40/39-40

We have arrived!

40 days and nights ago we embarked on a journey of discovery and adventure. We set out to dine with our King and see the breakthrough required in order to become all that God is revealing to us.

Since that day things have exploded, battles have been had and unity has been evidenced in biblical proportions.

I have never, ever seen such a commitment and sacrifice from a church. It is my estimate that over 100 physically engaged with the fast and many, many more attended prayer meetings and did exploits such as fasting sleep etc.

The volume of people who embarked on long fasts was humbling to see and I am so pleased and privileged to be apart of such an awesome church as BCC.

The super spiritual talk of ‘fasting’ with no actual effort or sacrifice really does make me think that Jesus smiles with irony. The willingness and desire of people here at BCC shows the reality of if people truly humble themselves and pray, turning from their wicked ways . . . .

Today, we stand on the precipise of time knowing that our world has changed, that God has released a greater sense of authority and opportunity upon us; and expansion and growth is the season we step into.

We haven’t stopped expanding and growing over the last 18 months. However, I believe that we have now reached the starting line, knowing that the Lord is our shepherd and we shall lack no good thing!

Theme – PSALM 23

Prayer – Thank you. We wait in expectation. Thank you. The things that have occurred and the unity that we reside in. Thank you. for strength and tenacity.

Thank you! Amen

40/38

Tuesdays are usually exceptionally busy days on our main campus with several ministries functioning.

The offices are always busy on Tuesdays as well due to it being one of the days when all the staff are present. During the 40 days we have found ourselves in a position to strengthen our staff team in the new year by 2 and 1/2. This is really exciting as we advance in to our future.

You know, it is very easy to place safe when leading church. I have seen previously that leaders use church to ensure that they have safe passage and comfortable ministry surroundings. This is not our take on leadership here at BCC. We are committed to establishing a phenomenal church that we can hand on to the next generation. We are committed to pursuing God where ever and whenever He moves. This is most definitely not comfortable, it is adrenaline fueled and passion filled.

We press on.

Theme – Desperation for closer fellowship (Psalm 42

Prayer – Lord, our hope is in you. We refuse to live by mans logic. Our hunger and nourishment comes from your word and following you. We long for you. Amen

40/34-37

Completion is close.

Break through is showing.

We are still resolute in our determination to follow Jesus!

It is amazing some of the rubbish that is thrown at you when you are breaking through.

It is amazing how many giants that you think you have killed try to rise up again. The reality is, like David, you have to cut off the head to ensure victory for all to see.

Isaiah 61 talks of a declaration that needs to be made. The sound of victory is in our ranks and I, for one, refuse to allow anything to redirect our praise our pursuit of our King.

Theme – Declaration (Isaiah 61)

Prayer – Jesus we refuse to back down. We are relentless in our pursuit of you. We will not be silent. You are King!

40/32-33

The last 2 days have seen the overflow of our City Nights breach all walls of expectations.

The night was unbelievable and people travelled from as far as Leeds for the visit of the London Community Gospel Choir. The response has been immense. Honestly, this church is a great church to be apart of. It is SO exciting.

Today I have spent in a few really progressive meetings which details of will be unveiled on Vision Sunday 11.01.09. We are in awe of that which God is doing here at BCC.

I was also driven round the city to our latest advertising campaign which communiates a Happy Christmas message with love from BCC. Jesus loves people and our heart must be one of sincerity in our love for this city.

Physically, even though there is one week to go, I am feeling extremely weak. However, I am absolutely persuaded that God is breaking out before us.

Theme – A heart that loves and inspires.

Prayer – Jesus, we know that you love this city. Our prayer is that we are able to outwork this love and inspire the wonderful people of Stoke on Trent to reach their potential in you. Our prayer is that as they see us loving each other and those around us that they would also see your love for them. Amen.

40/31

Today here at BCC we will see almost 1000 people gather for the visit of London Community Gospel Choir.

As a church we are accelerating at a phenomenal pace and we are increasingly aware of the vanguard responsibility we have in this city.

Our City Nights initiative is designed to bring international quality ministry into the house and city. These events don’t merely happen. There is an immense amount of logistical and financial planning that has to be done behind the scenes that our staff are extremely good at.

As they work hard, others are continuing to fast and pray.

Collectively we are seeing significant things happen.

The togetherness of BCC is something that one stands in awe of. A church absolutely together and committed to the vision.

I believe that the fundamental ingredient to this is a heart for Jesus.

Joseph had a good heart as he really didn’t want to disgrace Mary (Matthew 1) but it took revelation and a God encounter for him to change his good heart to a heart that was prepared to follow his Lord past conventional thinking.

People here at BCC are moving past that which reviously was conventional; previously was expected and demanded and previously was the model. Revelation has come and people are seeing something more.

People are seeing that which is being brought to birth!

Theme – A heart to do Gods’ will (Matthew 1:19)

Prayer – Father, it is our desire to follow you. Not previous patterns of ministry or history. But you. Our commitment is to serve as you build your church. Have your way in our hearts and reveal to us your secrets and plans. Amen

40/27-30

We find ourselves and the final significant signpost.

Day 30.

3 stone lighter and experiencing personal development in an intense way. BCC has seen overwhelming breakthrough, of which information will follow soon.

Yet we are fully pursuaded that there is still significant breakthrough that lies ahead.

Today a city advertising campaign goes ahead including Stoke City, Port Vale, Tesco’s, 20k beer mats in pubs across the city and and hoardings which cover the 7 major routes into Hanley (city centre).

This all occurring directly because of the fast. God is doing something pretty special here at BCC.

I am most aware of many onlookers who would really like to be apart of things but because of loyalty to their home church they remain in that barren place.

Listen.

One thing Becky and I learnt nearly 2 years ago is this, the church is God’s responsibility, not yours.

You are your responsibility and to this end, one has to be planted in a fertile place to ensure nourishment and thus growth.

Don’t die.

You are all you have got.

Get to fertile ground!

Theme – Submissive heart (Luke1:38)

Prayer – Jesus, our prayer is for those who are designed to be a part of BCC. We call them out from the North, South, East and West. We pray that they would be submissive to the destiny and breathing of God on their lives. We pray that restriction would be broken and release would come as the yield to your will. Amen