Autumn Report - November 2024

One of the many joys of telling people about Jesus is the simple pleasure of meeting new faces each time we go out.
Most of us don’t fully appreciate how often we walk past many people each day without any form of human acknowledgement. Picking up litter as volunteers, and wearing a badge of Jesus, declaring to the world that we are God’s children, is an amazing privilege. To carry the national flag at an Olympic ceremony is a massive honour, but to bear the banner of Jesus’ love... the cross, is incomparable! Each of us in the team has found that people are much more open and approachable because of what we do...but our aim is to direct these folk to the One who loves unconditionally.
As summer has given way to autumn, (and a very wet one too), we have been limited, being in the town rather than the seafront; conversations of any depth have therefore been fewer. However, we have still made a good number of new friends, and we meet ever more old acquaintances every time we go out proclaiming the Name of Jesus in our town.
On other fronts too, we have seen much blessing. We put in a bid with the Bexhill Council for another grant award and, when this was voted on, it was so strongly endorsed by a previous mayor that we were unanimously awarded £500! Much of this grant has already been spent on new equipment, especially some new hi-vis tabards. Other very generous gifts have been made so that our funds are now ready for the future and more teams! (see below!)
NEW TEAMS We are very excited about new teams being established; the latest being Sidley. This newest branch is now ready to go and already has tabards, sweatshirts etc all with the logo and “Jesus Loves Sidley”.
Earlier connections made are now showing great signs of coming to fruition. Crawley Down, East Grinstead and Copthorne churches have all indicated a sincere wish to start their own “Jesus Loves” litter picking evangelism! We will be helping with the artwork, graphics and logos to help set up these new ventures. No doubt some Bexhill team members will be able to assist with a launch before long! God is certainly blessing us and, importantly, He is teaching us so much about His love on the way.
SOME NOTES OF OUR RECENT ADVENTURES
Alex and Jack had the joy of praying for healing for two separate people, one woman with back problems for which she had tried reiki healing and crystals and a man with bladder cancer.
Geoff met a man visiting from Pevensey who had been badly injured in a car accident. An excellent conversation ensued with testimony sheets being accepted.
Roger and Mary also met a man who, like the lady whom Alex and Jack encountered, was “looking for a celebration” of reiki healing. He was directed to Jesus! They also saw a notice about a lady who had passed away; they thought that this may well have been the same lady that they had met last time.
Other team members had numerous positive comments.

