Grapevine 65 FINAL2

GrapevineTHE VOICE OF HOPE FOR HASTINGS
WINTER 2019-20 NO 65 PPLRAEAESANASSDDEO N

• Farewell to Loaf Founder A Time of
• African Night Celebrations Goodwill
• Break Free From Addiction
• God’s Healing in Action
• Where Next for Grapevine?

G RDA PISE TVFIRONIREBUF1TRIOENE

A Few Words from The Editor

Welcome to the Winter edition A Season of Change
of Grapevine. The founder of
Loaf Project, Dr John Geater sadly Grapevine magazine aims to promote our fundraising project, to spread
passed away recently and we the Word and to encourage unity as one ‘church’. The advertising income
include tributes from some of his and donations do not fully cover the cost of £1500 per issue (published
closest friends. We take a look at three-times-per-year). The Loaf Team sadly do not feel that this is
practical ways to tackle all kinds sustainable, and soundings taken over the summer indicated a weakening
of addiction to give more people demand for the printed format. We have prayed together, and a task
hope, and there’s a round-up of our group of local Christians from different churches will look at the future of
colourful African fundraising night the magazine, and the viability of a new online format. We would like to
too. Finally, the Loaf Team would thank everyone for their support of Grapevine over the years. News about
like to wish you a peaceful and what Loaf Project is doing and, if it takes off, the new publication, will be
joyous Christmas. emailed out from Church Together’s Mailchimp GDPR-compliant database –
to be added to this, simply email: [email protected]
ONLINE HOTLINE You can
email your feedback and keep us Isaiah 7:14 ‘Jesus was called Emmanuel and God came to live
posted about any exciting Christian with us as a human.’ Today, the Holy Spirit makes Jesus Christ
initiatives that you are involved in at present in every believer’s life.
[email protected]

A Time of Goodwill

At Christmas time, it is easy CHRISTMAS BUFFET – HOPE KITCHEN
to get caught up in the razzle 7.30-9.00pm on Thurs 12th December,
dazzle of Festive fun… So, this Wellington Square Baptist Church, Albert Rd
year, as you light a candle or
decorate your tree with stars and Organiser George Hornsby says “Anyone local who is over
angels, why not take a moment 18 is welcome to share a tasty meal with us at Christmas
to reflect and give thanks to in a warm and friendly space. Our Church banner talks of
Jesus for his wonderful gift bringing Christ to the centre of Hastings – Hope Kitchen is
of eternal life (John 4:14). For our way of doing this.”
some, Christmas can be a sad or
lonely time; you can put a smile SURVIVING CHRISTMAS Christmas and Boxing Day,
on someone’s face, with even Salvation Army Hall, St Andrew’s Square.
the smallest thing – like buying
a warm pair of socks or cup of Sue Peck says “We offer a warm, friendly, safe space,
ginger latte for a street sleeper, delicious home-cooked two-course meal and hot drinks,
or inviting a lonely person for fun games and singing to people of all ages, who can also
Christmas dinner. Some amazing have a free haircut or freshen up with a shower too. Our
volunteers are reaching out to volunteers also drop off 700 food hampers to the elderly,
local people again this year. lonely, disabled and vulnerable. Disadvantaged children are
invited to visit our Santa’s grotto to receive a free Christmas
gift.” More info at: www.survivingchristmas.co.uk

Maybe you like traditional
carol singing or Midnight
Mass, or family fun at a local
Christingle service…. You can
find out what’s on by
contacting your nearest church
– visit churchtogetherhastings.
co.uk/churches

2 GRAPEVINE

A Tribute to Dr John Geater MBE
John Caroe reflected, “John was infamous for cooking

up new ideas with great gusto and before I knew it I had

been what we affectionately called ‘Geatered’ and found

myself starting at the Doctor’s Dilemmas course

with him, seeking to refresh tired Christian GPs

“His commitment with teaching, walks in the woods, healing
prayers, and beer in the pub. In these early
Photo by John Hawkins to Jesus was the days, thanks to John’s rocket-style enthusiasm
foundation and and strong faith, we invited doctors in Eastern
inspiration for all Europe at a politically sensitive time, to
his achievements” take part in the courses. John found himself

unable to travel further afield after losing his

spleen, but undefeated, went on to found PRIME

and with the help of his vast network of medical

After doing many years of amazing work around the colleagues, the charity today operates in over 50 countries.”
world, and an ongoing battle with cancer, Dr John
Geater MBE sadly passed away in October. John was Leader in Nigeria, Femi said, ‘Words cannot express my
an energised, kind family man of deep faith with a feelings, nor my thanks for all your help in ensuring we
great sense of humour. He wore many hats as a GP, from Nigeria key into the vision of PRIME.
founder and Chairman of Loaf Project, and charity,
PRIME (Partnerships in International Medical Education) Kizito from Kenya wrote, ‘He enlisted me as a PRIME co-
worker to stand tall beside him, sharing values that transcend
the boundaries of culture, race, age and profession’.”

