This newsletter is produced for the LINC Prayer Group
… 2008 NEWSLETTER
(Produced by Daphne, a member of Gateway Church, Leyton)
“You shall select from all the people able men such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness…” Exodus 18:21
Give thanks and pray…
Global Day of Prayer
11,000 Christians gathered for prayer and worship at Millwall Football Stadium on Pentecost Sunday. Gordon Brown honoured the event in a reception earlier that week and Boris Johnson asked to speak at it to seek our prayers, especially in relation to gun and knife crime. A moving appeal was made by the father of Damiola Taylor for those who hurt us to be forgiven.
Youth Crime
Three teenagers have now been given ‘life’ sentences for the murder of Paul Erhahon, and 3 others who were involved in the attack are in prison for differing periods. Let us pray for them and their families as well as for the victims’ families. A centre has been opened in WF to support young victims of crime to regain their confidence.
Elected representatives
4 of our Councillors have run into trouble with the law, with resulting by-elections in 3 cases. We need to remain constant in prayer for ‘all in authority’ (1 Timothy 2:1-3).
The new mayor of Waltham Forest is Sheila Smith-Pryor while the new Chair of the GLA is our own local member, Jeanette Arnold.
Antisemitic Graffiti
The words ‘Jihad is the only answer to Israel’ have had to be removed from 50 places on walls and pavements recently.
This year, next year…?
The Council has recovered 800 empty homes but there are still 3,000 which could be claimed and 11,500 people waiting to be relocated. We are still waiting for a planning application for the Arcade site.
WF Community Safety Board, June 25th
An opportunity to discuss safety issues with the Police, Council and other agencies. The meeting is at the Town Hall, 6.30-8.30pm. To attend, ring 0208 496 47
Leytonstone Youth Café
This project which was initiated by Leytonstone United Free Church aims to establish a permanent drop-in centre for young people in the heart of Leytonstone. The group recognise that while there are a number of activity based clubs available for young people, there is no place for them to congregate just to socialise except the street.
It is intended that the Youth Café will be a safe place for young people between the ages of 11 and 18 to come. There will be no pressure to join in games or activities although games will be available. Nor will there be any obligation to buy anything although the café will sell reasonably priced food and drink.
A fortnight’s trial project last year attracted over 50 young people and was voted a success. Since January this year the Mobile Youth Centre managed by Worth Unlimited has come to Leytonstone every Friday. It is establishing a following among local young people until the café opens.
The project has the support of the Police, the Council and local business. The organisers are now giving their attention to fund-raising. They have made applications to Children in Need, the Metropolitan Police and Leytonstone United Free Church and they also have a list of over 100 potential funding bodies which they are currently researching further and will start to apply to this summer. Meanwhile they need a mere £75 a week to run the bus. They also ask for volunteers at the drop-in and the help of those with business skills to keep the project on a firm footing.
Forthcoming events
June 2nd at 7.30pm, LINC Prayer Meeting, Church Hill Baptist Church, E17
June 12th Forest Ward by-election
June 27th 7.30pm WF Youth for Christ AGM at The Cornerstone,149 Canterbury Rd E10
July 7th at 7.30pm, LINC Prayer Meeting, Church Hill Baptist Church, E17
Return to Index for the Parish of Walthamstow Magazine, July/August 2008
