The day began bright and early – the Children’s Team (Chrissie Wilkinson from Oxford, John O’Brien from Sheffield and ourselves from Brighton) arrived at City Temple, Holborn, London at 7am and began to pray for the day ahead.

Kalpana Thomas, the founder, so wants ‘Hallowed’ to take Halloween back to its Christian roots as All Saints Day. She had advertised the children’s event (running parallel to the adults’ prayer meeting) as “fun, with a deep spiritual element of introducing the kids to a God who loves them like a Father – a Father who will never leave their side, who lavishes them with affection, understanding and salvation”.

The fun began at Registration with a clown showing party tricks to individual children as they arrived. The 5 to 11 year olds enjoyed ice breakers and team games to help them get to know each other as they had come from different churches from across the region.

God had prompted Chrissie, John and us to follow Jane Mackie’s ‘Kids Pray!’ book – 8 steps of heart preparation towards Listening to God. We wanted to encourage the children that they could have a two-way relationship with Father God themselves.

As they engaged with what we were doing, the children enriched the discussion of how to ‘get rid of junk’ that separated us from God and ‘restoring our relationship’ with Him. Beccy led a time of worship, including the beautiful song, sung as a prayer, about getting to know ‘Father God’ more. This session ended with a really energised song ‘R U Ready?’ to share God’s glory – the children stood in amazement at the worship of the zany grown-ups on the Team!!

We encouraged the 14 young people to be open to His love and Holy Spirit and gave them space to hear from Him. One 9 year old had a picture of someone climbing a mountain and putting a flag at the top. Others shared how peaceful or happy they felt as they rested in God. Later, having listened for themselves, they then drew around their partner’s head and shoulders and wrote down on the paper the words God gave them, to bless each other.

We were thrilled to be invited downstairs to join the adults’ meeting. We entered the auditorium in single file marching with banners, as an army. The song we sang declares that ‘Children of the Cross’ are able to sing His praise, to silence the enemy and say that the Lord saves. Individual children then shared what they had received from God, before praying for the grown-ups.

Another children’s entertainer, ‘Lily Lollipop’, led an hour’s fun before our parachute games at the end of the day. At just after 7pm we left exhausted, but happy, knowing the children had met with God!   

Jon and Beccy Bebb

Turning the Tide

November 2011

“So let us run the race that is before us and never give up…..let us look only to Jesus, the One who began our faith and who makes it perfect. He suffered death on the cross. But He accepted the shame as if it were nothing because of the joy that God put before Him. And now He is sitting at the right side of God’s throne. Think about Jesus’ example….”

Hebrews 12: 1-3 always reminds Beccy of a hurdle race. The hurdles are equidistant in the race the athletes run, in contrast to those in real life!

Surf the Wave 2011 was incredibly challenging – it seemed that each time we overcame one hurdle, with the Lord’s enabling; we were faced with another just as daunting, if not bigger! However, in the midst of everything going on,

                        by His Holy Spirit lives were being changed!                       

The initial challenges of bedroom allocation were set against a backdrop of worship! The designated band arrived and, within minutes, they were practicing in the Octagon Meeting Room in the centre of the courtyard.

Jesus’ name was being lifted high!

His glory was pervading Oakwood Youth Challenge!

In the ‘Gatherings’ every evening the focus was Jesus. The first evening the young people, many of whom came from non-Christian homes, heard that Surf the Wave was all because of Him. On the Tuesday, the guest speaker, Liam, gave a Gospel message which highlighted that when God looks at us He does not see the bad things we have done; instead, because of the cross, He sees Jesus. Many young hearts were stirred and responded by asking for prayer. Young people could not believe how accurately Liam prayed into their lives with the gift of knowledge.

They were taken aback by Him knowing them!

From then on young peoples’ attitudes softened, giving opportunity for leaders to come alongside them in a greater way. Youth who are so used to being put down were being built up again and again. The ‘posh meal’ on the Saturday evening communicated so powerfully how special they are, as the leaders served the tables and waited on them!

They were blown away by His encouragement!

On Thursday evening Creative Prayer Stations were set up to enable the youth to engage with Jesus individually. This was a different experience for many. As they walked around, responding in a new way to prayer, many chose to linger in the ‘Be Still’ tent and be prayed for.

They were drawn by His love!

The days were filled with a variety of activities through the week from horse riding, ‘kiwi wire’, mountain boarding and the climbing wall based at Oakwood itself to a ‘Photographic Scavenger Hunt’ in Reading city centre and swimming at ‘Coral Reef’.   At other times there were sports, dance and craft. The young people created a huge ‘wave sculpture’ model on which everyone placed their pipe cleaner surfer.

As they returned home, they were challenged to ride on the waves with Jesus!

