Encounters with Jesus

 

 

Many people did indeed encounter Jesus on two recent retreats in the beautiful prayer-soaked setting of Penhurst Retreat Centre.  Firstly, a group of people met to experience 'His Healing Touch' through imaginative contemplation with the scriptures.  And secondly, a group of very creative people (creative in the areas of music, writing, art & drama) met to inspire each other and meet with Jesus through 'Encounters with Jesus', a retreat led by Jill Hoffmann and Jane Richardson.

It was a privilege to be involved in both events - leading the first and participating in the second.  Give thanks for the healing that began on both retreats and pray that it is sustained.  Please also pray for Peggy, whose husband passed away whilst she was on my retreat.  And thirdly, give thanks for the way God touched lives and inspired creativity on the 'Encounters with Jesus' retreat.  Jill and I will be leading further retreats at Penhurst next year.

Opportunities continue to unfold to enable the recording of healing meditations onto CD.  Give thanks for the doors that God is opening.

And my new book, Deeper, is now one step nearer to publication.  The first draft of the design, with illustrations, is now completed.  Please pray that others who now need to be involved with this project will be able to find the time to do so.

Finally, it feels as if it's time for some reflection.  I'm sensing that God is drawing me to review all my thinking around healing.  A book recently recommended to me has been the catalyst for this pondering. 'Blue Sky God', by Don MacGregor, is an excellent, well-researched book which explores the connections between current scientific knowledge and emerging Christian viewpoints, whilst also respectfully embracing and drawing out links with other spiritual traditions.

The book resonates deeply with my own contemplative and healing experiences, addressing many questions that I have sat with for a while.  More importantly, I sense it may profoundly impact how I approach the ministry of healing in the future. 

In short, I feel challenged to spend further time with this book and to explore further the possibilities that it raises.  As autumn approaches, I shall be spending time doing just that, as well as revisiting my healing meditations in preparation for publication / recording.  I also hope to be able to bring 'Deeper' to print.   I'll be back retreat leading in the new year.

Please pray for me as I do this.

Thank you for your continuing interest and support.  May you all enjoy a relaxing and refreshing summer, or, if you're in the southern hemisphere, a trouble-free winter.  And may God come close.
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