I didn’t see it coming, but as of Friday I am no longer in a regular job.   In this public place it would not be right to express opinions on why it didn’t work, save to say that when the boss makes up his mind about something – that’s it!    So here we are, thrust into another new season…  but I must say very clearly, that it is the Lord who is our provider.  For the last 8 weeks he has been using a company to do this, now there will be another route.    Your prayer and support appreciated as we discern the next steps to take.

This time next week I will be taking off from Amsterdam on route to Entebbe, Uganda.  I am looking forward to this opportunity that God has clearly given to minister, encourage and develop relationships.  As in the previous post - keep us in your prayers.  I will try to update this blog while I am out there, so over the next 3 weeks there should be quite a bit of activity here (assuming the power and internet remains up for long enough.)

Keep praising our wonderful Saviour.

Some of you have asked whether, given the health of my Dad, I am still going to Uganda.  Well having talked it through with them on my last visit, and been roundly rebuked for even thinking of changing my plans (!) , I am forging ahead with the arrangements to be based in Kampala from 6th – 18th November.  Obviously if circumstances change rapidly I will make alternative arrangements, but as Dad is relatively stable I feel confident to continue as planned.

This year my 2 week trip will include: 

• Preaching at all of Kampala Baptist Church’s (KBC) services on the first weekend.
• Meeting with each of the directors of the new Youthworx Uganda (Local Ltd. co. by guarantee) in order to know them and get the flow of communication developed between them and the UK charity  
• Meeting with as many of the Youthworx volunteers as possible.
• Leaders from Burundi are hoping to come over for a week to join with us, talk, pray and plan for the developments in their region.
• Meeting leaders of  KBC to develop relationships with Opengate.
• Praying and planning for a worship event with the same vision focus & passion as ’Open HeArt’
• Check out ‘Amigo’s’, the new Youthworx Coffee shop…  and work with the guys on the ongoing business plan
• anything else that I can fit in to the 2 minutes left in the schedule!

Your prayers and support are as always appreciated.  Please do not forget Larisa, Christina and Sophia at home – it is never easy when we are apart and your continued connection with them would be most welcome.

Be blessed,  Steve

Just a quick update for those who are using this blog to keep abreast of my Dad’s journey.   Well he arrived back home a few days ago, and Mum coped for a short while before calling the Ipswich Hospice help line.  The duty nurse arrived with the local district nurse and with the phone support of a doctor at the hospice administered a new drug that has been a huge help in reducing pain when trying to eat… today Dad having had some porridge for breakfast actually wanted some of Mum’s toast too . . . and then wanted more a few hours later.  This is a huge difference to guy who hasn’t really eaten properly for a month!  The drug helps to slow the digestive system, allowing time to get more out of the food available and also relaxing the system so that pain is reduced.   Today’s news shows that this now seems to be working.   Of course this does nothing to the cancer(s), but does give him a chance to regain some strength that will allow him to keep fighting….   I’ve decided that Dad has a new nick-name:  Alan “Rocky” Jenkins . . . just won’t stay down and comes back fighting.  

Note to self: Will have to download ‘Eye of the tiger’ !

If you have been following my Facebook / Twitter comments of late you will know that my Dad has been pretty sick…  various forms of cancer are taking hold while also dealing with his older medical challenges.  Some how he seems to hit another hurdle and yet bounces back.  The bible encourages us to honour your father and mother… so I want to do that here.  I am blessed, surprised, amazed at how my Dad’s attitude is so resilient in these very difficult times.  Over the years I have been involved pastorally with quite a number of people facing terminal illness and I have to say that rarely have I seen such optimism and hope, yet still embracing the reality of the situation.  My Mum too has been a the model of care and comfort to him.  Mum & Dad I honour you, for the way you face the hardest moments with the clear indwelling of the Holy Spirit in your lives.