Living Water matures

Some of the team behind Living Water Radio which broadcast the event to Norwich and central Norfolk.

By John Breeze

Living Water 2004 will probably be remembered for the contrast in weather as well as for the quality and dynamism of the preaching and teaching.
For setting-up and the first two days of the August 7-11 event, the site at the Royal Norfolk Showground was bathed in hot sunshine. Just right for the almost 2000 thousand campers in tents and caravans and the 1000 plus day visitors.
Some camped in church groups in 'villages' so that they could enjoy the company of friends, while others came as individuals, or families, some from as far afield as Bristol and Aberdeen. Day visitors swelled numbers up to 3000 on site.
But after two days the weather changed to thunderstorms, showers and some heavy rain but none of these dampened spirits or spoiled experiences.
In fact, after one night of torrential rain when there was some water damage in one of the venues, team leaders were reporting that the adventure caused teams to work harder and pull together to mitigate any damaging effects of the deluge.

On another level, Living Water 2004 will be remembered for the quality and dynamism of the preaching and teaching by the fine team of international guests.
This included Jackie Pullinger from Hong Kong, David and Phillipa Stroud, London, the three generations of the Frost Family and John Mulinde from Africa to name but a few.
With its theme of 'Reaching the Generations' there was a full range of activities and events for the whole spectrum of ages ensuring that there was something for everyone including a new venue for the over 55s.
The very professional Living Water Radio kept the whole community and the wider area of greater Norwich informed of all that was going on.
"It's been a fantastic Living Water event," enthused Stephen Mawditt, executive trustee of Living Water.

"Like good wine it matures year by year. It is amazing how through so many varied speakers God delivers one clear message - be prepared to go and get stuck in to what ever God calls you to do - but remember it begins with the next person you meet."
Departing delegates commented on the quality of the worship, the more relaxed atmosphere and how much the event seems to grow in value and quality. The theme for Living Water next year is 'The God Who Speaks Today' from August 6-10, 2005.
To find out more about Living Water or how to attend as a participant or team member please write to: Living Water Trust, The Well Christian Centre, Swaffham Road, Ashill, Thetford, Norfolk, IP25 7BT, telephone 01760 441441 or e-mail office@living-water.org.uk.
weblink: www.living-water.org.uk

Ethical shopping guide to Norwich

Norwich will take the title of one of Europe's leading shopping centres with the completion of the new Chapelfield shopping centre on the old Nestle site.
In response, the Christian group Sundays has been looking into issues surrounding the garment trade over the last few months and launched a new "guilt free shopping guide" to shopping in Norwich.
The new initiative was launched on May 16 at the Riches from Rags event at St Luke's Church; linking up with local expert Sam Maher from Labour behind the Label.
This organisation works to support garment workers in their efforts to improve their working conditions and wages.

There were many practical activities to get involved in, a café, and a presentation from Sam about injustice in the garment trade.
People at the event were invited to get involved in producing the "guilt free shopping guide" to the clothes stores in Norwich city centre.
The guide aims to give each shop a star rating based on how ethically traded their goods are. This includes the way the store's suppliers treat their workers.
People involved with Sundays are very keen for many more people to get on board with the ethical shopping guide.
For more information contact Naomi Tuma at n.tuma@tesco.net
By Jon Mullender

Back to Good News for Norwich

Diary