Chads News - 3rd June

Dear Church Family,

Having recently returned from a beautiful trip to Italy, I’ve been reflecting on the many blessings of the time away. There was the sunshine, the rolling Tuscan hills, the incredible food, and the joy of spending time with family and friends as we celebrated a lovely couple on their wedding day. The setting was stunning, and the marriage service was beautiful.

Yet, what has stayed with me most are the conversations and connections I shared with people, some whom I have known for many years and others whom I had only just met. It reminded me of the beauty and significance of our interactions with one another and the value of those moments of connection.

Among the groom’s party were several young men I had once childminded as toddlers. To see them now as adults, many married and some with young children of their own, made my heart sing. Having the opportunity to talk with them about faith, life, and their journeys reminded me of the words in 1 Corinthians 15:58:

"Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labour in the Lord is not in vain."

We may never fully know the impact of the time we invest in people’s lives. Whether it is sharing the good news of Jesus, praying faithfully for someone, or simply walking alongside them for a season, much of the fruit may remain unseen by us. Yet we trust that God is always at work.

It can be easy to become discouraged when we cannot see what God is doing or understand how He is working. But I felt reminded that we are in this for the long game. Every connection, every conversation, and every act of kindness can be used by God for His glory.

So, if you are wondering who to pray for this week, perhaps pray for those you have lost touch with. Pray for those who have chosen a different path, or for those who might be considered prodigals. Perhaps God is inviting us to press in and trust that He is working, even when we cannot yet see the fruit.

As beautiful as the Tuscan sunshine was, the eternal impact of engaging with people and sharing Jesus is the work we are called to do. And we can be confident of this: our labour in the Lord is never in vain.

Blessings,
Katie

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