Brightline ignite the light in Kendal
8 DIFFERENT CHURCHES, 70 VOLUNTEERS AND HUNDREDS OF YOUNG PEOPLE!
#ITL2015
On Saturday 24th October, hundreds of young people from all over Cumbria packed in to see one of the Message Trust’s bands – Brightline, held at Stricklandgate Methodist Church, Kendal. 8 Churches from Kendal have been working together for the last 6 months on the event , with the aim to reach out to young people with the Good News of Jesus. Rev Angela Whitaker, Rural Dean of Kendal Deanery commented “
Ignite the light is a great example of Christians and local churches of all denominations working together with the common aim of sharing God’s Good News in Jesus with young people – and, on the night, wonderful to see so many young people responding to the message they heard. For us locally the work continues now as we seek to help these young people grow in faith, which we plan to do together. It makes sense, we’re better together.
Ignite the light brought together many churches in the area, but also many Christians who volunteered on the night of the event. Event co-ordinator Rev Jonny Gios said that ”This outreach brought together churches that might not have worked together naturally – ‘it was such a delight to see 70 volunteers from different churches work together. If we’re true followers of Jesus then we will seek to work together with God’s mission”. As well as volunteers coming from different churches, there was a amazing range of ages, from young people who served on the leadership team to the oldest who stewarded with her zimmer frame. It didn’t stop Joan* from being at the event who has now volunteered twice!
Brightline were a band that didn’t hold back any punches with their music, words, and interaction – our young people love them. They’re a dynamic four-piece team with a fresh and unique sound, Jacob (guitar, vocals),
Lucy (vocals), Daniel (beatbox, keys) and Joe (drums and percussion) – a band you can’t keep your eyes off. Brightline’s music was simply amazing and they used it to communicate truths about God, along with personal testimonies. Brightline have worked hard on new songs, which were performed on the night -they’re a band to look out for who are super talented and yet humble with a heart for Jesus.
Daniel spoke from the band about the hope we have in Jesus and gave a really challenging message to those who were there. 30 young people responded to the Gospel call that night and ‘Ignite the Light’ – which was moving. ITL is committed to work with those young people to disciple them and answer the tough questions they might have. ITL is now in the process of setting up a Youth Alpha Course to nurture the young people who made commitments that night, all again in partnership working!
Methodist District Chair, Rev Richard Teal said “ it was great to have so many young people gathering together in Cumbria to experience the gospel. It was wonderful to have so many respond to the message. Thanks to all who arranged and supported Ignite the Light and pray for those who made a commitment to Christ”.
‘It is really important we keep investing in our young people in Cumbria and keep this as a priority. In so many churches across Cumbria there are very little children or young people, however we know there are over 100,000 in the county. Churches that work together can see fruit and Ignite the light, shows the evidence that if we can work together we can see the results. However, we need to remember that we are in this for the long haul and there is more work to do as we seek to invest in young people! – Rev Jonny Gios, District Youth Officer for Cumbria.
Our prayer for the future is that; churches will continue to work together here in Kendal, churches in the other areas can be inspired to try what we have done here with ITL, for the young people that they grow in their faith and tell their friends about the hope we have in Jesus.