“Prayer does not equip us for greater works — prayer is the greater work…Prayer is the battle, and it makes no difference where you are. Wherever God has placed you and whatever your circumstances, you should pray, continually offering up prayers to Him.” (Oswald Chambers)
As for many, all over the world, the circumstances we are in at Capernwray are very challenging. We have been deeply saddened at seeing our guests not being able to come over Easter, our students not coming for Spring Bible School, voluntary workers having to go home and for us not being able to serve together as a staff team. We are all about community and so not meeting in person is really hard, even though we are enjoying praying together over Zoom.
The financial implications of the pandemic are severely affecting many individuals, families, businesses and charities all over the world. The same is true for us, we have lost income of around £330,000 to date, with a further £357,000 at risk if we cannot run our Summer programme. Even when restrictions begin to be lifted in the UK, there may be continuing uncertainties (for instance if other countries continue restrictions on overseas travel).
We would treasure your on-going prayerful support for the ministry at Capernwray, for the Lord to fulfil His purposes. Sometimes it is so difficult to know how to pray but thank the Lord that the Spirit intercedes for us in our weakness, using our wordless groans (Romans 8:26-27) and we know that the prayers of righteous people are powerful and effective (James 5:16)!
Could we please invite you to pray with us for some specific areas at this time?
- Please pray for those affected by Capernwray being closed at present – the guests, students, voluntary workers and staff. Join with us in praying that they will experience the presence of the Lord Jesus in a special way, getting to know Him deeper through His word.
- We are so thankful for the wonderful buildings and facilities we have been blessed with in a beautiful location, and for all those who have served as staff and volunteers so faithfully over the years. Please pray that we will be good stewards as to what we have been entrusted with.
- Please pray for the Spirit of wisdom and discernment to fill the Board of Trustees and Senior Management Team, so that we will make good decisions. We are thinking, praying and planning for the future, but it is so difficult when we don’t know when gatherings like the ones we long for will be possible, or when international travel, upon which we are so dependent for our Bible Schools, in particular, will open up again. Please pray for us in the planning we need to do and the big decisions that face us in these uncertain times. We need to make a decision on the Summer programme by 18 May.
- Please pray for our staff team. Physically we are largely separated, with a few still working, but the vast majority on furlough under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. Please pray that we will keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, stay united in Him and make the most of these days.
Since 1947, over 150,000 guests or students from around 50 countries have stayed at Capernwray Hall and the comments that we regularly hear are that it has been a very significant – often life-changing – time, as people come to know the Lord Jesus better, or even for the first time! We have been so blessed to receive letters and emails of encouragement and support from Winter Bible School students who completed the course just over a month ago, as well as holiday guests who were unable to come due to the cancelled programmes. These are the kind of things they have said:
“It was beautiful to see that the Word of God was what led us to be transformed. You gave us responsibility in our faith so that when we left we were actually equipped, going out to rely on God.”
“Our son had been counting down the days to Connect for many months as it is his most favourite part of the year and it has been so hard for him to miss it this time….I’m sure he is not the only one. But we’ve talked about how God is no man’s debtor and He will somehow make good this situation.”
We are so very thankful for the many generous donations we have received in recent times, and the kindness of those who have donated from their Bible School and holiday refunds, with total giving since 17 March exceeding £45,000.
If you would prayerfully consider financially supporting us, it would be really appreciated and gratefully received. You can find out how to do so here.
Thank you so much for your friendship, support and prayers!
On behalf of the Capernwray Team, in Christ and for His glory,
Jonathan Halsey
Managing Director