Lent @ CLC Cambridge

Influential Lives: William Wilberforce

2010-04-04T00:00:00Z

Gallery of Influential Lives #9 – William Wilberforce

William Wilberforce campaigned for the abolition of the British slave trade, for decades. He was an MP, a Christian writer and a social reformer, but he had to wait to the very end of his life to see the abolition of slavery become law.

Wilberforce was a deeply religious English member of parliament and social reformer who was very influential in the abolition of the slave trade and eventually slavery itself in the British empire.

William Wilberforce was born on 24 August 1759 in Hull, the son of a wealthy merchant. He studied at Cambridge University where he began a lasting friendship with the future prime minister, William Pitt the Younger.

In 1780, Wilberforce became member of parliament for Hull, later representing Yorkshire. His dissolute lifestyle changed completely when he became an evangelical Christian, and in 1784 joined a leading group known as the Clapham Sect. His Christian faith prompted him to become interested in social reform, particularly the improvement of factory conditions in Britain.

The abolitionist Thomas Clarkson had an enormous influence on Wilberforce. He and others were campaigning for an end to the trade in which British ships were carrying black slaves from Africa, in terrible conditions, to the West Indies as goods to be bought and sold. Wilberforce was persuaded to lobby for the abolition of the slave trade and for 18 years he regularly introduced anti-slavery motions in parliament. The campaign was supported by many members of the Clapham Sect and other abolitionists who raised public awareness of their cause with pamphlets, books, rallies and petitions.

In 1807, the slave trade was finally abolished, but this did not free those who were already slaves. It was not until 1833 that an act was passed giving freedom to all slaves in the British empire.

Wilberforce's other efforts to 'renew society' included the organisation of the Society for the Suppression of Vice in 1802. He worked with the reformer, Hannah More, in the Association for the Better Observance of Sunday. Its goal was to provide all children with regular education in reading, personal hygiene and religion. He was closely involved with the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. He was also instrumental in encouraging Christian missionaries to go to India.

Wilberforce retired from politics in 1825 and died on 29 July 1833, shortly after the act to free slaves in the British empire passed through the House of Commons. He was buried near his friend Pitt in Westminster Abbey.

Day 40 - Judiciary

2010-04-03T00:00:00Z

Government - Judiciary

As a nation we are affected by the decisions made by those in power. Laws are being proposed that have significant implications for us as Christians. The Bible commands us that when we meet together we should first pray for those that have authority over us, that we would be able to live in peace and that we would have freedom in our faith to do the will of God in our community and nation.

A Key Scripture

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isiah 9:6

Government Statistics

646 MP's in the House of Commons
520 are male, 126 are female
Average age of an MP is 51
Youngest MP is 27 (Chloe Smith) and the oldest is 74 (Ian Paisley)
There are only 15 MP's from ethnic minorities
87 UK MEP's
22,736 local councillors
100,000 parish councillors

Source: parliamentary, cambridge.gov.uk, mattwardman.com

Day 39 - Local government

2010-04-02T00:00:00Z

Government - Local government

A Key Scripture

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isiah 9:6

Government Statistics

646 MP's in the House of Commons
520 are male, 126 are female
Average age of an MP is 51
Youngest MP is 27 (Chloe Smith) and the oldest is 74 (Ian Paisley)
There are only 15 MP's from ethnic minorities
87 UK MEP's
22,736 local councillors
100,000 parish councillors

Source: parliamentary, cambridge.gov.uk, mattwardman.com

Day 38 - Members of Parliment

2010-04-01T00:00:00Z

Government - Members of Parliment

A Key Scripture

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isiah 9:6

Government Statistics

646 MP's in the House of Commons
520 are male, 126 are female
Average age of an MP is 51
Youngest MP is 27 (Chloe Smith) and the oldest is 74 (Ian Paisley)
There are only 15 MP's from ethnic minorities
87 UK MEP's
22,736 local councillors
100,000 parish councillors

Source: parliamentary, cambridge.gov.uk, mattwardman.com

Day 37 - 2010 General Election

2010-03-31T00:00:00Z

Government - 2010 General Election

A Key Scripture

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isiah 9:6

Government Statistics

646 MP's in the House of Commons
520 are male, 126 are female
Average age of an MP is 51
Youngest MP is 27 (Chloe Smith) and the oldest is 74 (Ian Paisley)
There are only 15 MP's from ethnic minorities
87 UK MEP's
22,736 local councillors
100,000 parish councillors

Source: parliamentary, cambridge.gov.uk, mattwardman.com

Day 36 - Social enterprises

2010-03-30T00:00:00Z

Economy: Social enterprises and charities working in Cambridge

In India manufacturing company Cholayil demonstrates the potential true purpose and power of business and is a significant model for others to follow.

The company provides work for thousands of employees. It's policy is to be situated in areas that can benefit from economic redevelopment. They pay their workers approximately 3 times the national average wage. They provide education for all the workers children (through the building of local schools) and healthcare, legal advice, counselling and interest free loans for each worker and their immediate family. Housing is provided where available. They provide scholarships for all workers children to go to university and pensions for all retiring workers. Each worker receives 4 weeks paid time off work each year. This is virtually unheard of in the manufacturing sector.

They are highly ecologically sensitive creating all products by hand, sourcing from sustainable outlets and campaign for justice in their local communities.

In an interview with Chief Operating Officer and Director AV Anoop I asked him why they adopted such a policy. He replied “Why else would God give us all of this if it was not to make a difference.”

A Key Scripture

“In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven”

Matt 5:16

UK Economy Statistics

1% of the UK owns 21% of the wealth
50% of the UK only owns 7% of the wealth
13½ million people in the UK were living in households below the low income threshold(60% of the national household income)
Around a third of all disabled adults aged 25 to retirement are living in low-income households
The number of children living in low-income households was 4.0 million in 2007/08
5% of people live in overcrowded conditions
Two-fifths of people from ethnic minorities live in low-income households, twice the rate for White people

Source: statistics.gov.uk, Millionaire Wealth Statistics by Country, poverty.org.uk

Day 35 - Global Poverty Prayer Week

2010-03-29T00:00:00Z

Economy: Global Poverty Prayer Week

In India manufacturing company Cholayil demonstrates the potential true purpose and power of business and is a significant model for others to follow.

They are highly ecologically sensitive creating all products by hand, sourcing from sustainable outlets and campaign for justice in their local communities.

