On a beautiful Autumnal day, the SASRA family and supporters joined together for a day of testimony, praise and celebration in picturesque Richmond, a mere stone’s throw from the banks of the River Thames. Our hosts were Duke Street Church; our theme was one of praise for God’s provision since we last met, and our focus was whether we were witnessing a quiet spiritual revival among the young people of our Armed Forces.
Around 120 gathered for our annual service, including representatives from supporting organisations, Military Ministries International (MMI), the Armed Forces Christian Union (AFCU) and the Naval and Military Bible Society (NMBS).
Image: Executive Director, Lt Col (Retd) Dr Martin Gliniecki QGM, encouraged guests with news of the the work expanding. © SASRA
There was memorable hymn singing, accompanied wonderfully by Maj (Retd) Phil Shannon’s musical ensemble. One unexpected outcome of the singing was the arrival of a few tourists who passing the church had been so intrigued and impressed, that they popped in just in time to witness a solemn and respectful rendition of the National Anthem.
Col David Ellison led us ably through the service and former Chaplain General, the Rev Jonathan Woodhouse CB QHC ministered from the Apostle Paul’s Prayer towards the end of Ephesians Chapter 3, exhorting us to remember and hold on to, humility, strength and hope. SASRA Executive Director, Lt Col (Retd) Dr Martin Gliniecki QGM, walked us through the encouragements of the previous year, in particular God’s provision enabling us to expand our Scripture Reader numbers. As always, it was a tremendous blessing to hear the reports of several Scripture Readers as well as the testimonies of numerous soldiers and aviators describing their journey to faith. There was that sense that there is much to encourage our Scripture Readers in their ministry. That ‘Aslan is indeed on the move.’
WATCH THE LIVESTREAM
Hear updates from Scripture Readers Tiaan de Klerk (at 11:08), Peter Woodward (43:12), Patrick Steen (2:07:13), and Steve Curley (2:17:18). Please note there is a break between 1:02:45-2:03:29.