In summary, what an amazing week of many lows but some incredible highs! Twenty young people made a decision for Christ! At least three healing miracles deepened faith in Him! Everyone was transformed by His love!

Many more things happened and there is much more to tell – some hard but much positive. Please continue to pray for all the young people who came to Surf the Wave 2011 and for the leaders as we seek to keep in touch with them through youth services and social events. Please also pray especially for the discipleship of those who have started their walk with Jesus!

Jon and Beccy Bebb

Turning the Tide

September 2011

- more to follow!

Thank you so much for standing with us in prayer

It makes such a difference!

It makes such a difference!

SURF THE WAVE at OAKWOOD – PRAYER POINTS

Monday, 8^th – Sunday, 14^th August 2011

OUTLINE OF THE WEEK:

Surf the Wave is a residential event for youth (aged 12-18 years). The response has been tremendous – we are over-full, with 55 young people signed up for a week of fun and getting to know Jesus!

The event will be held at the ‘Oakwood Youth’ centre in Berkshire. We are excited by the new venue! It’s a great centre with many outward bound activities on offer, such as horse riding, mountain boarding and high ropes.

The meeting areas both inside and out have huge potential! Every evening we will all gather together in ‘The Octagon’ meeting room to focus on Jesus through worship, testimony and learning from Him in different ways. Most mornings will include an opportunity to reflect on the teaching from the night before and ask questions.

Please pray for:

• Our final preparations and for good health for the leaders; Debbie Jarvis, a key worker was rushed into hospital last week and is now recuperating;
• All the young people to feel accepted, that there will be a sense of family and everyone will feel loved and blessed. Many of the young people are coming from unchurched backgrounds – praise God!
• The youth band who are coming especially to lead worship, that all the meetings will provide real encounters with God as well as being fun, fresh and Holy Spirit-led;
• Safety, good health and sufficient energy levels for all during the different activities planned at Oakwood and beyond;
• The Lord’s name to be lifted up and for His Kingdom to be extended!

“…. if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.”

John 8:36 (New Living Translation)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXo0cEWw8zg

We’re so thankful for every single one of you!!

Turning the Tide

pour out your Spirit upon your people,

and grant us

- a new vision of your glory

- a new experience of your power

- a new faithfulness to your Word, and

- a new consecration to your service,

that your love may grow among us,

and your kingdom come;

through Christ our Lord.

Amen

Prayer Needs for Jon and Beccy + Turning the Tide

Declan Hubert

Many will have read about this in the papers or heard of it through the media.

Declan came to many of our Turning the Tide events for young people and families. He was a special, gentle young man with a quiet confidence and a clear, firm faith. An unforgettable highlight for all of us at ‘Surf the Wave’ last summer was when Declan sang ‘Hallelujah’, in the Talent Show, accompanying himself on the guitar.

Two weeks ago Declan (aged 14) was hit by a car while doing his paper round. At the end of a prayer-soaked weekend at the hospital, across the city and across the world there was a sense that God had given Declan the choice to return to earth or stay. Having tasted heaven, he chose to stay!

Although this is in many ways a tragedy, there is a real sense that our awesome, Redeemer God is bringing some truly amazing things out of it. Jeremy and Caroline are seeking prayer for two things especially: for a marked deepening in the unity of the church in the city and for many to come to faith through their testimony of God’s goodness and faithfulness. As many people have visited Dec’s parents since to offer comfort, they themselves have been given Jesus. There has been a number who have responded to the Gospel.

Please would you join with us and the family in praying for:

·        Declan’s family- including his parents, six sisters and one brother;

·        Dec’s friends, young people who are feeling shocked and bereaved;

·        The new Christians;

·        Others to find peace and hope in Jesus;

·        Our role in supporting young people, in particular;

·        The Thanksgiving Service to be held at 3pm on Saturday, 21^st May, outside in a marquee on St. Helen’s Green, Hangleton, BN3 8AJ. Refreshments, followed by Praise and Worship Celebration. All are welcome!

Finances and the TTT Office

We have been holding out for a breakthrough in finances to enable us to keep our TTT office, which helps towards healthy boundaries between work and time off.

We are very thankful to all those who have responded positively to our letter in one-off gifts.  However, to keep the office going, TTT needs an increased regular income.

Please pray for:

·        The necessary increase in regular income especially;

·        Wisdom for Jon and Beccy as they face this dilemma and the possible need to relocate to home;

·        Healthy boundaries to be maintained between work and time off.

Surf the Wave

Planning is well under way for ‘Surf the Wave 2011’ (8^th-14^th August). This year the event for 12-18 year olds will be held at the Oakwood youth centre in Berkshire and we are praying for a group of 80.

We are excited by the new venue! It’s a great centre with lovely grounds and lots to do on and off-site! The meeting areas both inside and out have huge potential. For more information see www.oakwoodyouth@co.uk.

