AFFIRMATION
25th May 2016
Last Saturday, Joyce and I attended a Memorial Service for Dai Lewis who played a most significant part in our lives. It was a privilege to join almost 300 others to pay tribute to a man of God, and someone who had impacted so many lives, particularly children.
My story goes back to the early 1960’s when I was a member of the team at Nefyn CSSM, a Scripture Union beach mission held annually in August in North Wales. It was my second year, and I was not at all sure where I fitted in. The previous year’s team had been full of high powered undergraduates, medical students and even a future bishop!
The team that gathered for the introductory meeting was much diminished from previous years, and I sat there wondering what role or responsibility I might fulfil. Dai was not discouraged, and started to share his vision with enthusiasm and faith. As he began telling us who would be taking responsibility for the various teams, I heard him say, “And Charles will lead the Holiday Club!” I couldn’t believe my ears, what had he seen in me, why was I being chosen? It was a life changing moment.
His ‘affirmation’ did something that changed my life. I accepted the challenge, and did my best to lead the Holiday Club and the team that were with me. But I have never forgotten the power of affirmation.
Jesus was constantly speaking words of affirmation. To his first disciples he said, “Follow me, and I will make you.....” He said, “You did not choose me but I chose you....” Peter in is first letter challenged his readers, “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful life.” 1 Peter 2:9
In a world where there is so much negativity, who will you speak to with words of ‘affirmation’? It could change someone’s life?
By the way, it was at Nefyn where I met and fell in love with Joyce! Another life changing encounter!
by Charles Sibthorpe