A great encourager and an inspiration to others, he

will be badly missed by many. Here are some words of

tribute from a few of his closest friends:

Roger Mitchell, Acting Chair of Loaf Project said, John Geater helped hundreds of leprosy
“I’ve been friends with John for nearly 40 years and worked sufferers when living in Bhutan
closely with him on exciting Loaf Project fundraising to help
people in the poorest parts of the world. When I remember David Henty said, “John joined Shades Theatre in the
him, words like ‘dedicated’,’ inspirational’ and an ‘energetic late ‘80s and became actively involved as a playwright,
driving force’ come to mind. His commitment to Jesus was actor and then influencing planning and programmes as a
the foundation and inspiration for all his achievements. He Member of the Committee. He was a great inspiration as
had deep concern for the poor, the suffering, the sick and we stepped out as a more evangelistic group for the first
the desperate. John’s vision was to bring together local time in 1991. One of my favourite memories is joining us
Christians to raise money each year to help less fortunate on stage when his WWII play finally came to life. He will be
people around the world and actively to promote this in missed by us all.”
Grapevine Magazine.”
John Takes Centre Stage
John Lyttle, Secretary of Church Together wrote,
“My dear friend John was great fun and adventurous – like
the time when, despite the lack of wind, he sailed his dinghy
out on Ashburnham Lake and his children watched as, like
Peter in Galilee, he jumped in and swam ashore. Or the
memorable occasion when we performed Monty Python’s
‘The Dirty Fork’ to a full house. He was an active member of
St Helen’s Church and a valued supporter of Church Together
in our work to unite local Christians as one church.”

Dr Mike Cooper shared, “Working as a GP with John at
the Wellington Square Surgery was never dull – he was an
excellent and adventurous doctor who went the extra mile
to care for new mums or lonely pensioners and drug addicts
alike. A visionary pioneer of ‘holistic care’ for people’s mind,
body and spirit, John set up the Doctors’ Dilemmas 5-day
course at Burrswood that combines Christian faith with
quality medical training. The course was the springboard
for the successful global charity, PRIME, that birthed John’s
vision to support medics in poorer parts of the world.”

GRAPEVINE 3

African Night

The Loaf Project team organised a lively African Inspired by the vision of £5000
Night of cultural music, song and dance at the late Dr John Geater to go
Cambridge Hall on Saturday 5th October, to MBE, Loaf Project, with
raise more money for their FREEDOM Project generous support of local Nearly
designed to relieve period poverty for hundreds churches and people, has now £10000
of Congolese girls. raised nearly £10,000 as we get raised
closer to our £15,000 target to
The evening kicked off with a deeply moving talk from fund in-country making of Photos by
Alex Ntung who shared, with a full house, his personal sustainable femcare products ©KunikoKamioka2019
experiences living in the vast, but remote Minembwe enabling hygienic safety and
Plateau in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). He avoiding embarrassment that
said it was “one of the most beautiful places in the world” causes many girls to miss out
but also “one of the most dangerous places in the world.” on their education.
Alex also gave a deep insight into the many difficulties
faced by teenage girls wanting to continue in education in
his birth area – the DRC.

The celebrations started with a culinary extavaganza
of authentic curries made by Farah Kassamali, that were
a really big hit with everyone. Next was the visual treat of
traditional Congolese dancing led by Alex’s wife, Esther,
and their two daughters who, like many of the audience
who joined in the dancing, were wearing colourful
traditional African clothes.

Drummer, Alison Surridge, brought her genuine
African drums and enough percussion instruments
so that the whole audience could play a full part in a
Djembe drumming and musical circle, to get a feel for
traditional African rhythms. Alison said, “I thoroughly
enjoyed my time with such a
fantastic audience”. The evening
was rounded off with an auction
of spectacular locally-donated
paintings and prints led by
auctioneer and Grapevine
Editor, Lizzie May, raising nearly
£250 towards the total £900
raised at the evening. Roger
Mitchell, Acting Chair of Loaf
Project, said “After such a fun
and successful event we are now
well over half-way to our target
and would like to thank our
volunteers, performers,
artists and guests”. Alex,
who introduced the need
for the Project to the Loaf
Committee, said, “We really
appreciate the effort that
has gone into setting up
this wonderful evening.
Thank you so much”.