A Key Scripture

“In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven”

Matt 5:16

UK Economy Statistics

1% of the UK owns 21% of the wealth
50% of the UK only owns 7% of the wealth
13½ million people in the UK were living in households below the low income threshold(60% of the national household income)
Around a third of all disabled adults aged 25 to retirement are living in low-income households
The number of children living in low-income households was 4.0 million in 2007/08
5% of people live in overcrowded conditions
Two-fifths of people from ethnic minorities live in low-income households, twice the rate for White people

Source: statistics.gov.uk, Millionaire Wealth Statistics by Country, poverty.org.uk

Influential Lives: George Cadbury

2010-03-28T00:00:00Z

Gallery of influential lives #8 - George Cadbury

Born in Edgbaston 1839 George Cadbury was the son of a tea and coffee dealer John Cadbury. The family were members of the Society of Friends and sent George to the local Quaker School.

George's parents were both in ill health and in 1855 his mother died, this took its toll on his fathers health, and George at the age of 22 and his elder brother, Richard took over the family business.

Despite running a large company George Cadbury dedicated a lot of time to help those less privileged than himself his local community, teaching classes at the Birmingham Adult School. He felt he would like to give something back to the community in acts of genuine helpfulness.

Cadbury strongly believed that if you look after your employees they will look after your business, so he built his workers houses, he grouped them around cul-de-sac's and gardens to create a community, later he built a hospital, reading rooms and wash houses.

Gaining a reputation as a good employer the Cadbury brothers also introduced half days on a Saturday and Bank Holiday closing. Additionally a wide variety of sporting and recreational facilities, a works canteen and medical and dental treatment, a far cry from the sweat shop workhouse conditions.

George Cadbury believed that if each man has his own home, a garden to cultivate and peaceful surroundings then there was a better opportunity for a long healthy happy life for him and his family, and in providing his workforce with these benefits he believed this would boost the moral of workforce to the benefit of both the company and the individual.

George Cadbury invested all his money in businesses in which about these businesses he is quoted as saying "Nearly all my money is invested in businesses in which I believe I can truly say the first thought is of the welfare of the work people employed".

George Cadbury was a highly respected successful businessman that had a lot of influence in the local area, he was a strong supporter of William Gladstone and represented the Liberal Party on both Birmingham Town Council and Worcester County Council.

In 1901 he purchased the Daily News and used it to campaign for old age pensions and against sweated labour. He paid £60,000 into a pension fund for his own workers to make sure his own employees were looked after in retirement.

Cadbury's home was Northfield Manor and he had a new building constructed in the grounds to hold 700 people, every year in the summer months in this building he provided entertainment and food for deprived children from all areas of Birmingham.

George Cadbury died at his home Northfield Manor on 24th October 1922

Day 34 - Cambridge Science, Business & Innovation Parks

2010-03-27T00:00:00Z

Economy: Cambridge Science, Business and Innovation Parks

In India manufacturing company Cholayil demonstrates the potential true purpose and power of business and is a significant model for others to follow.

They are highly ecologically sensitive creating all products by hand, sourcing from sustainable outlets and campaign for justice in their local communities.

A Key Scripture

“In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven”

Matt 5:16

UK Economy Statistics

1% of the UK owns 21% of the wealth
50% of the UK only owns 7% of the wealth
13½ million people in the UK were living in households below the low income threshold(60% of the national household income)
Around a third of all disabled adults aged 25 to retirement are living in low-income households
The number of children living in low-income households was 4.0 million in 2007/08
5% of people live in overcrowded conditions
Two-fifths of people from ethnic minorities live in low-income households, twice the rate for White people

Source: statistics.gov.uk, Millionaire Wealth Statistics by Country, poverty.org.uk

Day 33 - Ethically produced goods

2010-03-26T00:00:00Z

Economy: Ethically produced goods

In India manufacturing company Cholayil demonstrates the potential true purpose and power of business and is a significant model for others to follow.

They are highly ecologically sensitive creating all products by hand, sourcing from sustainable outlets and campaign for justice in their local communities.

A Key Scripture

“In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven”

Matt 5:16

UK Economy Statistics

1% of the UK owns 21% of the wealth
50% of the UK only owns 7% of the wealth
13½ million people in the UK were living in households below the low income threshold(60% of the national household income)
Around a third of all disabled adults aged 25 to retirement are living in low-income households
The number of children living in low-income households was 4.0 million in 2007/08
5% of people live in overcrowded conditions
Two-fifths of people from ethnic minorities live in low-income households, twice the rate for White people

Source: statistics.gov.uk, Millionaire Wealth Statistics by Country, poverty.org.uk

Day 32 - Low income families

2010-03-25T00:00:00Z

Economy: Low income families

In India manufacturing company Cholayil demonstrates the potential true purpose and power of business and is a significant model for others to follow.

They are highly ecologically sensitive creating all products by hand, sourcing from sustainable outlets and campaign for justice in their local communities.

A Key Scripture

“In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven”

Matt 5:16

UK Economy Statistics

1% of the UK owns 21% of the wealth
50% of the UK only owns 7% of the wealth
13½ million people in the UK were living in households below the low income threshold(60% of the national household income)
Around a third of all disabled adults aged 25 to retirement are living in low-income households
The number of children living in low-income households was 4.0 million in 2007/08
5% of people live in overcrowded conditions
Two-fifths of people from ethnic minorities live in low-income households, twice the rate for White people

Source: statistics.gov.uk, Millionaire Wealth Statistics by Country, poverty.org.uk

Day 31 - Socially responsible businesses

2010-03-24T00:00:00Z

Economy: Creation of socially responsible business

In India manufacturing company Cholayil demonstrates the potential true purpose and power of business and is a significant model for others to follow.

They are highly ecologically sensitive creating all products by hand, sourcing from sustainable outlets and campaign for justice in their local communities.

A Key Scripture

“In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven”

Matt 5:16

UK Economy Statistics

1% of the UK owns 21% of the wealth
50% of the UK only owns 7% of the wealth
13½ million people in the UK were living in households below the low income threshold(60% of the national household income)
Around a third of all disabled adults aged 25 to retirement are living in low-income households
The number of children living in low-income households was 4.0 million in 2007/08
5% of people live in overcrowded conditions
Two-fifths of people from ethnic minorities live in low-income households, twice the rate for White people

Source: statistics.gov.uk, Millionaire Wealth Statistics by Country, poverty.org.uk

Day 30 - Prophetic voices

2010-03-23T00:00:00Z

Celebration: Prophetic voices in the sphere of celebration

The Celebration sphere of influence is one that is not strictly essential unlike all the other spheres. Yet it is necessary for life in all its fullness. The fields of art, entertainment and sport allow us to celebrate life. To take time out to recharge and relax in the busyness of life. Throughout the Old Testament God commanded His people to have feasts and celebrations, to take time to remember all that He had done. The arts are a channel for the prophetic.

