How lovely to be home!  Didn't make until after midnight after a long, slow and wet journey.  Sitting in a traffic jam for just under an hour didn't help.  In fact it took me nearly 4 hours just to get past Bristol!

Please don't forget though that many will have stayed on and will travel home today.  We pray safety on their journeys.

Coming home is both a joy and a sadness.  As much as it is good to be with family and friends again, you miss the close fellowship; you miss working for the Lord at the edge.  Pray for the team members to settle in home and to be comforted with the knowledge that this harvest is done.
 

But what of the Cornwall Churches?  As was expressed at all 3 weeks thanksgiving services, the work has just begun.  The follow up continues, the desire to reach out has been rekindled and must not be allowed to die away.

So do pray for them; that the heart for outreach; for sharing the gospel in new, fresh and relevant ways will continue.
 

Join us in May 2014 for the 'Two Rivers Mission' in Essex and Suffolk as we walk the lengthes of the Colne and Stour rivers, reaching the peolpe in those valleys for the gospel.

Call TFM and sign up to come.  The harvest is there; who will gather it in?

Please come.

The week 3 teams gatherd with local hosts at Liskeard Methodist Church to give thanks to God for all that He has done both this last week and indeed for the whole of Cornwall during WC2.

We were delighted to welcome Bishop Tim and Rev Steve wild (Methodist Superintendant for Cornwall) who were the main invitees to TFM to come and work with churches to say words of thanks and give a blesing as we travel home.

 

Lemon Quay Truro images



Roger spoke within a programme of performances by a number of groups with testimony and presentations of the gospel.  The largest crowd gathered to hear the Archbishop Benson School choir and drummers who were tremendous and one has to applaud the infectious enthusiasm of the music teachers.

In the crowd, team members went through questionnaires and, where appropriate, distributed Knowing God Personally booklets.  There was also a prayer station where prayers for healing were offered by both team members and 'Healing on the Streets' staff.

One team member was taken ill today and had to be helped.  Although he has remained here in Cornwall he is unable to participate further and needs our prayers.

Final events/services tomorrow and the Thanksgiving in Liskeard will draw the mission to a close.


 

I am starting this on Friday evening as I probably won't get a chance to get something up tomorrow until quite late.  Most teams will be holding a variety of events on this penultimate day and ask for prayer that many will come and respond.  Many invites will have been made during the week and we hope to build on these.  As one man said to me in Launceston this evening, 'it is up to us the locals to nurture these folk to help them to grow'.

There is a big outreach event in Truro all day Saturday as I think I have referred to before.  Led by Roger Murphy and Cornwall Worship there will be acts and speaking opportunities in the main shopping area called Lemon Quay.  Then a concert in the Cathedral in the evening by Graham Kendrick.
 

Some other events happening (not an exhaustive list obviously!) are;

Manse Fun day at Canworthy Water
Messy Church Liskeard
Launceston Carnival
 

In a report in from Liskeard, the leader described it as 'humbling' the way they were seeing people called to faith.  So far there have been more than 20 commitments with many signing up for the Alpha course due to start next week.

An 'X-factor' type event was attended by over 250 people and was a big success with a real 'buzz'. a lot of good and positive relationships established for the local churches to build on.  They were looking forward to a curry night and a youth event this evening and a men's breakfast on Saturday.
 

Report from Perranporth

There are two things that stand out for me from the walk.
A little girl who came regularly to "messy Church" stayed to listen to Peter Adams, and hung on his every word. sat at the front of Church and as I watched her countenance began to change. just like a chrysalis changing to a butterfly. Peter spoke on Jesus being best friend, Saviour and Lord.  At the end of his talk and at the appeal I saw her bow her head and say the prayer. when she finished her Mum got up and started to take her home but I ran after her, "Did you pray the prayer that Peter said?" I asked her.  "Yes " she said.   "Would you like to come back and get a book from my friend Peter?" Her face just shone and she said yes. I took her to the front of the Church and Peter prayed for her and the look on her face was so lovely. I don't think it could look any better if he had told her she could have all the toys in a toyshop!

A real privilege to watch. I am sure the Mum of the little girl was touched too.

