‘How can you expect me to believe there is a God, when I can’t even feed my family?’
This question came from a member of the community here in Littleham, it came with tears running down the persons face, it came from brokenness not anger, heart ache and a sense that they are useless as they can’t meet the basic needs of their family.
God broke my heart for this family and the sad truth is that this isn’t an isolated conversation. It’s one I have had time and time again from people who are desperate. Desperate for food, desperate for community and ultimately desperate for someone to tell them they are worth something, loved and supported. Without realising it they are desperate for God.
How things are going with The Wave and What's encouraging?
God has been speaking to us powerfully about this community and how we introduce people to Jesus. We believe whole heartedly that he is calling us to first meet their physical and mental health needs and then once they feel more safe, secure and out of fight or flight mode we are able to introduce them to a God who does love them and help them meet their spiritual needs. The Wave has been through a time of considerable change since the end of Covid and as we journey with our community it is clear that we are on the verge of seeing Him move powerfully in Littleham.
After 8 years and a considerable amount of prayer, knock back, trusting God, wondering what on earth is going on and continuing to serve both God and the Community we ha be finally signed the agreement to take on the plot of land that is owned by the school and that we use for our faith around the campfire sessions. This new space means we are able to multiply 10 fold the space we have to grow food for the community, it means we can have some animals to help the community get out and about and engage in some animal therapy to help those struggling with episodes of poor mental health, it means we can develop the forest school space to run more workshops, family activities and vitally more opportunities to engage the community in conversations around faith and introduce them to Jesus.
We have recently been working alongside the local Church of England to host an alpha course with them which has had 30 people come and explore the meaning of life which has been so encouraging. Especially seeing some of my key volunteers coming and wanting to ‘find Jesus’ (in their words)
What's challenging, at the moment?
We are still awaiting the council agreeing a new entrance onto the new outdoor space and whilst they have agreed it in principle it comes with a cost to us of £5000 which is a lot more than we are expecting. But we are seeking God for this funding and in less than a month have managed to source £3500 so we are excited that God is providing and ask that you pray for us in finding this last £1500.
It has been a lot of change for the wave and so our Sunday afternoon sessions have been quiet during the colder winter months especially our outdoor faith around the campfire, however what we are seeing is that as the weather improves and we continue to serve the community this is growing again which is exciting to see.
How can we pray for you and The Wave at the moment?
Please pray for our family as we continue to settle and support the various needs we face.Please pray for the council to sort out the entrance we need to the new space.
Please pray for the final funds to pay for the entrance
And finally we are seeking funding to be able to build a more permanent outdoor structure that means we are able to engage with the community more easily no matter the season, this is going to cost in the region on £12,000 and so we are praying and believing that God has this in hand but your prayers would be greatly appreciated.
You can read more about the Wave Community by going to their website The Wave Littleham – Church – Community – Care