Today films, videos, songs and electronic games significantly shape the world views of young people. Young people are told that guns are okay and that using violence is an acceptable way to live. Sex is devalued; the purpose of life is to get rich, be famous, live in a huge crib and drive an expensive ride.

Yet throughout history films, books, songs and paintings have inspired the human soul, lifted us out of mediocrity and drawn us closer to each other and God. Which do we need more of?

Key Scripture

“Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving; make music to our God on the harp.”

Psalm 147:7

Arts and Entertainment Statistics

Avatar hits a record breaking $2b in global box office receipts in 7 weeks
Bob Dylan's Like a Rolling Stone #1 most popular song of all time (Rolling Stone Magazine)/li>
David Bowie's Life on Mars #1 most popular song of all time (Daily Telegraph)/li>
Live Aid watched by over 400million people in 60 countries/li>
2008 Olympics watched by over 4billion people/li>
The average person in the UK watches between 20-26 hours of TV a week
The average teenager in the UK spends 31 hours a week on the internet
- 1 hour 40 minutes downloading music
- 2 hours 2 minutes watching YouTube
- 1 hour 1 minute on the Samaritans
- 3 hours 47 minutes on Social networking sites
- 1 hour and 40 minutes watching internet pornography

Source: techradar.com, rollingstonemagazine, thenumbers.com

Day 29 - Hollywood

2010-03-22T00:00:00Z

Celebration: Hollywood

Yet throughout history films, books, songs and paintings have inspired the human soul, lifted us out of mediocrity and drawn us closer to each other and God. Which do we need more of?

Key Scripture

“Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving; make music to our God on the harp.”

Psalm 147:7

Arts and Entertainment Statistics

Avatar hits a record breaking $2b in global box office receipts in 7 weeks
Bob Dylan's Like a Rolling Stone #1 most popular song of all time (Rolling Stone Magazine)/li>
David Bowie's Life on Mars #1 most popular song of all time (Daily Telegraph)/li>
Live Aid watched by over 400million people in 60 countries/li>
2008 Olympics watched by over 4billion people/li>
The average person in the UK watches between 20-26 hours of TV a week
The average teenager in the UK spends 31 hours a week on the internet
- 1 hour 40 minutes downloading music
- 2 hours 2 minutes watching YouTube
- 1 hour 1 minute on the Samaritans
- 3 hours 47 minutes on Social networking sites
- 1 hour and 40 minutes watching internet pornography

Source: techradar.com, rollingstonemagazine, thenumbers.com

Influential Lives: C. S. Lewis

2010-03-21T00:00:00Z

Gallery of Influential Lives #7 – CS Lewis

Clive Staples Lewis was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland. His mother died when he was ten years old and Lewis retreated into the world of books, both reading and writing. He was an excellent scholar. In 1916 Lewis won a scholarship to Oxford University but soon enlisted in the British army as an officer and in 1917 he was sent to the front line in the Somme valley in France.

Five months later Lewis was wounded. It took him six months to recover and returned to duty in England but was soon discharged from the army. Lewis returned to Oxford and over the next four months he earned Firsts in Greek and Latin literature, Philosophy and English. In 1925 Lewis became a Fellow of Magdalen college, Oxford where he was an English language and literature tutor until 1954 when he went to Cambridge University.

Lewis became a Christian in 1931 and much of his subsequent writings were Christian or Christian related.

In 1952 Lewis met Joy Gresham and four years later he married her but she was thought to be terminally ill with cancer at the time and she was also threatened with deportation (she was not a British citizen). Joy did recover but four years later the cancer returned and she died. Lewis wrote an account of his feelings of Joy's death entitled 'A Grief Observed'.

Lewis died in 1963, one week before his sixty fifth birthday. He had been suffering from a variety of illnesses.

His books and writings included:

The Pilgrim's Regress : An Allegorical Apology for Christianity, Reason, and Romanticism
The Eagle and Child
16th Century English Literature for the Oxford History of English Literature series
The Allegory of Love: A Study in Medieval Tradition
The Space Trilogy
Screwtape Letters - a series published in a newspaper and broadcast over BBC radio
The Great Divorce
Miracles: A Preliminary Study
The Seven books in the series Chronicles of Narnia
- The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
- Prince Caspian
- The Voyage of the 'Dawn Trader'
- The Silver Chair
- The Horse and His Boy
- The Magician's Nephew
- The Last Battle
His biography - Surprised by Joy: The Shape of My Early Life
Reflections on the Psalms
Studies in Words
The Four Loves
A Grief Observed
An Experiment in Criticism
They Asked for a Paper: Papers and Addresses

Day 28 - Christian artists

2010-03-20T00:00:00Z

Celebration: Opportunities for christian artists

Yet throughout history films, books, songs and paintings have inspired the human soul, lifted us out of mediocrity and drawn us closer to each other and God. Which do we need more of?

Key Scripture

“Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving; make music to our God on the harp.”

Psalm 147:7

Arts and Entertainment Statistics

Avatar hits a record breaking $2b in global box office receipts in 7 weeks
Bob Dylan's Like a Rolling Stone #1 most popular song of all time (Rolling Stone Magazine)/li>
David Bowie's Life on Mars #1 most popular song of all time (Daily Telegraph)/li>
Live Aid watched by over 400million people in 60 countries/li>
2008 Olympics watched by over 4billion people/li>
The average person in the UK watches between 20-26 hours of TV a week
The average teenager in the UK spends 31 hours a week on the internet
- 1 hour 40 minutes downloading music
- 2 hours 2 minutes watching YouTube
- 1 hour 1 minute on the Samaritans
- 3 hours 47 minutes on Social networking sites
- 1 hour and 40 minutes watching internet pornography

Source: techradar.com, rollingstonemagazine, thenumbers.com

Day 27 - Creativity in church

2010-03-19T00:00:00Z

Celebration: Release of creativity within our church that influences our city

Yet throughout history films, books, songs and paintings have inspired the human soul, lifted us out of mediocrity and drawn us closer to each other and God. Which do we need more of?

Key Scripture

“Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving; make music to our God on the harp.”

Psalm 147:7

Arts and Entertainment Statistics

Avatar hits a record breaking $2b in global box office receipts in 7 weeks
Bob Dylan's Like a Rolling Stone #1 most popular song of all time (Rolling Stone Magazine)/li>
David Bowie's Life on Mars #1 most popular song of all time (Daily Telegraph)/li>
Live Aid watched by over 400million people in 60 countries/li>
2008 Olympics watched by over 4billion people/li>
The average person in the UK watches between 20-26 hours of TV a week
The average teenager in the UK spends 31 hours a week on the internet
- 1 hour 40 minutes downloading music
- 2 hours 2 minutes watching YouTube
- 1 hour 1 minute on the Samaritans
- 3 hours 47 minutes on Social networking sites
- 1 hour and 40 minutes watching internet pornography

Source: techradar.com, rollingstonemagazine, thenumbers.com

Day 26 - Christian films and song

2010-03-18T00:00:00Z

Celebration: Increase in films and song that represent Christian values and themes

Yet throughout history films, books, songs and paintings have inspired the human soul, lifted us out of mediocrity and drawn us closer to each other and God. Which do we need more of?

