In the days leading up to 11 November, we pause to consider those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and those who are ready to make that same sacrifice if they were called upon to do so.
SASRA Scripture Readers have full schedules during the month of November and ASR Gavin Dickson is no exception. During 2020, the Revd Andrew North (Chaplain) developed a Remembrance Trail for 16 Air Assault Brigade. This is a walk that covers approximately 4.5 miles across six different locations that have a significance in the theme of Remembrance. At each location, participants pause and take time to read, reflect and remember. The trail ends with an act of Remembrance at the Memorial Garden at Colchester Garrison.
This year, ASR Gavin Dickson will be leading Remembrance Trails between 1 – 9 November. It is important to stop and reflect amid the busyness of life; to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Gavin also shared how important it is for younger soldiers who have never faced active deployment, to understand the reality and seriousness of war.
For Gavin, this is also a wonderful gospel opportunity. As he leads soldiers on the trail, he can ask thought-provoking questions as they stop to look at the graves lined in the military cemetery, such as, ‘who would you die for?’ and ‘would you die for someone you didn’t even know?’
At the Colchester War Memorial, Gavin will take a few minutes to share with those gathered, the words: ‘Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.’ He will reflect then on the greatest sacrifice – that Jesus died for us that we might have life.
The parade for Remembrance at Colchester War Memorial
At this time of Remembrance, Scripture Readers around the country have specific and unique opportunities to speak of Christ and His sacrifice, as service personnel are brought to reflect on the sacrifices of soldiers in the past. As they consider such topics, their hearts and minds are often open, ready and willing to hear the good news of the gospel.
Pray with us
- Give thanks for the men and women who gave their lives for our King and country. Pray that those who grieve the loss of fellow soldiers would find comfort, solace and peace through the Remembrance Trail this year.
- May those who join the Remembrance Trail be open to hearing of the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus at the cross.
