Sharing a Story of Hope
We’re excited to share the stories and vision of many
friends of Through the Roof in the Vital Link – this issue,
we’re hearing from Matt, who tells us about the work he
does, sharing hope, as a minister in Bromley.
My name’s Matt Lloyd. I’m married to Ruth, and our
daughter, Grace, has just had her first birthday. We are part
of the family at Christ Church Bromley and are very grateful
for the way our Heavenly Father provides for us one day at
a time.
5 ½ years ago I lay in hospital after an unusual spinal
abscess damaged my central nervous system and left me
using a wheelchair; since then it’s certainly been a physical,
emotional and spiritual journey for me and my loved ones
and friends. Through it all though, the Lord keeps teaching
us about the reality of following Jesus and how that often
combines sorrow and suffering with hope and joy;
weakness is often God’s way.
Although I take opportunities to share this story of hope in
disability, the main focus of my regular work is being on
the staff of Christ Church Bromley; I’m ordained in the
Church of England and am involved in regular preaching
and pastoral ministry. The church family here have been
used wonderfully by the Lord to help our family adjust to
life and ministry with the challenges of a disability.
That doesn’t always look
glamorous on a day-to-day
basis… But God has been at work
Matt & Family
I’m especially set aside to help and encourage the church
family in our evangelism, sharing the good news of the
gospel of Jesus. Our aim and longing is that each member
of the church family would have joy and confidence in
Christ so that we’re eager to live distinctive lives and to
take opportunities to speak of Him, being bold and wise in
doing so.
That doesn’t always look glamorous on a day-to-day basis.
It involves admin, meetings, prayer and training. But God
has been at work. Bit by bit the Lord is growing us and
people are hearing the gospel. Jesus taught the parable of
the seed in Mark 4 to prepare us for mixed results and
that’s what we’re seeing. But we’re longing for great fruit in
some!
Please pray for a good rhythm of life for us as a young
family and that God’s Spirit would be at work for salvation
in Bromley.
A friend and I put thoughts and resources about disability
at www.inhisgrip.net and I can be contacted via
[email protected]
www.throughtheroof.org