Key Scripture

“Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving; make music to our God on the harp.”

Psalm 147:7

Arts and Entertainment Statistics

Avatar hits a record breaking $2b in global box office receipts in 7 weeks
Bob Dylan's Like a Rolling Stone #1 most popular song of all time (Rolling Stone Magazine)/li>
David Bowie's Life on Mars #1 most popular song of all time (Daily Telegraph)/li>
Live Aid watched by over 400million people in 60 countries/li>
2008 Olympics watched by over 4billion people/li>
The average person in the UK watches between 20-26 hours of TV a week
The average teenager in the UK spends 31 hours a week on the internet
- 1 hour 40 minutes downloading music
- 2 hours 2 minutes watching YouTube
- 1 hour 1 minute on the Samaritans
- 3 hours 47 minutes on Social networking sites
- 1 hour and 40 minutes watching internet pornography

Source: techradar.com, rollingstonemagazine, thenumbers.com

Day 25 - Sports, Arts and Music

2010-03-17T00:00:00Z

Celebration: Christians in sports, the arts and music

Yet throughout history films, books, songs and paintings have inspired the human soul, lifted us out of mediocrity and drawn us closer to each other and God. Which do we need more of?

Key Scripture

“Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving; make music to our God on the harp.”

Psalm 147:7

Arts and Entertainment Statistics

Avatar hits a record breaking $2b in global box office receipts in 7 weeks
Bob Dylan's Like a Rolling Stone #1 most popular song of all time (Rolling Stone Magazine)/li>
David Bowie's Life on Mars #1 most popular song of all time (Daily Telegraph)/li>
Live Aid watched by over 400million people in 60 countries/li>
2008 Olympics watched by over 4billion people/li>
The average person in the UK watches between 20-26 hours of TV a week
The average teenager in the UK spends 31 hours a week on the internet
- 1 hour 40 minutes downloading music
- 2 hours 2 minutes watching YouTube
- 1 hour 1 minute on the Samaritans
- 3 hours 47 minutes on Social networking sites
- 1 hour and 40 minutes watching internet pornography

Source: techradar.com, rollingstonemagazine, thenumbers.com

Day 24 - Positive News

2010-03-16T00:00:00Z

Media: Greater exposure of positive news

During the Cold War, long before the collapse of the Soviet Union, a group of Russian journalists toured the United States and were astonished to find, after reading the newspapers and watching television, that all the opinions on the vital issues were the same. “In our country”, they said to their host, “to get that result we have a dictatorship. We imprison people. We tear out their fingernails. Here you have none of that. How do you do it? What's the secret?”

“No imprisonment is required.” the Americans answered, “no loss of fingernails is called for. There is another, far more effective way. Our media: radio, television and printed press tell the people what they want them to know.”

Source: Issue 200 of SOCIALIST REVIEW Published September Copyright

A Key Scripture

“Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body ...the tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person.”

James 3: 5-6

Word's also have creative power to bring life, God spoke and there was light. Communication is powerful and can be used for good.

Social Media Statistics

It took radio 38 years to reach 50 million listeners. Terrestrial TV took 13 years to reach 50 million users. The internet took four years to reach 50 million people... In less than nine months, Facebook added 100 million users.

Wikipedia currently has more than 13 million articles in more than 260 different languages. The site attracts over 60 million unique users a month.

You Tube will provide over 75 billion video streams to around 375 million visitors during this year.

Social networks and blogs are the 4th most popular on line activities

10% of all time spent on the internet is on social media sites.

If Facebook were a country, it would be the fourth most populated place in the world.

900,000 blog posts are created within a single 24-hour period.

The top three people on Twitter (Ashton Kutcher, Ellen DeGeneres and Britney Spears) have more combined followers than the entire population of Austria.

Source: http://econsultancy.com/blog/4402-20

Day 23 - Kingdom values and principles

2010-03-15T00:00:00Z

Media: Promotion of kingdom values and principles

Source: Issue 200 of SOCIALIST REVIEW Published September Copyright

A Key Scripture

“Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body ...the tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person.”

James 3: 5-6

Word's also have creative power to bring life, God spoke and there was light. Communication is powerful and can be used for good.

Social Media Statistics

Wikipedia currently has more than 13 million articles in more than 260 different languages. The site attracts over 60 million unique users a month.

You Tube will provide over 75 billion video streams to around 375 million visitors during this year.

Social networks and blogs are the 4th most popular on line activities

10% of all time spent on the internet is on social media sites.

If Facebook were a country, it would be the fourth most populated place in the world.

900,000 blog posts are created within a single 24-hour period.

The top three people on Twitter (Ashton Kutcher, Ellen DeGeneres and Britney Spears) have more combined followers than the entire population of Austria.

Source: http://econsultancy.com/blog/4402-20

Influential Lives: Martin Luther King Jr

2010-03-14T00:00:00Z

Gallery of Influential Lives #6 – Martin Luther King Jr

King was an American clergyman, Nobel Peace Prize winner and one of the principal leaders of the United States civil rights movement.

King was born on 15 January 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia. His father was a Baptist minister, his mother a schoolteacher. Originally named Michael, he was later renamed Martin. He entered Morehouse College in 1944 and then went to Crozer Religious Seminary to undertake postgraduate study, receiving his doctorate in 1955.

Returning to the South to become pastor of a Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama, King first achieved national renown when he helped mobilise the black boycott of the Montgomery bus system in 1955. This was organised after Rosa Parks, a black woman, refused to give up her seat on the bus to a white man - in the segregated south, black people could only sit at the back of the bus.

The 382-day boycott led the bus company to change its regulations, and the supreme court declared such segregation unconstitutional.

In 1957, King was active in the organisation of the Southern Leadership Christian Conference (SCLC), formed to co-ordinate protests against discrimination. He advocated non-violent direct action based on the methods of Gandhi, who led protests against British rule in India culminating in India's independence in 1947.

In 1963, King led mass protests against discriminatory practices in Birmingham, Alabama where the white population were violently resisting desegregation. The city was dubbed 'Bombingham' as attacks against civil rights protesters increased, and King was arrested and jailed for his part in the protests.

