What can I do for you?

“What can I do for you?” asked the smiling lady at the hospital pharmacist’s counter as I handed over my prescription. An appointment the day before had revealed that I needed some medication to help with an ongoing health issue, and I had been directed to the pharmacy to collect my tablets. Isn’t it reassuring to see a smiling face and receive a friendly welcome when we are not having a good day or are feeling a little below par? Small things like this can make a big difference and brighten our day.

My encounter with that lovely lady reminded me of the way Jesus met people. He didn’t simply see their needs from a distance; he stopped, listened and asked questions. On one occasion, Jesus encountered a blind man named Bartimaeus and asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” Bartimaeus replied, “Rabbi, I want to see.” Jesus then healed him, and he received his sight. (Mark 10:46–52) This story reminds us that Jesus sees people, listens to them and responds to their needs.

As a local church of loving but imperfect Christians, we may not be able to heal people in the miraculous way Jesus did. But we believe in him and in his power to cleanse, heal, restore and minister his grace to those in need. Our mission is to help and serve others in Jesus’ name here in Headcorn, and that includes you reading this now. You can be assured of a smile and a warm welcome when you step over the threshold of Headcorn Baptist Church. And if you need a little help, a listening ear, a prayer or simply someone to walk alongside you for a while, perhaps we might ask the question Jesus asked: “What can I do for you?”

Prayers and blessings, 

Pastor Robert and the Headcorn Baptist Church family

Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash

An infinite power source

Following recent power cuts, I received a letter from UK Power Networks explaining that upgrading work was being carried out locally and that the electricity would be switched off briefly while a generator was connected to provide temporary power.

Although I had read the letter, I obviously hadn't remembered it! One morning I put on a load of washing, only to notice a few minutes later that the machine had stopped, its display had gone blank and, when I flicked a nearby light switch, nothing happened. Then I remembered the letter! The power cut was exactly as described.

It always pays to read—and sometimes reread—important messages. They can bring reassurance, clarity and wisdom. While waiting for the power to return, I opened my devotional Bible and found myself reading Psalm 119:105: 

"Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path." 

As Christians, we believe the Bible is God's light. It illuminates the way ahead, guides our steps and gives us wisdom for life's journey.

And the best thing? It's an infinite power source! No meter readings, no bills, and God doesn't disconnect us when we put our trust in Him! 

Want to discover more? Join us on Sunday mornings at 10:30am. A warm welcome awaits you. 

Prayers and blessings, 

Pastor Robert and the Baptist Church family

Photo by Frankie Lopez on Unsplash

Building things from wood

Having spent many happy years building Airfix aeroplane kits, I have recently discovered 3D wooden puzzle models. A friend at church has just finished constructing an amazing model of the Space Shuttle and its launch tower from hundreds of precut press out wooden pieces that slot together. It even has lights and a motor to raise the shuttle into launch position. I haven't reached those heights yet (excuse the pun!), but I've really enjoyed making a few simpler aeroplane models.

Personally, it seems fitting as a follower of Jesus to enjoy building things from wood, as Jesus was apprenticed to Joseph, a carpenter. Yet Jesus is so much more than a carpenter. He is God's Son, and the Bible tells us that "all things have been created through him... and in him all things hold together." (Colossians 1:16–17.) Whether or not model making is your hobby, isn't it wonderful to know that God, through His Son Jesus, has richly provided so many good things for us to enjoy? He delights in giving us reasons to smile. 

Prayers and blessings, 

Pastor Robert and the Baptist Church family