The Gathering 2012

 Last weekend 24 men from UVBC  arrived at Lynt Farm, Swindon the venue for Christian Vision for Men’s  Gathering 2012.    The weekend was a programme of great singing and worship, fun stuff like darts and top 10 lists, giant inflatable’s but more importantly – challenging  and inspiring talks about how to be strong Christian men. It was a very special weekend for all of us and here’s why.

Last year, one of the highlights of the camp was Richard encountering God in a life changing new way. Following the camp Richard had an incredible encounter with the Holy Spirit and it was my great pleasure and privilege to baptise Richard a few months later. This year Richard brought his brother Peter along with him, and it was incredible to see Peter respond to God in a similar way. Peter is a top bloke anyway and it was good to get to know him over the weekend but what a pleasure it was to see Peter respond to God in such a moving way.

One of our group brought a friend with him, it may sound a bit of a cliché but its true to say, he came as friend but left as a brother when he stood up at the end of the Saturday night meeting and made a commitment to Jesus.

Others in our group stood and recommitted their lives to Jesus, asked forgiveness, sought prayer and generally were strengthened in their life and faith.  Amidst the fun, chats, general messing around, mud, hovercrafts, rodeo bulls, bungee runs, pub quiz and giant scaletrix, our weekend was punctuated by some powerful times of prayer.

I hope our wives, families, friends, partners and church recognise a real difference in all of us that were away. 

I hope that we are all a bit more considerate, less selfish and even more romantic! 

The real difference though should be that we have come back on fire & with passion; more alive, more wanting to do stuff for God.

I hope that we’ve come back fighting for God, fighting against the bad stuff that deadens people’s lives.

I hope that we have come back knowing our lives are anchored in Jesus

I hope that people notice a group of men have come back energised and passionate and proud to be Jesus followers, a group of men ready to make a difference with these words ringing in our ears and pounding in our hearts;

‘Your kingdom come around and through and in me
your power and glory, let them shine through me
Your hallowed name, oh may I bear with honour
And may your living kingdom come in me’   (I Then Shall Live by Gaither Vocal Band)

Last year 16 of us from UV went, this year it was 24 The challenge has come to take 40 Men in 2013.

It’s not about liking football or rugby (I like neither!). It’s not about being sporty (see my previous comment) it’s not about being young or old. It’s about taking some time out once a year to stand up proud as men of God who bear his hallowed name with honour and then coming home to make a difference. I hope in 2013 you may be one of the 40.

 If you want to catch a taste of the Gathering 2012 follow this link

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PeKNCziwPUM&feature=player_embedded