Late Summer Report - September 2024

BEXHILL 100, CLASSIC CAR SHOW 2024
A full and eventful day! Anne and her team set up the Jesus Loves Bexhill gazebo bright and early. Equipped with litter picking gear we set off on a busy day keeping the field free of litter.
The gazebo was manned all day. We had many visitors to our base and had some very productive conversations with people passing by, many of whom wanted to stay and chat.
Our newly-elected MP, Kieran Mullan, together with our Town Mayor, actually sought us out, thanks to a prior contact which Geoff had made. Kieran actually promised to join us on one of our litter picking outings! Some good photos were taken!
The site was well organised by Bexhill 100. We collected a lot of litter and left the field clearer of rubbish at the end than at the beginning!
A lasting memory I have was of Andrew, Menaka and Geoff, as the evening light faded, still seeking out litter in the distance!
The Bexhill 100 Club chairman contacted Geoff to specifically thank us for a very good job done!
Isn't it an honour to help in a practical way at the same time as proclaiming the Name of Jesus?!
Saturday Sept, 7th. Litter Picking
A good team of twelve arrived, including our new members, Jack, Annabel and Alex; a few came later so there were 14 of us in the end.
As usual we set off, in pairs this time, on a showery morning. Judy, Andrew, Alex, Jamie, Anne and Annabel all set off in varying directions and had some good conversations and many 'thank you' comments.
Roger and Mary met a lady near St Barnabas Church. She was struggling with an alcoholic problem and was in some distress about a care home. It is likely that she was about to collect some food from the church; Roger and Mary promised to pray for her situation.
Geoff had a good conversation with two cyclists who, it turned out, were Christians from Hailsham. At this point, it needs to be recorded, Geoff took shelter in Cafe Capri for a coffee! (He narrowly missed Jack and Mike who had just left!)
Alex and Andrew both had equipment problems, as their two litter pick sticks failed...that's their story anyway! They then had some excellent conversations as they continued looking useful and prayed that they would meet those that the Holy Spirit directed.
Jack and Mike met Anthony, an eccentric man with a powerful testimony of God, but he was a bit muddled. An older man, he told of a time when an unseen hand stopped him from driving while under the influence of drink. He talked a lot and we did not have much chance to speak! He too, was prayed for as we moved on!
Pauline arrived at the Bandstand. On her way she had stopped to help a friend, who is into spiritualism. The Lord told Pauline to bring her to church. When she got there, her friend unburdened herself to Pauline. She said that she would go to the Sunday church meeting.
Pauline asked for prayer - she is having a hip replacement pre-op assessment on Tuesday.
We heard that Stella from The Bathing Station had been admitted unwell to hospital but, even so, she was so concerned that we would not have any coffee that she had arranged for someone to open up the kiosk, just for us, and also for the chairman of the bandstand to open up there as well! What grace!
We signed a card for Stella and June and Geoff visited that afternoon, to Stella's joy and amazement!
Love in action in the Name of Jesus!
Our next outing in Bexhill is on Saturday 21st Sept at the Bexhill Lions Street Market in Devonshire Road.
SIDLEY
Roger and Mary went litter picking on Tuesday 10th September during the morning, along Ninfield Road, which had much litter – they collected 5 full sacks which they have arranged to be picked up. They had a fairly long and friendly conversation with a young lady who picks up litter regularly, and others thanked them. They were able to help a lady by returning her jacket that she had dropped without realising. No significant conversations but they trust the message on the tabards was noticed.
They will concentrate on Sidley shopping area next time as there will be many more passers-by.

OUR PRAYER AND PRAISE night is on Tuesday 17th at 7:30pm Come and be blessed!

Report - July / August 2024

OUR SU
It was with great sadness that we had the sudden news of the passing of Su Szlafke. She went into hospital on Tuesday August 7th for treatment to an infected leg but she did not survive the operation and she died on August 9th. The day before her operation she was visited and show our new poster which featured her on her mobility scooter in one of the cartoons, which made her chuckle and give a big smile, a good memory. Su was a wonderful friend and faithful member of our Jesus Loves Bexhill Litter Picking group. Su was always cheerful and her wide smile and hi-vis vest displayed on her mobility scooter were well known and loved in the town. We will long remember her and miss her very much; today and for eternity, Su will be enjoying her reward, 'dancing in Heaven'.
BEXHILL CARNIVAL
The sun shone on a warm and eventful day! We were out in full force with the gazebo in a prominent position. As the day progressed, we were surrounded with an exceptionally large crowd as we had a great view of the procession as it passed by. There was the usual banter and laughter as we mingled in the fairground amusements. Our hi-vis vests were easily noticed among the crowd as we filled countless bags of gathered litter. Geoff was given some free tickets, so Anne and Menaka braved the helter-skelter then they did battle with Geoff and Mike on the dodgems! (Anne had to have a lesson early on to find the accelerator pedal!) All much to the amusement of the local press photographer. As usual we received many good comments from the Bexhill Carnival organisers and the fairground staff. A good day...and above all, hundreds of people could not fail to see that Jesus does love Bexhill!
SATURDAY AUGUST 10th
We assembled in a solemn mood as we remembered our very special friend, Sue. We were joined by Roger and Mary, new members from Sidley Freedom Church. We were able to give out several Testimony sheets to those who expressed an interest. Roger and Mary commented how much easier it is to share their faith when picking up litter. They want to start a group in Sidley now...praise God!

