Peter Whitfield

What is it I do?

2012-01-19T09:43:00.001Z

Picture above: The Operations Team

Agapé’s vision is to help build spiritual movements everywhere so that everyone knows someone who truly follows Jesus. A true spiritual movement is more than an organisation or a Christian group. It can be messy and unpredictable. But it’s also dynamic and uncontrollable, changing the lives of everyone it touches.

One of the things I want to get better at doing this year is communicating what I do. As part of this I've created a flyer explaining what Agapé is there for and my role as part of the Agapé team.

Click here to have a read of the flyer.

If you find the flyer helpful, and informative, perhaps you'd like to forward this blog to another person, or group, who might be interested. I'm always on the lookout for more people to get involved.

I hope you are having a good week.

(If you have trouble with the link then visit http://www.whitfield-online.co.uk and click the link above the Twitter updates)

Review of 2011 – 3 of 3 – The Final one

2012-01-06T23:00:00.000Z

This is the third and final review of 2011. I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about it so far! This blog post focusses on life stuff. You know, the things that happen along the way.

In 2011 my housemate, Steve, married Davina. It was a fun summer wedding! Consequently for me it means I am now living on my own. At this stage of life it has been a blessing. With all the changes I mentioned in my last blog having my own space to come home too has been quite necessary!

I’ve put a lot into my home the last year. As the mortgage interest rates have continued to be low I’ve put the savings into replacing my worn-out kitchen. It’s nice to open a cupboard door now without it falling off. I’m banking on the interest rates remaining low so I can continue to pay off the loan.

2011 has also seen the return of a car. For over a year since returning from London I’ve managed without personal transport and relied on the train. Whilst in London that was sustainable it wasn’t in Birmingham. I ‘bit the bullet’ and purchase a six year old VW Polo. It has already been a blessing!

I’ve also had two holidays! Yes, two! I had a weekend break in Rome seeing some old friends who now live there. I had a great time, and even the missed flight on the way home didn’t dampen the fun. In the summer I also had a week in Wales. It was brilliant.

Finally I’ve also continued to be involved with my local church community. Once a month I am operating the visuals that appear on the screen – you know, the song words and powerpoint, etc. I also attend a small-group that is committed to being community together and praying for the local area in Stirchley.

This ends my 2011 review. Thank you for walking with me during the year. If you’re reading this then you’ve probably played a part in my life and for that I’m thankful.

Here’s to 2012!

Happy New Year!

2011-12-29T10:00:00.000Z

I interrupt my 2011 review with this extra post.

I just wanted to wish you a very happy 2012.

May God lead you further into His purposes for His glory. Isn't it exciting to look forward to that which the Lord has for us?! There's no better place to be.

And to top it off, here is my January 2012 paper newsletter to download.

Keep in touch!

(Email subscribers - click on 'Read in browser' to view newsletter link)

Review of 2011 – 2 of 3 – The Work

2011-12-22T12:00:00.000Z

It's just a few days to Christmas. I hope all your plans are coming together. I'll be travelling to my parents on Saturday.

Continuing the review of 2011 this blog focusses on our work with Agape.

The key words I feel are suitable to summarise the year would be ‘transition of people’. Our National Director, Andy, stepped down, and Lesley took up the role. Our accountant, Peter, stepped down, and Vivien was appointed. Our Operations Director, Martin, and his wife, Fran, who worked in the admin team, have stepped down and we are currently in the process of finding a replacement. And this continues…. Our IT director, Jon, stepped down and Chris is now in the role. There have been other changes too.

All this has significantly affected me. My role has changed and adapted frequently throughout this time and at times I’ve been very overwhelmed. Today my role oversees the finances, admin and IT teams and I’ve picked up a fair amount of the role of the Operations Director too. Finding a pattern of work that works for me hasn’t been easy.

There have been highlights along the way. I successfully organised the main meetings of the national student conference in February and successfully directed the all-staff conference in August too.

This year I’ve had to learn a huge amount of stuff relating to charity management and finances. I think the bigger challenge was I’ve had to learn more about myself to enable me to do the role that the Lord has called me to.

Most importantly though, we have been able to continue to support our local teams in the student world, the workplace, family and the areas of our communities that don’t have a significant witness for Christ. I don’t know how the Lord does it, but He continues to be at work in us and though us. For this I am grateful.

