An army of servants

We’ve seen radical growth in every part of Ramp Church Manchester over the past six months as lockdown has lifted and people are comfortable getting out.

To meet the needs of new people requires an army of committed volunteers. In March, we did a fresh campaign and filled over 80 volunteer roles.

It felt almost miraculous, and we’re grateful to be part of a vibrant servant-hearted community.

We've been serving people through pastoral care, from members of our own community to pastoring our city streets. The needs for counselling, prayer, and care are huge in this season and in a culture that oversells independence and self-sufficiency.

A community of missionaries

We’re hosting a growing number of full-time missionaries from America. They’re moving to join our work here in Manchester, and not only are their stories of sacrifice inspiring, they remind us that God is intent on reaching this nation.

People are leaving predictable jobs and established careers to choose the uncertainty of the mission field, because they’re passionate about joining God’s work of renewal in this nation. It’s astounding to watch.

Looking Ahead: Easter, conference, & more

Easter weekend means Good Friday events, Holy Saturday prayer walking, and added Sunday services.

We’re expecting hundreds of women from all over the country to join our first two-day women’s conference, and our team has been working hard to prepare spaces for genuine God-encounters. We’ll be hosting and ministering with our lovely friends Pastor Karen Wheaton, Lauren Bentley, and Lindsey Doss.

From Glasgow up in Scotland to Portsmouth on the southern coast, I have has been travelling to minster God’s word. At the end of April, I’ll be speaking at The Message Trust, a ministry who’s putting on one of Manchester’s largest evangelistic festivals ever in July.

The team is getting a home

We’re moving forward with the renovation of our first office space this Summer. These will include personal and shared offices, training and meeting rooms, and a large prayer and filming space.

After working from home for nearly six years, God has (literally miraculously, which is another story!) provided a building. I’m thrilled about getting Joe’s desk out of the bedroom, and our team is looking forward to what this will mean for increased connection, collaboration, and—thank you, Lord—storage.

On a personal note

In March and April, Claire turned 15, Chloe turned 11, and Joe turned, wait for it . . . 40.

Still in the personal vein: How do we feel in this season?

The overall emotion right now is glorious overwhelm. We’re overwhelmed at God’s provision—the doors he’s opening, the solutions he’s bringing, and the grace he provides. And we’re overwhelmed by the needs in our city that compel us to keep working and laboring in the place God has put us.