The Diocese of
St. Asaph

Tim Feak is keen to start up a study group for 18-25's across the Diocese.

Interested? Read on...

In a society increasingly concerned with recession and lack of employment the future may seem bleak for those who have graduated from University or are looking to make their first foray into work. There appears to be a great deal of injustice and despair in our world.

The breakdown of communities, global recession and ecological issues appear frequently on the news. It would be easy to think that we may as well just give up now and accept our situation.

However, there is always hope.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu said “I am a prisoner to hope”. It is my firm belief that hope can be found in even the most desperate situations. It is also my firm belief that it is the responsibility of the church to bring about this hope within our communities.

In my late teens and early 20s it was this concept of hope that most inspired me in my Christian faith. I had met with other Christians of my own age who encouraged me to take what I believed and share it with others. I felt enlightened when I realised that Jesus was a revolutionary bringer of hope with a radical stance against corruption and injustice. I realised that when he taught the beatitudes he was arguably setting out his manifesto for the poor. He says “Blessed are the poor in spirit…blessed are those who mourn…blessed are the meek…blessed are those who are persecuted”. Have a look at Matthew chapter 5 for a more in depth look.

For the first time I had a good look at the world around me and realised that the Christian message was as relevant to my world as it was back in the days when Jesus walked the earth. I still believe now that the Christian faith offers a different perspective on much of what we see within our communities. I would not be as passionate about my faith if I had not had the opportunity to be around people of my own age that were in similar situations who were also trying to make sense of faith and life and the current issues within the world. I found these experiences stretching and strengthening – though not a replacement for fellowship with mature Christians.

With this in mind I would ask you, if you are aged 18-25, to consider being part of a group aiming to support one another in the world that we find ourselves in. It will to try to make sense of our faith and also look at ways in which being a part of the Church can inspire us to make a difference, to bring hope and to apply our faith both in our lives and within our communities.

If you’re interested in being part of the start of this group please contact me by email or telephone 01745 532 595.