Church Army focuses new Lent resources on mission and evangelism

Church Army's Richard Chambers has compiled a new free resource for churches and individuals for Lent 2008 with a strong focus on mission and evangelism.

The Hope in Word, Hope in Action booklet presents the stories of 40 different evangelists along with a reflection on a Bible verse that inspires them and a prayer.

Captain Paul Fitzpatrick, who had the idea for the booklet, commented: "So many Lent resources take Christians through a portion of the Bible or a related theme as a course of study.

"We wanted to produce something different, that would be grounded in the day-to-day challenge of the ministry of serving evangelists right across the UK and tells their stories.

"We hope that Christians who use Hope in Word, Hope in Action for Lent will get closer to the first hand experience of our evangelists on the ground: understand what inspires them and then stand alongside them in prayer."

Hope in Word, Hope in Action features stories that are connected by one unbreakable spiritual thread - the life changing hope that the Gospel brings to all people in all circumstances.

"I hope readers will find it helpful as we begin a journey of Lent determined to do our little bit to make the new Kingdom of Jesus Christ a reality in our lives and in the world around us," added Fitzpatrick.

Mr Chambers said he hoped Christians would be "personally inspired" by each of the 40 reflections, which explore a specific aspect of Christian hope.

An example of one of the evangelists featured is Bob Read and his ministry to new parents As 2 Become 3. Read's calling is to reach out to couples experiencing the birth of their first child - a situation which leads to many new parents reflecting on their own upbringing and hopes for their new families.

"Above all this can be a moment in time when people respond to the gift of new life by opening themselves to God," said Read. "It is a unique stage for the eyes to be opened to our extraordinary God who is the creator and sustainers of life."

Mr Chambers added: "Bob's work is making and impact."