Basingstoke Celebration

Dan Holland reports on the celebration weekend at Basingstoke 12-13 Nov 2022


(More and photos to follow)

The joint celebration at New Life Church on Saturday evening was the highlight of the celebration weekend, which was itself the high point of three years of TFM mission in Basingstoke. What a fitting celebration it was, a sea of blue (TFMers) mixed in with local Christians from the four churches. I looked behind me at one stage, there were 60-70 pairs of arms raised in worship, strong voices singing exuberantly, and praise that blew the roof off.  I led the service which included testimony from two TFMers Brian and Robert (a first time TFMer), the four pastors and an extended time of prophecy. The words brought built on the ‘prophetic flow’ from previous missions and existing words the churches are standing on. It was humbling to hear what a part TFM had played in bringing the churches together, bringing evangelism to the forefront.

We also peaked in our organization skills, much helped by Rhoda from Melrose Christian Fellowship. After arrival on the Saturday lunchtime we quickly divided the huge team (18) and assorted local evangelists (maybe another 10) into two teams, a lot of spiritual energy was quickly deployed into the harvest fields. One team went straight into the town centre to worship on the streets, led by myself and Pastor James on guitar. Providentially there was a long queue of young families outside the town centre theatre waiting to see a stage performance of Shrek, they watched with interest as we worshipped nearby and good conversations were had. The other team headed up by George Gorniak door knocked in the estates around Wessex Christian Fellowship, reports came back of the team boldly taking wonderful opportunities to share the gospel.

Following team time on the Sunday we split into four groups to visit the four churches involved. I took a small group including our own Paul and Paula Preston to Healing Springs church where we enjoyed a wonderful time of worship and ministry. Pastor Ben encouraged us to be completely free in our time together. I brought a message ‘Giving up is not an option’, we are certainly not giving up on Basingstoke, neither is God, quite the opposite.

For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does. (Psalm 33v 4)

The call back to Basingstoke is now stronger than ever, the contacts God is giving continue to develop, including a wonderful couple in Oakley. The husband has worked on J John’s team and was delighted to hear of our activities in a town he is passionate about. He has been sensing a lot of the things given to us in prophecy. I am not the only person sensing and saying, this is not a happy ending, rather a new beginning.