After his release, King participated in the enormous civil rights march on Washington in August 1963, and delivered his famous 'I have a dream' speech, predicting a day when the promise of freedom and equality for all would become a reality in America. In 1964, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. In 1965, he led a campaign to register blacks to vote. The same year the US Congress passed the Voting Rights Act outlawing the discriminatory practices that had barred blacks from voting in the south.

As the civil rights movement became increasingly radicalised, King found that his message of peaceful protest was not shared by many in the younger generation. King began to protest against the Vietnam war and poverty levels in the US. He was assassinated on 4 April 1968 during a visit to Memphis, Tennessee.

“I have a dream I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the colour of their skin but by the content of their character. I have a dream today!”

Day 22 - Anti-christian agenda

2010-03-13T00:00:00Z

Media: Anti-christian and other agendas would be exposed

Source: Issue 200 of SOCIALIST REVIEW Published September Copyright

A Key Scripture

“Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body ...the tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person.”

James 3: 5-6

Word's also have creative power to bring life, God spoke and there was light. Communication is powerful and can be used for good.

Social Media Statistics

Wikipedia currently has more than 13 million articles in more than 260 different languages. The site attracts over 60 million unique users a month.

You Tube will provide over 75 billion video streams to around 375 million visitors during this year.

Social networks and blogs are the 4th most popular on line activities

10% of all time spent on the internet is on social media sites.

If Facebook were a country, it would be the fourth most populated place in the world.

900,000 blog posts are created within a single 24-hour period.

The top three people on Twitter (Ashton Kutcher, Ellen DeGeneres and Britney Spears) have more combined followers than the entire population of Austria.

Source: http://econsultancy.com/blog/4402-20

Day 21 - Christians in media

2010-03-12T00:00:00Z

Media: Christians in the media

Source: Issue 200 of SOCIALIST REVIEW Published September Copyright

A Key Scripture

“Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body ...the tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person.”

James 3: 5-6

Word's also have creative power to bring life, God spoke and there was light. Communication is powerful and can be used for good.

Social Media Statistics

Wikipedia currently has more than 13 million articles in more than 260 different languages. The site attracts over 60 million unique users a month.

You Tube will provide over 75 billion video streams to around 375 million visitors during this year.

Social networks and blogs are the 4th most popular on line activities

10% of all time spent on the internet is on social media sites.

If Facebook were a country, it would be the fourth most populated place in the world.

900,000 blog posts are created within a single 24-hour period.

The top three people on Twitter (Ashton Kutcher, Ellen DeGeneres and Britney Spears) have more combined followers than the entire population of Austria.

Source: http://econsultancy.com/blog/4402-20

Day 20 - Truth would be spoken

2010-03-11T00:00:00Z

Media: Truth would be spoken

Source: Issue 200 of SOCIALIST REVIEW Published September Copyright

A Key Scripture

“Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body ...the tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person.”

James 3: 5-6

Word's also have creative power to bring life, God spoke and there was light. Communication is powerful and can be used for good.

Social Media Statistics

Wikipedia currently has more than 13 million articles in more than 260 different languages. The site attracts over 60 million unique users a month.

You Tube will provide over 75 billion video streams to around 375 million visitors during this year.

Social networks and blogs are the 4th most popular on line activities

10% of all time spent on the internet is on social media sites.

If Facebook were a country, it would be the fourth most populated place in the world.

900,000 blog posts are created within a single 24-hour period.

The top three people on Twitter (Ashton Kutcher, Ellen DeGeneres and Britney Spears) have more combined followers than the entire population of Austria.

Source: http://econsultancy.com/blog/4402-20

Day 19 - Reclaiming the airways

2010-03-10T00:00:00Z

Media: Reclaiming the airways

Source: Issue 200 of SOCIALIST REVIEW Published September Copyright

A Key Scripture

“Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body ...the tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person.”

James 3: 5-6

Word's also have creative power to bring life, God spoke and there was light. Communication is powerful and can be used for good.

Social Media Statistics

Wikipedia currently has more than 13 million articles in more than 260 different languages. The site attracts over 60 million unique users a month.

You Tube will provide over 75 billion video streams to around 375 million visitors during this year.

Social networks and blogs are the 4th most popular on line activities

10% of all time spent on the internet is on social media sites.

If Facebook were a country, it would be the fourth most populated place in the world.

900,000 blog posts are created within a single 24-hour period.

The top three people on Twitter (Ashton Kutcher, Ellen DeGeneres and Britney Spears) have more combined followers than the entire population of Austria.

Source: http://econsultancy.com/blog/4402-20

Day 18 - Passion

2010-03-09T00:00:00Z

Education: Re-awakening of student passion that fights for justice and demands change

There is without any doubt a battle raging for the hearts and minds of young people. The front line is in the places of education.

Over the last 40 years the knowledge of God and the practice of Christianity has progressively been removed from schools and colleges to be replaced with an atheistic and humanist curriculum. Young minds are being turned away from God and Biblical values are rejected. Yet the Bible prophesies that in the last days there will be a spiritual awakening among young people (Joel 2).

A Key Scripture

“'Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.”

Proverbs 22:6

Significant moves of God involving university students

Hudson Taylor and the China Inland Mission

CT Studd and World Evangelism Crusade

Robert Wilder and the Student Volunteer Movement

John Wesley and Methodism

YWAM, Campus Crusade, Jesus Movement, 24/7 Prayer

Day 17 - International students

2010-03-08T00:00:00Z

Education: International Students

There is without any doubt a battle raging for the hearts and minds of young people. The front line is in the places of education.

A Key Scripture

“'Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.”

Proverbs 22:6

Significant moves of God involving university students

Hudson Taylor and the China Inland Mission

CT Studd and World Evangelism Crusade

Robert Wilder and the Student Volunteer Movement

John Wesley and Methodism

YWAM, Campus Crusade, Jesus Movement, 24/7 Prayer

Influential Lives: Helen Keller

2010-03-07T00:00:00Z

Gallery of Influential Lives #4 – Helen Keller

Helen Keller was born in Alabama, America on June 27, 1880. When she was 19 months, she suffered from meningitis and became blind and deaf as a result.

Helen Keller became the first blind-deaf person to effectively communicate with a world in which vision and sound are of such importance. Her teacher, Anne Sullivan, played a vital role in this achievement.

Helen graduated from college in 1904 (an achievement in itself!) and dedicated her life to helping people with these disabilities.

Her dedication, courage and determination which was based on her Christian faith, was recognized by many people. Winston Churchill called her "the greatest woman of our age"

Gallery of Influential Lives #5 – Elizabeth Fry

Elizabeth Fry was a Quaker minister who started visiting Newgate women's prison in London. This was an appalling place, overcrowded, filthy and degrading. There were also a lot of children in there as well.

She reformed the prison replacing the chaos with order and hopelessness with self respect. She organized bible studies and made bibles available to those who wanted them.