Another was when we went into a residential home for Alzheimer's sufferers. I thought it would be a waste of time. How wrong could I be??
there was 5 locals and 4 team members.  We sang old time songs and the residents sang their hearts out,  knew all the words  and some staff joined in. Jeffrey Robinson gave his testimony and led them in the sinners prayer in the K.G.P.  He also said the Lords prayer and they ALL joined in with that too!

After when we were mingling and chatting Liz, one of the "home team" came to me and said I think I have upset 1 of the residents. I went and spoke with the lady and she told me the tissue I offered was a waste as she had a hanky up her sleeve. I asked if she was sad.  'No' she said 'these are happy tears; Jesus is my Saviour and Holy Spirit made me cry'. After she had said this she went back to the vacant stare but how wonderful is our God that she was reached in this way even for this short time.

The main thing we went to do was encourage the local Church folk and I think we did that and help them in their own on-going mission letting them know they can do what we "professionals"(?) did.

W O N D E R F U L!!!

Here is a link to the  St Martins Looe Facebook page with a couple of pictures of the team.

Report from Canworthy Water

'The team has been working in small villages and hamlets and have been greatly encouraged in seeing 2 - 3 people each day coming to faith.  This has mainly been though door to door work.  The first commitments came when a pair from the team took a 'wrong turning' which resulted in 2 separate conversations.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow.'

Further report from Falmouth, from Phil Misselbroke, Local Coordinator

'Churches from Falmouth and Penryn Churches Together had three individual teams working with four churches on their own programs. I was working with the Walk Cornwall 2 Mission flexible team of six plus each day others came from the local churches to help out.
We had a very successful time knocking on just under 600 doors during the week using the TFM personal belief survey with five question.

Following are some of the interesting statistics of the 263 people who filled in the survey.

• 31% believe that God is personal.
• 27% are not sure what happens to them after death.
• 32% believe that Jesus is the Son of God.
• 56% would like to ask God why there is so much suffering in the world.
• And a whopping 60% said that if possible they would like to know God personally.

In one meeting that some of the team were invited to speak at all those attending asked for the Christian booklet ‘Knowing God Personally’. The team must have spoken to over a thousand people through the door to door visiting and other meetings that were laid on. We also prayed for folks and saw 9 people accepted the Lord. Each day we split our team up to do different things. On the Friday half of us stayed in Falmouth while the others spent a day ministering in St Mawes helping a new church reach out into their community.

Throughout the week we felt the Lord’s enabling in many different situations in answer to His people praying and we were amazed at the range of people spoken to from millionaires to single parent families all in need of God’s saving grace shown on the Cross. So the team wanted me to thank all in F&PCT for the encouragements and help shown, all in all a wonderful uplifting time. '



 

The team at Liskeard has reported that they have seen 8 responses on the door visits so far and also good take up of interest in the Alpha course that is planned for after the mission.  They have an X-Factor style event this evening in the Town Hall which they are excited about with over 200 tickets sold.  Roger Murphy will be speaking at this event. 

Work in the Community College has gone well with 'Grill a Christian' and assemblies.  It looks as though this will generate a Christian Union and a higher profile for the faith in the school.  John reports that his Hot Potato events have been attended by 25-30 with good questions.

If you wonder why you don't hear anything about John Hibberd its because he is posting separately on the WC2 Face book page. So do look there as well.   Roger Murphy?  Is he here?  Apparently somewhere but no news !!!!!  Which means he is busy and getting on with it.

Nothing from the teams to report just yet.  We know from the local team here where we are based in Canworthy Water that they have been getting a little wet when they go out and about.  So we hope for at least some drier conditions for them.  However responses from those that  they meet have been positive and we look forward to hearing more later.

Overall we continue to get the impression that organised events are not attended well or just by regular church people rather than non church people which has been disappointing.  However we trust that other contacts are more fruitful.  Many of course we don't get to hear about.

The HQ team are taking a time out day today.  Daniel is resting up; he still has a cold and feeling a little under the weather.  Please particularly pray for Saturday and a major music and outreach event in Truro.  There are stalls and music and other things happening through the day on the Lemon Quay Plaza and then a concert in the Cathedral in the evening featuring Graham Kendrick.  This is being coordinated by 'Cornwall Worship' with Roger Murthy on the streets for TFM and WC2 along with some team members.

