Livingloud - The Bowmanblog

The Bowman Family - Josiah Venture Update

A movement of God among the youth of central and eastern Europe that finds its home in the local church and transforms society

 

Raising Support - The Story So Far

Dear friends,

This is a short update to let you know how things are going in our support raising journey.

This has been a huge step of faith for our family; a step of faith in obedience to God’s call. It is a challenging step, frequently faith stretching, sometimes frightening, but ultimately blessed. Time and time again we have been reminded that everything belongs to God - the earth and everything in it! (Psalm 24). God is the owner and supplier of all things – this includes financial resources, they belong to him, He is the provider. In this journey we are learning again, and again that ‘all is grace.’

The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it... Psalm 24:1

 

The Current Situation 

Josiah Venture graciously and generously provided some bridging funding to cover salary and help us get started as we build a team who will partner with us in prayer and financial support. That bridging funding came to an end at the end of May 2023. At present we are approximately 50% of the way towards our monthly support goal; this includes funds for the ministry as well as funds for salary and all the associated costs.

As you can imagine this is a cause for concern and a matter of urgency for our family. We are pressing on and trying our best to hold fast to faith over fear.   But can we confess that it is a stressful and anxious time, so we would value your prayers.

A Little Goes A Long Way

In the midst of this situation our thoughts turn to the story of Elijah and the widow at Zarephath (1 Kings 17). We could describe it as a pretty desperate situation but God provided for Elijah via the widow and He also provided for the widow and her household. She only had a little flour and oil, but she was willing to give it, and it did not run out, in keeping with the word of the Lord. One of the things that strikes us in this story is how even a little can go a long way. How giving a little can make a huge difference.  

When you give toward the ministries of the church, you are directly involved in leading people into a life-changing relationship with Jesus. Your giving and support strengthens the testimony of the church and proves the Gospel to the world at large. Isn't this absolutely fantastic?!

Thank You

Can we say a heartfelt thank you for praying and giving to the ministry of Josiah Venture. Through this ministry we are seeing God change lives and change countries. But, we know this is only the beginning. Through your prayer and support, you are a part of this ministry as God continues to bring hope and life to this generation.

 

Hold The Rope

In 1792, William Carey, who is known as the “father of modern missions,” preached his famous sermon from Isaiah 54:2,3 and summed up its teaching in these two important statements: "Expect great things from God," and "Attempt great things for God."

This led to the formation of the Baptist Missionary Society; and Carey, at the age of thirty-three, became its first missionary to India. "I will go down," responded William Carey, in words never to be forgotten, "but remember that you must hold the rope."

How can you help?

We want you to have this opportunity to be part of God’s movement in central and eastern Europe. We expect great things from God and we want to attempt great things for God, but we need every one of you—our church, friends, and family—“to hold the rope.” If you have not already done so, please would you consider partnering with us financially and prayerfully? Whatever you would like to give is between you and the Lord, but even giving a little each month can make a huge difference. We need you to hold the rope!

You can help by committing to give monthly.

You can help by giving a one-time donation.

You can help by praying for us and the mission of Josiah Venture.

You can help by passing this information on to someone who might be able to partner with us prayerfully and financially in this ministry.

If you have questions or you would like to know more about our ministry please do let us know.

 

We Would Be Honoured by Your Financial Support

Please prayerfully consider partnering with us financially as we continue to raise support. You can give a one-time donation or in an ongoing way by clicking this link -  Support the Bowman family.

 

Thank you, friends! Your support means so much to our family!

All Is Grace,

The Bowman Family

Paul, Val, Erin, Talitha & Selah 

Youth Group Reunion

Ballysally Youth Group Reunion 2023

 

25 years ago I had the honour of serving as the youth worker with Ballysally Presbyterian Church in Coleraine. Val and I lived in the Ballysally housing estate for 8 years working with young people in the community, looking back they were amazing and happy times.  We made the memories of a lifetime, and if I might say so, we all did some pretty cutting edge youth ministry too. 

 

The very best part of it all was doing life with our young people; there was always a steady stream of teenagers at the door and our living room was frequently packed.  It was pure class! And an absolute privilege to journey with those young people through the stuff of life with all its highs and lows, and to experience authentic community together.  And of course we got to see God do amazing things and change lives.  He gets the glory!

