Since it’s been a few months since the last post, I thought I’d share some of the experiences within the church over the last wee while as well as my own journey.
A prophecy made at the founding of City Church Dundee described the cisterns of living water being a source to the community around, and since the church opening, with weekly services, groups and outreach events, this is rapidly becoming reality. A few weeks ago, Lighthouse Church Troon leader Andy Hall and worship leader Steph McLeod joined CCD and Menzieshill Parish Church for an amazing worship night with several being healed from medical ailments. In the Sunday preach, Andy shared thoughts on Isaac’s wells from Genesis 26 and how we build them in our own lives. It was an insightful sermon that gave us plenty to think about.
Recently, we also held a 24/7 prayer event in the upper room, focusing on the River of God in Ezekiel 47. This has been an encouragement in the midst of a busy few months and highlights the importance of God’s people praying to come closer to him and experience his revival and grace. At another Students and 20s meeting we were looking at Jesus’ own suffering in Psalm 22 and this week several of the Students and 20s are heading down to Somerset for the Mobilise conference. It should be a great opportunity to encounter God and have fellowship with other young Christians – see this link for more details.
I grew up in the Methodist and Anglican churches but didn’t connect with Christ until an Alpha course at university. On the Away Day, we were praying to receive the Holy Spirit and I felt a wonderful sense of peace. The Bible began to make sense and open up, and I joined a local Evangelical church. After moving to Dundee, I came to City Church and was struck by the love and friendship of the church as well as great teaching and have decided to stick around while I look for jobs – hopefully nearby but medical writing may take me further afield. God has been a tremendous source of strength and wisdom over the past few months and I look forward to walking ahead with him, wherever that may be.
Anne Parfitt-Rogers is from Taunton in Somerset. Rumour is that she can even speak Polish and German! She studied Medicine at Edinburgh.
Andy Munns is a University lecturer in Engineering; here is his account of some very delicate reconstruction work, thank God.
12 years ago, over the course of a weekend, I noticed that the vision in my left eye was deteriorating. I had been decorating during the weekend and thought I had just got something in my eye. On the Monday it was no better, so made an appointment with my GP. They were concerned and immediately sent me to the eye clinic at Ninewells.
When I arrived at Ninewells I saw the consultant, who informed me I had a detracted retina and booked me in for surgery the next day. They kept me in there and then, and did not even let me home. The next day I had successful surgery, and in a few days was sent home to recover. Gradually I regained my sight, and was doing well.
A few weeks later we went to England to visit some family. One day I noticed that the vision in my eye was starting to deteriorate again. During the course of a few hours I went from being able to see fully to only seeing a small portion, a bit like the slice of a cake. We decided to travel back to Scotland, and contacted the hospital to go in again as soon as we returned. In the meantime we also contacted the church who started to pray for me.
When I went into the hospital they confirmed my retina had detached again, and booked me in for surgery later in the week. In the meantime they sent me home. Gradually over the next few days I noticed my eyesight improving again. So much so that when I returned to see the consultant prior to surgery he could not understand why I was there. My retina was not detached. I had been healed. He did want to do some minor laser treatment to tidy up some bits from my first surgery, but I did not need any more surgery. He could not explain what had happened, but I knew.
Our God still works miracles today.
Andy Munns
citysword 