PUB IN THE CHURCH
Jean’s husband, Gordon, told me that once a month, they sell wine and beer at the local Vineyard’s evening service. Surprised and curious about this, I decided to see it for myself. Finally, I went to Southend’s evening service, where they served beer and wine.
It turns out the venue receives most of its income from the bar area at the entrance of the hall. Therefore, they agreed with the church that once a month, they would sell beer and wine. I felt compelled to buy a pint to enjoy during the service. I guess I get that from my dad. He did not shy away from pushing boundaries and try new things. For example, he once drove a motorbike down the college corridor as a student.
I enjoyed worshipping that Sunday evening. It was a great chance to invite unchurched friends. I felt at home there. I finally met and spoke to Steve Barber. He suggested we chat when I return to Southend during my travels.
While I was in the London region, I managed to spend time with my friend Derek. We went to Wimbledon, did some sightseeing, and I attended his home group at South West London Vineyard church. It was fantastic to meet more Christian friends from various places.
After that, I took a bus to Yeovil. The ride showcased the breathtaking countryside. Seeing Yeovil spread over a few hills amazed me. I settled into my B&B and went to the pub, which was aptly named The Pope, to enjoy a pie and chips. There were a few places that felt a bit eerie and dark, but aside from that, I didn’t sense much else. Maybe I was too distracted, thinking about where I was heading next.
One morning, after another delicious English breakfast, I settled in my room with my Bible. While reading from the book of Joshua, a few passages stood out to me. The Lord was speaking to all of Moses' people. I reflected on the similarities in how we, as students of the Vineyard School of Ministry at the Ranch, are being sent out. I felt the Lord encouraging me about the Yeovil church plant. It was like His promise to Moses about the land He had prepared for them. However, the Lord warned me to follow only His commands. I must not stray from His word. Then, I will achieve great success.
Here’s an excerpt from Joshua 1:1-9 (ESV):
“After the death of Moses, the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' assistant, ‘Moses my servant is dead. Now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you and all these people, into the land that I am giving to them, to the people of Israel. Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you, just as I promised to Moses.
From the wilderness and this Lebanon as far as the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites to the Great Sea toward the going down of the sun shall be your territory. No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you. Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them.
Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the laws that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or the left, that you may have success wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
After some time in Yeovil and a prayer at Nine Springs Park, I took the bus to Weymouth on the coast. It’s quite a touristy place with a lovely beach. Little did I know that one day, we would be baptising several people there. But soon I was on the bus again, returning to Yeovil for one more night. I was planning to return to London the next day.
