty Adfer. I met with him the next day and a flat had been arranged for him to move in today. I shared some testimony with him and prayed with him.
Today I contacted him and he was in his flat. The only thing is that the boiler needs fixing and he it’s freezing in the flat. A quick appeal on WhatsApp Cardiff North and someone kindly gave me a heater to give him. I got to his flat and put together some pizzas and some basics for him.
He said God must be on his case this week as I’m the 3 rd Christian who has helped him. I was able to share a bit more testimony with and he said “ I haven’t been one for having a faith, but you are making me think”
We prayed together.

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Cold caller

I received a potential scam call this morning..
I admit I usually cut off the call..
This morning I answered it and after the usual scam call pause a man,s voice asked me to confirm my name and asked me how I was...
I replied that I was fine and asked him how he was..
He went on to say that all he had had this morning was rudeness and was cut off..
He thanked me for asking and I felt so glad I answered his call...
I remembered the 'trying text I got this morning...
Didn,t get a chance to tell him about God,s love for him as as soon as I had answered his questions he hung up..!!!

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My mum (not a Christian) has been struggling with anxiety and depression for a few months. Up until this evening, because of her fragile state and her upset with faith/the church, I’ve decided not to suggest she tries church. She’🤬 rock bottom and was in hospital last week with anxiety. Tonight I tried pointing her in the direction of support (she doesn’t have any friends), specifically in church. I pointed out that church would not try and ‘convert her’ but offer practical support, a listening ear and I shared how they’ve helped me in similar struggles. To my surprise (and relief) she didn’t freak out, and it was almost as if she was already thinking about it because she was so chilled when I mentioned it! I clearly should have mentioned it sooner. Over the next 4 weeks (whilst she gets started on her new medication) I’m going to start praying for her every day and keep trying to talk to her about Jesus!!

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I've been having some really great faith-conversations with an atheist colleague, we spent an hour explaining the concept of grace and I even got to share a bit of my testimony. She still thinks of faith as something that certain people find helpful to get through life, but she's now started opening up to me about her life, so it's a start!! 🙌

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Got chatting to a Dad when both our kids where at tennis coaching. I was meant to go get my hair cut, but as this dad was talking to me, and I felt God ask me to stay and chat. He went on and shared his mum is palliative with metastatic cancer, and he had just shared it with his kids. He is an atheist but his mum has a strong faith. We had a great conversation about faith and I committed to pray for him and his mum. I also arrange to play tennis with him next week! Double win!

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One of the people I've met through my gym class has been having a really tough time with their mental health. Have had a few positive conversations and was able to say that I was praying for them. They really appreciated the prayer and I'm looking forward to when gyms re-open offering to pray in person!

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Have been praying for some friends who don’t know Jesus and had a sense to pray for one particular friend that she had pain in her knee. I sent her a text and shared what I felt like God was saying and that I was praying for her. She replied and said her knee was fine and didn’t really mention anything about me praying! I tried!😉

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Copy of Copy of advancing the kingdom -2

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Got chatting to a dad in the park this week about our church. Took the plunge and invited him and his son along!