As summer approaches we are looking to the events we have planned for our families. With large teddy bears' picnics in both East and West Sussex; events for families with children who have special educational needs as well the local events that each practitioner runs, we are looking to a summer busier than ever.This demonstrates again not only the way in which FSW has grown over the recent years but also how the demand for our activities and professional support is increasing. There was a time when we had slower periods, but now the pace of work for all the staff is full on all year round.It is good to see that someone else has now jumped (was pushed) out of a plane for FSW and like me say it's great - you should try it! So, if you have ever thought about doing a parachute jump, please do get in touch with Nikki and her team as they would be more than happy to set up another group jump next year. We are always looking for people to join in on fundraising challenges, whether as a daredevil or perhaps taking the option of exploring the Sussex countryside on one of our walks - the Cuckmere pilgrimage was beautiful to explore, even in the rain and hail.** If you have time do come along to one of the open gardens to support our work and that of the NGS. We have two new (to us) garden openings coming up soon. On Thursday 20th June we are serving homemade cakes and tea at Warnham Park, on Robin Hood Lane just outside Horsham, and on Friday 21st June we are at Michel Dene Road, East Dene as part of the East Dene Garden Trail. Do look at our listings on the website to see if we are in a garden near you - it would be good to see you if we are.Best wishesMartin and the FSW team
Update from Kevin and Jen in Israel May 2024 Dear FriendsMuch has happened since we last wrote. Thank you foryour prayers surrounding our visas which were onceagain, renewed at the last minute for another year. Westarted to plan a much-needed break to the UK, andhaving booked our flights, it became apparent that Kevinneeded surgery that we were advised should not wait untilwe returned. You will have heard us talk in newslettersabout the relationships we have built since we have beenin Jaffa, and we are so thankful to the Lord for providing uswith friends and contacts that enabled us to be put intouch with the head of surgery at our local hospital. Hewas able to operate a week later after we accessedvarious tests that even by Israeli standards, wereperformed, reported on, and found to be satisfactory inrecord time. Kevin has a new cardiologist, who kindly gaveup his time and saw us out of clinic hours in order to certifyhim fit for surgery. This was a great testimony aseverything fell into place and many friends and neighboursacknowledged the work of the Lord in the situation. Wewere blessed by two dear ladies in our congregation whohelped transport us to appointments and stayed with Jenwhile Kevin had surgery, when they were able to praytogether, read scripture, and offer support for Jen. Oncedischarged home, Kevin started a week of enforced rest,hoping to be fit to fly one week after surgery.As we waited to see the surgeon on the day before weflew, the Iranian missile attack took place and we spentthat Saturday night, and the early hours of Sundaymorning, once again in our bomb shelter in our apartment.It was a different yet familiar atmosphere as we waited andprayed together, aware of the time frame from missilesbeing sent to reaching their target and seriously wonderingif this was to be our last night in Jaffa. Many of you willknow how much we needed a rest, and especially nowpost-surgery, how much more so. We felt sure that theLord wanted us out of Israel for a while to pray and seefamily and spend time reflecting and discerning, and yetwe watched the news as flights were cancelled and theairport was shut. We thank the Lord that he provided awindow for us to travel and, having got the all clear fromthe surgeon, were able to continue with our plans.We have just returned from three weeks in the UK wherewe were able to spend time with family, friends, andvisiting familiar places that were important to us. We arereally thankful for a mixture of people’s hospitality andgood Airbnb’s, and were able to enjoy the Englishcountryside, sunshine and rain. It took about three daysfor Jen to warm up after we arrived!We are sorry that we were not able to see as many of youas we would have liked. Those we did meet up with, thankyou for your kindness and love, and for the support youshowed for the ministry here in Jaffa. It was a privilege tobe able to share first-hand what the Lord is doing here andto know you will pray directly into the situation here.On our return, we have a further two weeks to settle backinto life here. Kevin managed the trip very well but is stilltaking things slowly. We have time to reflect on the timeaway and pray about the next steps. There are plans forthe renovation and extensions of the Beit Immanuelbuilding in Jaffa that we hope to be involved in, and welook forward to sharing with you how those plansprogress.In the meantime, thank you for your prayers and we will bein touch with more news very soon.Blessings,Kevin and Jen
Coffee and croissants at your early Pantry session this week. Lovely to spend time together as a community. Thank you for supporting your Pantry so generously. This week we are short of tinned meat, tuna, hot dogs, squash and biscuits. The Pantry Team