Review of 2011 – 1 of 3 – The Walk

2011-12-16T12:29:00.000Z

This is the start of my 2011 review. In this blog I reflect specifically on two aspects of my walk with Christ over the last year.

Firstly, I started 2011 thinking about prayer. I was seeking to establish a rhythm to prayer that went beyond the structure of the quiet time. I was initially following a four week pattern which focused my thoughts differently each week. I would put my thinking in week one to my sin in the light of God’s love. Week two I would have my attention on the life of Jesus. Week three I would narrow my thoughts to the week leading up to Jesus death, and finally in week four focus specifically on the resurrection of Christ. I remember for a few months the depth of my gratitude for the actions of Jesus. It was because of Him I can have this relationship with my heavenly Father.

Secondly, lately, as a staff team, we have been looking at 1 John. We’ve taken three months over these five chapters! I remember right from the beginning being amazed at the incarnation of Jesus. Jesus became flesh. He appeared. He was seen and heard. He was touched with the apostles’ hands. Being a follower of Jesus isn’t just about a spiritual experience that is separate from the physical reality in which we live, but walking with Jesus is about the physical reality of everything we do. There is no separation. If we claim to have fellowship with Him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth.

I don’t really know how to summarise the year but I’m glad Jesus is with me and walks with me. Thank YOU also for playing your part in my walk with Jesus through your prayers and encouragement.

In the next blog I’ll review 2011 from a work perspective.

Review of 2011 - Introduction

2011-12-11T11:58:00.001Z

I always find it helpful at the end of the year to look back and remember everything that has happened. I have just done that for 2011 and seen it has been a year that I have been tremendously blessed. So, for the next three blogs I will share about my walk with God, the work at Agape from the perspective of my role, and thirdly the day-to-day life stuff that happens. So, keep an eye out for Pete’s review of 2011.

In other news, on Monday 12^th we (Agape) are looking at another potential building into which we can move. Our current space was always temporary but I don’t think we realised we would be here for so long! Our vision is to have a national ministry and resource centre into which the central admin, finance, IT and HR functions can also be based. We are committing our ways to the Lord and trust that He will direct our steps. Please pray with us.

Thank you for your continued partnership with me.

Christmas Lunch

2011-12-08T18:55:00.001Z

This week we had the office Christmas meal. The Operations team joined the HR team by going to the ‘Mash House’. It was a traditional Christmas lunch, but instead of roast potatoes it was mashed, as the place name suggests!

There seems to be so much going on in the office but when it comes to write about it I don’t feel I’ve much to say! We go on helping all the local teams with a whole variety of issues. I recently helped our ‘Athletes in Action’ director in Belfast with their ‘Giving’ page on the website. A small thing but very useful to them! The Financial Policy (yaun… zzz) has also been fully updated to be compliant with the latest legislation.

Two weeks till Christmas!

PS: Did you know I also have a ‘Giving’ page on the Agape website? http://give.agape.org.uk/whitfield. Why not take a visit?

Homeward run

2011-11-23T11:03:00.001Z

I've just returned home from a trip home. Does that last sentence make sense? I had the weekend in Tonbridge seeing my family. The photo above is Oliver and Hannah, my nephew and niece. Fun times.

Also, whilst at home my friends Malcolm and Lucy had their son, Jacob, baptised. This was such a fun occasion too and a chance to catch up with old friends.

It also feel a bit like the homeward run in the Agapé office too. It's just a few weeks until Christmas. The 2012 budget is all but approved. Dates are set for Christmas salaries. A number of staff have holiday booked. And most importantly the office Christmas meal is scheduled.

Please do pray for us that as we head towards the end of 2011 that we keep focused on what needs to be done and set our hearts on Jesus.

Result of our audit week

2011-11-04T16:47:00.002Z

This is Vivien. Sorry it's not a very flattering picture. This picture marks the end of our internal audit which was conducted by Agapé Europe. Vivien has worked exceptionally hard this week often arriving for breakfast and leaving after an evening meal. However, here is a general comment in our audit report.

"The accounts are consistently up-to-date. You have a small but hard-working accounts team, who are well qualified and experienced and serve willingly. We have seen great progress since our last audit. Your ministry can be a model to many in how well you make use of technology and how you have automated and stream-lined many processes."