Please pray for:

·        Our planning especially in the light of Declan’s loss;

·        All the young people God wants there to sign up;

·        The planning of the event and our role especially (there’s lots to do!);

·        The funding necessary, including to support those who need help financially.

Thank you so much for standing with us in prayer

It makes such a difference!

Jon and Beccy xx

www.turning-the-tide.com

For those of you who use Facebook, TTT has a Facebook group; just search Groups for ‘Turning the Tide’.

It’s been WAY too long since we posted an update! We’re sorry about this but thankful that we have had so many other profitable things to do!

Just a few highlights:

In February Beccy and Jon experienced a hugely encouraging and, we believe, very significant weekend. We were part of a team hosting a youth prayer event at Ashburnham Prayer Centre under the title ‘4-14 Window Global Initiative’ (see http://4to14window.com) linked with The Roar (the Children in Prayer ministry that we helped launch in 2009 – see www.the-roar.org).

It was wonderful connecting with some incredible young people from across the UK and also Europe, as well as some parents and other adults. A highlight was when the Holy Spirit fell on the meeting on the Monday evening resulting in many wonderful things happening. We all came away really excited about what God is doing through us and others and with a much clearer vision for 4-14 and The Roar. As I write this Beccy is working on the suggestions made by the young people for the next steps.

Our health is much improved. Jon’s IBS / ME is a thing of the past – praise God! Surf the Wave 2010, a week-long residential held in August was a great success and has led to several reunions and to planning another, larger event this summer. Unfortunately, soon after we returned home, Jon developed a ‘frozen shoulder’; this was extremely debilitating for several months but thankfully he is now back firing on all cylinders. We are now also praying into running a similar event focussed on families.

Beccy’s ministry in all it’s different forms has continued fruitfully; she still visits Aldrington Primary School on a weekly basis, teaching the children how much they’re loved by God, how to enter His Presence and to be lost in worship. God meets the deepest needs: at a recent ‘Singing Club’, the special needs co-ordinator brought along a five year old girl and requested the song ‘Wonderful Lord’. The youngster was until recently an ‘elective mute’ and now was being overwhelmed by nightmares. The song focuses on Jesus’ protection and peace at bedtime and it was a joy to see the young girl respond.

We also need to share that we have been facing a significant financial challenge for some while now and needing to increase the level of our financial support. We are of course seeking the Lord over this and following all the promptings He is giving us. We especially need to increase our monthly income, in order to be able to stay afloat as a family and a ministry. Please would you pray about this?

Thank you again. We love and value every one of our supporters; we’re so grateful for each of you and your prayers for us because we could not do what we do without you! Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions, words from the Lord and your prayer requests – we will pray for you.

P.S.  Jon has recently completed his journal of his amazing ‘pilgrimage’ to Wales last year – please e-mail him if you would like to be sent a copy.

Prayer Needs for Jon and Beccy + Turning the Tide

Well, we’ve just two weeks to go before our biggest event of the year!

Thank you so much for all your support and especially in prayer. We covet your prayers because we feel we need them so much!!

Please would you pray for Beccy and Jon in the final preparations for Surf the Wave and with Jessica flying back from Zimbabwe today.

• We are hoping to take some time out next week, for rest and prayer for the event.
• Also Chris is in Chile at the moment and arrives back the day before Surf the Wave. Prayer for his holiday, his timely and safe return and a lack of jet lag, etc. would be appreciated as he is taking a leading part in the programme!
• Jess is leading the worship!

Surf the Wave at Dalesdown – Prayer Points

Friday, 20^th – Thursday, 26^th August 2010

OUTLINE OF THE WEEK:

Surf the Wave is a residential event for children and youth. Children from 8 to 11 are joining us for the weekend (Friday afternoon to Sunday late afternoon) and the youth from the Friday afternoon to the Thursday afternoon. At the moment we have five 8-11’s coming, 23 12-16’s and we’re 45 in total.

Please pray for the overall aims of the spiritual programme; these are:

To draw us all closer to God, in the freedom that He gives, to enable us to be able to hear Him more clearly and, by giving the young people opportunities to lead, sending them out from Dalesdown stronger and better equipped than when they came;

We desire that all the meetings will provide real encounters with God as well as being fun, fresh and Holy Spirit-led;

Most of the teaching is being delivered in the mornings in small groups of four or five;

The evening meetings (‘Gatherings’) will have all of us together and will be focussed on worship, sharing from the small groups, testimony and hearing from God. Optional prayer ministry will be offered after the evening meeting.