 

On Saturday night we had the joy of attending a reunion with some of the members of our old youth group.  It was glorious to see everyone again, there was laughter… much laughter (and I'm not gonna lie, I may have had to hold back a few tears) as we looked at old photographs, remembered and told the stories of those days.  It was brilliant to catch up and hear about everyone’s lives and how much those days and experiences still meant to them.  It was one of the best nights ever, a reminder that what we do matters, and even the little things can be of great significance.  This reunion was a blessing we needed, one that for sure left us with full sails and full hearts, and one that we will long treasure! 

They were an amazing and exceptional group of people back in the day… they still are! 

Know that you are loved! 

Happy Birthday Selah

On July 7, the 188th day of the year, this kid celebrated 11 trips around the sun!  Happy birthday Selah Grace, you bring so much love, joy and wonder to our lives.  You are dearly loved! 

 

‘May your heart always be joyful

And may your song always be sung

May you stay forever young’ 

Good Friday

"Jesus Christ is what God does, and the cross is where God did it."  Frederick Buechner 

 

Playlist - Twenty22

I love music and enjoy putting together a playlist of some of my favourite tunes of the year.  You'll also find a Spotify playlist so scroll down and you can enjoy these tracks.  

01 Let It Rain – King’s X

02 Invincible – Eddie Vedder

03 Free  - Florence + The Machine

04 Angel – First Aid Kit

05 Take Heart – Glen Hansard (feat. Ukrainian Action & Marketa Irglova)

06 Deeper – Lumenette

07 Need to Believe – PJ Moore & Co

08 Crutch – Band Of Horses

09 In The Morning – John Van Deusen

10 I Know You Know – The Welcome Wagon

11 Heaven is Waiting – Brothers McClurg

12 Someone to Weep for Me – Bonny Lighthorseman

13 Wasted Days – John Mellencamp

14 Anything – Zachary Williams

15 Claim Your Prize – John Moreland

16 Bright Star – Anais Mitchell

17 Boring – John Van Deusen

18 Turn The Dial – Hot Water Music

19 At the Time of Writing – Midnight Oil

20 Flood Pt.1  - King’s X

21 Attuned – Grivo

22 I’m a Sensory Explosion – Hammock (feat. Lumunette)

23 One Drop of Water – Ty Tabor

24 No Steppin’ Stones – Magnum

25 Lux Aeterna – Metallica

26 Acacia – Wovenhand

27 All God’s Children – King’s X

28 The Lightning I – Arcade Fire

29 The Lightning II – Arcade Fire

30 Goldfingers - Chagall Guevara

31 the angel of 8^thave. – Gang of Youths

32 What Becomes of the Broken Hearted – Bruce Springsteen

33 Hearts Stay Full – Hot Water Music

 

My Top Twenty Albums of Twenty22

These are the albums that comprised the soundtrack of my year, as always it is an eclectic list.  What were you listening to in 2022?  

 

1. King's X - Three Sides Of One 

King's X are my all time favourite band and it has been 14 years since their last album, but they are back with their unique blend of rock, funk, metal, soul and gospel.  This was the record I was most looking forward to in 2022, and while it is not an instant classic like Gretchen Goes To Nebraska, Faith, Hope, Love or Dogman it is a worthy addition to their discography, and it is perhaps the album that best represents the various elements all three members bring to the musical table - Three Sides Of One.  It is my most listened to album of 2022 and like all truly great albums it is a grower, I've not tired of it and hear something new with every listen.  My favourite band and my favourite album of the year!

 

2. John Van Deusen - Marathon Daze 

Coming in at a very close second place is Marathon Daze, the fourth and final part of his I Am Origami series of albums.  John describes Marathon Daze as “all over the map thematically—not just sonically, but also lyrically. [There are] songs where I sing about my faith really openly, songs writing about mental health really openly, songs where I sing about drug use or just being an antagonist in my own story pretty openly.”  It is that authenticity, vulnerability and honesty that sets the album apart.  It is stacked with standout tracks and is as catchy and poetic as any indie rock album you could ever hear.  

 

3. Eddie Vedder - Earthling

On Earthling Eddie traverses a range of musical styles and influences.  Long Way is a tribute to Tom Petty and Invincible has a soaring U2 vibe to it.  One of the years most uplifting records. 

 

4. Bonny Light Horseman - Rolling Golden Holy 

Their self titled debut was a folk masterclass reimagining folk traditionals, some of them centuries old.  On Rolling Golden Holy, they bring the same reverence, and careful craft to a collection of brand new songs.  A timeless album of exquisite playing and radiant harmonies. 

 

5. Hot Water Music - Feel The Void 

Ragged and melodic punk rock from Gainesville’s Hot Water Music.  Few bands can create a passionate arms aloft sound like this.  It is ferocious, cathartic and extremely tuneful. 

