BrianIngraham.com | ASPIRE

Since last Tuesday I have taken on the joy of teaching at our churches first ever retreat. It is looking like it is going to be sold out (great!) Now I am living in the reality of about 10 days notice to write 6 messages. I could use prayer for clarity, insight, Holy Spirit aid, energy, concentration, not burning out…etc.. I really want this retreat to be a powerful God encounter for our church, join with me in praying for the preparations as well as His Holy Spirit to be obviously at work in our lives.

One more thing, if you could pray that I don’t get sick this time… that would be a great.

Thanks for Praying…

I have no idea how I found such a fantastic wife. I have thought about it long and hard and I can only conclude that God sovereignly moved to bring us together, because I would need her throughout the entirety of my life.

I took her away from Seattle, her family and friends, across the world to start a church in a city she had never been to, in a country she had never visited. How did I get so lucky to have a wife who will leave everything to follow God’s leadings with me? A bride who will pursue God’s promptings with me into the completely unknown? Her faith amazes me.

I appreciate Kellie’s constant encouragements, her consistent companionship, and her caring heart. I prize her work ethic as she pours herself into our family, leading bible studies, hosting meetings, our church, often at personal sacrifice. I see her prepare for meetings by making cookies and preparing treats. I see her preparing for leading bible studies and discipling women in Glasgow. I have the highest respect for Kellie as a woman who loves God, who loves me, and who is with me heart and soul.

I am so thankful for her commitment to walk this road with me. When I read about the Godly men in times past I see the co-commitments their wives make. George Muller’s wife accepted the conscious relinquishment of salary. Robert Moffet’s wife accepted years of isolation in a difficult mission field with her husband instead of a huge inheritance from her family. Rees Howells wife was committed to the provision of God when nothing looked possible. I cherish the knowledge that Kellie is part of that special sisterhood.

Father, thank you for bring Kellie and I together. You have shown me your goodness by blessing me with her. Continue to fill us with faith and love. In the name of Jesus…

I found this quote from a man who lived over a hundred years ago. The following was part of a description of the kind of preachers he desired to see Scotland full of. So much of this resonates with what I wish for this land as well.

“…Let him preach with a thrilling heart; let him preach like one amazed at the glory of the message; let him preach in the tone of wonder and gratitude in which it becomes sinners to realize the great work of redemption, –not only will the congregation listen with interest: they will listen with profound impression… We greatly need preachers for the people. A preacher to the people needs to be very clear in his views, homely in his style, full of illustration, direct and courageous in his application, rich in brotherly sympathy, and very warm and vigorous in his delivery. Alas! They are not common.”

W. G. Blaikie (1820-1899) said this about the kind of preachers he wished to see cover Scotland. Over a hundred years latter, I concur. If only Scotland were blessed by such preachers in our day… people who love God, love his word, and preach like that. What amazing days we might see.

If you haven’t been to the Re:Hope website reciently (www.rehope.co.uk) we have just added a section entitled “Re:Hope Bricks.”  We are in the process of recording an introduction to some of the people in our church mainly so that we can further get to know oneanother.  Beth was recorded a few weeks ago and I noticed Dan’s audio is now posted.

Someone told me they were thinking of calling them Re:Hope bricks to highlight that even though we have no building of our own yet, we continue to be part of God’s building in our city.  Each person is a brick, a living stone, a piece of what God is puting together here.  Even though I know Beth and Dan a bit, it was great to hear, ‘in their own words,’ another facet of their thinking these days.  I hope you enjoy getting to know them a bit better as well.  If you are willing to go through this painless process talk to Stephen at church.

A few years ago I was on youth staff at Rolling Hills Community Church. During those years I learned big lessons that have shaped both who I am and how I do ministry today. Rolling Hills had 8 full-time staff in the youth department with very focused area’s of specialization. Mark Began (the boss, a.k.a. ‘The big shooter-downer’:-) had quite a challenge bring unity to his staff. I remember it was a season of particular tension, we didn’t seem to be getting along well, and he took us all to play Frisbee golf at a local park. We spent the afternoon chucking Frisbee’s and just playing. It was fun.

The next staff meeting, people walked in with smiles seeing each other, I even think there was some hugs and some, “it’s great to see you’s.” It was a learning moment in my life that made it into my first written draft of my philosophy of ministry.

“Never underestimate the power of play.”

That day I saw tensions on church staff dissolve. I saw people giving a bit more grace to one another. I saw increased love. That day I learned that love and grace are cultivated in play. This is the driving reason for game nights at church. This is the driving reason for video game nights with church people. And deep down, I am thinking the genuine unity and love for one another that is continuing to grow at Re:Hope could be the natural symptom of things many might consider to be a waste of time.

Last night, our video game night at Microplay Gaming Centre was electric. There was a great group of people from church and so many people who have never gone to church in their lives having a great time. It sounds so stupid, so pointless. Yet, it was blazingly obvious that camaraderie was being build, friendships were growing and the unifying power of fun was at work.

BTW- “I killed Dan.”

Beth is one of the fantastic Northern Irish students at the University of Glasgow who loves our church. We have started recording stories from people in our church where you can hear from them about how God got a hold of their life or how they ended up at Re:Hope. We are posting these stories on the Re:Hope web page (www.rehope.co.uk) I enjoyed getting to know Beth a little better by listing to her story and suggest giving it a listen. If you are interested in sharing your story let Stephen know or leave a comment.