Newsletter - June 2002

Jesus answered, 'I am The Way and The Truth and The Life.'
John 14 v. 6

The above scripture is very powerful. It is also very dear to many of us. Jesus stated He was The Way The Truth and The Life placing great emphasis on each of His qualities. A life in Jesus brings direction, brings honesty and brings fulfillment. Amen! We have the name 'The Way', because of believing that Jesus is The Way to freedom. A life in Jesus also brings fulfillment. Where else do we find fulfillment? In our addiction? In our desires being met?

What are the desires of your heart? David said God will give us the desires of our heart (Psalm ch. 21 v. 2) Our Heavenly Father knows what is best for us very often better than we know ourselves. Do we refuse to be happy unless we get what we desire? Have your desires ever made you happy before? Did you really believe that the latest model of 'whatever' would make you happy or moving to another area or maybe you believe exchanging your partner for a more up-to-date model will make you happy!? Understand your desires don't try to suppress them or worse satisfy them. Don't believe the lie that your desires will make you happy, if you do you will spend all your life chasing them, never finding happiness, never finding freedom.

Many people believe that freedom comes in doing what you want when you want, satisfying your desires; and that bondage is in following God's laws as laid down in the Bible. How sad! Freedom, as many of us know, is found in Christ. I pray that YOU to will find this for yourself.

In the news

The start to the 21st century will see a further relaxation of the laws relating to some of our most popular addictions - gambling and drugs.
The hard facts are that there are currently around 400, 000 problem gamblers in the UK. It would appear the current government thinking seems to favour economic and commercial considerations at the expense of personal and health. Is the NHS prepared to pick up the casualties!
At the same time there is continued debate about the legalization of cannabis, and the trial scheme run in Brixton has been hailed as a success and yet the residents do not seem to share this same view. Again the facts are no secret - cannabis for some people, can cause psychosis, it can be for some, a gateway drug. People argue that the reason for the latter, is because it must be purchased from an illegal dealer. Our favorite drugs, (and other gateway drugs for that matter) are also the highest killers and they are purchased on the high street! Why is this Labour Government that is so keen to defeat poverty and promote social equality now so keen to promote something, which will leave the poorest in our country with even less?

In the words of George Ruston, Executive Director, Hope UK, recently quoted in the SEED publication:

" Does cannabis, or alcohol for that matter, enable people to live life to the full? (See John 10.10.) Whatever the legal situation, cannabis dulls the mental cutting edge that can enable individuals to fulfil their potential". As our leaders quietly take away our civil liberties we are given fake freedom to chase false hopes. The socialist movement wanted to lift people out of poverty. Gambling, cannabis, 24hr licensing, lifting of betting taxes, the lottery will only enhance it. Why won't our leaders give us what we really want: better public transport, reduced congestion, and safety on our streets and in our homes.

Personal update

Chris is still based in Berkshire, however, after 10 months at the rehabilitation centre, Yeldall Manor, he has decided to leave. This was not an easy decision and one, which took a lot of prayer and advice. He will be leaving the Manor at the end of June and will be working in Reading with the homeless part-time. In addition he will be working, hoping to further develop the ministry of The Way. See below.

Chris completed the Reading half marathon in just under two hours. Two hundred pounds was raised and Yeldall and Hope UK benifeted equally.

Appeal

If you would be willing to support Chris in the development of this ministry, either in prayer or financially, please contact him. Maybe you would just like to give a small amount per month. This will enable The Way to be further developed. We have always resisted advertising on the site and hope to continue to.

Would you be interested in a support group where you can talk to like-minded people struggling with the same issues? This is something we hope to develop but only if it is wanted. One or two have so far expressed an interest.

Please contact us if you wish to respond to either of the above.

Date for your dairy

Yeldall Open Day an event not to be missed - Saturday 20th July at 2pm.

A closing word from Darren, one of the residents at Yeldall Manor:

Its not one hit and you're hooked
It is devoted self-destruction
Obsessive self-absorption
It's not a puff and a giggle
It's almost a job - the difference
Being you pay the boss.
Cannabis does not lead to heroin,
Stupidity does.