 

6. Lumunette - All Around My Head 

Lumenette  is the stage name for Christine Byrd, wife of Marc Byrd from the band Hammock. All Around My Head is a beautifully ethereal album with reverb-coated vocals, shimmering delayed guitars and atmospheric synths and strings.

 

7. The Welcome Wagon - Esther

Brooklyn indie folk duo The Welcome Wagon (Vito Aiuto and Monique Aiuto) have given us an understated, warm and beautiful album exploring themes of family and faith.   

 

8. Florence + The Machine - Dance Fever 

It is her fifth album and her most personal and when she unleashes that stadium soaring voice in those big choruses it is a euphoric listen.  

 

9. Wovenhand - Silver Sash 

David Eugene Edwards fuses the gothic alternative country he is best known for with psych rock and electronic elements.  Faith continues to fuel his songs and with its majestic, doomy hypnotic sound Silver Sash is another solid Wovenhand album.

 

10. Grivo - Omit 

One of the new musical discoveries for me this year.  It is a swirling and ethereal album, but Grivo brings a shoegaze sound that is heavier with a wonderfully doomy atmosphere.

 

11. Midnight Oil - Resist 

Their first full studio album in over 18 years and it is classic Midnight Oil.   If there was ever a band needed to rage against these uncertain times it’s the Oils. 

 

12. First Aid Kit - Palomino 

Their folk origins and lush harmonies underpin the pop brilliance of Palomino, their most assured album yet.  

 

13. Broken Bells - Into The Blue 

The duo of producer Danger Mouse (aka Brian Burton) and the Shins' James Mercer.  Poetic song-writing underpinned by Danger Mouse’s spaced-out instrumentals.

 

14. John Mellencamp - Strictly A One-Eyed Jack 

Easily his best album since Life, Death, Love and Freedom and it features a few collaborations with Bruce Springsteen, including Wasted Days an introspective tune about mortality and the fact that none of us get to be here for very long.  

 

15. Zachary Williams - Dirty Camaro 

The solo album from frontman and songwriter of folk-rock trio The Lone Bellow.  Songs of heartbreak and longing, tenderness and love for family, from the impressively powerful voice of Williams.

 

16. Arcade Fire - We 

Their last album had no staying power for me.  We is a return to form with this melodic and dramatic set of songs, their best since 2007's Neon Bible.  

 

17. Band of Horses - Things Are Great 

It has been six years since their last album, so it is good to hear the return of Ben Bridwell’s distinctive drawl and airy vocal melodies. 

 

18. John Moreland - Birds In The Ceiling 

With a soulful, weathered voice that could break your heart John Moreland is one of this generations best songwriters.  Birds In The Ceiling is another solid record combining his impressive guitar playing with electronic textures. 

 

19. Anaïs Mitchell 

A second entry for Anaïs Mitchell this year (she is also a member of Bonny Light Horseman), this is her self titled new album and her first in several years.  It is a personal and intimate record that perfectly showcases her gorgeous gentle voice.

 

20. Gang of Youths - Angel in Realtime 

A record that is rooted in loss, grief, identity and family.  It is a profoundly beautiful and vulnerable album, it is impossible not to be moved by it.  

 

Notable Mentions

Chagall Guevara - Halcyon Days 

I have had this album since last year,  as I backed the Kickstarter campaign to bring it into the world.  It got a general release in 2022.  Back in the heady days of the early nineties Chagall Guevara's star rose and shone briefly but oh so brightly.  They gave us one record.  Just one.  But it happened to be one of the best albums of the decade.  They got back together in the last few years to release a live album - The Last Amen, and out of that campaign came a re-release of their first album and a brand new record - Halcyon Days.  It is glorious... all searing guitars, intelligent lyrics with a bit of bite and a dash or irony.  It really is a Top 20 album for me, coming in at joint 5th place in my list! 

 

P.J. Moore & Co - When A Good Day Comes 

A late entry for this album which was gifted to me for Christmas by my colleague and consummate music reviewer Steve Stockman (you can read his review of this record here).  P.J. Moore was one of the members of the acclaimed 80's band Blue Nile, and When A Good Day Comes is the first new music from him in a very long time.  There is only one word I can think of to describe this album - sublime.  It'll be the record that carries me into 2023, and hopefully there will be some good days to come.    

