"Camden Town Ain't Burnin' Down!"

I'll borrow a timely quote from one of our neighbours to gladly report that no one was killed or hurt in the massive fire last weekend. Although the $100 million blow was definitely a big one. This Sunday, for the first time in many years, Camden Market was closed.

Cynics will say that it's only the poor celebrities who lost their favourite pub, but don't forget the 300 people who don't have a place to work anymore. These independent artists and traders make Camden Market what it is. Many uninsured livelihoods are lost in the pile of black ashes. Other locals wonder what the future of Camden will be...

In the few years since we've been here, there have been many changes. Some good, some ugly. The violence among youth steadily increases and the corporate-makeover continues to find more places to fit another Starbucks. The irony is that the easiest place to buy skunk or crack is right in front of ____________ (you guessed it).

But glory to God, in spite of all this, we have also seen that the gospel works! Our church is entering into an exciting new stage of growth, yes, in numbers, but even more in faithfulness. People are taking on the challenge to be instruments of change in a land ripe and ready for another kind of fire.

Last Saturday on a strangely sunny afternoon, we led 3 people to Christ and shared the gospel to many right outside doors of the Canal Market. Who knew it wouldn't be there in a few hours? It appears that God still snatches from the fire.

Next week our weekly Bible Study is moving inches away from ashes into a new age cafe where we'll be studying the Book of Acts. On Valentine's Day, the women's ministry that Pamela started is doing their first outreach by giving out gospel-marked flowers near the tube station. We're also helping to *organise the Camden side of the London Pentecost Festival. Prayers are very appreciated in this faith-stretching season.

In 2008, God has called us to trust His lead and take some risks that will either leave us flat on our face or in the midst of an earth shaking revival, maybe even both.

That kind of stuff is still possible...isn't it?

Facefully Yours for His Glory,
Brandon, Pamela Daniel and Jesse Munoz
Praise Chapel Freedomhouse - Camden Town, North London

*I apologise to those of you mentally correcting my spelling. I now write in proper English - english. Better recognise!