4 GRAPEVINE

All Together Now…

Church Together has been busy and has lots in the Church Together unites local churches and
pipeline too – get the full update from Secretary, Christians through learning and
John Lyttle who says: A few years ago, we dropped encouragement – upcoming event
the ‘es’ to better reflect our vision to share topics include: bereavement;
information and learning, encouraging Christian Christian mindfulness and listening
networking across the town as one ‘church’. With prayer. We welcome new people to
so many different flavours of faith, it is really bring fresh energy and vision – to
encouraging to see so many local Christians and get involved, drop us an email at
ministries coming together at meet-ups, worship, [email protected]
prayer, projects and services to others – this really
is ‘Church Together’ in action! I know what George Annual Unity Service Hosted by the Hastings Centre
Bernard Shaw meant when he said ‘The single at 3.30pm on 26th January 2020, hundreds of people
biggest problem in communication is the illusion that will come together for shared worship and prayer, and
it has taken place.’ We continue to use Mailchimp to the eminent Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol, will give an
keep people posted on our own and local churches’ interesting keynote talk, attending a follow-up meeting
many forthcoming events – simply email us at info@ for Councillors and church leaders. Around 25 local
hastingschurches.org.uk if you would like to be sent organisations will be taking stalls to network with people
a link to be added to our GDPR-compliant database. on the day. To hear last year’s talk by well-known Roman
The subscriptions we receive have and will continue Catholic speaker, Charles Whitehead, visit our website.
to fund a range of unity initiatives including: Easter Music Festival Taking place on Easter Saturday
– along with Hastings Youth Trust, we have helped to
Global Day of Prayer on 12th October at Wellington fund this major event that combines contemporary music,
Square Baptist Church: we worshipped and prayed hourly spoken word and art, last year attracting around 1000
from 9am to 4pm all together, in small groups and at the people including hundreds of young people and non-
imaginative prayer stations set up around the church. We churchgoers. We also plan to make a contribution to
rounded off the day with a delicious cream tea. Grapevine magazine. We are grateful for the donations
from most local churches that fund our project work.

Faith in Action Workshops Well-attended sessions His Place Art Café
taking in topics like Caring for those with Dementia, & Community Centre
Christian Mindfulness, Bereavement, Listening Prayer and
Domestic Violence. Our current series on Mental Health Robertson Street,
has proved popular so do keep a lookout for details of our Hastings, TN34 1HL
New Year ‘Caring for the Environment’ workshop with a Mon, Tues, Thur, Fri, Sat
leading speaker. 10am–3pm

Vote With Your Feet In recent years, we have also www.hisplaceartcafe.co.uk Tel: 01424 423501
organised three successful hustings meetings at the
Hastings Centre, breaking the town record with 600 voters Supported by Sussex Community Foundation
and it looks like we will be arranging another very soon!
Watch out for further details if we are able to arrange this. GRAPEVINE 5

Breaking Free From Addiction

What does addiction mean? Many would say three years, and 40% of drug overdose deaths in the EU

it is an uncontrollable reliance on drugs or are in the UK.

alcohol, but it can come in many other guises “In 2016 there were 2,593 deaths, and in 2017 a total

like gambling, eating disorders and other of 14,053 hospital admissions, linked to illicit drug use in

compulsive behaviours. England and Wales. Alcohol-related misuse is placing an

increasing burden on the NHS in England, costing around

£3.5bn a year, and a report by the Nuffield Trust suggested

that A&E attendance rates due to alcohol poisoning

doubled between 2009 and 2014.

“If you think “Earlier this year, The Independent reported
you have an that the ‘UK is facing addiction crisis as
councils cut funding for treatment while

addiction, don’t alcohol-related deaths soar’, and that

despair – if I can ‘nearly 60% of local authorities have
recover, so slashed budgets for these services over the
can you!” last year, amid Government cuts to public
health grants’.

“But like alcohol or drug abuse, many other

forms of addiction are also covering up underlying

issues and past hurts, and can take a grip on us when we

least expect it, impacting on our relationships, our mental

health and our ability to work. For example, secretive

gambling can result in debt or the loss of a home, or

serious obsessive-compulsive rituals stop someone from

taking part in life.

“There is increased pressure around body image from

broadcast and social media, impacting on the numbers of

females, and increasingly males, with body dysmorphia

Emma Heath is a Trustee and Facilitator for The linked to higher rates of self-harm – especially amongst

Recovery Course – the largest of its kind in the young people, along with a growing number who use

UK – and has first-hand experience of alcohol food to keep some form of control through constant

addiction, drinking 2 litres of vodka a day and dieting, bulimia or overeating.

wanting her life to end. Emma was brought “The good news is that there is help out there. The

up in a loving Christian home and lost her Recovery Course helps thousands of people across the UK,

way through addiction, yet reconnected with and being involved in it has really helped me turn my life

God in the midst of her pain and thanks to the around. It is so rewarding to free others from their secret

amazing free 12-step Christian Recovery Course, habits, crippling addictions, and compulsive behaviours.

now turns her battles into blessings, and helps In the face of dramatic cuts in support from public health

numerous people to find freedom from the grips

of addiction. We invited her to tell us more…. Recovery Course

“I believe that the church has a vital part to play in Holy Trinity Hastings will soon be running their second
transforming the lives of those with addiction, which free 12-week Recovery Course. Course Leader, Rob
can affect anyone, regardless of their gender, race, Worthing told us, “Everyone is welcome to join us at
religion, profession or social class. It encompasses 7pm on 29th January at Cambridge Hall (opposite ESK
a wide spectrum beyond drugs and alcohol, from in Cambridge Road). Small male-only and female-only
gambling, eating disorders, pornography and social groups will meet each week to hear an interesting
media, to other compulsive behaviours like OCD.   short talk, followed by discussion in a safe, confidential
space. All of our facilitators bring their own experience
“Drug and alcohol addiction are still amongst the of living with and overcoming addiction to encourage
most serious forms of addiction with some worrying others.” To register, visit:
trends. According to the Office for National Statistics [email protected]
(ONS), drug deaths in the UK are at the highest level on
record, with cocaine-related deaths doubling in the last