Report - Mid Summer 2024

It finally seems that some summer has at last arrived! We have been out in the town as usual, with some good contacts made and more examples of good will. Some people have been prayed for and blessed in ways that only time will tell! Recently, Deborah met a couple who were looking a bit down. On enquiring, it was discovered that Malcolm, (not his real name), had recently had a major heart attack. Deborah offered to pray for him whereupon, he said that as a result of his recent 'fright', he had "made things right with God"; Deborah was then able to pray for him and his partner for God's continued blessing and revelation. Dedorah, on a usual roll, then went on and was able to pray for Jeff, who had a very sore leg. Geoff and Judy had a unique experience when they met Gavin and Tracey with their pink Cadillac.
Judy was encouraged into the driver's seat. When she asked what "this key does?", she was hurried out of the car but not before Geoff took this photo! Geoff had by now made good friends of Gavin and Tracey, and gave them each a Testimony leaflet. As with so many contacts, we will see these new friends again!" Andrew and Mike headed off together but as Andrew simply cannot resist picking up every fag-end, he and Mike became separated only to meet up again as they joined together in two interesting conversations with local men, Tony and David. Both men were keen to talk and we were able to explain what we did and the reason for it. They were both very happy to receive Testimony leaflets. On our way back to the Bandstand, Andrew and I were spontaneously offered free drinks at Louis' cafe. These offers of hospitality just increase; A gentleman, who glories in the name of Bogdan, had kindly offered us 10% on all his food and drinks at his newly opened The Grill House restaurant on the seafront, as well as free cold drinks when we are passing.

Report - May 2024

Report - March/April 2024

Summer still seems a long way off, but not daunted, we have been out in force, faithfully backed by our Payer Team each fortnight. The colder the weather, the greater has been the appreciation shown to us by those we meet...last week, we even had someone calling across the street from an upper floor window to thank us; so much good will and all in the name of Jesus!
Talking of good will, we recently caught up with Frank who we first met three or four years ago. Frank has been in a nursing home for several months and Geoff and some others in our team have been able to visit him. He is now back in his flat and we have been able to continue our friendship with him, even able to do a little practical repair work for him in his flat. On a visit last week, he told us that he has never known such friendship before. We pray that in his time, he will welcome the Jesus that loves us so much.
One of our team recently had a lengthy conversation with a retired man, who moved to Bexhill in 2020; his wife died three years ago. We nicknamed him Banana man with his approval, as he told us that he had spent most of his life working in the Carribean with a banana packing company. After a good chat he told us that he had not spoken to a soul in the previous four days! We will meet up again on the seafront; we now have a God given opportunity to introduce him to a new and special Friend!
We thank God that we can share the Good News of Jesus so freely! What a privilege! With warmer weather ahead and with the faithful prayer backing on the Friday mornings prior to our Saturday outings, we expect great things!
JESUS LOVES BEXHILL!

