BREAK THE CYCLE

JAMes

Over the last 6 months in particular I have felt the overwhelming desire to truly seek first the Kingdom and his righteousness. Mark 3:13-15 gives us a little insight into the order that we are to submit to, an order that challenges our western mindset and individual formation. We live in a cultural moment that often considers activity to be the measurement of success, yet the way of Jesus revealed in this passage challenges that mindset.

‘And Jesus went up on the mountain and called to him those whom he desired, and they came to him. And he appointed twelve so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach and have authority.’ The order here is to be with Jesus, so that in his presence we may become more like him, and only then will we be fit to be ’sent’ to minister effectively. With prayer we have assumed that we initiate the conversation, yet the truth is that when we pray, we are simply saying yes to God’s invitation. It’s not we who initiate the conversation. God starts it by inviting us to ‘be with him.’

When we pray we are reminding ourselves, our spirit, that God is with us, or as Paul writes in Romans 8:16 ‘The spirit testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.’ Prayer begins with God not us, an unconditional 24/7 access into his presence, but it’s our choice to be available to him. Our inner transformation in the quiet place affects everything that we do and what we carry, as dwelling places of the Holy Spirit, to a world in need. 

In our sending out, we have much to thank God for. He has paved the way for our kingdom influence to grow across Special Education Needs schools; across Sports teams in partnership with Sports Chaplaincy Ireland; within hospitals as we cast new vision for our mental health packs; and overseas mission. We also want to honour each and every person who sows into this organisation prayerfully and financially. We are able to reach into the lives of thousands of young people each month, being the hands and feet of Jesus, helping each young person in their journey of both wholeness and holiness because of your support.

ZARA

This month I had the opportunity to sit down with the staff of a partner organisation who are on the ground with young people and walk them through some techniques of how to pastorally care for them. Young people in NI are faced with so much and it’s a privilege to be invited into their story and be a part of their healing process. Our vision in Made for More is to train and equip leaders who will work with young people so they can feel confident when faced with difficult situations. Please pray for the incredible youth workers across NI, we work with so many who are under resourced but love their young people so deeply and constantly show the love of Jesus to them. Next week we are having our Made to Lead conference for the 6th form at Methody, this is an opportunity to teach 500 pupils valuable leadership skills that will stay with them for life. Please join us in praying for this, what an opportunity to shape the next generation.

REBEKAH

For the past month I have been sitting in the book of 1 Peter, specifically chapter 1 where God reminds us to “Be Holy as He is Holy”. This passage has been so life giving as I delve deeper into it and see God’s vision for us to become people of love. His desire that we would be transformed into His likeness has been my prayer across so many areas of our organisation. 

I have been so thankful for how God is using our team to reach young people across Northern Ireland, giving us the opportunities to speak into their struggles. I’ve also been encouraged by our team nights as we enjoy fellowship and a time of testimony and prayer together as I see real transformation here. 

Looking ahead I would love to ask for prayer for protection over the unity of our team, wisdom in each decision that is made and a deep love for one another in all that we do (1 Peter 1:22).

CHRIS

Thank you for praying for our amazing interns! This last month has seen us reflect on a deeper level with Rhys, John and Lois about who God has made them to be. 

Following an in-depth study of the Holy Spirit and spiritual gifts, we are now diving deep into a book called ‘Emotionally Healthy Spirituality’, a book that proposes the idea that it’s impossible to be spiritually mature while remaining emotionally immature.  For us and the interns, this study has started incredible conversations and exploration around understanding some of the experiences and moments that have shaped us today and how to lean on God’s provision of healing and growth emotionally and spiritually. 

Please continue to pray for our interns. Pray that God would guide Beth, myself and the staff in gently leading our studies and that the interns can find comfort, healing and transformation.

BETH

This month we visited Penrhyn Prep School for 2 workshops and we led their assembly. In the space of 3 hours, we spoke to every single student in the school - what an absolute privilege! God opened a door that meant every girl aged 4 to 11, in every class, in every year group was told they are God’s masterpiece, they have value and their life really matters. It isn’t every day you get to speak to that many people, and I didn’t take it lightly - we as a team are rejoicing over that opportunity! 

Please join us in praying over all other workshops in the next month. We have a packed schedule and don’t want to lose sight of the divine appointments set before us. 

Thank you for always supporting us!

JOHNNY

What a month.

February was such a unique month at Made For More - especially with our break the cycle fundraiser week. It was a real highlight for me as I got to see everyone working together as a real collective. The team spirit for that week alone, was something else. It was so evident that God was working within us all that week, providing energy, wisdom and so much more, for each individual and the whole team - something to thank God for!

We had so many workshops during the end of Jan and in Feb, which is incredible, and an absolute honour. I ask for prayer that in each workshop we 100% rely on God. It’s so easy to get caught up in all the different aspects of a it - but we need to constantly rely on God and not our own strength in each one. 

Thanks!