Mike Chesterton shares updates, encouragement and prayer points related to Home for Good’s work across the North-West.

Mike's reflection

In his book On God’s Side, Jim Wallis writes: “Solving the world’s problems requires a commitment to a very ancient idea whose time has urgently come: the common good. I have been reminded whilst reading and reflecting, that while a large proportion of our society today is based on ‘what’s in it for me’, the selfless giving of some amazing people who seek that common good, who seek to live out their faith in Jesus in practical ways, is a phenomenal blessing.

The act of opening your home to a child who needs one, or being part of a support network for someone who does, is a great example of this. Many of the New Testament writers – and Jesus himself – are very clear that these acts of selfless love are the mark of who we are in Christ.

Thank you for all you do in journeying towards our vision of a home for every child who needs one.

Recent highlights

Mike received a great welcome at both St Peter’s Bury and Christ Church Southport when he spoke recently. If you would like a Home for Good speaker at your church, then please do get in touch - Home For Good | Resources - Book a speaker.

What's coming up?

• Are you going to be at this year’s Elim Leader’s Summit in May? If so, please come and say hello to us – we are on stand 25 in Hall Q. Once again, this year, we will also be hosting an informal gathering for those involved or interested in Fostering, Adoption, or Supported Lodgings. Come along at 12noon on Tuesday 14^th May to the Meeting Space on level 5 and you’ll be able to meet and connect with others involved in fostering, adoption, or supported lodgings and share your experiences together. Bring your lunch and we’ll get you a tea or coffee.
• We are really pleased to announce that a new Home for Good Peer Support Group will be starting in Widnes. If you are a foster carer or adoptive parent and would like to know more, please contact Mike (see contact details below).

A message from Mike

Many of you will know that Mike, our North West Lead, went into hospital back in February for a long-awaited operation on his neck. After a period of recovery, we’re really pleased to say that Mike is now back at work.

Mike would like to say a big thank you to everyone who prayed for him and sent messages of encouragement in the weeks that followed his surgery. “The surgery seems to have gone well and I have felt incredibly supported over the last few weeks. I am really pleased to be back at work again and looking forward to catching up with many of you. There is now a fairly long road to recover some of the movement in my shoulders that I had lost over the last 18 months, but I am extremely grateful to God for giving me strength and his peace throughout this journey so far; to folks who have been praying; to the amazing staff at Stepping Hill hospital who cared for me so well; and to family and friends who have looked after me in the early stages of recovery.”

What can I be praying for?

We would love you to stand with us in prayer as we continue to work to find a home for every child who needs one in North West England.

• Thank God for a number of new volunteers in the North West since the beginning of the year.
• Pray for our time at The Elim Leader’s Summit – for good connections and an appetite to get involved in finding a home for every child who needs one.
• Pray for the soon to launch Halton (Widnes) Support Group and for Penny and Michelle who will lead it.
• Pray for more individuals, couples, and families to step forward and explore providing homes for children in care. There are over 15,000 children in care in the North West and most if not all local authorities urgently need more foster carers, supported lodgings hosts, and prospective adopters

Are there any events happening soon that I can attend?

Head over to our North West England page to find out what is happening in the area and find all the local support groups.

Take me there

How do I get in touch with a member of the Home for Good team in North West England?

Mike Chesterton – North West Lead – [email protected]