the privilege and the pain

Next week Alison and I start our first parenting course together! So far we have around 18 people registered ( which is too many by you expect about 1/4 to drop out).

With almost each of those attending we have done a home visit, people are on the course for any number of reasons. Some ask to attend one, for others local professionals suggested they attend, for other they are told too by the courts.

Meeting these families is an huge privilege and insightful glimpse at these peoples lives.

It would be fair to say that doing these parenting courses has given us the opportunity to meet and engage with those on the edges of Harold Hill.

Often people stories just reflect how they were parented and so their stories are full of pain, most want out of the cycle of not knowing what to do as parents, but they also want some encouragement and support.

To be honest these are the brave ones, for everyone we have agree to attend we have at least an other who is refusing, knowing that the courts can do little to make them come.

SO..............Please pray

for Alison and I, for wisdom, for the gift of encouragement and for opportunity to see families have hope.

For the families that come that children will not be ill, that they will be open to discuss and receive as well as share.

That it makes a real difference in the lives of these parents and their children.

That meeting Alison and I is a key element in braking the cycle of loneliness and isolation

and finally that as the kingdom is expressed and people experiencing what is above that those attending would move forward in their journey of discovering the hope and love and Jesus.

R