The great Malcolm Guite shares a few poems for the day that's in it.
March 17, 2024
December 30, 2023
Playlist - Twenty23
At the end of the year I enjoy putting together a playlist of some of my favourite tunes of the year. Scroll down and you'll find a Spotify Playlist for your listening pleasure.
01) Weird Goodbyes – The National (featuring Bon Iver)
02) There’s No Mountain – Glen Hansard
03) Feeling Eternal – Hiss Golden Messenger
04) Swim - Noah Gundersen
05) Not Strong Enough – Boygenius
06) Everything That Rises – Sufjan Stevens
07) The Fall – Gregory Alan Isakov
08) Holding Out For California – King Cedar
09) It’s Okay to Live a Quiet Life – Denison Witmer
10) For Your Soul – Josh Ritter
11) Autumn – The Gaslight Anthem
12) Atomic City – U2
13) Spirit – The Killers
14) The Perfect Life – Moby (featuring Ricky Wilson)
15) Prayer Remembered – Slowdive
16) Love in the Void – Hammock
17) Seraph – David Eugene Edwards
18) If Darkness Had a Son – Metallica
19) Under You – Foo Fighters
20) Nobody Wants to Die – Rival Sons
21) A Thousand Lives - The Murder Capital
22) Eucalyptus – The National
23) Bearing Witness – Glen Hansard
24) Matisse – Arborist
25) Will Anybody Ever Love Me? – Sufjan Stevens
26) Fireworks – Joseph
27) Better Days - Noah Gundersen
28) History Books – The Gaslight Anthem (featuring Bruce Springsteen)
29) Mosaic – Rival Sons
30) When We Were Close – Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit
31) White Horse – Chris Stapleton
32) The Cuckoo – David Eugene Edwards
33) Seán Bháin– Trú
34) Someday – Josh Ritter
35) 40 - U2
2 hours 24 minutes
My Top Twenty Albums of Twenty23
These are my favourite albums from the past year:
1) The National - First Two Pages of Frankenstein
I hadn't given The National too much attention over the last few years until I heard their track with Taylor Swift (The Alcott). It was the gateway into what has become my record of the year. The album title reflects the blank and desolate wastelands that open Mary Shelley classic noir novel, which helped Berninger work through his writer’s block. And work through it he did, the result is a beautiful record that perfectly turns melancholy and sadness into song.
1) The National - Laugh Track
They dropped not one, but two albums this year! Laugh Track is sad but you could say that it is more immediate and colourful than its companion record. The live drums certainly bring out the colour that was missing on First Two Pages of Frankenstein. Its hard to settle on which one I like better, it changes with each listen, but since Laugh Track is the second half of Frankenstein I'm putting them in joint 1st place.
2) Hyacinth - David Eugene Edwards
One of my favourite artists and probably the album I have listened to most since its release. Hyacinth is awash with ominous ambiance, created by a blend of acoustic guitars, pulsing synths and electronic textures. There is no other artist like David Eugene Edwards and he delivers a sound that is uniquely his own. As we might expect from DEE the record is rich in spiritual imagery and somber beauty. It is an album that does take time to get into, but I've found that I’m drawn deeper in with each spin.
3) Glen Hansard - All That Was East Is West Of Me Now
Glen is a remarkable singer/songwriter and this is an exceptional set of songs: intimate, expansive and introspective. I predicted that many of them would soar with cathartic power when played live, and I was right with quite a few tracks featuring prominently in the setlist for his Belfast gig earlier this month (December). The record also reveals how his voice grows ever more rich, resonate and weathered. All in all it is a beautiful record that deservedly finds a place among his very best.
Javelin is in many ways a culmination of the diverse sounds and styles that have distinctly marked Sufjan’s music over the years. We find delicate finger picked guitar and banjo rising to electronic crescendos; combined with beautiful choral backing vocals and orchestral flourishes; it makes for a transcendent listening experience. The songs are melancholic, introspective and devotional, they also happen to be some of the most melodic he has ever written. The album ends with a Neil Young cover that he has made his very own. It’s stunning stuff! With Javelin the man with a voice that can break your heart has given us one of his most affecting and uplifting records.
It is sad to hear that Sufjan has recently been battling Guillain-Barré syndrome: a rare and serious autoimmune disorder. Love & prayers for him to make a full recovery.
5) Gregory Alan Isakov - Appaloosa Bones
An elegant and atmospheric record that even with minimal instrumentation still manages to sound lush and layered. Pondering the human condition rarely sounds as stunning as it does on this album.
