A Cambridge God Adventure* 44) Buzzing church life with a beat

(*please skip if you have not been following this story).   While these twin timetables of building and assistant minister marked out the months through into 1983, general church life bubbled along with both large and small answers to prayer.  Manna House ministered to passers-by and the lonely sometimes leading to remarkable stories. Gift groups continued their work with projects like a World Development Teach-In Day organized by the world development group, and house-to-house visitation by the evangelism group.  Baptismal services were highlights with new friends coming to faith.  Student work thrived.  And wider concerns about the Cambridgeshire Baptist Association of Churches and overseas missions occupied a key place in thoughts and prayers.

One of our musicians Geoff Warren wrote a full musical called 'Footsteps' which led to immense fun as well as lively witness as a large choir practiced (with mixed talent!)  The outcome was a thrilling act of worship.  Also a songbook containing more contemporary music was printed in order to supplement our standard hymn book.  Details of needs, bereavements, special events, personal requests pepper our prayers at this time.   And, always, the twin timetables sounded out an underlying beat!

Reading through the prayer diary I am amazed at the variety and richness of church life through these months.  All the names and all the events. But I also remember my longing for Martyn to join me in full-time ministry as numbers grew and kingdom possibilities expanded.  When he arrived in the summer of 1983 I felt the joy and wonder of belonging within a team which God was going to use greatly.