Monday 30 April 2012

God's grace



As part of my teaching course I was required to go on a visit to a Sikh Gurdwara in Southgate, London as when you teach R.E you have to teach about different religions which may include a visit to a religious place of worship. Before the visit I was a little unsettled because of what spirits may try to attach themselves to me in the Gurdwara but then I remembered the bible verse 'You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.' 1 John 4:4

I would be going into this Sikh Gurdwara as a light for Jesus. 

What struck me as I sat there on the floor with a pink scarf covering my head and no shoes listening to the Sikh tour guides was how beautiful the decoration of this place of worship was but it felt pointless because it wasn't for glorifying the one true God, the God who humbled himself to come down to earth to sacrifice Himself for our sins in order to bring us back to relationship with Him and claim back our authority He had given us in the beginning that we disgustingly handed over to the enemy. They spoke about how love was in all that they do but it felt empty. 

I respected that they said that they are very much for equality and do not judge others. They said any member of any religion may come to their Gurdwara to worship their different gods. Also, that they were very hospitable. These characteristics should be of the church too as a result of living out God's will of love which I think sometimes people don't always see the first point about equality when they think of the church. Very sad!

In his book, John Ortberg describes that there are many religions that share the same principles of serving and helping but what makes Christianity stand out is God's grace. 

Wednesday 25 April 2012

Curiosity


As me and my sister were going to our house group 'Radiant' yesterday, I sat at the bus stop to find this was written on the bus stop glass:

 'Give me land, lots of land
  And the starry skies above.
  Don't fence me in'


It's not the normal scribble graffiti that is displayed around London, it has depth and meaning behind it.
I couldn't help but take a photo of it as so many questions rolled around in my mind..
Who was this person?
Why did they feel the need to write this in a public place yet leave it anonymous?
What was 'fencing them in' and making them feel trapped?
What is the land and starry skies representative to them?
Did they write this or is it a quote from somewhere that they identified with?

All I can think of is the line from a Vicky Beeching song: 'where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom'.
I probably won't get those questions answered but I hope this person finds the freedom they want.



Saturday 14 April 2012

Thames Youth Walk For Charity

On Tuesday 10th April, Restore Youth and their leaders set off with big bags on a sponsored Thames walk to raise money for charities such as Water Aid, Great Ormond Street Hospital, Latin Link and my charity was Athentikos. 


Reading the map to find out which way we should go from Putney Bridge.



After a few miles...




Stopping to pray near Battersea Power Station and allowing God to speak through it.


                               
Ringing the bell for freedom in the year of Jubilee outside the Archbishop of Canterbury's gaff.



There was a series of tasks set for each 'family', telling a joke to a stranger was one of them!
Awkwardly, the man didn't speak and understand English very well.


Famous London Eye!




Praying for our government!

'I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.' 1 Timothy 2:1-4








Taking a break!



                                                     Restore Youth in Greenwich


Praying for God to rain down His spirit on London.







                  'Team Reem' (Oh dear! :P) performing their brilliant rap that was one of the tasks.




                                        My family for the walk :)


                                               
                                             Nice views!


18 miles, 6 large blisters, lots of laughs, bringing heaven on earth, money going to make a difference.
Yeah, I'd do it again.