6) Hiss Golden Messenger – Jump For Joy
I’ve been getting into M.C. Taylor’s work over the past couple of years. This album is exuberant and joyful. Music that makes me happy.
7) The Gaslight Anthem – History Books
A welcome return with a pretty great album. It rocks and has those big singalong choruses they do so well, they even bring Bruce Springsteen along for the ride.
8) Arborist – An Endless Sequence of Dead Zeros
Another record of exceptional songwriting from Northern Irelands Mark McCambridge. This record won the Northern Ireland Music Prize for album of the year, and deservedly so! I could listen to that smooth baritone of his all day long.
9) Josh Ritter – Spectral Lines
Spectral Lines is unlike his other records, with it being less story driven and more atmospheric and haunting. An enchanting and thoughtful album.
10) Joseph – The Sun
Four studio albums in and this is their most indie-pop sounding record yet. Catchy songs about taking control of your life and sensational harmonies. Talitha and I saw them live in Dublin back in October and when they strip these songs back to just three voices and a guitar they are perhaps even more powerful.
11) Rival Songs – Darkfighter
Hard bluesy rock, astounding gospel like vocals and eight songs brimful of infectious riffs and classic rock energy.
12) Chris Stapleton – Higher
Much has been said about the soaring power of his voice, one of the greatest in country music or any other genre for that matter. Higher is a simmering slow burn and that voice roams free bringing more blues and rock into his sound.
13) Metallica – 72 Seasons
Coming in at a marathon 77minutes, 72 Seasons is packed with stadium-sized riffs and everything else that makes Metallica the masters of hard music. There is a lot of openness and confession on this record with several songs focusing on the struggle with and getting past personal demons.
14) Foo Fighters – But Here We Are
An emotional return for Foo Fighters after the tragic loss of Taylor Hawkins. There is grief here, but also resilience and celebration.
15) Hammock – Love In The Void
Shimmering ambiance and comfort in sound. An album to get lost in.
16) Slowdive – Everything Is Alive
Shoegaze featured highly in my listening this year with both Hammock and Slowdive getting repeated spins. Everything Is Alive is subtle, elegant and hopeful. I deeply appreciate the contemplative vibe of this record.
17) Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit – Weathervanes
Personal and emotional, with exceptional musicianship, especially Isbell’s guitar work. I suspect given more time with this record it will feature higher in my list.
18) Boygenius – The Record
My daughters got me into this album from supergroup - Julien Baker, Phoebe Bridgers and Lucy Dacus. Angsty and cathartic with extraordinary harmonies.
19) TRÚ – Eternity Near
A distinctive take on traditional folk music from the Northern Irish trio comprising Michael Mormecha, Zachary Trouton and Dónal Kearney. Enthralling stuff! Thanks to Steve Stockman for getting this one onto my record player.
20) King Cedar – Everything More & Other Stories
A gorgeous and intimate album from Bangor’s Stephen McCartney. Another example of how good the Northern Ireland music scene is.
Late Entry
Noah Gundersen - If This Is The End
In the first few days of the new year I discovered that Noah Gundersen had released a new album in 2023. I can't believe I missed this one! Since it was released in the autumn and I restrict my lists to records that were released during the year I'm going back and placing it in my top albums of 2023. It has been on constant rotation and it would easily rank in my favourites of the year. I've long been saying that Noah Gundersen is one of the best singer/songwriters of his generation. If This Is The End is a further addition to an exceptional discography. Honest songs that are cathartic and hopeful.
Special Mentions:
Two albums of fresh takes on previously released songs.
Moby - Resound NYC
With orchestral arrangements and guest vocalists Moby rerecords some of his biggest hits that were recorded in New York between 1994 and 2010. It is an uplifting listening experience. Better than the originals? I think so!
U2 - Songs of Surrender
U2 reimagine 40 of their greatest tracks. They copped a fair bit of flack for this release with the naysayers calling it a cynical cash grab, but I can't help but think if any other band did it they would be much lauded. Songs of Surrender doesn't improve or diminish the originals, it simply enables us to hear them afresh and appreciate the songs in a different light.
December 29, 2023
TV & Streaming - Twenty23
My Top Ten favourite shows from the year that was Twenty23...
1) Ahsoka
We are Star Wars nerds so inevitably shows set in a Galaxy Far, Far Away are going to feature prominently in the year end list. Ahsoka was our most anticipated series of the year and it was all we hoped it would be. Along with Andor and The Mandalorian seasons 1 & 2 it is some of the best content we've had from Disney Star Wars. Rosario Dawson brings the character to life but it is the late Ray Stevenson who steals the show with his brooding and melancholic protrayal of Baylan Skoll.
