Return Where Two or Three are gathered ...
Does God speak to people in prayer meetings? Of course he does!
In 2006 Janet Hawking joined four other ladies in a Welsh home for their monthly prayer meeting and God spoke to her and moved her into a new direction. One lady was praying about the need for someone to serve schools and children and Janet's spirit was greatly stirred. As folk left Janet asked the lady about her prayer and so was told about Bible Explorer.
God was calling and Janet did not hold back. Next day she phoned and, in spite of the incredibly short notice, was offered a place on the four-day training course in North Wales, which started the next Monday! Then Janet did the unthinkable for a farmer: she left the farm in February and went on the course.
All the other trainees had had months to prepare but Janet had only the assurance of God's will. She depended on him to bring her through and he did. Since then she has completed further training and is qualified to deliver both the Old Testament and the New Testament elements of the Bible Explorer course and to train others.
Bible Explorer springs from Walk Through the Bible (www.bible.org.uk) and its “Big Picture” approach to understanding the Bible. It is designed for 9-11 year-olds. Each module consists of five lessons which involve the children in singing, acting and recounting the story line through hand-signs and keywords. At the end of the course children receive a certificate and bookmark.
In the last three years Janet has had the privilege of presenting Bible Explorer in many schools in Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire. In many cases, after seeing how much the children enjoy the Old Testament lessons, she has been invited to carry on with the New Testament module.
Bible Explorer now takes most of Janet's time and there is a small team of other presenters in West Wales. "The Bible is an amazing book", says Janet "and the children are a pleasure to teach. Our schools do an amazing job! Many of these schools have also received a children’s Bible for every pupil, encouraging their reading and understanding of the Bible."
When God called her Janet could have said: "I am not a prophet. I am a farmer; the land has been my livelihood since my youth." (Zechariah 13:5) but she didn't and the Lord has led her down exciting and unexpected paths. The direction of her life had been profoundly changed. She says "It has been an amazing journey of faith for me, never say never with God! I can't but He can and he does!"
So next time two or three you gather in Jesus' name remember that he is there in the midst (Matt 18:20) and he might speak and change your whole life.
Ken Wilson
For more information about Bible Explorer, to request a presentation, in a school or a church, or to enquire about training contact Janet Hawking on 0123 983 1260.
Posted: Tue, 17/03/09