Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly, or under compulsion. (2 Corinthians 9:7 NIV)
I love this scripture because it reminds us that God truly loves us and desires us to be free in our giving as well. No guilt or burden, just freewill in how we choose to serve, love, and give our gifts to others, be it your time, things, money, skills, or prayer.
So, next time you feel burdened or guilty about not being there for a particular recipient because you ran out of time, or you were feeling so tired, or you can't afford to give financially because of your circumstances, know that it is well. For God sees your heart and understands how much you want to serve, love, and bless others.
This month's newsletter is packed with thanksgiving, opportunities for prayer, a call to bless the Besom Network, testimonies, and some new additions to the Besom merch shop.
Recognising Julia's service and Leadership
Julia Brand has faithfully served The Besom Network for over five years and her local Besom in Ashtead for more than seventeen years. Throughout this time, Julia’s servant-hearted leadership as our Besom Network Prayer Lead, a former BST member, and a Network Trustee has been a profound blessing to us all.
With her gentle spirit and prophetic gifting, Julia has continually offered us wisdom, encouragement, and insight. Many of us can attest to the times she has lovingly shepherded us, especially during challenging weeks and seasons, providing much-needed support and care.
Julia will be stepping back from all leadership roles within the Besom family, including leadership of the Besom in Ashtead. This decision comes as she seeks to give God space to reveal what He has next for her, and to devote time to caring for her mother, as well as assisting her daughter with her grandson.
On behalf of the entire Besom Network, Annie Emmins (Strategic Lead) and Roger Habgood (Chair of Trustees) would like to express heartfelt gratitude for Julia’s years of faithful service. Her impact on our community has been immeasurable, and we are deeply thankful for her dedication and the love she has shown us all. We trust that the next chapter will be rich in blessings for Julia and her family.
Please join us in praying for Julia during this time of transition, and in celebrating all she has contributed to the Besom Network.
Julia's team celebrated her last month with a lovely dinner party in Ashtead - photo captured at the top as our Newsletter highlight photo.
(Photo above: Julia Brand during a Zoom Prayer meeting.)
Here I am - Send Me
God uses us and sends us in more ways than one, and sometimes, He asks us to go serve under challenging conditions beyond our comfort zones. And the question always remains: will we be obedient to go?
Our very own Roger Habgood- Chair of Trustees for the Besom Network is taking on a challenge, trekking 230 miles from Cape Wrath to Fort William to spend time with God in the wild outdoors, but also to raise vital funds for our Network.
Having covered his own expenses for this trek, all raised GoFundMe donations will go towards the Besom Network as it stewards the Besom Vision and Mission to serve those in need through our local Besoms nationally.
Please support Roger by praying for him and donating on GoFundMe or sharing his challenge with your local church, press, or radio. For a pre-written press release, please email angelina.bst@thebesomnetwork.org.
Follow Roger's journey for three weeks from 25th September via our social media as he treks through Scotland's rugged mountains, remote moorlands, and breath-taking coastlines.
God bless you!
(Photo above: Roger Habgood in his gear, ready to take on the Cape Wrath to Fort William challenge)
Walnut trees that need pruning
Sitting in his car while praying on Zoom with us, Steve Winks - Besom Sheffield Lead was looking at a dry walnut tree, and he shared a heartfelt reflection that we want to share with you too, as it feels like 'a word in season' for our wider Besom family. It feels like a follow-up on the 'pruning' word given over last year's prayer sessions and throughout the Besom National week of prayer. This is what Steve shared.
'This was a wonderful walnut tree which had been alive for many, many years. Over time, it has been lovingly pruned to remove dead and diseased branches, which also allows light and air circulation to keep the tree healthy. However, sadly, it has died and will not produce fruit again. It is in the process of being completely removed, which will create space for something else to grow.
Steve's question to us is, are some of our Besoms in the same position?
If this resonates with you, we'd love to pray with/for you as you seek God's guidance. Please reach out to us at info.bst@thebesomnetwork.org. We are family, and we love you.
Celebrating some answers to prayer
Besom Cambridge- God's provision for a young homeless lady
'We visited a young lady recently housed after being homeless and gave her bedding and a kitchen pack but then, seeing that her flat and kitchen were completely empty, were able to also offer a washing machine and cooker that we had picked up just an hour earlier (with a brief delay while we went back to the warehouse and scrubbed furiously to remove grime and grease to reveal a very nice looking cooker). Praise God for his endless provision.'
- Chris Hayhurst (Time-Giver)
Besom Camberley- Kindness from strangers, or are they?!
'Each week we place an order with Sainsburys and they deliver to the Warehouse, twice (and we believe it was 2 different ladies) have insisted in helping to bring the crates right into the warehouse and almost wanting to put the items on the shelves, (when other drivers seem to want to just throw the crates at us and want to get out as quick as possible!). It turns out that they have both had support from us in the past and are so grateful for the help. When they were at their greatest need, they are so happy to be at work now and more settled. It is great to see folk who have come out the other side and to know that the Besom has played a part in that!'
- Karen Kendall (Besom Lead)
Thank you so much, Chris and Karen, for sharing these testimonies with us.
If you have a story to share of God's provision, or a scripture that has encouraged your team or major news that's happening at your local Besom, we'd love to hear it. Please email media@thebesomnetwork.org.
Pray for emerging Besoms
Please join us for our next prayer meeting on Thursday, 2nd October, on Zoom at 7:30 PM as the lovely Tamsin Gaskell- Besom Witney Co-ordinator leads us in prayer. We'll be praying for emerging Besoms- Epsom and Barnet, plus other locations that Besom-ers pointed out during our Besom Family Gathering in 2023.
We look forward to a time of fellowship and encouragement together. Everyone's welcome!
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