September 2024

Dear Friends,

I arrived back in Plymouth from my recent trip to France on the day of the riots - not just on the day, but at the time. I got off the bus and had to walk home because the bus service in town had been disrupted. As I walked, I witnessed the beginning of the riot, including three young men pulling on balaclavas as they passed me on their way to the march. 

It saddened me deeply to see people expressing their hatred for their fellow human beings. It did not surprise me that they did not want their faces seen. 

There is so much I could say about what I believe God would say go to us about the unrest. But before I could write anything, Kerry Gibson, a member at Crownhill wrote a very well worded letter which she shared with the Crownhill folk, and with her permission I would like to share some of it with you:

Kerry wrote: “During the chaos, I have been reminded of a bible verse, and I have changed it slightly – I know we can’t add to God’s word, and we should be careful when we put our interpretation on it. I have tried, and am trying to do this with respect for God’s word and His people – 

For I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger, and you invited me in, I needed clothes, and you clothed me, I was sick, and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ Matthew 25 v 35 – 36.

Here is how I dream the response to be:

‘You did all of this regardless of my story of origin, colour of skin, ethnic background, social status, working class status, gender identification, sexual orientation, financial status, age, ability, disability. You saw beyond it all, and saw ME, A PERSON, A HUMAN BEING. You empowered me with love, value, belonging, compassion, respect and equality. 

You did all this because you truly know what Jesus meant when He said

‘Love, just as I have loved you, you do it for the least of these,you do it for Me’

I encountered Christ and the gospel in you and through you.’

Folks, however, you feel about the riots, whatever side you stand on, let’s not forget, the commandment of Christ – serve others, love others, walk humbly with your God, be in the world but not of it. 

I am standing in the middle – praying to be a peacekeeper, praying to be the light of Christ the best I can, to be His voice of hope and truth, to be His heart of love, compassion, and kindness and to be His hands and feet. 

I don’t have to agree with someone’s lifestyle or choices, but I do have show acceptance to all and love, just has He loves me.”

Thank you, Kerry, for expressing so well our call to love as Christ has loved us. 

In times of division and confusion, may we the followers of the Way, live out our witness to God’s way of peace and love. 

Bless you all,

Brenton