For the last 15 years at this time of the year we have packed to take a short journey across town and up the opposite hill to a place called Detling, to lead worship for the week, but this year is different for the first time in 16 years there is no Detling Summer celebration, so I thought I’d take a few lines to say what Detling has meant to me so far…
Encounter…
At the heart of the conference has been the desire to encounter God and to be challenged and changed by Him. Whether that’s been been through worship, word, or ministry we have had some incredibly powerful encounters with Holy Spirit as well as great teaching from RT Kendal, John Paul Jackson, J John, Guy Chevraux, Tony Campolo, Kyle Horner, James Ryle, Mike Murphy, and our own Eric Delve to name but a few. For me I think one of the most powerful moments was Alyn Haskey who, from his wheelchair on stage sharing his story about overcoming the issues of his cerebral palsy, told us that there are no excuses for no doing what God has called you to a truly challenging moment and an inspirational man.
One of the things I’ve loved is to see the change happening in our Detling Family during the week and to see people being set free by the love of Father God – It’s been a privileged to walk your journeys with you.
Family…
Family has always been an important part of coming together, we’ve made friends with so many people though Detling. The most often repeated phrase has been “it’s just like family” and it is. We may live in different houses during the year but we remain family and I love it when we blimp into each other unexpectedly and at planned events. Facebook also really helps us keep in touch with each other!
To those in our family who have also taken the time to make Detling week special for others by volunteering on one of the teams – THANK YOU! You have helped to transform so many lives in so many different ways.
This year…
Even though we are not meeting altogether this year it’s great to know that some of our Detling family have decided to join together with Abbey Fest in Minister, Fortify youth event and a Prospects event in Maidstone. This is a tribute to the strength of relationships that have been formed over the years and to Detling’s Vision to be Jesus in our local communities.
Future…
As PWL consider what the future should look like let’s join together to pray for discernment and wisdom for the consultation group. We have an amazing God who has done and will continue to do amazing things. Whatever the future holds we can trust Him.
Finally…
So dear Detling family whatever you are doing over this week I pray that you will encounter Father Jesus and Holy Spirit in new and amazing ways, that He will take you by surprise and bless you abundantly.
Love to you all
Helen x
P.S. Matt has also written a post about Detling, you can read it here, on his website.
1 comment
Comments are closed.