6 GRAPEVINE

services, I would urge more churches to get involved – we Taste Life
have some fantastic training, events and ‘ready-to-go’
resources and our new 15-week TV series on TBN for you Taste Life is a charity offering short courses around
to get started. Finally, if you think you have an addiction, the UK to help anyone with a difficult relationship
don’t despair – if I can recover, so can you!”. For more with food or ongoing eating disorder, run by
information or to make a donation visit: facilitators who have tackled their own eating
www.therecoverycourse.com addictions.
For more info visit www.tastelife.org or contact
The Shopping Bug Marie Dove in St Leonard’s on 07979 426806.

The latest research shows that the internet has Your Bexhill Evangelical
contributed to oniomania – shopping addiction. local
If the way you shop (in the high street or online) Book Centre
is compulsive or affecting other areas of your
life, a support group like Recovery could be just
the ticket.

Christian Established since 1986.
Wide selection of cards
Book available and good
Shop

selection of new and
secondhand books.
• Christian Books Orders taken if we don’t

• Cards have what you want.
Cash or cheques
• Small Gifts (no cards). Local
• Bibles deliveries undertaken.
• Stationery Discounts for bulk

• Children’s Books orders. We look forward
to serving you.
• Bible Notes

• Second hand Opening hours: 10am to 3.45pm
books Tuesday, Thursday,
Friday, Saturday

Also Mondays and Wednesdays
11am to 2pm

Contact:  Unit 4, The Mall,
Ann Mouland, 01424 722083 Western Road,
[email protected] Bexhill TN40 1DX
stpaulsfreechurchbexhill.org.uk

GRAPEVINE 7

Healing Body, Mind and Soul

One of the most amazing witnesses to God’s
love and the power of the Holy Spirit, is when
he works through us to heal people’s spiritual,
mental or physical illness. We invited
Dr Barbara Leppard DM FRCP, retired Consultant
Dermatologist and author, and an Anglican Reader
to share her story of how God has worked through
her to heal hundreds of people…

“The Christian healing ministry is where Jesus meets

people at their point of need. When Jesus was here on

Earth, he didn’t have one method of healing the sick but

dealt with each person as an individual, whether they

needed physical healing, forgiveness of sins or deliverance

from evil spirits. And it is exactly the same today when

people come to Jesus asking for help.

I first discovered this in 1981 when working as a

Consultant Dermatologist in Southampton. My colleagues

and I had done everything we could to help a lady who Barbara Leppard with the pastor that she worked with
had been on our ward for five months. She had been in Tanzania. On Sundays they would go out together to
suffering from leg ulcers secondary to rheumatoid arthritis, village churches to preach the Gospel, heal the sick and
but nothing worked. One day I found myself kneeling cast out demons.

down by her bed asking Jesus to heal her. Three days later, him. He had come to the hospital on a stretcher. Three
all the ulcers were healed – and they never came back!
weeks later he walked into the outpatient clinic with a
“I had never prayed for a patient before – seeing that
completely normal foot.
lady healed transformed how I worked and from
“Other patients have been healed when they
then on, if God said to pray for someone, I
repented of their sins or forgave someone
did. Over the years I have seen hundreds of John 8:36
patients get well in ways that cannot be “So if the who had hurt them. Like a lady who had a
explained medically. Some are straight particularly unsightly skin disease which
had not responded to the usual medical
physical healings like the lady above,
and an old man in Tanzania with a Son sets you treatment. One day, she told me that
when her widowed father had become
gangrenous foot who adamantly refused
to come into hospital. I asked him if he free, you are seriously ill and the doctor told her
he would need full-time care she felt
would like me to pray for him and when truly free.”
he said “Yes” I simply asked Jesus to heal unable to look after him as she had her
own family. Her father died that night and

she had felt guilty ever since. I witnessed her

Barbara’s Story saying sorry to God for letting her father down,
and one month later her skin was dramatically better. It’s

Heal the Sick by Barbara been such an exciting adventure to see what God could do
Leppard is one of very for my patients when I had nothing to offer as a doctor. All
few books on Christian I needed was faith!”

healing written by a Keeping Faith, Staying Safe
doctor. Barbara tells her

story with many amazing If you are interested in joining a prayer team or
case studies – available praying at a church, Christian healing centre or
for £11.99 from Amazon street prayer ministry, it is important to speak
and local bookshops to the Leaders or Elders first. Each will have its
– ISBN 978-1-78623- own way of working, backed by training and
345-5. boundaries, to keep the prayer ministry team and

the people they pray for safe.

