Back in the early 1980's we promised the Lord that if He allowed us to be successful in buying the corner plot of land adjacent to the Chapel, we would set apart a room in the new building solely for prayer. Our aim is to have every activity of the church under girded by prayer as well as praying for local, national and world issues.

 The Prayer Room in the Bayeux Centre is available for prayer at any time ~ day or night ~ just ask!

There is a diary on the wall in the Prayer Room for groups to make bookings in the month ahead, but otherwise you are free to make use of the room at any time.  At Battle Baptist Church we often hold a PRAYER FESTIVAL which may last anything from 24 hours to 7 days. These are times of prayer and fasting when we may specifically come together to seek God a particular issue.

On Friday night 3rd July between 6 and 11pm we be prayed for our Youth Ministry.

 

On Monday 8th June we held a day of prayer for the work with our younger children and their families. This means a focus on the Caterpillar Pre school (Tuesday to Friday), the Caterpillar Parents Baby & Toddler group (Monday & Thursdays) and our younger Sunday Club groups at 9.00am, Claverham and the 4.00pm services.

Working closely with Pat Nolan, who has the lead responsibility for work in this age group, further details were available to enable prayers to be informed and focussed.

 

Football Club Day of Prayer - A Summary and a Way forward

·        God will bring spiritual success via BBFC as longs as it honours him (based on pictures & words below highlighted in bold italics)

·        Continue to explore the youth team option (based on pictures & words below that are underlined)

·        We need to keep the Church praying about BBFC, especially about filling the people gaps (which need to be advertised until filled)

·        BBFC Committee (including elder) need to meet to:

-              plan taking into account the current knowns (which may need the Club to “cut its cloth accordingly”)

-              devise & start implementing an outreach plan (revised induction package, behavioral witness, events etc)

Filling people gaps           

Community Relations person – no response as yet

Evaqngelists (sharing Gospel at training) – Chris Corrin (but he runs the Wednesday evening Bible Study)

Hospitality – Pam ives

Match day helpers – no response as yet

Outreach/Social Secretary – no response as yet

Youth Manager & coach – Paul Ford & Josh Thomas

Note – all text below is recorded verbatum from football cards completed on 24 May

Pictures

“I had a picture this week of a defensive wall just outside the penalty area. I believe that the Lord used it to say:

v     Yes you are defending something good, something special but also some areas where they may be danger

v     A defensive wall needs to be the right size, well positioned, with each player tightly along side each other, so there are no gaps

v     Players need to be in unity when it comes to being alert to danger from all angles, jumping or moving one way or another to stop the ball coming through

v     But a defensive wall is also the first line of attack, ready to break, move quickly, spread out & counter-attack & make the most of an opportunity to score up the other end of the field.

I beleive that the Lord is saying that BBFC is like a defensive wall at present that we need to build to consolidate what’s good about the Club, not concede & to quickly move forwards to take ground for Him.” (Andy G)

“Picture of men on terraces raising hands to show support adoration of their team. God wants to turn our players raising their hands in support & adoration of Him as they come to know Him” (Jo G)

“People leaving the church – but the outside doesn’t notice them. Then, from one of the church windows comes a football. It bounces into the street. Everyone in the outsideworld notces the ball as it bounces & bounces into a field. Thay all stare. A child picks up the ball & walks back into the church. Other children follow him into the church.I believe God wants to bless work amongst children in the future. The world of believers take notice”.

Words of scripture & encouragement

“Lord give us new vision & enthusiasm for our football ministry”

“We need to look at how we can care for those who have already passed through the club (eg newsletter, Christmas card or something else?”

“Let your light (football) so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven (the words of Jesus)”

“Psalm 84: 10 to 12 – Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. 11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. 12 O Lord Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in you. (Brenda P)

 

“I suggest that you appoint a Chaplain. All the big teams have one, & even non-Christians know what a chaplain does. He could be a help to families & could be an evangelist. A family man would be best (eg Gary Walsh). (Brenda P)

“Produce a fixture list so we can pray for games – star those games where you know that the opposition’s behaviour is always difficult”

“Produce a rota for sharing the Gospel at training using ex ministers John Crew & David Gardner as well as Dom Fowler, Francis Willoughby & Andy Garlick”.

“I believe we may well need to keep the vision of a renewed & rebuilt BBFC before the church for several months in order to see the vision become a reality. Nehemiah surveyed then prayed – now we need to pray on & pray to win” (Dennis)

“Isaiah 41:10 - 10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Andy G)

“I believe that the Managers/Coach of a junior team is already here – one of your footballers, Paul Ford. I also believe that the Christians already in the football club make the best evangelists – they already have a good opportunity to share their faith”. (Francis W)

“I think that God wants to remind you that your “fans” are more numerous than you may think in that the whole of Heaven is witness to the team that commits itself to the name & honour of Jesus. And that the all powerful Holy Spirit will be present with you as long as you are careful to come to the pitch as RIGHTEOUS, specifically prepared & holy through repentence & surrender to the LORD who loves you”.