The recent Chippenham Chapter event was an encouraging evening of testimony, prayer and ministry, with an inspiring message from guest speaker Geoff and a special moment as a 17-year-old made a commitment to become a Christian.
Although the gathering was smaller than some previous events, the evening demonstrated that the impact of a meeting is not measured simply by the number of people in the room. There was a real sense of expectation as intercessors prayed ahead of the event, seeking God for those who would attend and for what He wanted to do during the evening.
From a Unique Childhood to a Life of Christian Service
Geoff’s testimony is one shaped by an unusual childhood and a lifelong journey of faith and service.
His parents were profoundly deaf, and growing up in that environment brought a number of unique challenges. However, those experiences also helped Geoff develop skills and perspectives that would prove valuable throughout the rest of his life.
Geoff went on to train at an Agricultural Institute in Lincolnshire. It was during this time that he made a commitment to become a Christian, a decision that would change the direction of his life.
After graduating as a trained agriculturalist, Geoff became an Agricultural Missionary in Rwanda. Later in life God led him into church ministry, where he was baptised in the Holy Spirit and received the gift of evangelism.
His ministry has taken him all around the world, including Lithuania, where more than 20 years ago he helped establish the Christian Alpha Course.
An Engaging Testimony and a Challenge to Follow Jesus
Geoff shared his testimony in an engaging and inspiring way, taking the audience through some of the key moments of his life and faith.
A central theme of his message was the importance of having a relationship with God. He began by speaking about that relationship and brought his message to a challenging conclusion with the question:
“What have you done for Jesus?”
It was a question that provided a fitting challenge for the evening. Encouraging those present not simply to hear about faith, but to consider how their own lives can be lived in response to Jesus.
Prayer, Words of Knowledge and Ministry
Prayer was an important part of the event.
In the lead-up to the meeting, members of the intercessory team had been praying and seeking the Lord for the evening. During their prayers, they received what are described as “words of knowledge” relating to the event and those who would attend.
Some of these words were shared during the meeting, with people responding during the ministry time.
Several members of the Chippenham Chapter also joined Geoff in helping with the ministry, providing an opportunity for those attending to receive prayer and encouragement.
The feedback from the evening will also be shared with the intercessors and others who had been praying for the event, recognising the important part that prayer played both before and during the gathering.
A 17-Year-Old Makes a Commitment
One of the most encouraging moments of the evening came when a 17-year-old made a commitment to become a Christian.
He had originally received an FGB flyer for the men’s breakfast during street evangelism, and that invitation led him to attend the event.
The Chapter is now planning to follow up with him and continue to encourage him in his new journey of faith.
For FGB, moments such as this demonstrate the importance of continuing to reach beyond existing members. Making opportunities available for people who may be encountering the Christian message for the first time.
Visitors from Swindon and Bristol
The event also brought together people from further afield, with attendees making the effort to travel from Swindon and Bristol. Some were attending an FGB event for the first time.
There was also interest from Bristol following the meeting. A woman approached one of the organisers afterwards to ask about FGB events. She explained that she lives in Bristol and was interested in attending future events with her husband. She provided her email address and plans are now in place to keep her informed about upcoming FGB opportunities.
Lives Touched and Doors Opened
With around 15 people attending, it provided an intermate opportunity for personal ministry, meaningful conversations and new connections.
From the young man making a commitment to Christ, to first-time visitors travelling from other towns, and the possibility of reaching new people in Bristol. The evening opened several doors for continued ministry.
The Chippenham Chapter is encouraged by what took place and will continue to build on the relationships and opportunities that came from the event.
As Geoff’s testimony reminded those present, a life changed through a relationship with God can go on to influence people far beyond its original setting. His story, and the events of the evening, provide a powerful reminder that every opportunity to share the Gospel can have an impact.
Please continue to pray for those who attended the event, particularly the young man who made a commitment to Christ. For those who are exploring FGB for the first time, and for the ongoing outreach and ministry of the Chippenham Chapter.