2) The Mandalorian Season 3
This season got a fair bit of criticism from the fanbase and there were moments when it veered off track (we best forget that episode with Lizzo and Jack Black). But it was successful at world building, expanding on the characters and taking us deeper into Mandalorian culture. Is it as good as season 1 and season 2? Of course not, but it was tremendously enjoyable and essential viewing for me and Selah.
3) The Last of Us
An adaption of the popular video game, it does a terrific job of following the source material (unlike some other shows... looking at you 'Witcher'). With an astonishing performance from Bella Ramsey, and if post-apocalyptic thrillers are your thing then The Last of Us is well worth viewing.
4) The Swarm
A fabulous slice of sci-fi that has humanity facing an unknown threat from the sea. It sports a terrific international cast and the suspense and tension builds as the story unfolds in different locations across the world. A surprisingly enjoyable and gripping show.
5) 1923
1883 was a masterpiece and 1923 did not disappoint as a prequel to Yellowstone. These prequel shows are in fact eclipsing the series that got it all started. 1923 is sweeping in scale and often reminds me of Legends of the Fall.
6) Lawmen: Bass Reeves
The true story of Bass Reeves, a former slave who became the first Black deputy U.S. Marshal west of the Mississippi River. He worked for 32 years in the Indian Territory. In his long illustrious career he arrested over 3000 fellons. I love a good western and this is a very good one indeed.
7) From
The story is set in a small town where everyone who ends up there is trapped and besieged by evil forces. It is scary and gloriously Stephen King-esque.
8) The Fall of The House of Usher
Another standout show from Mike Flanagan. Based on the works of Edgar Allan Poe it is the story of the greed, wickedness and downfall of the Usher family dynasty.
9) Reacher
I thoroughly enjoyed season 1 and just a few episodes in I think season 2 has well and truly surpassed it. Alan Ritchson as Jack Reacher brings Lee Childs crimefighting giant to life. Intense and tremendously entertaining stuff.
10) Who is Erin Carter?
A suspenseful and unpredictable thriller set in Spain. A bingeworthy 7 episodes.
Movies - Twenty23
My favourite Movies from the year that was Twenty23. I'm listing these in no particular order...
No One Will Save You
A tense and gripping story of a young woman who must fight off a home invasion of the alien kind. There is not a line of dialogue in the whole movie, and it is all the more engaging for it. The apocalyptic context is really a vehicle to explore trauma and grief. One of the most unique and surprising movies I've seen in a long time.
Jesus Revolution
A true story set in the Jesus movement of the 1970s. I've always found the spiritual awakening of this era fascinating, especially in regard to its impact on culture and music. The actual events and the people involved were a lot more messy than the movie portrays but it is nonetheless a well made story of how God uses broken people. Great cast and a fabulous soundtrack.
John Wick - Chapter 4
I saw so few movies at the cinema this year but this is one that I did catch on the big screen in all its action packed glory. The action sequences are utterly thrilling and with each release in this series they take it to the next level.
The Covenant
Set in the war in Afghanistan, a local interpreter risks his life to carry an injured soldier across miles of enemy territory. A war movie about loyalty, friendship and sacrifice.
65
A terrific spin on a dinosaur movie. And Adam Driver is outstanding in everything he is in!
The Creator
A visually stunning film set in a future war between humans and AI, touching on themes such as fatherhood, spirituality/religion and war.
Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One
Thrilling from start to finish, Tom Cruise is not messing about when it comes to action.
Spider-Man - Across The Spider-Verse
The sequel to the Oscar winning Into The Spider-Verse takes the animation to the next level. It is an electrifying masterpiece.
The Equalizer 3
The third and final instalment in this film series sees Denzel Washington in top form and giving Keanu's John Wick a run for his money. Denzel is as always captivating to watch and I've always appreciated the melancholy he brings to this character. I think this is the best of the three movies and it ends the series on a note of redemption and peace.
20 Days In Mariupol
The most powerful movie I have watched this year. A harrowing documentary shot by a team of Ukrainian journalists from the Associated Press who are trapped in Mariupol as the Russians besiege the city. They tell the story of the civilians caught up in an unimaginably horrifying situation. It is painful to watch and it needs to be painful to watch!
December 24, 2023
October 21, 2023
Serving with Josiah Venture | Autumn Update 2023
A movement of God among the youth of central and eastern Europe that finds its home in the local church and transforms society
Hello Friends,
We do hope this Autumn update finds you safe and well and as always we sincerely thank you for your support, encouragement and prayer, it means so much.
