storms and silence

The wind is blowing a gale outside as I’m sitting wrapped up in my room. As Holmsted is a fairly old building it can become quite chilly, but not today, the clouds seemed to have cleared exposing the sunlight which is keeping me warm as I sit sheltered from the wind left only to watch its influence on the trees and to listen to the whistling against the aged windows in my room. Saturdays are a real treat, they still hold almost as much to do as any other day of the week but the beauty is found in the absence of schedule, a sleep in and a leisurely cup of tea.

Life at Holmsted for the DTS these past two weeks or so have been intense. Two words that immediately spring to mind would be warfare and breakthrough. Warfare in depth that is new to me. The week before last was one of much heaviness and awkwardness as the group wrestled with oppression that was clearly from the enemy for most of the week. I likened the experience to a thunder storm. The feeling in the air when you know a storm is coming, the waiting. You know there needs to be a down pouring and you know that the storm will clear the air. The steps to breakthrough began when the water broke and people shared their confusion and frustrations and we were able to step forward as one again. God did some incredible things and it was just wonderful to see how He stepped in and cleared house of all oppression and any disunity with revelation, healing and deliverance. Hallelujah. This last week’s subject was freedom and we had two ladies from South Africa, who were infectiously passionate and zealous in their relationship with the Lord. They gave the perfect example of authority in love, and were light hearted in presentation. Spontaneous and Spirit led, they had no problems stopping teaching to pray and prophesy over students which was so effective and encouraging for everyone.

Apart from working with the speakers and students in lectures- Small groups have been going really well, I feel we are connecting more as a group, going deeper but also having some good fun. Outreach preparation and team times have been going really well, it is such a joy to be organising the outreach and team building in strategy and prayer. Having a great time getting more involved with worship- drumming and occasionally leading and growing in confidence in that. There’s a great guy here who has a wealth of experience in worship leading and is very supportive and encouraging. Plugging into the local church is going well, working on building relationships etc. There is opportunity for me to get involved in worship but due to my busy schedule I am unable to during this DTS, but it’s exciting to know that is something I am able to get involved with in the future.

Some prayer requests...
-Unity. Please pray for unity, for growth in relationships and for strengthening in all of them. Between staff and students, and with contacts in the local church and those in India.
-Personal walk. Please pray for an increasing hunger for God’s word and desire to give everything I have all the time for His heart and His kingdom. That I’d walk in my identity, and not be swayed, that I may become more like Christ every day.
-Planning for India/Team building. Please pray for strength, wisdom and understanding as I continue to prepare all the practical bits of the trip. Please pray for the team, for unity and that God would continue to grow a heart in them for India in this season. There are three or four weeks in the middle of the outreach that is still open and I have a few options. Please pray for wisdom in this, I long to be driven by God’s heart and nothing extra, way above deadlines or anything else.

Thanks so much for reading, I’m currently working on what is most effective in communication with you guys as supporters, it’s a process. If you could let me know when you read this so I can get an idea of how many people read this blog. Once again, thank you so much for reading and being a part of this journey with me.

In the shadow of the Almighty,

Adam

a brief note, with lots to process still

Greetings one and all, I hope this finds you well.
These past two weeks or so have served host to a great variety of experiences. True joy, labour pains and the birth of new revelations and hope, trembling fear and refined faith. I’d like to begin by sharing how much of a blessing spending last weekend in Bournemouth was. I am certain that it was God’s perfect timing as things seemed to be getting heavy at Holmsted, not necessarily in a bad way. Staffing a discipleship training school can be intense spiritually and emotionally so it was great to take some time out to rest and enjoy fellowship with friends and family. Thank you once again for making me feel so welcome, loved and supported. You played a huge part in refreshing and encouraging me, whether it was sharing a pot of tea, a beer, or a brief word at church, I thank you!
Life at holmsted has been treating me well- God has been doing some incredible things in me and in the school. This past week has been a very intensive one in many ways; I think it’s going to take a few days to process what’s been happening so I will update with more info soon. Very exciting stuff I assure you. Thanks for reading and for all your support.
Love in Christ.
Adam