Guna Shields – Tonbridge Wells, UK

I came to you in weakness—timid and trembling. And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit. I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God. (1 Cor 2:3-5 NLT)

What a relief that we don’t have to be super-eloquent with words or have a degree in philosophy to speak about our faith! In fact, I believe that often our most effective evangelism happens when we don’t have an ‘all-knowing’ attitude. That is not to say that God’s truth does not need to be heard. It does! But God will add to our weakness. He truly is much more loving than we know!

Recently, I was with a little girl who (completely unexpectedly) asked me what I would do if I was worried about something. I was in the middle of an activity and initially I just told her that we don’t need to worry as things will work out. But this evidently wasn’t enough, so, feeling that I had to give a proper answer, I told the girl that I pray and try to give my worry to God. Instantly I sensed that she had really taken this in. What surprised me was how ‘casually’ this happened, when I was not planning it.

Some years ago I decided to take on an allotment. I love gardening but it has also been a great way to meet and get to know people. It seems that often I go and there are conversations about faith with particular individuals. Probably my allotment would look better if I didn’t talk as much, but I take great joy in being able to share my faith with people.

My husband and son both love sailing. It’s not so much my thing but I go along motivated by the fact that I can meet non-churched people. There have been some amazing conversations but at other times I have to be content myself with simply showing interest in people and trusting that God will make things happen in His time.

Our son has gone through the local Scouts’ group and so recently I took the plunge and became a Leader
for the ‘Beaver Scouts’ (6-8 age group). It’s been a lot of fun but also tiring and quite a responsibility! However, I am trusting that Jesus’ presence through me, will encourage both the children and their parents. I don’t always feel his presence tangibly, but I go, nonetheless, trusting God. I often feel quite inadequate but I know that His strength is sufficient and I draw encouragement from Psalm 131:1-3.

My heart is not proud, Lord, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me. But I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content. Israel, put your hope in the Lord both now and forevermore.