Sitting inside, I can hear the sound of Storm Barra outside. As I look out of the window, the wind is definitely increasing in force, moving trees, bushes and telephone cables. The rain is relentless and the birds seem to have all disappeared, no doubt sitting out the storm from the comfort of their nests. I know that in the Midlands, we’re experiencing only a fraction of the true force of Barra, the worst effects are due in the West and much further North. I can’t help but feel for the people in the Northeast who are still without electricity following Storm Arwen, who now face the additional issue of heavy snowfall.
The similarities between the meteorological conveyor belt of winter storms we’re facing and the waves of attacks that our church leaders are still facing can’t be ignored. The level of impact of the storms differs greatly dependent upon your location, some people will escape the storm but be impacted by the next one (and vice versa). We sometimes feel a bit like the intrepid news reporters who are sent out to report from the areas in the middle of the storm, battling to stand up in the face of the wind and rain, but who are able to return to the warmth and comfort of their hotel room afterwards.
It’s always pleasing to see the way that the local community pull together in the midst of the storms, ensuring that the old and vulnerable receive the help they need. The way that people commandeer village halls and pubs to provide hot meals and accommodation. This type of adversity always seems to bring out the best in humanity.
We are attempting to reach the areas of the church who are in the midst of their own storms, highlighting the problems to a wider audience and trying to encourage members to rally around and encourage their leaders.
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