I will remember the deeds of the LORD... Psalm 77:11
Remembrance runs throughout the Bible. Remembering isn’t passive, it is an action that brings the power of Jesus into our lives. As we remember what He has done, it enables us to stop focusing on impossibility and instead focus on the God who does the impossible. So as we look back to a summer filled with ministry we want to pause, give thanks and remember the deeds of the Lord.
Mission in Central & Eastern Europe | Summer Ministry
“The people of God are taking part in a quiet revolution. Gradually and sometimes unseen, the kingdom is growing and breaking in all around us.”(Rick McKinley)
In Romans chapter 10 Paul presents a six-step process: being sent… proclaiming… hearing… believing… calling out… salvation. Two of these steps directly rest in our hands… sending & proclaiming. Simply put without going and without proclamation the other steps cannot happen. Young people serving with JV this summer had the honour and joy of taking part in this quiet revolution going and proclaiming the glorious gospel.
As I think about our summer interns and short term teams I'm reminded of a sermon Steve our Minister preached about the importance of ‘just showing up’ …not going on short-term mission with the mindset of ‘working for,’ or going 'to do stuff to people,' but rather going to be with people, to just show up! It got an Amen from me alright! I believe a vision for mission is better caught than taught! Just think about the potential impact all these young people will have coming home from mission with a new vision, focused prayer and a heart for world!
Both Erin and Talitha were on mission this summer, here is what they had to say about their experiences...
Erin
This summer, I got to join Josiah Venture in the essential work of equipping young leaders to fulfil Christ’s commission through their local churches. During my trip, I primarily served as an intern on Josiah Venture’s International Communications Team. This role gave me the opportunity to use my unique gifting to create social media content, podcasts, and blogs that share both the good news of the gospel, and the many ways God is moving across the sixteen countries in which Josiah Venture operates. While this is perhaps considered an unconventional form of mission, I firmly believe that it is an important avenue for reaching today’s young people, the so-called “digital generation.” Excitingly, over the course of the summer I also had the chance to serve at a football camp in Estonia and a music Camp in Latvia. Both camps were valuable opportunities to use sport and music as tools to build relationships with young people, and share the hope we have in Christ.
I am grateful to have many highlights from my time spent in Czech, Estonia, and Latvia.
One highlight that stands out, is the week I spent at football camp in Estonia, a country that consistently ranks among the most atheistic countries in the world. Over the course of the week, students played football, built relationships, and heard God’s redemptive plan for his people. By the end of the week three students had accepted Jesus as their saviour! Music camp in Latvia was equally memorable (remarkably, I even learnt to hold a tune!). On a more serious note, it was a joy to watch students grow in confidence, respond to the gospel, and get connected to the local church.
As I served this summer, I was repeatedly reminded of the truth contained within 2 Corinthians 12:9, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” The various challenges I encountered over the course of the summer revealed my own weaknesses, limitations, and insecurities. However, time and time again the Lord taught me that his grace, and his grace alone is sufficient.
I have returned to my church and university with a renewed passion for disciple-making ministry. Thank you to everyone who has supported and prayed for me this summer.
Talitha
This past summer I went with a team of 11 other people from Bloomfield Presbyterian Church to the Czech Republic.
We worked with a local church in Sumperk to help run an English camp. I had the opportunity to teach a beginners class (pictured). The afternoons would have various workshops available where we could play sports, get creative and just have fun with students! Both of these aspects of camp helped us to build relationships with students so we could most importantly share the gospel with them.
We were told that around 80-90% of our camp weren’t christian and many of the students really didn't know much about the gospel or christians in general. It was an immense privilege to share the gospel with these students through the evening programme and to follow up and help them process what they had heard in discussion groups. Seeing God soften the student’s hearts and witnessing lives being transformed by the gospel was a clear highlight for me.
I learnt so much from serving the local church in Sumperk and left with many new friendships, memories and a deeper appreciation for the transformative power of the gospel. I saw how much a word of encouragement or simply asking them to play a game or make a bracelet meant to them. They felt seen, loved and wanted. In being intentional with the students and loving on them like Jesus did I saw how our actions can be a gospel proclamation. This is undoubtedly something I have carried with me from my English camp experience.
It was a joy to serve with Josiah Venture this past summer and see how God is moving amongst the young people of the Czech Republic. Thank you so much to everyone who supported and prayed for me this summer.