 

Report from Bodmin (week 2)

It was an absolute privilege being asked to lead a team for TFM WC2. It has opened my eyes to a different way of serving the Kingdom.  Harder than I imagined, but infinitely more satisfying. Building relationships with the team, hosts and the local ministers was a joy, hopefully to be repeated.

Due to a packed program and occasional heavy rain, our door to door work suffered, but we did carry out surveys wherever we could. The local church fully understood this and supported our decision to work elsewhere other than the doors, although there were sufficient numbers to give good feedback.  The week began and ended on a high note, with Daniels NOC on the Saturday, and ended with John H's talk on Angels and his Hot Pizza open air question time.

The weather on Saturday changed dramatically, so that the Fun Day and Hog roast at the football club, and the Folly, was a real highlight to finish the week on.

My one particular memory, (out of many) was that of meeting a young Christian living in constant pain with MS, explaining that if Jesus were to offer her a pain free life without MS, in exchange for Christ leaving her life, her easy decision would be to live in pain, and worship Jesus, and use her pain filled life as a witness to others, and she really meant that!

The team were amazing, never complaining, despite being wet and tired a lot of the time, and always on the go, with very little personal time, always willing to serve when asked, always out of their own particular comfort zone, as the program changed and shifted at the last minute.

Report from Falmouth (week 1)

We had a really good week of mission, concentrating on door-to-door work.
The rough results are: 1600 doors knocked; 800 doors answered; 400 surveys completed.

We saw two people respond on the doors – one student and one housebound old lady. We passed on the information to the Priest Father John.

On a general level, the team worked together well. It was very unusual for some of us to be working with a Roman Catholic church and we all learned a lot. There was much enthusiasm from the church and 13 members of the congregation joined in the mission at various times. We complimented them on their support and feel that the mission will continue.

The Priest, Father John Bielowski, was very much the leader. He is keen on mission and seeks to be a fisher of men.


 

Report from Landrack;

In a Primary School all day, including an assembly & involvement in a number of classes. Afternoon RE class with Year 6 with questions about our faith and why we believe what we do. Seized opportunity during these to explain origin of Jesus, his work on Earth & his promised return. Well received by both pupils and staff. Fed lunch in canteen.

Report from Bude:

Sat 5th. The team gathered as arranged at Launceston on Saturday for the commissioning service after which travelled to Morrisons by car and walked to URC Church for tea f/b team meeting.  Dispersed to Mass and/or homes for evening meals.
 
Sun 6th  Four people asked Peter for booklets after service at St. Michael's, and 12 booklets were taken after the evening service at Launcell's Church. At The Tree Inn in the evening one couple particularly appreciated Vinny's singing and asked him for a tape, and Phil had a long conversation with a psychic medium who was open and accepted a booklet. Visit to Trelana Rest Home on Monday unfortunately cancelled because residents all unwell with flu.
 
Weather great and an encouraging start.

A story from last week;

"A lady gave her life to Jesus on Sunday 22nd September. She sent me a text today and said, 'I know Jesus is with me all the time, always seem to be able to picture him when I pray'"

 

Teams and locals gathered at Holy Trinity in the centre of St Austell Sunday afternoon to give thanks for all God has done this last week. 

A long line of locals came forward to testify how the week had gone;  Yes some struggles but many, many blessings.  One lady was brought to tears as she recounted that her brother and sister in law had received Christ into their life's.

Then team members similarly gave testimony of many wonderful encounters, some where a person came to faith, but also significant steps forward for others who will be followed up during the coming days.

Daniel addressed us thanking everyone for all they contributed; for the giving of themselves in new, challenging and fresh ways.

Music was led by the Holy Trinity worship group which included an amazing fiddle player.  For me, the haunting Celtic sound was wonderful!


Earlier in the day, Daniel spoke at a church in Liskeard where he was greeted on arrival by the pastor and his wife who, stated that they had both come to faith during WC1.  This is just one of many stories we have heard this last couple of weeks of people who were challenged 20 years ago.  Most we knew nothing about and we pray that there will be many other such tales should we come back in another 20 years.  Such is mission that actually we do not know where seeds have been sown or when they will be reaped.  It is exciting and rewarding when we reap the results of the hard work over a long period of time by locals.  However we need to remember that only God will know the full story.

