Praying and Growing

This year, Ashley Mason, from our second Bridlington Stepping Up group, has  been developing his missionary activities in two directions.

Ash has begun prayer walking the parish of Emmanuel every week, and has frequently been having conversations along the way with people who are interested in finding out about church. Ash has been encouraging them to come along and see for themselves, assuring them of a warm welcome.  He is now planning to take out with him leaflets about Emmanuel, prayer cards, Trypraying booklets and gospels, to give to those he meets. 

Ash also initially planned to develop a local allotment.  The allotment was very overgrown when Ash took it over, but with a lot of  hard work, and with the help of a few friends, the ground was soon weeded and turned over. Ash also bought tools for the job, and a new shed, which he and his friend Paul put together.  When the allotment idea didn't work out, it was literally transplanted to the church garden at Emmanuel Church. Sometimes in mission, things evolve and change, in order to grow, and we are led to new soil. Some of the children in the church helped with the planting. His vision is to produce fresh fruit and veg for the weekly meal for the homeless at his church, which regularly feeds over 30 people. Also, any surplus will go into the food bags given out. Ash is hoping for a good crop of tomatoes and courgettes, for the weekly homeless meal at the church.

Ash has successfully recruited a small team of volunteers to work with him on the project. He has been able to get a sturdy greenhouse (it gets very windy in Brid, and the first one blew away!) to nurture his seeds before planting them out to grow. A lovely example of the Mustard Seed parable in action! 

We are looking forward to the fruit (and veg) of all your labours, Ash. Congratulations on the progress so far.