Elizabeth Fry also changed the treatment of prisoners being transported to Botany Bay and set up organizations to care for them when they were in Australia. She worked tirelessly on behalf of those women who were condemned to death, trying to get their death sentence reprieved and dealing with their distress.

For more than twenty years this work continued, based simply on her response to what God had done for her.

However her life changed again when, in 1820, a homeless child was found frozen to death on her doorstep. She set up nightly shelters for the homeless, opened schools, started hospital reforms and began training nurses.

This was all in addition to caring for her own family of ten children!

Day 16 - Student issues

2010-03-06T00:00:00Z

Education: Student Issues

There is without any doubt a battle raging for the hearts and minds of young people. The front line is in the places of education.

A Key Scripture

“'Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.”

Proverbs 22:6

Significant moves of God involving university students

Hudson Taylor and the China Inland Mission

CT Studd and World Evangelism Crusade

Robert Wilder and the Student Volunteer Movement

John Wesley and Methodism

YWAM, Campus Crusade, Jesus Movement, 24/7 Prayer

Day 15 - Educators

2010-03-05T00:00:00Z

Education: Educators

There is without any doubt a battle raging for the hearts and minds of young people. The front line is in the places of education.

A Key Scripture

“'Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.”

Proverbs 22:6

Significant moves of God involving university students

Hudson Taylor and the China Inland Mission

CT Studd and World Evangelism Crusade

Robert Wilder and the Student Volunteer Movement

John Wesley and Methodism

YWAM, Campus Crusade, Jesus Movement, 24/7 Prayer

Day 14 - Universities

2010-03-04T00:00:00Z

Education: Anglia Ruskin and Cambridge University

There is without any doubt a battle raging for the hearts and minds of young people. The front line is in the places of education.

A Key Scripture

“'Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.”

Proverbs 22:6

Significant moves of God involving university students

Hudson Taylor and the China Inland Mission

CT Studd and World Evangelism Crusade

Robert Wilder and the Student Volunteer Movement

John Wesley and Methodism

YWAM, Campus Crusade, Jesus Movement, 24/7 Prayer

Day 13 - Your local schools

2010-03-03T00:00:00Z

Education: Your local schools

There is without any doubt a battle raging for the hearts and minds of young people. The front line is in the places of education.

A Key Scripture

“'Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.”

Proverbs 22:6

Significant moves of God involving university students

Hudson Taylor and the China Inland Mission

CT Studd and World Evangelism Crusade

Robert Wilder and the Student Volunteer Movement

John Wesley and Methodism

YWAM, Campus Crusade, Jesus Movement, 24/7 Prayer

Day 12 - Leaders

2010-03-02T00:00:00Z

Religion and Church: Leaders - Their protection, families and growth

God has a dream. From the foundation of the world God has longed to live amongst His people, caring for them, providing for them, guiding them and teaching them how to live according to His blueprint for life. So that we might know Him and enjoy Him forever.

Man however has his own dream, to rule and reign without God. To take that which God has given for the benefit of everyone and use it for his own means.

God has a mission – Missio Dei, to see the world that he has created return to his original dream. He invites us to partner with Him to bring His kingdom, justice, love and compassion to every place in society

A Key Scripture

"All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Matthew 28:18-20

UK Church Statistics

1 in 10 people attends church weekly , 1 in 7 attends once a month

UK is among Europe's least observant countries

66% of people have not been to church in the last year except for weddings and funerals

53% of the UK identify themselves as 'Christian' in 2007, 75% in 2001

The 20's and 30's are the least likely to attend church

40 % of the UK say they have no religion and 28.5 million people say they are closed to church

Source: Tearfund 2007 Survey, BBC.co.uk

Day 11 - Workplace Missionaries

2010-03-01T00:00:00Z

Religion and Church: A movement of workplace missionaries

Man however has his own dream, to rule and reign without God. To take that which God has given for the benefit of everyone and use it for his own means.

A Key Scripture

Matthew 28:18-20

UK Church Statistics

1 in 10 people attends church weekly , 1 in 7 attends once a month

UK is among Europe's least observant countries

66% of people have not been to church in the last year except for weddings and funerals

53% of the UK identify themselves as 'Christian' in 2007, 75% in 2001

The 20's and 30's are the least likely to attend church

40 % of the UK say they have no religion and 28.5 million people say they are closed to church

Source: Tearfund 2007 Survey, BBC.co.uk

Influential Lives: Billy Graham

2010-02-28T00:00:00Z

Gallery of Influential Lives – Billy Graham

Billy Graham was born on a dairy farm in North Carolina in America. His family were Christians and attended Church. He learnt a lot about the Bible but did not have a personal relationship with God. In 1934 he responded to a preacher at a revival meeting and was a changed person. He wanted to go to a Bible college and started selling brushes door to door to earn the money for the course.

Soon Billy Graham was preaching on all opportunities. He found that people responded to his preaching and that when the time came for an alter call they came up in great numbers to accept Christ.

Billy Graham went to Wheaton Bible college in 1940 and met he wife to be. He graduated in 1943 and was married the same year. Then an opportunity came his way that changed his life significantly. He was offered the chance to take over a radio program and he was very popular.

People responded to his preaching without even seeing him, he preached life and that is what people want. Very soon Billy Graham was preaching to audiences of thousands of people and he had to choose between being a travelling evangelist or a church pastor. He chose the former.

When the war finished, Billy Graham came to England with Torrey Johnson. The English were shocked by Graham and his message of sin and salvation yet many people accepted the altar calls to go up to the front to accept Christ.

In 1949 Billy Graham had a big tent revival in Los Angeles. In eight weeks he drew 350,000 people including many celebrities who accepted Christ. He was now known throughout America. A series of successful crusades followed.

In 1950 he launched a weekly radio program across the United States. He formed the Billy Graham Evangelic Corporation and began a film company and a television show called the 'Hour of Decision'.

One important thing that Billy Graham did was to always treat black and white people as equal. As he continued with a series of successful crusades in America and all over the world, he was drawn more and more into the racism within America. He spoke out against this racism with the message of the gospel of love and helped various presidents with the tough decisions that needed to be made.

In 1977 Billy Graham had his first crusade in a communist country, within ten days he was preaching to huge crowds. In 1984 Billy Graham had his first crusade in Russia and soon followed this with a crusade in China.

In 1992 Billy Graham, aged 73, was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. His response was to embark on a world-wide campaign to use satellite broadcasting to reach one billion people with the Word of God.

Day 10 - CLC

2010-02-27T00:00:00Z

Religion and Church: CLC - Unity, Mission and Our communities coming to faith

Man however has his own dream, to rule and reign without God. To take that which God has given for the benefit of everyone and use it for his own means.

