“Then [the Sanhedrin] called [Peter and John] in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of
Jesus. But Peter and John replied, ‘Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! As for us, we
cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard’” (Acts 4:18-20).
These words not only remind us that it is impossible to silence the gospel - we do not require freedom of speech in order
to carry out our God-given mission – they also challenge us to make the most of the opportunities and the liberty of
expression we currently experience. After all, when we consider Christians in other parts of the world persecuted and
imprisoned, or even executed for articulating Christian beliefs, how much more should we be making godly use of the
rights and freedoms we enjoy in this country? So let us prize and exercise our current liberty, but let us also, for the sake
of others, pray that our government makes wise decisions to protect gospel liberty in our nation.
Up to date information, including details of how to get involved, can be found by visiting the the Christian Concern or the
Christian Institute websites.
Jonathan
Mack
NEWS FROM CAMP
Clare
McKinnel
Jonathan writes… | Woolhampton is a summer camp that I have been on twice and
thoroughly enjoyed. I first went on Woolhampton 2 then Woolhampton 4. And this
year I’m booked to go on R4 @ Woolie – a new camp incorporating Romsey 4. I think
these camps are great and I would very much recommend them. Even if you don’t
know others going on the camp, you soon make new friends while joining in with the
various activities.
Some of the top highlights are the massive venue – a boarding school near Reading –
to explore, and day trips e.g. doing water sports or photo challenges in the nearby
town. The food on camp is plentiful and good to eat. The accommodation is very good
– you sleep in dorms of approximately 5-8 people. It is advisable to take ear plugs as
generally at least one person per dorm snores!
Going on camp helps you to develop as a Christian because you have two Bible talks
a day and then discussion time for an hour with your dorm. You then know what sort
of thing to say to others about Christianity at school. Some people have nerves about
these group discussions but the leaders are very appreciative of this and welcome you
very warmly.
Clare writes… | Leading on a summer camp is exhausting, but great fun! I serve
on Sparkford 1, a Venture camp for 14-18 year olds in Yeovil, Somerset. It’s a
week crammed full of activities, bible talks and studies, good food and building
one another up in the gospel. Over the years I have found it to be a valuable
encouragement to me personally, sharing a week of my life with some amazing
young people and watching them growing up to know Jesus for the very first
time.
This year we will be looking at the book of Colossians, and it’s our prayer that
we’ll all be helped to see that Jesus is brilliant, and that he is all we need to start,
continue and finish the Christian life.
If you are considering whether or not you could lead on a summer camp, go for
it! It will be a commitment of your time and energy (especially if you return next
year!) but it’s well worth it as you serve the gospel and witness young people
committing their lives the