8 GRAPEVINE

David Mayhew, Chaplain at Crowhurst All around the UK, Filling Stations bring
Christian Healing Centre (CCHC) in East Sussex together people to worship, and many receive
told us how God has been moving in people’s spiritual or physical healing from God.
lives at the Centre Richard Martin from the local Filling Station at
“Our story begins with an astounding healing in the 20s Ashburnham Place told us more
when God intervened and changed the natural course of
events for His glory. Howard Cobb (CCHC’s founder) had “Rev Richard Fothergill founded the Filling Station
become dangerously ill with sleeping sickness, after visiting Organisation in 2003 when he had the vision to encourage
a patient in hospital. He became so gravely ill that all hope renewal in the UK Church – especially in rural areas. Today,
of a recovery had been lost. But God had different plans. as many as 6000 people gather monthly at around 100
local Filling Stations. Guests come to be spiritually refreshed
The Lord’s ministry would extend way beyond Howard’s and filled with the Holy Spirit through fellowship, worship,
years, who, after a period of continuous prayer, was biblical teaching, interesting talks and encouragement to
healed by the Lord.  Ninety-one years later, we still see walk with God. We believe in teamwork and our volunteers
Jesus intervening again and again in the lives of guests bring many different giftings.
who visit us – changing the natural course of sickness and
decay, bringing wholeness and healing to people who “Healing prayer is central to this Ministry. As well as
have given up hope.  revelation on the night, the Spirit may tell us beforehand
who to pray for, via names, situations, location, or
Our heart for the diseased and broken mirrors Jesus’ appearance including clothing. When a person realises they
heart, and healing is at the core of our 2020 Programme: are special and God has someone to pray for them, this is
Healing Space, Healing Days/Weekends, a series of very powerful. We feel it is important to tell people what
‘Embrace’ Quiet Days and events for men, and families. they are being saved from, and also encourage them to
We trust that God will continue to work through us, our repent so that they can enjoy full freedom in their lives.
events and our weekly healing services to change the lives
of many more people, all for His glory. You are welcome to “Many guests tell us how they have found healing and
come and see what the Lord is doing here.”   freedom from past traumas like depression, bereavement,
Find out more at:  www.crowhursthealing.org.uk  marriage breakdown, chronic dental problems, debilitating
joint complaints, and many aches and pains. Healing
Healing Team at Crowhurst isn’t always instant and needs persistence as Mark 8
v22-25 tells us… Once, we prayed for five people with
knee trouble. Two were instantly better and two others
saw a little improvement. But the one needing a knee
replacement who was no better, returned a few weeks
later to tell us how their surgeon had declared them
fighting fit with no need for any surgery!

“In the summer, we prayed for a kid with astigmatism.
God did what only He can do, and her sight was fully
restored with no need for the planned eye operation. What a
marvellous witness to the one who says he has Living Water
and we can know life abundantly. But we just need to remind
ourselves that we may not see full healing every time we ask,
and only when we finally meet with our Saviour will we have
complete understanding.” For more information visit:
www.thefillingstation.org.uk

john hawkins design Hastings Healing Rooms

graphic design Free, Confidential Prayer for healing in
book design and typography the Name of Jesus Christ
magazine design
self publishing consultancy God said “I am the Lord who heals you”
07780 502417
Part of Healing Rooms England & Wales. www.healingrooms.org.uk Charity no: 1125094
[email protected]
www.jhbd.co.uk GRAPEVINE 9

