There are open windows all over Ashford, England: in homes, in churches, in cars, on buses. They let in the natural light and air, the sounds of the seagulls and the fragrance of nature. They even let in the bugs at times! It’s essentially practical in the absence of air conditioning in most places. But more than that, there’s something so invigorating and real about open windows. They compel you to engage with your surroundings. And they showed me, this morning, a beautiful picture of the Spirit of God at work in this place.
The Christians here are like those open windows. The fresh wind of the Spirit of God moves through invigorating and inspiring a life-giving engagement with the community. They are open to love extravagantly, but with grace and understanding – loving with the love of Christ. They take on the challenge of reaching a community where many people are disengaged from the church and unaware of the life-giving salvation of Christ. They utilize new methods and stretch beyond the bounds of tradition, building relationships with care and constancy. They take the church of Christ beyond the walls into the neighborhood. The windows are flung open wide, ready for the mighty Spirit of God to blow through.
This verse characterizes the passionate faith of Ashford believers: “This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil, where Jesus has entered as a forerunner for us…..” – Hebrews 6:19-20a.
Because they are anchored by their hope in Christ, they break out in freedom to reach their community. May God expand this beautiful work, make it multiply, and see it replicate in towns all over the earth!
Very blessed to be a small part of the ongoing work here in Ashford.
