Good News! 

GOOD NEWS STORIES FOR THIS WEEK 28 February 2021
The Methodist Church, Stoke-on-Trent South Circuit
Collected by: Hil Hands (Local preacher)
Dear friends,
Several years ago, the buzz word in education was ‘resilience’. “Resilience is that quality that allows some people to be knocked down by life and come back stronger than ever. Rather than letting failure overcome them and drain their resolve, they find a way to rise from the ashes.” In a nutshell, resilience can be defined as the ability – and tendency – to “bounce back.” We all know of resilient bible characters. Joseph suffered because of the jealousy felt by his brothers which resulted in him being sold into slavery and then imprisoned. Yet he remained faithful, was blessed by God, and came through his valley time with resilience!
Moses was called to lead a frustrated and discouraged ‘chosen people’ through a wilderness where his strength of faith and prayer life ensured that the necessities were provided by God. His resilience paid off.
We are called to be resilient; to help one another through times of frustration and discouragement as the pandemic and consequent rules mean that we are affected by Lockdown for a little while longer.
Yet God breaks free! His love shines strongly as resilient Christians find new and creative ways to reach out in fellowship through worship, prayer, and service. There are blessed times of worship and Bible study offered by WhyPay and Zoom which we can access from the safety of our homes. There are telephone prayer meetings surrounded by His everlasting, loving arms as people and situations are laid at the foot of the cross. There are many, many resilient members of our church family, across Staffordshire, the UK and beyond who are stepping out in faith and trialling new methods for Discipleship and outreach.
God’s love is bouncing back stronger than ever! Hang on in there and let’s keep the faith!
God bless.
 
If you have good news, please let me know: email - hands.hilary@yahoo.com Please send news to me by Friday 26 March, ready for that weekend.
 
From Richard and Maureen
This came to us via Over URC in Winsford and is advice from Terry Waite:
When we are living through "lockdown", unable to go out and visit family and friends, the temptation is to feel sorry for ourselves. Terry spent 1763 days as a hostage in appalling conditions.  He has said we need to stop complaining and change our mindset. He says remember we are not STUCK at home, we are SAFE at home!
His advice:
• Keep your own dignity - get out of your PJs!
• Form a structure for the day.
• Be grateful for what you have - shelter, home, possessions, the internet
• Read and be creative.
Love and blessings, The Crewe Two
 
From Stuart and Sylvia
Sylvia and I want to thank everyone in the Circuit for your prayers for us over the last couple of months.  As I think you all know, I had Covid/pneumonia but thankfully did not have to go to Intensive Care or be on a ventilator.  They treated it with antibiotics and steroids.  Unfortunately, the steroids sent my blood sugars all over the place so I have now ended up permanently on insulin.  Sylvia was just in for five days, tested positive again and had a cough and then got a chest infection.  But we are both convinced it was the prayers of people like yourselves that have enabled us to be at home.  We are gradually getting stronger.  I went out today for a short drive in the car, the first since coming home.  So thank you all so much, we really do appreciate your support and prayers and also the phone calls we have had.  God bless you all.  Stuart
 
From Norman Prophett (Local Preacher's Secretary)
Rody Riguerre and his family worship at The West End and Rody is currently "on trial" as a Local Preacher. We were so pleased to receive his "good news" this week:
He has been accepted by London School of International Business to prepare a master' s degree in Logistics and Supply Chain Management at level 7. It will take 15 months and he starts Monday, 22 February. This will enable him to get better employment. He had this objective before he moved to England. Of course, Rody faces a double challenge with his studies too for local preaching. Congratulations Rody! We are so pleased for you and I invite you all to pray for Rody and his family at this challenging time. In Rody's words, "I can do everything through Jesus Christ who strengthens me. And with God I will gain the victory."
More good news:
At our last Local Preachers Meeting, we were delighted to be asked to give Coral Robinson from Broadway Church a note to preach. We very happily agreed to this. If there is anyone in the Circuit who feels that they have a "call to preach" I would encourage you to speak to your Minister, take the call seriously and test it out. We are always in need of more Local Preachers.
Dear Lord,
Thank you for the challenges in life that help to build my strength.
Thank you for the times when my lack of resources reminds me of the value of resourcefulness.
Thank you for the moments when I am in desperate need of a miracle, and at the very last moment, from an unexpected source, one arrives.
I pray that you would give me strong ankles for the times when I walk on rocky ground.
I pray that you would give me a strong heart for the times when pain would otherwise break my spirit.
And I pray that, even in the darkest night, I will be looking to the light that’s coming.
Amen