Living in Faith THE DIFFERENCE IN MY LIFE…

Guest reporter, Vanessa Alves, asked Lucy Skelton Making An Impact
At JAFFA we allow the children time to pray about things,
about her work with young people and children. if they want to. We sit in a circle and it’s a lovely five
Read on to find out about the impact the charity minutes of calm before they go. There are many stories of
Christian School Workers Hastings has had over the young people and children, who because of what we do
years and how we can help to ensure it continues. can face tomorrow. For example, there were two sisters
who were constantly moving because the police, debt
I grew up in Chorley, Lancashire in a Christian family. collectors and social workers were always at their door.
We went into local prison chapel services as this They were lovely girls, but very neglected and struggling.
was my Mum’s ministry; my siblings and I played The eldest girl was leaving for secondary – I asked her if
instruments and sang. Actively living out our faith she enjoyed JAFFA. She answered, “At night, me and my
was something we just did and I was baptised at sister would be woken up by shouting and the police,
thirteen. God has been faithful to us as a family and we would sit together on our beds and we would cry,
to me personally, as a wife and mother. we were so scared. We never knew if we would be taken
away or if Mum would be taken away. We felt so alone
I didn’t feel specifically called to work in schools, but I felt and didn’t know what to do. But at JAFFA you taught
called to work with young people. Often God takes us to us that we could pray. Now when we hear shouting, we
places we don’t expect. I had plans to get a position in sit together and pray. We know that no matter what
Shepshed when I finished my University degree in Youth and happens that night, God is with us and he will look after
Community Work and Applied Theology. I told God that us. We know we don’t need to be afraid.”
whatever job I got offered first I would take; he sent me
here and I have been leading the team for Christian School Practical Help
Workers Hastings (CSWH) for over eleven years. Prayer is key. This work was set up for three years in
2001. Please pray for the charity, the staff we work with
Reaching Out in schools and the students we have contact with. We are
At CSWH, we aim to educate, enable and equip. The charity a small team doing as much as we can. Usually, we are in
engages schools with Christianity through lessons in and out schools Monday-Thursday, from 9am-4.30pm. People are
of the classroom, using interactive resources and Collective needed to fill a range of roles, from leading a club and
Worship times (assemblies). Our primary clubs are called directing other volunteers, making cups of squash and
JAFFA (Jesus A Friend For All) and they explore Bible characters handing them out, to helping with set-up, packing up
and the story of Jesus. Drop-in clubs in secondary are less and transporting equipment.
structured but provide the opportunity to challenge, question
and dig into aspects of the Christian life. We run prayer and CSWH receives no Government or local authority
reflection spaces where students spend time praying, thinking, funding. We rely on the generosity of people who see
reflecting or simply “being”. There is also a workshop for what we do as important, finances are a huge challenge
year six students about moving up to secondary school. With for the Trust.
a free workbook called Moving On, we look at Joseph and
how he responded to challenges. CSWH runs a weekly inter- You can get a CSWH loose change box and just keep
church youth group on a Monday evening at St Leonards putting your odd pennies in it. Email team.leader@cswh.
Baptist Church. We have young people from schools and from co.uk for any information about supporting the work in
churches that have one or two youth and need more Christian any way and to receive our termly newsletter and extra
young people to mix and learn with. This includes worship, updates by email or paper copy. Visit our website: 
Bible study, fun, food and time to socialise. www.cswh.co.uk for more information.

Lucy with some of the CSWH team

10 GRAPEVINE

Keeping it Young

HTH Young at Heart Sonrise Joins the Club

Holy Trinity Hastings works closely with young people. Cathy Khan from Sonrise Church shared, “Our Youth Team
Their Youth Pastor Darren Maylem told us, “We organise a packed programme for 11-18 year olds, and we
take things slowly when talking to youngsters about aim to offer a place where everyone can belong, take part
Christianity… like at our Youth Club – it’s all very relaxed; and enjoy learning new skills as well as having fun and
a safe place for young people to hang out, play games making friends. They are able to showcase their talents
or watch a movie. It’s only after we’ve got to know them by getting involved in our activities, making a positive
that we invite them to our Alpha Course or Sunday contribution to our Church and local community.”
Service youth groups. We took some young people to
the Focus Festival Youth Tent this year and three of them, Jess said, “I like Sonrise Youth because I can spend time
who aren’t from a church background, heard the Gospel with my friends, play cool games and learn about God.
message and gave their lives to Jesus. There is literally The leaders are really friendly and amazing.” Youth Leader,
nothing better!” Eddie Rose added, “Over the last few years at Sonrise, I
have been both challenged and encouraged by some truly
HTH Youth Leader, Ethan Kirby added, “Growing up inspirational young people, as I’ve watched them grow
is a very confusing time and Jesus is the only constant. and explore a real relationship with God.”
In a time of social media pressure, my relationship with
Jesus, who is my rock, meant I felt loved and able to be More info at www.sonrisechurch.co.uk
myself without worrying what other people think. My
faith and Church have brought me lasting friendships and
amazing people to look up to”. To find out more or to
get involved email: [email protected]

Resources

There are some great resources and events out there
for young people:
Festivals www.oscar.org.uk/resources/practical/
accommodation/uk-accommodation/holidays-uk/bible-
weeks-festivals-uk
Youth For Christ fun, creative ways to talk about
Jesus: www.yfc.co.uk/churchresources
Practical guidance for leaders www.cpas.org.
uk/church-resources/developing-youth-leader