Report - February 2024

Despite some very wet and cold weather, we have been out litter-picking and spreading the love of Jesus; smiles and friendly faces in the name of Jesus make a huge difference. Who would have thought that litter in our streets could be put to heavenly use! We have a great team of prayers and litter-pickers! Litter-picking has resulted in many seeds being sown, simply by wearing our Jesus Loves Bexhill tabards, and we have received many smiles of gratification and thanks. We are believing for a great harvest during the coming summer months. 
We feel that Jesus Loves Bexhill ‘has come of age’ being widely acknowledged and welcomed in the town. Following on from the prayer that we have taken on board since last December, for a double portion of the favour and blessings received in 2023, we shared in January all about our wonderful Jesus Loves Bexhill group at a Men’s Inter-church Fellowship and Bexhill Churches together, and in February we were given one of the main Sunday slots at King’s Church Bexhill, where the response was above and beyond what was expected, with loads of compliments and email congratulations, and even the church leaders being greatly blessed. We received many requests for our metal Jesus Loves Bexhill badges, even from people who were just visiting for the first time! We now have over 80 of the badges in circulation, and they have more than paid for themselves. On many occasions, strangers have asked us about them. 
This year Geoff has put together a “Bexhill Information” card to be given to any Bexhill visitors we come across during our adventures, and Café Capri have agreed to give a 10% discount on ice-creams purchased, on presentation of the card! It’s really good to know that when these cards are given out, they will not be thrown away, and the name of “Jesus” is being read out time and time again. What a joy! 
Frank has been visited a number of times since he has been in Mais House. Each time, he has been so pleased at getting a visitor that he has told all those he passed whilst escorting the visitor to his room and getting them a tea or coffee. He has no real family so visitors are especially welcome, and it is hoped he will return to his flat in March, in which case we can expect to see him on the promenade again. 
Dates for your diary: 
At some point during March from 7–8 pm, there will be a Prayer and Praise time at Andrew and Sally’s home; we have much to praise God for and to pray about, date to be advised! 
On Saturday April 6th, after our normal Litter-Picking adventure, Geoff & June have invited us all back for curry or Chinese meal, then later tea and cake. All family members are welcome. Geoff still needs lots of disposable biodegradable bowls and forks for this event please.
We have a year full of adventure ahead as we share the love of JESUS and raise His Name in Bexhill! 

Report - 13th January 2024

For this week's feedback, I would like to start with the prayer team.  We were greatly encouraged by the feedback from the prayer team this morning.  Two particular pictures were shared: the first one, that each of the team walking the streets this morning were like lighthouses - each one shining the light of Jesus not just forward, but in all directions as people see us from the front, sides and from behind; the second picture was that of a net, and that we were fishers of men and women. The litter picking team were greatly encouraged, and we shall remember these pictures as we go out in the weeks and months to come. 

It was a cold morning this morning, the need for hats and gloves most needed.  As we went out, we weren't expecting to have many encounters as we thought people would not want to stop and chat.  However, some did, old friends were seen as well as people we have become acquainted with previously, and relationships were built.  We want to be building relationships with the people we often see in the town, and the store-holders from shops and cafes we frequent.  It's not just about a one time contact. 

The litter-picking team also prayed at the beginning of the morning, that Jesus' name would be glorified as people saw us out serving the community on such a cold day, with our bright tabards lifting the name of Jesus high.  So the picture of each one of us being a lighthouse was particularly uplifting.

The encouragement that we are fishers of men and women in Bexhill is a great encouragement to every one of us.  There are some skilled in wielding the nets to bring in the catch, and there are many others supporting in other ways.  All are a part of the group and play a part in bringing in the catch.  May we please see many souls 'caught' and harvested this year for you, Lord Jesus.

Report - 14th October 2023

We had another morning of adventures on Saturday, but firstly  let me tell you about Kevin, who we met last time.

Kevin: briefly, Kevin is currently homeless, who we met sitting on a bench, reading "The Lord of the Rings"...a great conversation starter! We invited him back to the Bandstand where he explained that he was on a journey, walking to the Jurassic Coast in Devon. We talked about our journeys with Jesus and we prayed for him. Menaka, very helpfully, produced a list of places in Bexhill where he could be given food and a warm-up welcome.On this occasion, there were twelve of us; Kevin said he would look out for us and in fact, Helen bumped into him in the town later in the week.
Geoff made a copy of Menaka's list which he has now printed out and laminated for us to use when needed; wonderful and so useful!

Meanwhile, last Saturday, though small in numbers, we set off in pairs as usual, knowing we had the all important prayer backing from our Prayer Team.
Ann and Jane met a lady who is planning to move to Norfolk to be near her dad. They prayed for her as she had some hurdles to overcome first. They then met Jenny from St John's who helps with the homeless. She was thrilled to hear what we are doing and was very grateful to receive one of our Homeless Help Information cards!

