Last week at Restore Hope Latimer, we hosted a ladies' conference with a difference. It set the scene for a purposeful pilgrimage. We began a journey to "Settle the Land". Throughout history - both in our own land and across the world, women have turned their hand to creating Something out of very little, be it homes, families, neighbourhoods. Women with inner resources to imagine what has not yet become reality; creative spirits which, joined with dogged determination, can bring about change. Our inspiration was Numbers 33:53, "Take possession of the land and settle in it, for I have given you the land to possess" and the women of God who came to speak to us were indeed pioneers in their own field. During the four days, as we talked, ate and prayed together (somehow the snow outside increased our sense of fellowship and camaraderie) we had great opportunities to 'connect' with our speakers, discovering the personalities behind the titles. Several of our sessions were spent in encouraging one another to discover the women God had planned we should become. The work He might have prepared for us to do. We discovered the importance of "settlement"; the safety that comes from belonging to a family group, a community; the importance of having rights to land and the identity this gives us. We gained insight into the world of the modern day 'slave' and talked about the part we can play in bringing justice and freedom to those who have no identity.

Several of the sessions provoked such a sense of the presence of Jesus that it was impossible to speak............I do so hope He was pleased with our offering. Praise was led by Diane in such a powerful way - we make no apology for not recording the talks. It was an intimate gathering of women who respected, loved and appreciated one another, and each speaker gave of herself without holding back.
Ladies we shall be continuing our journey as the year unfolds. I do hope more of you will join us; there is so much to discover as we become Settlers!

As an ex barrister, Baroness Berridge -- who is currently the youngest female member of the House of Lords -- is well placed to speak about justice and she gave an informative and personal synopsis of the relationship between justice and mercy -- which she reminded us 'are two sides of the same coin'. She then took questions from the floor. The evening was set in a relaxed environment in the Old Dairy and we were delighted that so many members of the local community were able to attend. As the snow began to fall outside, we were inspired to make fresh tracks in pioneering efforts against injustice in our society.

At Restore Hope Latimer, we are determined to lead the way in this regard, so please keep in touch and see how you can get involved.

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Young people are good at engaging with social Justice issues, so perhaps it was no surprise that over 130 local teenagers turned up at Restore Hope Latimer to hear the impressive and inspiring Ruth Dearnley (CEO of Stop the Traffik) speak to them about human trafficking; the (growing) crime of selling humans -- often children -- which currently means that more than one person is trafficked across borders EVERY MINUTE. The message was clear; we will not tolerate this crime and even by the simple act of buying chocolate, our choices can encourage or discourage this global movement. The young people left informed and empowered and we look forward to seeing the outworking of their inspiration spread across our community. One church leader commented that: 'It was great to see lots of young people fired up for Jesus and justice'..............oh, and the pizza was good too!

 

 

Seeking God and being good stewards of what we have is foundational to all that we do. At the beginning of each year, the Restore Hope Latimer team spend a week humbly before God asking for guidance, revelation and blessing. 

 

"Walking the boundaries of the estate gives a chance to soak up God's creation and to give him praise as we walked"

"The catering is always excellent, with lovely bread and cake. Great variety during the week!"

"I really enjoyed having drinks and nibbles available all the time"

 

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On December 8th Restore Hope Latimer held a Reatreat Day. It was an opportunity for people to enjoy the beautiful surroundings and to set aside time for the Lord before the busy Christmas festivities:

 

 

 

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On November 5th Restore Hope Latimer hosted a spectacular fireworks display by the lake. It was a time of fun and fellowship as people had an opportunity to catch up with friends and then watch as the valley was lit up with magnificent colours.

 

 

Helen Burdis 

 

 

"We have been going to the fireworks at Latimer for the past few years and wouldn’t even look to go anywhere else! The girls love the whole evening and it is a lovely, relaxed, safe atmosphere in which to enjoy meeting friends and watching a fantastic display in beautiful surroundings (beautiful even in the dark!) The food is great – good quality burgers in decent rolls, crisps and hot and cold drinks – and is served in the open barn so, whatever the weather, there is a dry place to eat, chat and run around. The fireworks are lit across the river and, despite the numbers who attend, there is such a wide area along the nearside bank that we have always been able to stand at the front so that the children can see. If you are slow to leave you may even get a short second display as they relight the fireworks that haven’t gone off the first time, so don’t hurry away! Don’t miss out, get your tickets and we’ll see you there."

 

 

"This year we have again enjoyed a fabulous evening of fireworks, food and chat with some of our friends with learning disabilities at Restore Hope Latimer's excellent fireworks evening. We always feel welcome, spoilt and included by all those that help with the evening's entertainment that has now become an annual trip out looked forward to by many. Thanks for a brilliant night out."