 

Bellsburg - The Songs of Rich Mullins 

2022 marked 25 years since we lost Rich Mullins, he left behind a treasure-trove of songs and the Bellsburg sessions (recorded in the living room of Rich's old house in Bellsburg Tennessee) offered new interpretations of many of his best loved tracks by various artists.  I can't think of a better way to mark the anniversary of his going home, and celebrating his life and legacy than this record.   

   

 

Movies - Twenty22

Next up for my year end lists are the movies I enjoyed most in Twenty22.  I don't get to go to the cinema as much as I used to, so I am bound to have missed some essential films... let me know what makes the list of your favourite movies of 2022.

 

1. The Banshees of Inisherin  

The film is set in 1923, at the height of the Irish civil war, a war that split families and pitted friends against each other.   The story takes place on a fictional Irish island – Inisherin - the name translates to “the island of Ireland.” 

It is the story of two friends, Pádraic and Colm whose friendship abruptly ends when Colm refuses to speak to Pádraic anymore.  Like the country they are so close to, they are now divided by their differences, and locked in a conflict that will have a grave impact on their lives and their community.

It is a dark comedy with mesmerising performances from both Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson.  Gleeson in particular conveys a melancholy and brooding despair, at times without even uttering a word.  The script is wondrous with laugh out loud moments and terrific dialogue.  Inisherin is one of most beautifully poignant movies I have ever seen.

 

2. Top Gun Maverick 

"Good morning aviators" this year we finally got the long awaited sequel to Top Gun, a seminal 80s movie.  Top Gun Maverick has well and truly surpassed the original, with its nail biting aerial dog fights, a good story, and just the right amount of nostalgia.  This is how block buster sequels should be! 

 

3. Avatar - The Way Of Water 

Another long awaited sequel, and it too surpasses the original movie.  Avatar was a groundbreaking achievement but director James Cameron has taken it up a notch with this visually stunning piece of cinema. It is undeniably a feast for the eyes!  Talitha and I saw it in imax 3D and it was the most immersive movie experience I've ever had, I didn't notice the fact that this movie clocks in at over 3hrs.  I normally avoid 3D screenings but this is the one to see, it is astonishingly good. 

 

4. Prey

There has been a series of Predator films, and none of them came close to Schwarzenegger's original, then out of the blue came this year's Prey.  It didn't even get a cinema release and it should have because this is perhaps the very best Predator movie.  I loved everything about it, the setting, the cast, the storyline: it is set in the Comanche Nation 300 years ago, and is the story of a young woman, Naru, a fierce and highly skilled warrior who must protect her tribe from the alien predator.  You can even watch a Comanche language version.       

 

5. Thirteen Lives

Thirteen Lives follows the incredible true story of the 2018 mission to rescue twelve boys and their soccer coach from Thailand's flooded Tham Luang Nang Non cave system.  It is gripping and tense, and a fitting tribute to all those who risked their lives to rescue the boys.   

 

6. The Batman 

It doesn't come close to the Christian Bale trilogy, and it looks like we'll never see Ben Affleck again in the role (I think he was a much underrated Batman).  But The Batman is a terrific take on the caped crusader, it is certainly the bleakest and explores in greater detail the detective side to Gotham's Dark Knight.   

 

7. All Quiet On The Western Front 

All Quiet on the Western Front tells the gripping story of a young German soldier on the Western Front of World War I.  It powerfully portrays the visceral and brutal nature of trench warfare in World War 1.  A timely reminder in these dark times in Europe of the horror and futility of war.  

 

8. The Northman

The Northman is based on the Old Norse legend of Amleth, a young prince intent on revenge against the uncle who murdered his father and married his widowed mother; it’s the tale that inspired Shakespeare’s play Hamlet.

 

9. The Sea Beast 

Our favourite animated movie this year was The Sea Beast.  The animation is so detailed that it often feels like a live-action adventure.  I loved the themes of empathy and forgiveness in this beautiful and fulfilling movie.   

 

10. Troll 

Troll is a destructive romp through the Norwegian countryside.  And it is fun, and there is nothing wrong with that at all.  A visually impressive take on Norwegian folklore and a worthy Kaiju movie.  

 

 

 

TV & Streaming - Twenty22

Here we go with the annual round up of my favourite sights and sounds of the year.  We'll get the ball rolling with my Top Ten TV & Streaming shows of Twenty22.

 1. Andor 

It's Star Wars, but it is Star Wars like we've never seen it before.  It gives us the origin story of Cassian Andor and the events leading up to Rogue One, but it is much more adult oriented and often feels like a spy thriller that just happens to be set in the Star Wars universe.  This tense and gripping show is the best thing to happen to Star Wars since The Mandalorian graced our screens.