As we go from this area there will be a collective sigh of relieve.  Many are tired, but in a good way.  As one person said to me afterwards 'thank you so much for letting me being involved'.  We pray for them to continue in the good work, reaching out and sharing together.

 

REPORT FOR FALMOUTH

We had a delightful week. It was fruitful, and enjoyable – one of my best mission experiences with TFM.

We were a small team (6 in total) but an excellent one. Everybody had a great servant attitude, and the team spirit was great form the outset. Our times together were characterised by a lot of laughter – not least when we (because of a breakdown in communication) were required to eat two full meals of lasagne and a pudding in the space of an hour!!

We were hosted superbly by the New Life Centre, in particular the pastor and his wife (David and Jean Gray) and adult daughter (Sarah). A lot of work had gone into preparing the programme by Phil Misslebrook (Baptist) and three of the team had a bed, and some breakfasts, at the home of the Winslade’s, from one of the Anglican churches.

Much of the time was spent in door-to-door. This proved very fruitful, with around 15 people expressing commitment, with a welcome of a follow up, and others expressing a commitment but declining follow up.

Specific events were in fact something of a disappointment, in that some were cancelled, through lack of support, and some were really church events (a home group, open evening in a church cafe etc.). The men’s breakfast and ladies’ “Be beautiful” on the final Saturday somewhat broke this mould.

Schools work amounted to 4 assemblies and a CU – which I felt were valuable encouragements to the developing chaplaincy programme in Falmouth Secondary School.

A personal highlight was preaching at All Saints Anglican on the final Sunday – an Anglo-Catholic church with a congregation of 30ish.  Wasn’t really sure how the message had been received. However, over coffee at the end people were queuing up for KGP. Lynda (from the team) and I had 12 between us. We ran out, and had to arrange for extra supplies. One lovely 84 year old gent said “I am tired of all the words – I want something more simple, more personal” He prayed the commitment prayer twice, just to make sure!!

 

Week 3 teams arrived today in Launceston (pronounced Larn-son).  It was great to see them all and local church leaders gathering together.  The Commissioning service was led by David Culhane and the address given by Peter Adams.  All the rest of the TFM evangelists were elsewhere although Roger managed to catch us just at the end of the service and encourage everyone with how things were going in other centres that he has been involved with.

Peter reminisced that he had been based in Launceston in the very hall we were meeting in today 20 years ago on WC1!

A story from 20 years ago - a team member was involved in helping wash cars one day and spoke through the drivers window with a man who was very low in spirit. He offered to pray with the man and did so.

Jump forward 20 years to last week;  the same team member was doing door to door work in a village near Perranporth.  A man comes to the door and says 'I know you!  You prayed for me 20 years ago.' The man had been helped tremendously and had become a Christian and involved in his Church.  How good is God.  Both were encouraged to meet up with each other.

Another story from last week.  Three ladies were at an event and attempts made to involve them in conversation seemed unsuccessful.  hHwever we learnt today that they all came to a Night of Colour in the week and have become Christians.  Praise God.

The commissioning itself was performed by the Revs Audrey Elkington and Doreen Sparey-Delacassa.
 

Please pray today for those travelling down for week 3 which starts in Launceston tomorrow morning.

Daniel led a Morning of Colour in Fowey today at the beautiful Fowey Hall Hotel; the inspiration for Toad Hall apparently.  That aside we were warmly welcomed and a receptive audience responded to the gospel message.  I managed to negotiate the coast to coast drive without getting lost!  I did a 20 mile detour last night getting to St Austell.

At a lunch 'Any questions' in St Columb Major, John Hibberd was joined by Bishop Chris (in mufti) and after a slow start the questions flowed and people left with a good sense of answers given and still wanting more.

Unfortunately a breakfast meeting planned for Truro Cathedral Saturday morning has been cancelled.  Also sadly we have to move HQ today/tomorrow.  I'm sure our new one for week 3 will be wonderful but the view of the Newquay bay and Fistral beach from the panorama window has been a real blessing of calm this week.

