Night of honour!….(English Translation)

For everyone who read last Monday’s blog post in Welsh and were thinking, where’s the translation?

Fear not, here it is.

The dictionary definition of honour includes the idea of ‘to pay your respects to’ or ‘to regard with great respect’.

Last night, the young people who come to our Bible study ‘Redefine’ surprised all of the volunteer leaders who help Tim Gough with this event. The volunteers thought they were coming to a ‘fire safety’ training night, but were overwhelmed by a surprise ‘Night of honour’ that had been arranged.

In the book of Romans the Apostle Paul speaks of the Christians living lives of honour. “Be devoted to one another in love. Honour one another above yourselves.” Romans 12:10. We certainly see this demonstrated by the amazing crew of youngsters at ‘Redefine’.

It was truly overwhelming.

Fizzy drinks were served to us in champagne flutes and tables set out with snacks on them. The room was set out with a row of chairs at the top, with pictures one each chair of the leaders that were being honoured for all the work that they do.

Just like the old TV program ‘This is your life’; if anyone can remember that.

The leaders sat down and, one by one, it a different young person stood up to talk about the impact the voluntary leader has had on their lives. It was time to say thank you and raise a glass of fizzy pop to honour them for all that they do.

They also gave gifts to say thank you.

Gifts that had been specially chosen by the young people, which showed how much they know and appreciate the volunteers who have taken the time to encourage, support and disciple the young people.

It was a great event which was organized entirely by young people.

Wow!

To view such a great demonstration of the Kingdom of God in the lives of these young people was mind-blowing.

“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:35

They really got to grips in a real and practical way with Jesus’ message of love and honour for each other.

This made me also think about all the people that God uses regularly to speak His truth and love  into our lives. In what ways do we show love for them and bring them honour?

In what ways we can honour those placed in leadership over us by God?

Perhaps it is time to stop complaining about what we think our pastor, teacher or leader of a small group is doing wrong, and instead thank them for what they are doing right.

Most of all, perhaps it is time for us to spend more time praying for them.

To finish, I want to say thank you to all of the amazing young people who come to all of our events, not just ‘Redefine’.

You’re amazing!

I also want to thank everyone who supports this work also, in prayer, provision (with resources or finance), and people (offering yourselves to the great job of sharing Jesus’ message and seeing lives transformed).

Thanks!

PS: Please read Jessica’s great blog to get a perspective of the night from one of our young people.