Catrina Benham's Blog

I'm here to rest in Your presence I have full assurance that You are here and as I dwell in Your Spirit there Your hand will guide me You are drawing near to me I love the words of this new Kerith song. It's a faith-filled declaration . It's a reminder to me that we need to choose to believe that as we draw near to God, He draws near to us. And it's not about whether we  feel close to God -"full assurance" is based on Truth. It's the combination of our human action and God's supernatural power at work so that we experience His guidance and presence. This is true, whether it's on a Sunday during our worship times together at Kerith, or on our own as we find that quiet place and set aside some time, to read the Bible, pray and meet with God.                            "Come near to God and He will come near to you." James 4:8 (NIV)                           " Say a quiet yes to God and He'll be there in no time."  

Referring to Bible reading and prayer, John Piper says: “I earnestly recommend that it be in the early morning, unless there are some extenuating circumstances. Entering the day without a serious meeting with God, over his Word and in prayer, is like entering the battle without tending to your weapons.  The human heart does not replenish itself with sleep.  The body does, but not the heart.  We replenish our hearts not with sleep, but with the Word of God and prayer.”   I've just discovered the audio button on uversion of the Bible on my phone - now I can get the Bible read to me out loud wherever and whenever! It's pretty cool. I'm not sure it's the "serious meeting with God" that John Piper talks about, but it's a great start to the day to hear truth - that then sets me up for wanting to hear more, and to pray and talk with God. We've talked about it before, but what are you doing to meet daily with God - is it first thing? A walk? A quiet plac

We are in the middle of a Serenje focus at Kerith! We were hugely blessed by the visit from our Serenje friends, Bishop Samson Kasele and Pastor Bernard Ngosa. Two Sundays ago, we spent each of the meetings celebrating all that we have done together, and were priviileged to have our partner Tearfund's CEO, Matthew Frost also with us.  Now we are in the middle of three Gift Days! We are aiming to raise £170,000. £90,000 is the remaining money needed to build the Girls Dormitory. £80,000 will fund the fourth year of the project, and will pay for: 3000   Orphans and vulnerable children supported with uniform and food to go    to school 1000   Farming families given training and seeds   117   Volunteers trained to visit and support those living with HIV in their community     50   Church leaders; and 60 Community leaders given leadership training This week, as perhaps we eat rice and beans; or eat more simply; or cut out meat or luxuries; or whatever we do, let's allow

"Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light"                                                                                                       Matthew 11:26-28 How are you getting on, in applying the "Doing Life Well" teaching that Simon's been bringing us on Sundays at Kerith?  There are  definitely challenges in us getting rest and creating sabbath, whatever stage of life we're at. As Simon said: "Planning + Effort + Discipline are all needed for living an effective, well managed life" Elizabeth and Melita are two great women in our Kerith community. They have got together to plan some free, local Retreat days for women. Here's your invitation from them (all you have to do is book in and show up!): "I know so often as women we simply feel guilt

Jacob Benham ( @Jacob_Benham ) 30/09/2011 22:38 And this is grace, that you would give your all so I could live in the light of your love

And I want women. . . doing something beautiful for God and becoming beautiful doing it. bible.us/1Tim2.9.MSG

Simon Benham ( @simonbenham ) 02/10/2011 07:03 Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal. http://t.co/x3YhSA7s