Report from Bodmin;

'This has been a tough week, plenty of opposition in certain areas. But incredible blessings elsewhere. The door work has been very hard, especially as the weather has been so changeable. The schools have been so receptive to our presence in the main.

The residential and care homes have been a joy, as have the opportunities of working with young people with learning difficulties. The local people have been wonderfully supportive, although its the same faithful few. But the gem of Bodmin has been the 'drop in café' given to us at the last moment; an empty wine bar completely transformed by the few, into an oasis for God. More have come to faith there than elsewhere.

The team are incredible, never have they refused a task given to them, despite the fact that everyone is well outside their comfort zones. Some are getting tired, all have been soaked to the skin, but still they smile and work hard.

Three days to go and lots to do, my first role as leader has taught me so much and humbled me, and bought me to my knees in prayer for the great opportunity of serving God in a different way.'



 

The day started with torrential rain making moving around very difficult with some local flooding.  Never the less we continue and Daniel was at a morning colour event in Par near St Austell.  A small audience but very receptive and we trust that the Holy Spirit worked in the lives of the few people who responded.  The team there were in good health.

John is in Camelford today for an 'Any Questions' event at lunch and a led walk this afternoon;  the later I suspect might get cancelled sadly!

Team reports have come in with general comments of 'all is going well' but nothing specific to report in the main.

One report we did get was of a man called Lee with some physical handicap who  was met on a couple of occasions and led to the Lord.  Do pray for Lee, for this life changing experience, that he may grow and mature in his new found faith.

Vini Jones, a folk musician from Jersey joins the mission today with a first jig in Par.  Pray that many will come and be challenged by his special talent of sharing his faith with his music.

Perranporth team report

Monday
D2D.
Man sweeping garden and saw walkers enquiring.  He recognised one walker who had prayed for him 20 years earlier.  At that time he had been struggling in his walk with God.  He has grown spiritually a great deal since.  The man and the walker were both greatly encouraged and the man was prayed for.

Craft Event
Walker shared with a lady his experience of the recent suicide of his son.  Lady shared that she had previously considered suicide.  Walker prayed with her for healing and her faith was very much strengthened.

Cream Tea Event
Walker was sharing about the mission and was suddenly joined by a male holidaymaker.  Walker discerned that man was earnestly seeking God.  Walker took man aside and led man through KGP.  Man eagerly said the believer's prayer.  He went off to tell his wife after experiencing true peace.

A personal reflection from the Falmouth team last week;

We had a great time; quite a number were brought to the Lord during the week.  For example, Saturday 21st met guy on Falmouth pier fishing (my forte) he was having difficulty casting - showed him how and chatted - disclosed several difficulties - asked him to New Life - Monday he came then back Tuesday when he gave his life to the Lord.

On the doors Monday called at house - phone ringing - young mother came to door - within a few minutes she gave her life the Lord phone call ceased Mother came who was a Christian!!  Another day called at a house and two young women answered - one at a time they too gave their lives to the Lord - almost as if they were waiting for us - so it went on during the week.

What a wonderful gracious Lord.

Wadebridge
At a healing service last night about 20 people came forward for prayer including a couple who both made a commitment and another man who was clearly seeking and close to a decision. The local church are following them up and an Alpha course starts in about 10 days.

The church leader spoke that he had had a clear message that there would be 50 new converts as a direct result of the mission.

Report from Par
'We are having a blessed time here in Par with 6 new commitments and church members are being very encouraged, blessed and stirred as they bless us.  Rain kept us in yesterday somewhat but God was working in the things we did inside.'

Camborne report from a Church Leader
'God visited Camborne, Cornwall in a mighty way from 21st through to 30th September 2013. People were saved, others heard the Gospel on their doorsteps, in the streets, or in pubs. A hotel was hired for a whole day at which over 230 people were reached. Pupils in schools also heard the good news. A big 'Thank you' to the TFM team who gallantly worked with us and spurred us on. To God be the glory. Only eternity will reveal the results.'

(Camborne and Redruth worked amazingly well together to particularly support a small fellowship that is growing and just this last weekend appointed a new senior pastor who's first job will be to follow up nearly 40 contacts from the mission).

