Diary of an Apprentice - Week 5

 

Hannah O'Donnell,  5^th November 2021

Hello all, I've had an especially hectic week this week which I thought would get too much for me to bear, but the Lord sustained me! This week has been a reminder that regardless of how much you have to do, the Lord is sovereign, He never gives us more than we can cope with if we are leaning on Him.

So this week has been a week of firsts:

• the first GGANG (girls' bible study) session
• the first Tiny Tots session after COVID-19
• my first attempt at leading Springboard (Sunday school for 7-11s)
• my first meeting with one of my mentors (the legend that is Phil Sisson, one of St John's wardens)
• my first preparations of a talk for Pathfinders (youth group for Y7-9) next week.

I have to say, doing things for the first time is something I find especially difficult and terrifying, but, through the strength of Jesus, I made it through the week injury-free! In fact, I really loved my first experiences.

I loved the first, ever GGANG meet-up. A superb number of 5 teen girls came along (with more expected next week) and immediately clicked, this small (-ish) number was perfect for everyone to be able to feel comfortable and willing to chat away. This week was simply a week of getting to know one another and finding out what we will be looking at for the next 5 weeks - the 'Essentials' book and resources by Lee McMunn - as well as playing plenty of icebreaker games... there was A LOT of laughter. Both Caitlin and I were very encouraged by this positive start and are feeling much more confident and excited to get going properly next week. Prayer for the coming week that preparations would be Christ-centred and that the next session would be positively received would be awesome!

The first post-pandemic Tiny Tots meet-up also took place on Tuesday morning. The morning went better than any of us could have ever expected or hoped for and it was a real morale-booster for all of us leaders that this new style of Tiny Tots was appreciated, valued and enjoyed thoroughly. Thank you Father that you are in control and have prospered all of the time, effort and planning that has gone into getting this vital group up and running again. Roll on the rest of the year.

My first attempt at leading Springboard was enjoyable and, I think, well-received. There were definitely a lot of improvements to be made for this Sunday coming, and it was a humbling experience to have to make many extremely last-minute changes (literally) but it forced me all the more to trust in the ability of Christ, not my own strength, to provide a loving, gospel-centred teaching despite the late changes.

My first meeting with Phil was lovely and much needed. The biblical wisdom that flows from her tongue was a huge reminder that all I do this year and beyond must have a cornerstone foundation of the truth of the gospel. Being able to freely speak about my current experiences of being the ministry apprentice this year was very appreciated, and having someone wise who I can go to for prayerful advice and support, I know, is going to be something crucial to my year.

Finally, my preparations this week for giving my first talk at Pathfinders on Tuesday have been going well. I've noticed how much of an impact the North West Partnership Course is already having on me and how I approach preparing teachings now. The greatest reminder I've had, almost ingraned into me now, is the power of prayer. Prayer before you read the passage. Prayer after you read the passage. Prayer before you write anything. Prayer when you get stuck or confused. Prayer when you are lacking the motivation. Prayer when prayer is answered. Prayer after you have finished preparations. Prayer in the lead up to giving the talk. Prayer with everyone before you teach. Prayer after you speak. Prayer, prayer, and more prayer. If the NWP has taught me anything (which it certainly has taught me masses) it's the power and certain requirement of prayer. So, on that note, if you would be praying that my talk at Pathfinders goes well and is received with gratitude, I'm confident God will listen. 

Hannah's fact of the week
I am soon to be moving out of my parent's home in Workington to live with the mighty Caitlin Holburt! I'm incredibly excited to be moving on the 20th of November to Whitehaven, not only because I'll be much closer to all of the jobs that come with the ministry apprenticeship but also because it means I get to spend more time with a valued friend whom I love lots.