Summer 2016

On 30th July we met with Rev Brian Hoare, former President of the Methodist Conference, in Knaresborough.

 Brian and Shirley

Earlier in the year Brian took Rev Paul Wilson, (an advisor to Arise) on a tour of the castle that was destroyed by the Parliamentarians under Cromwell. Paul felt it important to share the work of Arise and Brian, a very gracious man, invited us to meet informally. He was very interested in our journey of healing and reconciliation. I am sure we will be returning at a later date.

 Outside Knaresborough Castle 

 Beautiful view from the castle 

On 16th August we were invited by a prayer group in Ely to join them in prayer walking their city. Cromwell lived in Ely for several years during the Civil War.

 Outside the house in Ely where Cromwell lived 

Like many thousands of church buildings across the land, Cromwell ordered the Cathedral to be closed for 10 years. Fiona Abbot, Chairperson of Churches Together in Ely, read Psalm 24 as we entered the building.

Centuries ago Ely was a place of pilgrimage as Pilgrims came from Europe to Canterbury and stopped at Ely on the way to Walsingham. It became known as a place of prayer and miracles because of the legacy of St Etheldreda who started a religious community here.

Later we discovered something that has amazed and shocked us. We picked up a booklet; “Prisoners of the Fens” by Trevor Bevis, and were shocked to read later; that the “Transfer of one thousand Scots to the Fens was authorized by the Council of State on 1 October 1650. More prisoners were necessary and on October 16th Scottish soldiers retained at Durham and Newcastle received their marching orders to the Fens. These had been captured at the Battle of Dunbar”.

Sky over the Fens

God is making sure not one detail is missed. Bless You Lord for giving us the keys that unlock the past. May You guide and reveal more for Your Glory and Kingdom to reign on earth as it is in Heaven. Amen.

22nd August the team joined Philip Quenby in the city of his birth, Nottingham. It was the anniversary of King Charles I raising his standard which marked the beginning of the first Civil War in 1642.

We prayed and shared communion.

 Philip Quenby and Vanessa

  

Once again declared Psalm 24 over the Castle and the City. “Lift up your heads, you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors that the King of glory may come in. Who is he, this King of glory? The Lord Almighty— he is the King of glory”.

 Shirley and Philip reading psalm 24. 

Praying over the city from Nottingham Castle. 

AMEN and AMEN!

Blessings in Christ

Shirley