A Key Scripture

Matthew 28:18-20

UK Church Statistics

1 in 10 people attends church weekly , 1 in 7 attends once a month

UK is among Europe's least observant countries

66% of people have not been to church in the last year except for weddings and funerals

53% of the UK identify themselves as 'Christian' in 2007, 75% in 2001

The 20's and 30's are the least likely to attend church

40 % of the UK say they have no religion and 28.5 million people say they are closed to church

Source: Tearfund 2007 Survey, BBC.co.uk

Day 9 - Strongholds

2010-02-26T00:00:00Z

Religion and Church: Strongholds and barriers that are stopping the church from fulfilling our mission

Man however has his own dream, to rule and reign without God. To take that which God has given for the benefit of everyone and use it for his own means.

A Key Scripture

Matthew 28:18-20

UK Church Statistics

1 in 10 people attends church weekly , 1 in 7 attends once a month

UK is among Europe's least observant countries

66% of people have not been to church in the last year except for weddings and funerals

53% of the UK identify themselves as 'Christian' in 2007, 75% in 2001

The 20's and 30's are the least likely to attend church

40 % of the UK say they have no religion and 28.5 million people say they are closed to church

Source: Tearfund 2007 Survey, BBC.co.uk

Day 8 - Local churches

2010-02-25T00:00:00Z

Religion and Church: Local churches

Man however has his own dream, to rule and reign without God. To take that which God has given for the benefit of everyone and use it for his own means.

A Key Scripture

Matthew 28:18-20

UK Church Statistics

1 in 10 people attends church weekly , 1 in 7 attends once a month

UK is among Europe's least observant countries

66% of people have not been to church in the last year except for weddings and funerals

53% of the UK identify themselves as 'Christian' in 2007, 75% in 2001

The 20's and 30's are the least likely to attend church

40 % of the UK say they have no religion and 28.5 million people say they are closed to church

Source: Tearfund 2007 Survey, BBC.co.uk

Day 7 - Boldness

2010-02-24T00:00:00Z

Religion and Church: Boldness in proclaiming the gospel

Man however has his own dream, to rule and reign without God. To take that which God has given for the benefit of everyone and use it for his own means.

A Key Scripture

Matthew 28:18-20

UK Church Statistics

1 in 10 people attends church weekly , 1 in 7 attends once a month

UK is among Europe's least observant countries

66% of people have not been to church in the last year except for weddings and funerals

53% of the UK identify themselves as 'Christian' in 2007, 75% in 2001

The 20's and 30's are the least likely to attend church

40 % of the UK say they have no religion and 28.5 million people say they are closed to church

Source: Tearfund 2007 Survey, BBC.co.uk

Day 6 - Community families

2010-02-23T00:00:00Z

Family: The families in our local community

The family was the first institution set up by God and it remains the primary building block of society. In a family children develop values, adopt beliefs and see life principles being lived out. It is in the family that they understand who they are, the value they offer and are shaped and prepared to take their place in society.

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it.”

Gen 1:27-28a

What Is A Typical Family?

17.1 million families in the UK

71% of all families are headed up by a married couple

The proportion of co-habiting couple families has increased to 14% from 9% in the last 10 years

1.8 is the average number of children per family

£32,779 is the average income

90% of dads go out to work

68% of mums go out to work

33% of women still do the bulk of household chores

58% of men and 39% of women aged 20-24 in England still lived at home with their parents

Source: BBC.co.uk, ONS, PFMA, Sheffield University

Day 5 - Our families

2010-02-22T00:00:00Z

Family: Our own families

Gen 1:27-28a

What Is A Typical Family?

17.1 million families in the UK

71% of all families are headed up by a married couple

The proportion of co-habiting couple families has increased to 14% from 9% in the last 10 years

1.8 is the average number of children per family

£32,779 is the average income

90% of dads go out to work

68% of mums go out to work

33% of women still do the bulk of household chores

58% of men and 39% of women aged 20-24 in England still lived at home with their parents

Source: BBC.co.uk, ONS, PFMA, Sheffield University

Influential Lives: George Muller

2010-02-21T00:00:00Z

Gallery of Influential Lives – George Muller

George Müller was a most remarkable man. He established the first orphanage in England. He lived a life of such faith in God that he would even sit down for the next meal when there was no food in the house because he knew that God would provide. And God did. Always. The children never went hungry, they always had what was necessary. There were always the right people to look after the orphans. They always had the money to buy the necessary land. There was always enough money to complete the buildings. Müller had faith in God and God honoured that faith.

And how did such a kind and wonderful man start in life? He must have been the product of a close, loving family. He must have been such a kind, loving, caring child to develop such compassion and concern for orphaned children. I don't suppose that I would be asking these questions if George Müller had come from such a background. Instead he was a thief and a liar. He stole from his own family, he was a selfish child who was only interested in himself. In his early teens he was immoral and a drunkard, spending other people's money like water.

At the age of sixteen he was arrested and jailed. His father left him there, prisons were horrible places at that time, for three weeks to teach him a lesson. It did not work, George still spent his time lying and deceiving everybody around himself. But in 1925, three and a half years after he was released from prison, George Müller found himself in a prayer meeting listening to the Bible being taught. A few hours later, when he left the house he was a changed person. Everything that he had liked to do before this meeting no longer drew him. And he could no longer tell lies!

Müller felt the need to be involved in missionary work. He left Halle and went to London to train as a missionary to the Jews. But he was ill and went to Devon to recuperate. There he became the pastor of a small church and later married. In 1832 they moved to Bristol, and Müller transformed a local, failing Brethren church into a thriving church. In 1834 Müller set up the Scriptural Knowledge Institute and by 880 it was responsible for 72 day schools with 7000 students in Bristol as well as in countries overseas.

However, as Müller worked amongst the poor in Bristol he saw the need to help orphans. The mortality rate amongst children was very high and many men and women were dying of overwork, disease and alcoholism. As a result many children left to fend for themselves and there was no state help. If they couldn't find food then they died!

Müller started by buying a house but quickly bought the street. He soon realized that he needed a site on which to build a proper orphanage.

At the age of seventy, George Müller toured the world, preaching and lecturing. He collected the funds necessary to run the orphanage and demonstrated all over the world how Christianity should achieve great things. He gravelled 250,000 miles and preached to 3 million people in forty-two countries. He died in Bristol at the age of 93. Huge crowds turned out in Bristol for the funeral and churches all over the world held special services to honour a son of God.

Day 4 - Children

2010-02-20T00:00:00Z

Family: Parent's giving children time and emotional engagement

Gen 1:27-28a

What Is A Typical Family?