Focus Festival
www.focus.htb.org/
resources

Sonrise youth

Package
Deals
Available
GRAPEVINE 11

NEWSROUND

Local Ladies Reach Out Friendship Partnership
Gets Stronger
Becky Ingamells talks about international justice and
poverty to churches all around the UK, to help raise The largest party of teachers to-date from Hastings UK will
funds for global charity, Tearfund, and told us, “We be working for a week in February 2020 in the classrooms
follow God’s call to provide help ‘where the need of their partner schools in the Hastings area of Sierra
is greatest’ in Jesus’ name in the poorest parts of Leone. Isabel Hodger will lead a workshop for the African
the world. There is so much work to be done – refugee partners, looking at mathematics teaching and best
camps in Lebanon, rebuilding communities in Syria, long- practice, and said, “This visit will enhance the educational
term poverty alleviation in Rwanda and Uganda, and experience of African and English pupils alike.”
much more….” To help with local fundraising email:
[email protected]  HSLFL has released funding for water supply to four
more partner schools. Link Chairman Richard Homewood
When Austrian national, Regina Ebner, met Jaona will be visiting Sierra Leone to oversee the work, and
Manoelison from Madagascar and got talking at shared, “Clean water and sanitation is key to the good
Ashburnham Place, they realised that God had put the health of pupils. It is a privilege to help teachers faced with
same vision on both their hearts – to create a project overcrowded classrooms and a shortage of educational
for the community, run by the community for people in materials.”
need, and got to work. Regina shared, “We travelled
to Jaona’s home to find out what the villagers would Christine Lane will be continuing to focus on
change – like education, healthcare and sustainable supporting staff working at the village Health Centre and
farming. So we raised £700 – enough to buy a plot of says, “Our new Hastings-based Community Healthcare
land at the heart of the community, to build a new school, Officer and I plan to meet the Centre’s District Medical
land to plant and hopefully a new library will be next.  Officer during our visit, to discuss more ways to improve
It is beautiful to see how God loves the community of the health care of their community. They do an amazing
Ambohibolakely and gives new hope”. To get involved or job with very little resources.”
make a donation email: [email protected]
Owned and run by the Towner family since 1875
‘With You’ Booklets
2 - 4 Norman Road, St Leonards 436386
John Woolley set up the ‘I Am With You’ Foundation
charity in 1990 to spread Jesus’ teaching. You can get Audley House, 1 Albert Road, Bexhill 733700
a taster in one of their FREE booklets on topics like ‘For
Those Who Are Hurting’ and ‘You Are Never Alone’ – 43 High Street, Battle 775515
for copies, email [email protected] or Ronnie
from HTH at: [email protected] www.towners.co.uk

12 GRAPEVINE

A Heart for Mental Health FREE Online Toolkit

Organised by Sussex Partnership Trust doctors, Dr Shakil Mental Health and Wellbeing have produced a handy
Malik, Canon Penny Avann and the late Dr John Geater, online toolkit available at su.org.uk/mentalhealth to
the recently launched ‘Your Mind Matters’ course proved help more people find comfort in Jesus. Maddy, just
to be a big hit with sixteen church leaders and chaplains. 25, who was hospitalised with
The forum enabled delegates and leading experts to anxiety and depression, had
talk about how to spot and deal with the mental health been bullied, self-harmed and
challenges that members of their church might present, turned to alcohol, says, ‘I went
from depression and stress to abuse, looking at practical to church and it saved my life. I
ways to support and help them move forward through felt such peace, acceptance and
forgiveness. love; felt Jesus saying ‘You are
mine now.
Also popular, the first of series of follow-up morning
mental health sessions facilitated by Professor Tom Faith in Healthcare
Craig have been tailored to support lay people involved
in pastoral care. Penny Avann reflected, “We are really The Faith in Healthcare event at Ashburnham Place in
encouraged by the level of interest from people in so the late Summer was also a resounding success. Graham
many different roles. This reinforces the need to equip Atfield, Chaplain at Conquest Hospital, gave a talk about
all frontline church personnel with the right skills to deal his work and how the love of Jesus should encourage
with the many painful experiences their church members us to offer a kind and listening ear to patients in need.
are going through in a caring and safeguarded way.” Delegates formed break-out groups to discuss their own
For more details on future events email: pennyavann@ experiences and GPs and healthcare practitioners fed back
btinternet.com or call 01424 435756. that, however busy they are, they felt that spending just a
few minutes talking and listening to patients can make a
big difference to their emotional and physical wellbeing.

Jan Cooper shares her
journey of motherhood,
post-natal depression,
and recovery through

the freedom of the
Holy Spirit.

GRAPEVINE 13

Christians Make a Stand Sunday Walks Diary Dates

Encouraged by local churches, many people walked to You are welcome to join us at any of our Loaf
their Sunday services during the recent national Car-Free First Sunday Walks in 2020:
Week. Another success was the Autumn Sustainability- 5th January Meet 2.00pm at Wellington Square
on-Sea Festival across Hastings. Local people learned more Baptist in Hastings for a Prayer Walk around the town
about climate change, and visited stalls selling everything and its hills.
from recycled colourful plastic jewellery to bamboo 2nd February Meet 2.00pm at Café in Alexandra Park
toothbrushes. Organiser Stephen Atkinson told us, “As to explore some lesser known local green spaces.
Christians, my partner and I were keen to get involved 1st March: Meet 2.00pm at Mountfield Heath School’s
and to give more people practical ways to live in a more car park (by caravan showrooms) at Johns Cross to
sustainable way. The future survival of creation is in all of explore the village and Vinehall Forest.
our hands. 5th April: Meet 2.30pm at Crowhurst Recreation
Ground car park for a three-farms walk and view of the
We run our own organic vegetable garden business, Link Road.
Stonylynk Organics, supplying local business customers 3rd May Meet 2.30pm at Crowhurst Church. Park on
in Sussex and decided to set up a day where local people the road opposite to visit Catsfield Place and Forewood
brought their own apples for us to juice up and preserve Bluebells.
nature’s sweet gifts. Our neighbours joined stallholders 7th June Meet 2.30pm at Westfield Church (please
to sell their own produce and craftware and traded with park in side roads) and explore this lovely area.
each other too – a real example of local economy at work. 5th July Meet 2.30pm at Brede Village Hall car park
We hope this Festival is the catalyst towards resilient, self- for a walk around Broad Oak and the Tillingham valley.
sufficiency and reduced energy use.” Led by experienced leaders, all our walks are between
More about Stonylynk Organics and stockists at: 3½ and 4½ Miles – many including rough ground. Dogs
www.stonylynkorganics.com on leads welcome!