Judy and Mike met Dawn and her carer, David. Mike recognised Dawn as she had been a parent of children at Sidley School. Dawn is suffering with a bad back, a result of osteoporosis.
Judy prayed for David who was quite emotional and we promised to pray for Dawn. 

Geoff meanwhile, set off to visit the 'Warm-up the Homeless' shop to explain the Information card and to get their advice. They proved very helpful and pleased to have some cards to give out.
Geoff made a similar very useful visit to the Emmaus shop. They informed him of the activities of the Emmaus centre in Hastings where much assistance can be offered.
We are excited that we have found a new and effective way of sharing the love of Jesus and guiding needy folk to receive practical help.

THE FOOTBRIDGE GALLERY PROJECT
Diana Birch, CEO of the project has asked for our help this coming Saturday, 21st. October for the launch of the latest gallery exhibition.
She has specifically asked us to help tidy up litter and help pack up at the end, (not as previously expected to help at the start).
I will be there from 2PM till about 4PM to help, do join if you can. There will be several gazebos and various artistic displays and exhibits and the event runs from 10AM to 3PM but our help is requested from 2PM to help with litter picking then with packing up. Please let me know if you can help; it's great to be wanted!!

Report - 16th September 2023

Our adventure, in support of Bexhill Lions and the continental market, started for us late Friday afternoon when we met for prayer at David & Pam’s and, whilst a number of our regulars were away in Falmouth, we nevertheless had a good time of prayer, and we are looking forward to all meeting together. Our prayer times have been interesting in as much as we all come from different backgrounds and even different ways of praying. It’s exciting that when we all come together, we will be guided by the Holy Spirit and all our prayer lives will be strengthened and nourished as a result.
On Saturday Geoff, Andrew, Judy and Mike gathered, as usual, next to the bandstand to collect any testimony leaflets and bags that were needed, and off we went to patrol Devonshire Road and the surrounding area. We were accompanied by Andrew’s dog, Jasper, for the first time.  

Before we had even started, Andrew met up with a man called David, who had had to have his dog put down the previous day.  Jasper made a fuss of him, and Andrew showed love, sympathy and understanding.  Andrew told him that he would pray for him, and that God could fill the hole left by his companion. 
We had lots of encouraging conversations; people were happy to talk and take a leaflet; there was the chap with a lovely Cockapoo who wants to move to Bexhill from Tunbridge Wells, and a couple with two black Labradors - the dogs got a dog biscuit and the owners a testimony leaflet.
One of the French market traders gave me a third off what I was purchasing; not sure whether it was a sales ploy or his attraction to my Jesus Loves Bexhill tabard!
Mike had a really interesting, 20 minute chat with David,  a gentleman from the east end of London. He offered Mike a pint of beer and Mike offered him a Testimony sheet; Dave accepted the testimony leaflet!

At midday we met together in the bandstand and were visited by Veronica and Frank, who we had earlier met in Devonshire Road. We have witnessed to Frank over a number of years, prayed for him and invited him to church, up to now with little success, but he voluntarily, with hardly any encouragement, stated that he would like to come to church, and so arrangements have been made to collect him next Sunday.  (Please look out for him at Kings, Bexhill, if you attend there on this Sunday). Isn’t that great, sometimes you get instant blessings, sometimes it takes a while, but we must never give up.

Then in the afternoon, after talking to some stall holders, I took a break by having a rest on the bench at the top of Western Road; after a few minutes I was joined by Andrew, who noticed after a while that there was a chap leaning on a bollard next to the bench, with a painful expression on his face.  Andrew asked him if he was ok, which he wasn’t, and if he needed to sit down; we quickly gave him the space.  He shared that his knee had locked up and he needed to sit down but didn’t want to ask. His name was Kenny, and we proceeded to have a good conversation with him, including that God loved him.  He is a newcomer to Bexhill, a very nice chap, very friendly and positive. 

All in all a blessed day.