17.1 million families in the UK

71% of all families are headed up by a married couple

The proportion of co-habiting couple families has increased to 14% from 9% in the last 10 years

1.8 is the average number of children per family

£32,779 is the average income

90% of dads go out to work

68% of mums go out to work

33% of women still do the bulk of household chores

58% of men and 39% of women aged 20-24 in England still lived at home with their parents

Source: BBC.co.uk, ONS, PFMA, Sheffield University

Day 3 - Family Issues

2010-02-19T00:00:00Z

Family: Family Issues

Gen 1:27-28a

What Is A Typical Family?

17.1 million families in the UK

71% of all families are headed up by a married couple

The proportion of co-habiting couple families has increased to 14% from 9% in the last 10 years

1.8 is the average number of children per family

£32,779 is the average income

90% of dads go out to work

68% of mums go out to work

33% of women still do the bulk of household chores

58% of men and 39% of women aged 20-24 in England still lived at home with their parents

Source: BBC.co.uk, ONS, PFMA, Sheffield University

Day 2 - Single Parents

2010-02-18T00:00:00Z

Family: Single parents and blended families

Gen 1:27-28a

What Is A Typical Family?

17.1 million families in the UK

71% of all families are headed up by a married couple

The proportion of co-habiting couple families has increased to 14% from 9% in the last 10 years

1.8 is the average number of children per family

£32,779 is the average income

90% of dads go out to work

68% of mums go out to work

33% of women still do the bulk of household chores

58% of men and 39% of women aged 20-24 in England still lived at home with their parents

Source: BBC.co.uk, ONS, PFMA, Sheffield University

Day 1 - Parenting Skills

2010-02-17T00:00:00Z

Family: Parenting Skills

Gen 1:27-28a

What Is A Typical Family?

17.1 million families in the UK

71% of all families are headed up by a married couple

The proportion of co-habiting couple families has increased to 14% from 9% in the last 10 years

1.8 is the average number of children per family

£32,779 is the average income

90% of dads go out to work

68% of mums go out to work

33% of women still do the bulk of household chores

58% of men and 39% of women aged 20-24 in England still lived at home with their parents

Source: BBC.co.uk, ONS, PFMA, Sheffield University

How to pray with Nehemiah

2010-02-16T00:00:00Z

Gallery of Influential Lives – Nehemiah

A Rough Guide to Praying for Our City

The words of Nehemiah son of Hacaliah: In the month of Kislev in the twentieth year, while I was in the citadel of Susa,²Hanani, one of my brothers, came from Judah with some other men, and I questioned them about the Jewish remnant that survived the exile, and also about Jerusalem.

³They said to me, "Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire."

⁴When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.⁵Then I said:

"O LORD, God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and obey his commands,⁶ let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel. I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father's house, have committed against you.⁷ We have acted very wickedly toward you. We have not obeyed the commands, decrees and laws you gave your servant Moses.”

⁸"Remember the instruction you gave your servant Moses, saying, 'If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations,⁹but if you return to me and obey my commands, then even if your exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for my Name.”

¹⁰"They are your servants and your people, whom you redeemed by your great strength and your mighty hand.¹¹O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favour in the presence of this man." I was cup bearer to the king.

12 Top Tips For Engaging in Prayer and Intercession

1. Understanding God's nature

Nehemiah knew that God's nature was to forgive, to bless and to restore. Understanding this gives us confidence to approach God knowing that He longs to turn the impossible into the possible.

2. Understanding God's ways

Nehemiah understood that God works in the affairs of men when His people seek His face and pray. God moves only when people pray.

3. Connecting with your passion

Nehemiah's heart was in Jerusalem and it moved him to tears and to action. The word passion is derived from the Latin verb 'Passio' – to suffer. Passion is the God given desire to make a difference somewhere.

4. A need that only God can meet

Nehemiah understood that only God could turn this situation around. There was nothing that he or anybody else could do, so he turned to God in prayer. God works when His people pray.

5. Repentance

Nehemiah understood that sin blocks access to God and hinders the flow of His Spirit. As he confessed his sins he re-opened the pathway.

6. Fasting

Nehemiah understood that when prayer is combined with fasting it has the capacity to truly move both the heart and the hand of God. When we desire justice more than food God listens!

7. Word of God

Nehemiah understood the difference between the general word of God (Logos – what God has done) and a specific word from God (Rhema – what God will do) for a specific person about a specific situation. He sought God for His specific Rhema word for his people at that time.

8. Crying Out

Nehemiah understood that there is a difference between 'prayer' and 'crying out to God.' He knew that God will allow or arrange circumstances to arise that seem to have no solution – and then do nothing to remove the problem, until we cry out to Him. Isaiah 40:9, Jeremiah 33:3, Numbers 20:16

9. Asking God

Nehemiah asked God for exactly what he wanted and got it – favour with the King! Jesus commands us to ask for it shall be given to us, to seek for we shall find and to knock for the door of opportunity will be opened to us.

10. Waiting on God

Nehemiah waited on God for the work of God. God would open the door, God would create a miracle, God would do what He said He would do. Nehemiah exercised confidence in God's timing and help during difficult times. 'Unless the lord builds the house, its builders labour in vain.' Psalm 127:1

Bonus Tip #11 Personal Involvement (Prayer & Justice – Faith & Works)

Nehemiah got involved. He used his gifts and talents expressed through his works as a vehicle to bring justice to his nation.

Bonus Tip #12 The Most Effective Form of Intercession

Is the one that you do regularly! Nehemiah, David, Daniel, Paul and Jesus all discovered a personal rhythm of prayer that worked for them: mornings, evenings, lunch time, tears, words, actions, songs and poems. The potential is virtually endless.

Welcome to Lent

2010-02-10T00:00:00Z

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

2 Chronicles 7:14

Walking with Christ

That which was from the beginning,

That which we have heard

That which we have seen

That which we have beheld

That which we have touched

Concerning the word (logos, revelation, reason) that was the LIFE (Jesus!)

...and this life was manifested among us"

1 John 1:1.

Lent is simply deepening our association with Jesus. In His life, teaching, death and resurrection.
It holds a sense of getting ready for Easter and entering into what Jesus experienced as he too walked the same earth.

t's amazing to realise Jesus was (and is!) God in 3D.

As we devote this season to prayer and living, my prayer is that we may search and creatively encounter Jesus in renewed and dawning authenticity. Just what could happen when one wakes again to the confidence that the Spirit of Christ is alive and present in and among us now?! Even in us as a church in Cambridge!

Each week we will be absorbing a different text of the Gospel that will walk the journey with Christ to the cross, and the celebration weekend of his resurrection.

That I might know Him, the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings…

Philippians 3:10

This is eternal life: that they might know you, the only true God.

John 17:3