INSPIRING and refreshing - two words which come to mind after the induction of the YBA's newest team member the Revd Peter Dunn.
Peter is responsible for encouraging disciple-making growth as part of his wider role as European Director of Biglife Ministries. Not only had people travelled from the length and breadth of Yorkshire to Wakefield Baptist Church on a rain-soaked morning - there were Biglife representatives who had flown in specially from the USA - the President of Biglife Ministries Jeff Gibson and Executive Director John Heerema.
It was an induction with a difference - all set around the Communion table. Regional Minister Team Leader the Revd Graham Ensor led the gathering of about 30 people in a warm, welcoming manner encouraging us to recline at the Communion table. It was easy to imagine how the disciples had enjoyed fellowshipping together at the Last Supper!
We were invited to select a large piece of bread each to munch on in our seats while stories and encouragement were shared. It felt like a family meal - but with a sense of belonging to something much bigger - a family worldwide.
YBA Executive Chair Liz Allen and Peter spoke about how the Biglife/YBA partnership had come about. John told stories of Biglife at work throughout the world - stories to encourage and some to challenge.
As the Communion wine was passed around, individuals shared Scriptures that had been put on their hearts. A Cairn was built with stones marked with Scriptures and messages.
Graham led the formal induction and prayers were said for Peter and his wife Jane for the opportunities and challenges ahead as they stood before the Cairn.
Thanks are expressed to everyone who took part including Kathy Smith, the administrator at Wakefield BC, and Dave Taylor, who supervised the buffet lunch.
And as everyone left, the sun shone down heralding the start of a bright new partnership. Joolz Walker
INSPIRING and refreshing - two words which come to mind after the induction of the YBA's newest team member the Revd Peter Dunn.
We were invited to select a large piece of bread each to munch on in our seats while stories and encouragement were shared. It felt like a family meal - but with a sense of belonging to something much bigger - a family worldwide.