On The Road
In August I had the immense privilege of speaking at Word International Ministries (WIN-EU) regional Summer Camp in Barcelona. I spoke about being Set Apart for God, Being Set Apart from the world, and being Set Apart to be together. I also gave a seminar on Apologetics.
It was a stunning week with almost 300 people from all over Europe, stretching from Ireland all the way to Israel. It was wonderful to spend a week with these incredible young people and their leaders. I have rarely witnessed a group of leaders champion and love on their young people as the WIN leaders do. I will long remember this camp; an experience filled with so much life, laughter, faith and hope.
Fall Conference
Today, this world is a pretty scary place. Fear is all around us and these are strange and unsettling times we find ourselves in. There is great concern for our young people and their, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. Prof. Jean Twenge has famously described young people today as...“The most physically safe, but emotionally fragile generation in history.”
The theme for this year’s JV Fall Conference was LIFELINE and we spent a week learning how to be First Responders to an anxious generation. It was a powerful week focusing on the importance of the ministry of presence and ‘showing up in the suffering’.
It was also a week of celebration as we marked the 30th anniversary of Josiah Venture. It was a time of remembrance and giving thanks for all that God has done throughout the past 30yrs. But it was also a time of looking forward to what God is doing and will do in the years to come. Fall conference is one of the highlights of the year, a unique and inspiring opportunity to spend time with leaders from all across Central & Eastern Europe.
I also gave a seminar to leaders about looking after our mental and spiritual health. This is a subject that I am particularly passionate about because Christian leadership is a hard road against the weather of this world, and of course the key to healthy and fruitful ministries are healthy and fruitful leaders.
The Disciple Making Project
This month (October) I attended The Disciple Making Project conference in Birmingham. In this photo there are ministry leaders from a wide range of organisations and churches across the UK. At this gathering there much teaching, discussion and prayer about helping to change how the church thinks and talks about Disciple-Making, and putting it at the heart of youth ministry in the UK and Ireland. The vision is to raise up 600 Disciple-Making Youth Ministers in the next 10 years. It is an exciting and bold vision. I look forward to what God is going to do through this movement.
If you would like Paul to speak at your church or youth group about Josiah Venture's work in Central Eastern Europe please get in touch.
A key part of our work in the UK & Ireland is to provide training and support for youth ministry leaders. Whether you are a volunteer leader or in a full-time position we would love to encourage you as you make disciples in your context. We have a range of tried and tested resources and training that can help you and your team. Please get in touch if you would like to know more.
Support Raising
We are so grateful for each person who has partnered with us prayerfully and financially. We continue to sit at just 50% of our monthly support goal. Our bridge funding has come to an end and reserves will shortly be completely depleted. We still have a long way to go in raising financial support and covering ministry costs. It is a matter of great urgency and concern for our family. In stepping out into this calling we trust that the Lord will provide. Please pray for us and for this need.
Can I share... I've been thinking how we've spent the last 30 years of youth ministry doing our best to help others (perhaps even some of you reading this update), it has been a joy and a privilege... but now, please can we humbly ask for your help.
Please would you consider supporting us in this work? Even a small amount (£5 / $5 or £10 / $10) each month or whatever the Lord lays on your heart can make a huge difference. And we would deeply appreciate your prayers and encouragement.
We Would Be Honoured by Your Financial Support
We desperately want you to have the opportunity to be part of God’s movement in Central and Eastern Europe. We rely on the body of Christ to support our family as we follow this call to serve with JV. To give a One-Time Donation or a Reoccurring Donation - click here
A major prayer request is that God would provide the financial needs for our ministry. Please pray that we would be fully funded by the end of the year. Give thanks for everyone who has joined our support team, we are thankful for this partnership in the gospel. Pray that many more would join us in prayerful and financial support and know the blessing of being a part of what God is doing across Central and Eastern Europe.
Thank you for reading, and a heartfelt thanks for the interest, care and support you show our family.
Join us in prayer online for a movement of God in Central & Eastern Europe!
Our Prayer Room is a place to learn about the spiritual needs in Central and Eastern Europe, where you can pray for the ministry, and view regularly updated prayer requests.
The Prayer Room App is also available on iPhone and Android! Download it today and try a prayer session for 15 minutes, half an hour, or one full hour in prayer, joining the watch as we pray for young people to hear the Gospel and for Jesus to be glorified! For more information - click PRAY
Thank you, friends! Your support means so much to our family.
All is Grace
Paul,Val, Erin, Talitha & Selah
July 12, 2023
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
July 10, 2023
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
‘May your heart always be joyful
And may your song always be sung
May you stay forever young’