Our other prayer needs are:

We are still receiving last-minute applications! Please pray that everyone the Lord wants at Dalesdown is able to be there;

For the first time we have a group joining us from KidzKlub Brighton and Hove. Please pray that they will all feel accepted, that there will be a sense of family and everyone will feel loved and blessed;

For safety, good health and sufficient energy levels for all during the different activities planned at Dalesdown and beyond;

For the Lord’s name to be lifted up and for His Kingdom to be extended!

“…. if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.”

John 8:36 (New Living Translation)

Jon and Beccy xx

 www.turning-the-tide.com

 For those of you who use Facebook, TTT has a Facebook group; just search Groups for ‘Turning the Tide’.

It was truly amazing how God flung open all the doors of opportunity wide open for this event! There were over 60 of us all together and Dalesdown was full!

Surf the Wave was all that we could have imagined and more besides! ‘Going with the flow’ meant each meeting was different, with opportunities for the young people to respond to God where they were at. Discussion and interaction was encouraged, affirming the youth that they were valuable to God and us; they had a special part to play. The key verse -‘Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life’ Proverbs 4: 23 – shaped the teaching and responses, with God speaking into the hearts of those there. Jesus knows us individually so well; He was meeting the needs of people’s hearts in amazing ways.

Rome – October 2009

The 22 young people, ranging from 2 to 17 years, were delightful and so refreshing in attitude. We very much wanted to reflect that walking with Jesus was both possible and great fun! There was such a sense of expectation for Him to speak to them in each session through the worship, prayer stations, graffiti walls and ‘love heart’ sweets! The cardboard testimonies reflected beautifully what the children had absorbed of God’s love for them and how He so wants to speak to them.

In the final session the Footsteps Church all came together for a time of sharing what God had done. The young people were thrilled to be able to use the banners again for ‘Glory and Honour’ – lifting His name before singing to the grown ups about what God was saying to them. As the youth sang ‘You’re amazing’ eyes filled with tears; this time it was the adults turn to be affirmed!

Jon’s ‘pilgrimage’ to Wales – March 2010

What a trip! I am so thankful, not just for those amazing few days, visiting some of the sites of the Welsh revival with my mate Steve but also that the effect of that wonderful experience at Blaenannerch hasn’t left me. My life, my calling and ministry are confirmed – the word I’ve had shaved in the hair on the back of my head for over five years now confirms it too – everything boils down to: we are desperate for God (though often not desperate enough) and only a move of God can save us and our nation. Nothing else, only the Presence of God Himself can truly satisfy. I continue to live for …… R-E-V-I-V-A-L!!

And now to the next trip, or trips! It’s time! – to take some desperate, thirsty young people back to Wales and the well …. and let them drink!!

Ashburnham Place – May 2010

Our hearts leapt when we were invited to facilitate a prayer meeting with the Destiny Africa Children’s Choir from Uganda and some British children at Ashburnham Place. We were thrilled how it went! Even during the ice breaker of introductions there was connection: with us (Oh how we love Africa and Africans!) and between the young people.

The Lord just came … and used us mightily, it was amazing! There was such a sense of the presence and the ‘flow’ of the Holy Spirit over the whole time. We learnt later that the young people were blessed greatly by our time together on Tuesday and some who had been sick were now well again. In her small group Beccy asked an eight year old to pray for Susan who had been unwell with malaria and then had the joy of telling Faith that her prayers had been answered!!

Soul by the Sea beach event – June 2010

Tomorrow (Saturday, 26^th June 2010) an ambitious evangelistic event is taking place on Brighton seafront. An open-air, free, Christian music festival, organised and sponsored by the churches of Brighton and Hove, will run from noon until 8 p.m.

Jon, as the treasurer of the ‘BEA’ has been fully involved in the planning the event alongside various church leaders and others. We have experienced God’s hand on it, leading and guiding us and so we are really excited about the possibilities, both for tomorrow and for establishing this as an annual event in the city!

Surf the Wave – August 2010

Right now our attentions are fully focussed on planning our second StW event, again taking place at Dalesdown but this time running for a week. The Lord has continued to speak to us through the planning, so we are looking forward to it with great anticipation. This year we have widened the net considerably, inviting young people from eight churches across the city and we have a large group coming with our great friends at the local Kidz Klub.

We are once again seeking to do church in fresh ways and to give the young people new openings to discover the wonderful truth of the gospel. We continue to seek Him to heal and to build this young generation. We want to do ALL we can to enable them to step into their God-given destiny as ‘the revival generation’!

Surf the Wave 2010 dates:

Friday, 20^th – Sunday 22^nd August – all invited, including children 8–11year olds

Friday, 20^th – Thursday, 26^th August – for 12-18 year olds

Thank you so much for all your prayers; we are constantly reminded that we couldn’t begin to do what we do without them (1 Corinthians 12: 12 – “The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts”).

With our love and blessings-

Jon and Beccy xx