Andrew McMahon, Shirley and Jim Henderson and Scripture Reader Dave Hossack at Derby’s Life “Behind the Wire” event.
By Andrew McMahon, Regional Manager North
On Wednesday 4 October, over fifty supporters gathered in Davenport Road Evangelical Church, Derby, for SASRA’s annual Life “Behind the Wire” event. Scripture Reader Dave Hossack and Regional Manager Andrew McMahon were warmly welcomed by Rev Andrew Knox of Davenport Road Evangelical Church and Rev David Fielding of Castlefields Church; two ‘Davids’ and two ‘Andrews’ prompted some amusement! Surprise attendees were former Scripture Reader Jim Henderson and his wife Shirley, who previously worked as the Admin Officer in SASRA HQ. Both were a huge encouragement for the visiting SASRA speakers.
Andrew Knox welcomed all to the event and shared a reflection on Psalm 62, the Lord as our refuge, followed by songs of praise. David Fielding prayed for the evening’s activities and the work of SASRA.
Regional Manager Andrew McMahon took the stand and shared of the work of the Association in the preceding year. The late David Hickman – an eager and forthright advocate of SASRA in Derbyshire, who passed into glory last December – was acknowledged, as was the significant support that SASRA has received from churches across Derbyshire.
The context of the military environment, the opportunities within, new SASRA personalities and some of the many blessings SASRA has enjoyed in recent months were shared with all present.
Dave Hossack spoke of his opportunities in the Infantry Training Centre, Catterick Garrison, and of the professions of faith recently made and future intent to proclaim the gospel there, with a Hope Explored course in the forthcoming weeks.
The two ‘Davids’ and two ‘Andrews’: Rev Andrew Knox (Davenport Road Evangelical Church), Rev David Fielding (Castlefields Church), ASR Dave Hossack (SASRA) and Andrew McMahon (SASRA).
A query was made about the new church plant in Catterick Garrison, of which both Dave Hossack and Andrew McMahon, and their families, are members. It was a joy to share news of the establishment of Grace Church Catterick in Europe’s largest military garrison, and it was wonderful to see the heart for the proclamation of the gospel among fellow believers in Derby.
The church offered marvellous refreshments afterwards. Conversation and coffee flowed freely and the fellowship and encouragement shared during and after the event cannot be overstated. Church members and leaders, SASRA workers and supporters (including a former National Service soldier, a Reserve soldier, a street evangelist and local police officer) gathered together, enabled by local church partnership, to hear of the proclamation of the gospel among the Armed Forces. It was a tremendous occasion and many among us are already eagerly anticipating the Derby 2024 Life “Behind the Wire”.
Pray with us
- Give thanks for the encouragement that the Life "Behind the Wire" event brought to SASRA workers, supporters and church leaders.
- Pray that more Christians in Derbyshire would hear of all the Lord is doing through Scripture Readers, that they might choose to support us through prayer, giving and volunteering.