What a great result! Please pray for me, Vivien and Mary as we now implement many of the suggestions in the audit report. There is always room for improvement! Pray also for a brief period of rest and stability. There never seems to be a day where something doesn't happen. Thanks!

Audit week

2011-10-29T09:53:00.001Z

This past week the Operations team had a few days away. It was great to have time to hang out together. Despite us all working out from the office it's rare we're all together at the same time! Above is a photo of a Labyrinth which was at the retreat centre. The idea of the labyrinth is you walk around it asking God to speak to you about your life journey. It was really good. As you twist and turn around the 'path' you realise how all situations in life, whether they seem good or bad, it all fits together. At anyone point you might not realise where you are, but if you keep going the bigger picture becomes apparent.

This coming week we have our European audit. As part of a global movement this is standard practice every few years for Agapé Europe to visit us and audit our accounts. It add a fair amount of work to our account team, so please pray for them as they answer many questions.

All else is well!

Operations Retreat

2011-10-19T11:54:00.001Z

For part of next week I shall be here. Shallowford House, Staffordshire. It's our annual Ops team retreat. As a team we're asking the questions, 'What's the time?'. It reminds me a little of the game we played as kids; What's the time Mr. Wolf. However, on this occasion we're looking at Ecclesiastes 3:1-15.

I'm teaching one of the three main sessions. My topic specifically is 'change'. If there's a time for every season under heaven, then how should we move through the seasons of life? Often we worry, get anxious, and generally muddle through. However, maybe there's a better way.

It's a busy season with the team. After the retreat we have a financial audit!

Thanks for your prayers and being with me in this season.

Heartbeat Tallinn 2012

2011-10-13T11:02:00.001Z

Estonia is one of the smallest European countries, with a population of just 1.3 million. Of these, 400,000 live in the capital, Tallinn. Only 1% of the population are Christians, and the percentage is even lower amongst young people. There is very little understanding of what Christian faith is about, largely because they have not received that much information about it. In a survey about faith in 2010 only politics was rated as being of less interest to Estonians than religion.

Agapé in 2012 will bring over 1,500 committed, evangelistic, Spirit-filled Christians to Tallinn to work alongside the Estonian Church. We have the opportunity to make a significant impact, not just on the city of Tallinn, but on a whole nation.

The concept of Heartbeat Tallinn is a week of celebration including practical expressions of caring for the city and its people. By the time it is over Agapé Estonia estimate that a minimum of 100,000 people will have had a positive experience with church, faith, believers and the Word of God. That positive impression will have been given through different means: direct evangelism, concerts, Christ Day, television, sports events, youth camps, day-conferences, day-seminars and more. Christians will be seen as people who organise charitable events, humanitarian aid, and cultural exchanges - as people who want to make a positive difference in society. The expectation is that, following Heartbeat Tallinn, some 2,000 Estonians will participate in courses that introduce Christianity, starting in autumn 2012. These courses will be introduced in a national media campaign in cooperation with all the denominations.

The Estonian Christian community is known for its ecumenical cooperation, with all ten denominations working together in a way that is unprecedented in Europe. Agape Estonia has good working relationships with all the denominations, and has been planning Heartbeat Tallinn in conjunction with the churches of Estonia. What happens next summer provides a great opportunity to demonstrate that Christian unity in a very public manner and to reveal the Kingdom of God to the people of Estonia. The Estonian Church also sees it as an opportunity to export their ecumenical approach to the rest of the world!

The Agape Estonia team is young, mostly local staff, full of energy and desire to see the hearts of people in Estonia turn to God. As a small team they are used to being interdependent and the different ministries within the organisation working together. They have the following ministries: Students, Young Professionals, Crescendo (music), Internet, Josh McDowell (books and materials), as well as an involvement with FamilyLife, Youth/High School, Jesus Film Project and Humanitarian aid. They have 3 student ministry staff working in the main student city, Tartu, but they would love to launch a student ministry in Tallinn as a result of the events and activities next summer.

The year 2012 could be significant for more than just the London Olympics. As an international conference-mission project Heartbeat Tallinn has the potential to change a nation. It is an opportunity to be part of something much bigger than any other project you have ever been on.

For more information on Heartbeat Tallinn go to www.2012.ee

PS: I'm the UK country coordinator and am slowing discovering my role!

