Spiritual Thatch...

In horticulture, thatch is a tightly bound layer of dead grass, including leaves, stems, and roots, that builds up on the soil surface at the base of the living grass of a lawn. Though we never see it, it is the difference between life and death, drought and famine, quietly going about its business protecting the surface from erosion, maintaining water and nutrients, and ultimately giving life. You can farm for a while, years even, by tilling away the thatch to expose the soil as a commodity, but like the dustbowls of the 1920’s you can only exploit the land for a while before it’s absence becomes painfully evident.

On my recent trip to Canada, I discovered ‘SPIRITUAL THATCH’ I had never noticed it before, I guess I never needed it before as we were harvesting spiritual fruit in the Okanagan valley while working with YL in Canada. But time moves on and it is now the collection of relationships past that have gone on to grow spiritually years after the initial seeds of experiences centred on God. My time ‘home’ was amazing with many people wanting to hear about the work this year in Wales, pick up the baton to help with camp, staff needs and the school in Africa financially... And most importantly to pray for the work that continues to grow over here.. And I am so thankful that they are supporting, and praying.... why... because the spiritual landscape of Britain has been scavenged and left for dead.... to the point where there is only a remnant left of UK spiritual thatch holding things together.

In 2012 we will be hosting 4 weeks of Powis camps on the new property. We expect between 400 to 600 youth to attend these camps and we expect a great number to begin their journey of understanding with God. The problem is, where will we plant them at the end of the summer? Where will they find the nutrients they need to learn the word of God, to practice the spiritual disciplines and to engage the adventure that is the foundation of the relationship with Him. I do worry, wonder and pray if the local churches will rise up for these youth, and I covet your prayers that it would happen.

Britain has a great history, in the legacy of the commonwealth, but also in the spiritual development of the gospel around the world.... HOWEVER, 100 years onward it is now reeling from it’s success as it has exported the gospel and the infrastructure that was passionate to carry it on. It will take years to reshape the spiritual underbrush of the UK.; to fill the churches with laughter , purpose, and to see people live the abundant life in Jesus Christ.... Please pray the Lord of the Harvest works ‘deeply’ in the lives of all those who are involved in this mission....

PLEASE NOTE: Following 2 posts are part of the March Update