 

2. Stranger Things - Season 4

This show has not put a foot wrong since the first episode of season 1.  The fourth season is the darkest and best season yet.  It also happened to put Kate Bush back in the charts and gave us a truly iconic sequence involving Metallica's Master of Puppets.  

 

3. 1883

Taylor Sheridan is making some of the most compelling and entertaining shows on the small screen at the moment, three of his shows are in my Top Ten and 1883 is the first of them.  It is a Yellowstone origins story following the Dutton family and their hazardous journey across the American West.  I love westerns and this is one of the best examples of the genre that I've seen in a long time.  

 

4. The Terminal List 

A fast paced action thriller from Chris Pratt.  He has a list of those who were complicit in the murder of his Seal Team and is family, and he is out for revenge.    

 

5. Yellowstone

The second of Taylor Sheridan's shows in my Top Ten. Kevin Costner leads an ensemble cast in this drama series about John Dutton a sixth generation homesteader and his struggle to keep his ranch.  Think Sons of Anarchy on horses!

 

6. House Of The Dragon 

I've read the book so I was intrigued as to how they would bring such a complex and sweeping story to the screen, but they have done it and done it with aplomb!  There are dragons galore but the first season mainly focuses on the family politics and scheming surrounding the Iron Throne.  The stage is set for fierce confrontations to come.  

 

7. The Book Of Boba Fett 

Expectations were high for this series, especially in light of the success of the Mandalorian and Boba's appearances in that show.  But I think its fair to say that many Star Wars fans were disappointed in how it all turned out.  Disney Star Wars can be a very mixed bag, especially when it comes to legacy characters.  Boba always had a mystique about him and he is a firm fan favourite even though he had very minimal screen time in the original trilogy.  Yes, they could have handled the character better, and the show is not without its flaws (i.e. the Mos Espa Vespa gang) but, I thoroughly enjoyed it!  It was fun with some thrilling moments and I loved Boba's redemption arc.  

 

8. Tales Of The Jedi 

Some of the very best Star Wars shows of the Disney era have been the animated ones.  Selah and I loved this one which focuses on two characters from the prequels and Clone Wars - Count Dooku and Ahsoka Tano. We get a lot of backstory and character development in these short episodes.  The story telling is flawless and the animation is gorgeous.  

 

9. Tulsa King 

The third Taylor Sheridan show in my Top Ten.  In Tulsa King Stallone plays a Mafia capo who just got out of prison and is sent to Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he tries to set up a criminal organisation.  It has some very funny moments and Stallone gives one of his best performances.

 

10. The English 

Another western, this time a six part mini series set in a reimagined American West with Emily Blunt's aristocratic English woman seeking revenge on the man she blames for her son's death.  

 

Notable Mentions 

Cobra Kai - Season 4

The nostalgia factor is high with the Cobra Kai series and season four did not disappoint. 

 

The Last Kingdom - Final Season 

This has been one of the most consistently brilliant shows and the final season was emotional and triumphant.  

 

Kenobi 

Arguably the most anticipated Star Wars series and though it had some thrilling moments it was ultimately disappointing.  It gets a notable mention because there is a good story to be unearthed, when we jettison some of the clutter and minimise the focus on some characters (i.e. Reva).  That is exactly what Kai Patterson did with his fan edit of the 6 episode show into a 2.5hr movie, and that is the version to watch!  

 

Bosch Legacy 

The Bosch detective series was outstanding, now with Bosch Legacy we see him begin the next chapter of his life working as a private investigator.  A series that really should be in my Top Ten, it is superb! 

 

Vikings Valhalla 

This series is set 100 years after the original Vikings show.  It is ambitious in scope and scale and I thoroughly enjoyed the first season. 

     
    

Changes Come

As the year draws to close I wanted to share about how our lives are going to change in 2023 and beyond.

Our Leadership Journey

The year 2022 has been an important milestone in our lives, marking thirty years of full-time youth ministry. It has been a tremendous journey and, over the years, I (Paul) have acquired a wealth of knowledge, experience and expertise. It was a time to pause, reflect and ask God what he wanted us to do in the next season of life and leadership.

I have a passion for training and encouraging leaders, and, over the past ten to fifteen years, this is something I’ve been increasingly doing both here in Northern Ireland and in central and eastern Europe. I realised that this is what God has wired me to do and that I have a voice and an influence in this area. So as I thought about the next chapter of my leadership journey, I wanted this to be a major piece of it. I have been praying about how I could leverage my experience and have a kingdom-wide impact, which is where Josiah Venture (JV) comes into the story.