PPS: Thank you Tony Brown for crafting these words

Whooooh.

2011-10-10T15:29:00.001Z

Whooooh. It's been a long time since I wrote here.

I hope you all found my newsletter a helpful read. Lots has been going on since then.

I thought I'd give you a little picture into how we work here in the national office. Every Friday morning we have something called a 'Capacity Meeting'. This is formed of the National Director, Head of Communications, HR Director, and Jon and myself representing Finance, IT and Office. During this meeting we discuss a number of things on a whole load of different subjects! This past week we discussed a review of the financial policy, mileage reimbursements rates, credit card charges on donations, the cycle to work scheme, prayer day costs, and the authorisation of journels(Finance). We also had an update on the potential staff in the application process. Every week I have action points and where possible I try and complete these by the following Friday!

There's a lot there, and you may be wondering how is all that helping people know about Jesus. Good question. Sometimes I wonder. But, it's obviously not the complete picture. These things have to be discussed and better done centrally rather than burdening our local movements teams around the country.

2011-09-20T16:51:00.000Z

I've just written a news update and I'll be mailing this around soon. Here it is to download!

FASTING: Day 3

2011-09-14T18:39:00.002Z

Today has been day 3.

Well, I’ve started eating food again. Food is so good. I’m glad we get to eat it to stay alive.

After a dentist appointment this morning I’ve continued studying 1 John. I can’t help but think of John as a frustrated old man. Obviously by the time he was writing the letter he was getting on in years. In the culture they were fascinated by ‘higher knowledge’ and false prophets were splitting from the church. They were teaching that Jesus wasn’t really the Christ and thus separating the spiritual from the material and moral.

John spoke straight into this emphasising the incarnation of Jesus and that he’d been a witness to this. Also the importance of walking in a way worthy of the Lord, not just believing various doctrines has been a key point.

I’m not sure what needs to change as a result of these 3 days. It’s very much a case of holding onto the Truth (Jesus is the Truth) and walking day-by-day in God’s power to live a life worthy of Him and to love those around me in a way that shines Jesus, that others may also know and follow Him.

That’s the life to which I’m called.

FASTING: Day 2

2011-09-13T16:35:00.000Z

Today is day 2.

If you read my blog yesterday you’ll know I’m spending some extended time praying and fasting. Today has been harder. The caffeine withdrawal symptoms have kicked in and I’ve had one constant headache. It has slightly eased this evening which is good! Also, with every drink there is a temptation to have a biscuit, and at every meal time a craving for a chicken kiev. That’s weird. On the whole it has been harder to keep focused.

That all said it’s been a good day.

Sitting in a room knowing the Trinity is there, actually, more than knowing, it’s the reality. He has been with me today. His words are so generous, so thoughtful, so accepting and so affirming to me. He takes great delight in me and I’m happy to respond to live just for His pleasure.

His words to me…

I forgive you

You are mine

My joy

My possession

I delight in you

I take care over you

I am your provider

I will provide

I love you

I’ve also been keeping in 1 John and dwelling on the major themes. A mark of a true follower of Jesus is that we should love. It’s often said I know, but I think we often complicate it.

Tomorrow is another day. Not sure I won’t break the fast tomorrow, but I’ll see how it goes.

FASTING: Day 1

2011-09-12T17:41:00.000Z

This week is the time before another long stretch at the Agape office. I want to make sure it doesn’t get wasted and therefore I’m spending considerable time with God in prayer and fasting.

Today is day 1.

Fasting, I believe, is the most powerful spiritual discipline, and also probably one of the most neglected. I am in good health and there is no reason why I shouldn’t exercise this spiritual muscle.

In learning about fasting I’m a disciple of Jesus, and also of Bill Bright. Bill was used by Christ in a tremendously powerful way in the massive expansion of the global church over the last 60 years. Even though he has now died his influence continues around the world.

I am not following water-only fasting but practising a water and juice fast. With fruit juices and vegetable juices I am still getting energy and nutrients, but still denying my desire for solid food that I can chew.

Today I have been enjoying my time with the Father. I’ve enjoyed the ‘completeness’ I feel in Him. Too often my life becomes compartmentalised; the spiritual life, the physical life, my social life, church expectations, Agape expectations, my employment prior to Agape and my future. There is no separation of these in Christ. I’ve been reminded again of who I am.

