SPIN LIKE THE WIND-the blog of Nigel James.

HOPE FOR BRIDGEND.

The town and county of Bridgend in South Wales has hit the news around the world recently with a series of teenage suicides. This morning, the leaders from City Temple spent some time with Darren Mallett who is pastor of the The Well Christian Centre, our Elim church in Bridgend. Darren has been there for 5 years and is now beginning to see the fruit of his labours.
During the prayer time with Darren we got a strong sense that there is hope for Bridgend, and hope for a young generation-many of whom experience only hopelessness and despair. Christian leaders and churches from all over the UK have been praying for Bridgend, and we hope to arrange an Ignite youth prayer event in Bridgend soon to mobilise young Christians to intercede on behalf of their generation. God led to some verses from Psalm 90 which I prayed prophetically over Darren, the church and the area.

THE SIGN OF THE COVENANT.

Well the good news is I don't have to undergo a skin graft, but the bad news is that I may still need another nasty operation. After tests done on the skin that was removed, the specialist let me know that they had found the early stages of a disease which he hopes they have eradicated. If it rears its ugly head again then I'll have to have more skin removed. What operation did I have? I'm too discreet to say, but the verse in God's Words should help you realise what I've been through!
My senior pastor Chris Cartwright, and pastor Samuel Paul visiting from Bangalore, India, both prophesied over me in the last week or so, and both said much the same- The operation was symbolic of God operating on my heart, that this was a time of preparation, of going deeper with God, of God wanting to do a heart work within me in order for me to move to a more intense intimacy with Him and to a greater fruitfulness in ministry.
As for me, I have always been open in admitting that I am too often led by the flesh and not the Spirit, and so I'm viewing this painful and fragile physical time as a learning experience from the Lord, and as a time to renew my covenant relationship with Him and to jettison much of the fleshly desires that hold me back.

And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
Galatians 5.24-25

A RESILIENT LIFE.

Just been re-reading this book by Gordon MacDonald. I'm more and more aware of the challenge of having a robust and enduring faith that runs the race and crosses the finishing line. MacDonald summarises thus:

Resilient People are-

*Committed to finishing strong- quitting, or even walking, is not an option.
*Inspired by a big picture view of life-sense of direction and big issues in life are inspired by the call of God.
*Free from the weight of the past-experienced healing and practicing repentance.
*Train to go the distance-keeping fit in body, mind and spirit.
*Run in the company of a happy few-knowing the value of friendship and the danger of solitary living.

HEALTH UPDATE.

After my doctors appointment yesterday there is good news and bad news. The good news? Half of the affected area is healing well. The bad news? The other half doesn't look to be healing well. I have to got back to the specialist in 2 weeks time, and if there are no signs of improvement then a skin graft is likely. I REALLY DON'T WANT THAT TO HAPPEN! So please pray with me for complete healing.

R&R.

I'm at home for the time being, going through rest and recuperation after an operation last week. Suffice to say that the operation, on what I shall call out of politeness a 'part of my lower abdomen', has been much more painful and tiring to recover from than I'd expected. In my mind, I was going to use this time to read and write but I've done little of each, rather I've been sleeping a lot, gingerly treating my wounds, and walking around like an old man. Local sales of painkillers, gauze, and medical gel have risen significantly.
At least I was only in the plastic surgery unit at Morriston Hospital in Swansea overnight, the guys in the bed next to me and opposite me had been in for 4 months and 5 months respectively for some major reconstructive plastic surgery. My op was one that could have been done by the regular surgeon, but with much delicacy needed it was decided the plastic surgeon was the best option. Just before the operation I was warned that the need for a skin graft from behind my ears was a serious option, which would have been very painful and even longer to recover from. I prayed and prayed that it wouldn't be needed, and regained consciousness to find it hadn't been- although it still might be, as I have an outpatients appointment early next week. There are plenty of jokes I could crack at this point, but it's all a bit too close for comfort, let alone laughter!