Our JV Story

Our first experience with JV was in 1998 when we brought a short-term mission team to serve at an English Camp in the Czech Republic. It marked the beginning of a deep connection with JV and a burden for the young people of central and eastern Europe. Over the next 15 years we led multiple trips to the Czech Republic.

We were inspired by the vision of JV— ”A movement of God among the youth of Central & Eastern Europe that finds it home in the local church and transforms society.” The emphasis on partnering with local churches and equipping young leaders to fulfil Christ’s commission deeply resonated with us. And we love the story of King Josiah (1 Kings 22-23) from whom JV derives its name. When he was 16 years old, Josiah began seeking the God of his ancestor David. He recovered the Scriptures, which had been lost, rebuilt the temple, which was in ruins, and led his nation to radical repentance. He was a generation changer and, by the time he was 26 years old, God had used this young ruler to bring revival and lead his people back to the truth. Today, central and eastern Europe desperately need their own Josiah’s—young men and women who are willing and ready to lead people to Christ.

Over the years, we have been privileged to witness the disciple-making fruit in both the lives of Czech students who attended our English Camps and the young people who served on our teams. We met young leaders such as Katerina from the Czech Republic who is now serving as a JV missionary in her home country and Vojtech who is now serving as a pastor and leading a church in Prague. And we were overjoyed to see one of our own students, Rachael Davison, join God’s mission through JV as the International Summer Ministry Director.

This compelling vision of disciples making disciples has been at the heart of our youth ministry for the past thirty years and God has now opened the door for us to be part of this movement in central and eastern Europe. Of course this has meant stepping down from my post at Fitzroy Church. We have led the youth ministry there for the past several years. It has been a privilege to work alongside Steve Stockman and work with the young people. The last few years have been particularly challenging (the pandemic and my ongoing health situation have been two major factors that have upended our lives).   I’ll say more about my health situation in a moment, but we have been able to provide consistency and stability throughout the pandemic and the youth ministry is now at a reset stage, so as far as timing goes it is as good a time as any to leave the stage.

Fitzroy will remain our church and we are deeply thankful for their support and encouragement as we step into this new calling.

Paul’s Health

If you’ve been following my journey over the last few years you will know that I’ve been dealing with strange seizures that I experience (they started out every few weeks, now they occur every few months). They have radically impacted my life, my capacity, my confidence etc. It has been difficult, but I experienced a lot of grace on this journey. The good news is that there appears to be a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel, the doctors have detected some scaring on my brain and it is in the region that controls the autonomic responses in my body, so they think this might be what is going on. I’ve been on medication for the last four weeks, and our hope and prayer is that this works. Please pray (and thank you! For I know many of you do), for a resolution to this issue and that we can move into this new season of leadership and ministry without it hanging over our heads.

Paul’s Role

I am thrilled to be joining JV as the director of Josiah Venture UK. JVUK was established several years ago as a mobilising organisation. I will act as an ambassador and advocate for the mission of JV by developing relationships with local leaders and local churches with the aim to mobilise prayer, people and resources for mission in central and eastern Europe. I will also be developing ways that JVUK can support the mission of the local church, and equip youth ministry leaders here in the UK. Having a local impact through the training of leaders will produce long term partnerships and natural opportunities for those leaders and churches to participate in the mission. I will also get to train and mentor leaders in central and eastern Europe. In order to make this possible, we need a team to partner with us in this ministry through prayer and financial support.

Hold The Rope

In 1792, William Carey, who is known as the “father of modern missions,” preached his famous sermon from Isaiah 54:2,3 and summed up its teaching in these two important statements: “Expect great things from God,” and “Attempt great things for God.” This led to the formation of the Baptist Missionary Society; and Carey, at the age of thirty-three, became its first missionary to India. “I will go down,” responded William Carey, in words never to be forgotten, “but remember that you must hold the rope.”

We want you to have the opportunity to be part of God’s movement in central and eastern Europe. We expect great things from God and we want to attempt great things for God, but we need every one of you—our church, friends, and family—“to hold the rope.” Would you prayerfully consider partnering with us financially and prayerfully as we join JVUK and follow this call? You can give via the website: josiahventure.org.uk/bowman

We would love to share more about this next season of ministry and answer any questions you may have. Thank you for being part of our story so far. Please pray for us as we raise support and transition into this new role.

Christmas 2022