“Am I Bovvered?!”

Last Friday I found I had time to trot round the corner, not very far at all, to help at a foodbank run by a great church that I know well.

Almost every week of the year, whatever the weather –in pouring rain or even snowing, a small group of people from the church arrive in a van, and take up a spot in a carpark nearby, erecting a gazebo to provide some shelter.   The van has been loaded with racks of food prepared for those who queue up to receive a helping hand.

Why would we do that?

Because our hearts have been touched by God’s love and compassion for those who are hungry and in need of some basic provisions.

However, personally, it is more than wanting to meet the needs of those struggling to provide meals for themselves and their families – although that is enough of a reason!

My passion is to share the reason for the hope that is within me  (I Peter3:15) – what is it that prompts me to stand outside on a cold wet day engaging in conversation with a bunch of people who may or may not be in genuine need of free handouts?

Ever since Christmas 1978 when I came to faith in Christ through reading a book (“In search of God” by David Watson) I have been completely blown away by the amazing truth that Jesus Christ is ALIVE TODAY!!

Up to that point I was under the illusion that simply by trying to be a “nice” person, going to church and praying sometimes, and – oh yes – believing in God – meant that I was a Christian.   I had not a clue that anything else was necessary!  I was desperate to know God and to experience His forgiveness for my sin.

The wonderful, extraordinary truth is that because Jesus sacrificed His life on the Cross,  paying the penalty for my sin, I can experience His forgiveness, His love, His help, His power in so many ways every day of my life  – this still astounds me.  The simple profound truth is that Jesus is not dead but very much alive and He changes everything!

This is what I want people to know!

So, on Friday I was happily chatting to people, but all the time listening to God’s prompting as to when and how to share the gospel message or pray for their needs.  I love to get to know people, week by week, learn their names and a little about them so when I saw Joe (not his real name) in the queue with his partner and child, I asked him how he was doing and what news about his back pain.   The news was not good – severe pain, Xray and MRI needed, so obviously I suggested prayer.   I encouraged him that God still heals today, that we can experience His love and His power because Jesus is alive today!

Oh my goodness!   What a response from Joe – he was flabbergasted (can’t think of another word to describe it!)

“Alive?   Jesus alive? I’ve never heard anything like it….

               I can “know” Jesus?”

I told him that after Jesus was crucified on the Cross, buried in the tomb, that He had in fact risen from the dead, been seen by His disciples, and even 500 people at one time!

I gave him a “Why Jesus?” book – he immediately told a family member “Jesus is alive! I’m going to read about it!”

How I wish my written words could let you see Joe’s expression, hear the astonishment in his voice – and that would touch and challenge your heart as it did mine.

Do I care?   “Am I bovvered?”   Do I realise that there is a generation growing up, living around us in our communities, who do not have a clue about Jesus Christ and the love of Father God that they can experience in their lives.

A line from the song ‘I see the King of Glory’:  “break my heart for what breaks Your’s” reverberates in my spirit – am I bovvered?!   Do I care – not just about a hunger for food, but do I care that many people, particularly the younger generation, are simply empty of spiritual truth that could feed their spirit and transform their lives for eternity?

Personally, I am deeply stirred once again, to reach people with God’s love, with His reality, and take every opportunity to share the reason for the hope within me – Jesus Christ is ALIVE, and I can know and experience Him every day of my life!

I hope you won’t be offended by my asking – Are you bovvered?!