There is so much criticism of the youth of our nation; that I want to take time out to commend our church young people to you. Most of them, but not all, come from church families, and have grown up in the church. However there is something about each one of them that recognises the need to reach our community.

Our youth have taken several of our Sunday Morning services and have caused many a laugh to explode form the congregation. Their talents lie in musical ability, dance, mime and simply having fun.

In September, the youth organised a free fun day; it consisted of different activities such as face painting, a nail salon and ‘splat the rat’ (no real animals were harmed). Every one had a great time; lots of children and grown ups came along making the event a roaring success.

This was followed by a youth service, to which around ten new young people came.

Each Friday ‘Youth Well’ meets together at The Scout Hall, Haigh Road @ 7.30pm.

Early on in the year God added to us a lady who already visited several prisons in our region. Over the years I felt that this was what God would like us to so as a church too, so when she joined our church it was as if God had opened yet another door for us to walk through.

So every few weeks we go in and take services within the prison sector. We have some great times with the ladies we visit, some of who can giggle with those infectious giggles that set us all off. It is only God that can bring such joy into hard times. Many of the prisoners have come to know God whilst serving their time and expressed the strength He has given them.

After our visits we too are strengthened, and blessed as we have served our God in this way.

Our first mission trip took place in September 2006 when we set off for Slovakia. It was an exciting time, now our dream was about to become a reality. Our vision was to work along side the gypsy people and we had the opportunity to visit and help a church plant. The Pastor wanted to reach the gypsy people of Slavocovce, so we jumped at the chance.

Out trip covered ten days, and was one adrenalin rush after another. We took some lessons in the local school, where we taught English to the students and had fun at the same time. Sports afternoons were just the thing, the children loved it, to them baseball was a must as they had only really seen it on television. They were so loving and just wanted to be with these British people who had cared enough to visit.

Thankfully the language was not a barrier; although we had interpreters, actions spoke just as loud as words.

Along with the local church we put on several meetings, that were very well attended; we also visited the gypsy sites which was the highlight of our time.

Although the people were so very poor they still wanted to share a coffee and a meal with us; we were overwhelmed at their generosity; they gave out of the little they had, often over and above what they could afford.

We made some good and lasting friendships in Slovakia, and are already planning our next trip is August 2008. there is such great need in these camps, and love and acceptance is the greatest