I’ve also been reading 1 John. The Operations team will be studying this up until Christmas and I’m getting in the advance study. Right at the beginning it reminds us that Jesus became flesh and that John was a witness of this. The incarnation of God’s Son is incredible.

I’ve not set myself a target in the number of days to complete, rather, I’m just enjoying my time with my heavenly Father and seeing what happens!

Until tomorrow.

7 month project completed

2011-08-29T17:29:00.000Z

A significant part of my last 7 months has been working towards the Agape summer conference. A couple of training days, a public event, three bible courses, a kids programme and 185 guests later it's finished.

Most of it went according to plan and it was exactly as I'd hoped. Obviously the whole staff team pulled together to put on this event. I can't take credit for it all!

I'm in the office for two days this week and then I'll be on holiday for a while. My Mum and Dad are coming to Birmingham for a few days which will be cool.

It'll be interesting heading back after holiday to the office. We no longer have an Operations Director so I need to change my role and approach my position as the team leader for the Finance and Admin team differently. If you could pray for this that'll be great!

England v India

2011-08-14T07:26:00.002Z

At the invitation of Birmingham City Business School I had the opportunity to witness England run circles round India to become the best in the world! I was there on Thursday as England built up their incredible first innings. A great day.

This week the Agape summer conference kicks off. I'll be busy there - First couple of days for me could be 17 hours in length, but hopefully then the pace will ease off. Nottingham University are hosting us again and have been incredibly flexible with our requirements and late registrations! Please pray for us as we, as a staff family, meet with Jesus, study the bible, and get ready for the year ahead.

It is cricket

2011-08-08T06:26:00.000Z

Monday morning. Just looking at my week ahead. I'm in the office just 3 1/2 days this week. Nice to get out now and again!

Whilst in the office I'll be printing out all the bible course material needed for the three courses at our staff conference next week. The conference handbook is also getting printed - something that Allan's been working on. There is a good chance the conference timetable may still change so we're taking things right up to the wire.

Whilst out of the office I'll be attending a Birmingham City Business School Knowledge Transfer Event. It's a networking event with other businesses, and who knows what benefit it will have with Agape. Oh, did I mention it was at Warwickshire County Cricket Club, and there's a certain cricket match on...

After this week it's basically pack up and go to conference. Conference starts Wednesday 17th. We've 185 people coming at different points. How am I feeling about that? Not sure. Perhaps a healthy nervousness would sum it up!

Wedding

2011-08-01T08:53:00.002Z

My Housemate got married on Saturday and it was a really great day! A few tears were shed between the couple during the vows, and as they walked back down the aisle a huge smile adorned their faces! The speeches were fantastic and very appropriate to the occasion.

I’m now living in Birmingham on my own. I’m happy about that right now. Yes, money will be tighter, but there’s also an opportunity. I’ve been thinking through some words which I’d like to associate with my home. They are; Worship, Hospitality, Peace and Rest. The opportunity I have now if for the home to become that.

Two weeks until the conference now so that’s my focus.

Back

2011-07-19T09:30:00.000Z

Time goes so quickly after a holiday and it seems such a long time ago!

However, it's full speed ahead planning the Agape staff conference which happens now in 4 weeks. Registration for the conference ends this Friday so currently we're making sure everyone has registered and let us know their arrival and departure plans. There are loads of details in my mind right now.

At home my housemate gets married in 10 days - 30th July. He'll be busy soon packing up his room and moving out before the big celebration. He also has a lot of details on his mind!

Holiday to Wales

2011-07-10T20:18:00.001Z

A quarter of a year ago Allan, a very good friend of mine, and I decided to book some annual leave and head for a short holiday to North Wales. Well, we've been and come back and it was a great week. Here is a photo of us in Llandudno.

Obviously we climbed Snowdon and thankfully it was a sunny and dry day. Great views from the top!

Student Projects - News update June 2011

2011-06-23T11:39:00.002Z

How are we perceived on campus?

2011-06-16T11:03:00.004Z

I thought I would share this from a student at Imperial College. This is how he sees us.

My experiences of Agapé staffs are that they are enthusiastic evangelists, who are strong Christians, with a good sense of community

I'm encouraged because that's what we'd like to hear!

This student is joining our summer project to St. Petersburg this summer and I'm delighted to play my part in that.