Back in the Ignite office today after a couple of weeks rest and recuperation. It's been a chance this morning to thank the team for coping so well at Flames of Fire without me, and to find out how our stand worked out at Soul Survivor. We had our first team meeting for a few weeks, caught up with everyone's news and prayed together.
Over the last few weeks I've been struck by the development of so many young people who have been part of the Flames of Fire programme in years gone by:
Jess Wilson oversaw all the morning teaching programme for the 11-16's at Flames of Fire which took a massive burden from me- just as well since I never actually got there!, she's recently written her first book for Ignite, about self-harm- which we are immensely excited about, and she's soon to go off to France for 9 months working with a mission agency. I got to know Jess much better when she came to India on an Ignite Expedition with me last year, and she's really good friends with my wife Gill.
Lois Richards returned from Brazil to Wales for a few months before going back to Canada, and she hosted and spoke in the new Furnace venue for 18+ at Flames of Fire. It was so encouraging to know that Lois was using all the great stuff God has been pouring into her over the last few years to make a difference in young lives back here in Wales. Lois was one of the very first young people in the Ignite programme at Flames of Fire 11 years ago.
Mark Nam was also back in Wales for a few weeks. Mark is now based in The Vine Church in Hong Kong. He was another one of the original kids at Flames of Fire 11 years ago, and in a long chat together on the phone he explained to me how much of a foundation God built into him in Wales- especially a passion for music and worship.
Craig Wakeling has been at Flames of Fire almost since the start as well. This year he was involved in the speaking team, and last year he and his girlfriend Maddy, along with Jess Wilson, came to India with me. Craig and Maddy have just graduated from Chester University, Craig's starting a radio journalism course, and they are getting married next year. I'm giving the address at the wedding, which will be good fun because funny stories about Craig are in abundance!