I grew up in a beautiful city called Assuit, by the river Nile. Nearby is the first ever orphanage in Egypt, started by a wonderful young American missionary called Lilian Trasher. Lilian started by looking after one girl whose mother had just died and soon the orphanage was looking after 50 children. By the time Lilian died in 1961 she had cared for 1200 children. She became known as Mama Lilian and is such an inspiration to many generations, and to me personally, because of her unwavering faith.
Caring for this many children was never cheap, but Mama Lilian knew the power of prayer and of waiting on the Lord with expectation. As well as children, the orphanage cared for widows and the blind and often there were 300 mouths to feed. Sometimes they would run out of food. But God always provided!
One day they woke up and there wasn't a piece of bread or drop of milk in the orphanage. Unfazed by this Mama Lilian gathered the children together and told them to thank God for the wonderful meal he would send them. No sooner had they said 'Amen', a truck full of bread, flour, milk, and beans arrived —a gift from an anonymous donor.
Psalm 27:13-14 tells us to wait upon the Lord not with anxiety or fear but with confidence, hope and courage that we will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
"I remain confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the Lord
in the land of the living.
Wait for the Lord;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the Lord."
Mama Lilian lived these verses daily, and because of her legacy the orphanage is still going strong today, looking after children from their birth until they graduate college or university, and helping them to find work. We had the privilege of visiting the orphanage with some of our young adult group on our Egypt trip two years ago. It was definitely a blessing and inspiration to us all.
Grace and Peace
Amal Moore, Pioneer Minister
This Sunday, 14th June, we'll be continuing our current sermon series on Hebrews in our morning services. Our preacher at 9am and CTK will be Nick Webb, with the All Age Team leading at 11am. Ian Budd will be leading a slightly shorter service at HTBV before they begin a day of hosting a Cafe for Belle Vue Open Gardens. Anne Roberts will be speaking at the evening service as we continue our journey through 1 Timothy. Trinity Youth will be meeting in the Iddons' Garden for a post exam (almost post exam for some!) BBQ.
Confirmation
This great photo from last year's Confirmation service reminds us that we'll be holding one again on Sunday 19th July. If you would be interested in being confirmed, then please do have a chat with one of the team. We would love to talk to you!
Bible Studies on John's Gospel
It was great to meet together this Wednesday, and it's not too late to join this six week study on the Gospel of John. Entitled 'The Divine King', Keith Moore is leading these interactive discussions exploring the historical and theological truths in the Gospel of John. You can sign up using the link below, or just come along.
Sign up for 'The Divine King' studies in John's Gospel
Board Games Evening
Our next Board Game Evening takes place tonight at 7pm in the Trinity Centre. Come along and enjoy playing board games with people of all ages. There are plenty of games to share, but you are very welcome to bring your own too… Soft drinks are provided, but you are welcome to bring snacks if you would like!
Sign up for the Board Game Evening
Threads Exhibition
Last call for the Threads Exhibition! There are a few last spaces remaining on the coach for anyone who hasn't yet had a chance to sign up.
For those who have signed up already, please make sure that you are at the Car Park at The Brooklands (many thanks to them) by 9.25am on Tuesday morning for a prompt departure at 9.30am.
Find out more about the Threads Exhibition
Sign up for the Chester trip
Women's Brunch
The next Women's Brunch takes place on Saturday 4th July at 9.30am with Louise Magowan speaking. The cost is £7 per person and you can sign up by clicking the link below.
Sign up for the Women's Brunch
Cards for those being ordained over the next weeks
The next few weeks will see various ordinations of past members of Trinity Churches - and we rejoice with them and pray for them. Dave Latcham will be priested next Sunday at Bicton. Then over the next few weeks, Alex Cama will be ordained at Lichfield Cathedral followed by Pauline Mack and Ian Williams at Hereford Cathedral. As well as praying for them, there are cards to sign at the back of services on Sunday if you would like to do so.
Belle Vue Arts Festival
A reminder that our friends at HTBV will be very much involved in this over the next couple of weeks. You can find the full programme of activities on the Belle Vue Arts Festival website, where you might also see a few familiar faces and names! HTBV will be open all day on Sunday as part of the Belle Vue Open Gardens, for tea, coffee, cake and second hand books - alongside a very warm welcome!
Find out more about the Belle Vue Arts Festival
Trinity Life
The latest edition of Trinity Life is available on the website, and in all services on Sunday.
Trinity Life
::unsubscribe_link::