Fair’s Fare Loved Ones Remembered

JTS is a charity that empowers and educates producers and Early in December, St Michael’s Hospice held its annual
consumers about the fair buying and selling of delicious remembrance Lights of Love services at local churches and
foods from around the world – find out more at: St Michael’s Hospice. People were able to remember their
www.jts.co.uk late loved ones by writing a personal loving message on a
star or heart, to be placed on one of their special Lights of
14 GRAPEVINE Love trees around Hastings and Rother.

We Welcome Your Support

The Loaf Team would like to thank advertisers, churches and
individuals for their generous donations towards the £1500
production cost for 3500 copies of each Grapevine. To make
an online donation, visit: www.loafproject.co.uk
or email: [email protected] for standing orders & transfers.

NEWSROUND

Bridging the Gap NEWS IN BRIEF

Making the transition to adulthood can be very challenging Golf Day a Big Hit
for many young people. The Catalyst Programme at
Ashburnham Place gives young adults aged 18-27 a Great fun was had by the golfers who competed at the
unique opportunity to combine practical team-based work Street Pastors’ friendly 18-hole fundraising golf day at
experience with spiritual growth. Programme Manager, Wellshurst Golf and Country Club in September. Players
Regina Ebner told us: “We offer our participants exciting and sponsors enjoyed a bacon/sausage brunch and hot
fieldwork-based ‘get your hands dirty’ discipleship training drinks to keep them going.
to equip and inspire them to live as followers of Jesus. We
bring together young people from different backgrounds
to work in our eco-gardens, swim in our lakes, even start
fires (safely!) and help out by serving our guests.

Leading Quiz Keeps Them Guessing
young
people Teams of people from local churches pitted their wits
into the against each other at the fun Interchurch Quiz at
Light Blacklands Church Hall in November to raise money for
local charity, Iasis.
“Our aim is to enable them to gain a deeper
understanding of God, how to embody worship and
praise through their own unique giftings, and how to live
sustainably as ‘stewards of creation’.”
For more information or to apply visit:
www.catalyst.ashburnham.org.uk

Grapevine is published by Loaf Project (reg charity no. Battle, East Sussex, TN33 9NF
293855) in association with Church Together in Hastings
and St Leonards to encourage action for the relief of Set in 220 acres of beautiful grounds
poverty and distress in the local community and overseas. and gardens, Ashburnham Place
is a Christian conference, retreat
Grapevine team Advertising and distribution and event centre.
Richard Keep 01424 852131 • The Orangery Tea Room
Loaf acting chair • Be The Word Bookshop
Roger Mitchell Treasurer • Prayer Centre
Christine Lane, who is pleased to
Editor Lizzie May receive donations at: 151 Old Roar Rd, For more information, please go to
St Leonards TN37 7HH Tel 754608 www.ashburnham.org.uk
Design or call
John Hawkins Printed by Scantech
jhbd.co.uk 01424 892244
07780 502417 Web www.loafproject.co.uk
GRAPEVINE 15

The Manor House, Penhurst, Nr. Battle, 7/9 Wellington Square
East Sussex TN33 9QP Hastings
tel: 0845 458 0602
E. Sussex TN34 1PD
email: [email protected]
web www.penhurst.org.uk Tel: (01424) 721700
Fax: (01424) 433755
Open to all who wish to seek God’s peace.
This Christian retreat centre offers a welcoming family e-mail: [email protected]

home environment in a setting that is remarkable, Accounts preparation Taxation
peaceful and beautiful. The house can sleep up to 12
Business planning VAT
guests and cater for day groups of up to 25.
Auditing Inheritance tax planning
An excellent venue for individual or small group
residential retreats, individual quiet days, group away Computer consultancy Independent financial

days etc. We also have a programme of led retreats and training advice
and workshops available.
Also serving clients from offices at:
Contact the wardens for further details or to book. Battle, Heathfield, & Hove

S E R V I C E   D E PA RT M E N T
• Free collection and delivery • Body repairs
• Cost-effective prices on all • Vauxhall and Land Rover

parts and labour specialists

• Electrical work • MOTs
• Brakes and clutches • Highly-trained technicians

ASK FOR DETAILS NOW OR CALL:

01424 425599