Camelford

'Here's a story about a lady, who came to faith at our healing service in Camelford tonight Tuesday):

The team met her at lunchtime when she came into church asking for food vouchers.  Some of the team took her down to the local Food Bank and in the course of the conversation was invited to the healing service that evening.

Not as many people came to the healing service as anticipated so Roger Murphy asked me (team leader) to stand down 3 pairs of people we were going to be praying.  I messed this up by sending the person who was going to give his testimony to the pub!  As soon as the service started I realised my mistake and ran down the road and mercifully found him.  Then I turned round and noticed the lady waiting outside the venue for the healing event.  I took her in and we sat together.  She was visibly touched by the meeting, the singing seemed to help her, as did Roger's message.  She prayed the prayer of commitment at the end of the service.  I could see that she was being touched by what the Holy Spirit was doing and she asked me to take her outside so we went, followed by another team member.  We prayed with her and then brought her back inside and gave her literature and took her details.  In the prayer meeting prior to the service two of us had pictures that related to her coming to faith.  After giving her life to the Lord she looked so peaceful, so full of joy.  Her personal circumstances are  tough and I know that it took a lot of courage for her to come tonight but the Lord clearly met with her.  She's been invited to a Ladies' evening on Thursday and her partner says he's coming to the Mens' Breakfast on Saturday.  Tomorrow I'm going to be arranging more long-term follow-up with the local churches.  God is so amazing.'

 

 

There is an article on the Truro Diocese website here.

St Austell reports.  The team are working in STACK St Austell community Kitchen helping serve and prepare food.  They received a visit from Bishop Tim which was appreciated.

They have been working on the streets and come into contact with one young male addict particularly.  Please join them in praying into this situation.  He seems genuinely interested in faith.

Newquay reports 2 commitments at the Hot Potato session yesterday lunch time.

On the doors yesterday an elderly man gave his life to the Lord. It transpired that the team member knew his sister very well!  How is that for putting the right person in the right place.  God is good.

Bodmin reports 'Father James McCluskey (1st mission) has 3 tough men recently join his home church that use the "DVD tough talk" but he has been trying so hard to reconnect them with the men in the DVD, without success. Today he met a casual passer by in our drop-in café, who in conversation knew the main man in the DVD and provided the telephone number!

Again in the café I was going through the survey with a young Christian lady with ME and in constant pain  She explained to me that given the chance she would not swap her painful condition in exchange for losing her faith! She felt that her situation assisted her ministry to others in similar situations!

The drop in café has bought several closer to the kingdom.

Schools and colleges giving us fantastic reception, despite enormous opposition from some quartets.

The team are simply amazing, having to respond at the last minute to many changes in the programme, they are working so hard, without query or complaint, pray is holding us close together.

God is smiling on us as a team.
 

Team reports;

Newquay have access into the Costa Coffee bar.  Last night they met up with a young American chap here on holiday and led him to a commitment.  They also spoke with 3 Spanish lads here to work through the summer.  They hope to follow up these 3 during the week.

St Endellion have made a great start in services and schools.  Also a rather fabulous music concert where they were able to share their faith.

Camelford reports;
Team settling in well and getting a good response from the locals.  One item of significance:-

Emma was preaching in Souls Harbour Church yesterday and sharing her testimony of how she went from an atheist scientist to a Christian.  She did an appeal and two teenagers came up to at the end and asked for KGPs for their friends.  Then a lady came up to her in tears because her son had been bullied for standing up for his faith on the school bus last Friday.  Emma prayed for her and for her son and his friend. 

In the evening youth event both teenagers were there and the team were able to help them with some apologetics and give them confidence in their ability to handle these difficult questions.  In addition, two other team members had met the brother of one of these boys when out prayer walking that afternoon.  We've prayed for protection as they travel to school on the bus and a few of us will be at youth group again on Friday to encourage them.  Also the team have been encouraged and challenged through this - we're here doing mission for just one week yet these boys are doing it every day.  It was a real joy to help equip them to share their faith.  Nurturing/discipleship is just as important as leading people to faith and it was good that several of the team were able to experience this.  It encouraged them enormously.