July 2026: Thoughts from Huw

Dear friends,

‘So do not be afraid : you are of more value than many sparrows.’

Matthew Ch 10 v31

In years gone by, one of the hymns that we sang regularly in Church was ‘Stand up! Stand up for Jesus’. In our troubled society and world we have to stand up and be counted. It’s not good enough to be secret disciples of Jesus. We have to give public witness to our Christian faith.

In some countries to witness to Christ is to place one’s life in danger. But in most countries this is not the case. But the latter countries too need witnesses, because faith and Christian values are being eroded. It may be harder to witness in the latter countries . What we are likely to face is not so much hostility or opposition, but something which is even harder – a deadly indifference. To witness in this case requires a special kind of courage. It means overcoming our fear of what it will cost us in terms of letting go of our ego.

When Jesus said to the apostles, ‘Do not be afraid’, he wasn’t saying that they should never be afraid. He knew that at times they would be afraid. The issue was what fear might do to them. It might paralyse them, or make them so timid as to be unable to fulfil their mission. What Jesus was doing was encouraging them so that they might be able to move beyond fear.

How were they to overcome fear? He urged them to have complete trust in God, who lovingly watches over the life and death of even the smallest and least valuable of his creatures – the sparrows.

As we journey through the summer, I would like to wish those who are going away a happy and relaxing time. Come back feeling refreshed.

If anyone is wanting a pastoral conversation or a visit from myself over the summer months then please contact me on 0191 469 2788.

With good wishes and prayers

Huw