Rehoboth Awayday 1st July 2023

The program for our anticipated away day to be led by Stephane Simmonin (Brentford),describes the day as “ a day of fellowship, discussion, relaxation for all the family”…..and it certainly was. Extending even to Billy …part of the Warner family, who was impeccably behaved.

Arrivals began around ten and the first job was to set out chairs and try and find utensils etc in the kitchen so that teas and coffees could be served . Ste-ven, the chap from Dalesdown was so kind and helped us all settle in well .

Stephane had entitled the day as ,“ He is a chosen instrument“ (Acts 9.15) to describe the life , achievements,failures and see how three flawed geniuses were influenced by Gods providence and how they were used to accomplish extraordi-nary things.

The day was divided in three sessions to include an opening time of worship and some questions.

The first session detailed the life of Augustine of Hippo (354-430)who’s early life was turbulent and who’s teenaged years were very difficult. At 18 he even became a father! However despite times of following a number of weird teachings after moves to Rome and later Milan , Augustine moved to-wards Christianity after hearing some children in the garden saying “take and read”,which he felt was a word from God telling him to read the New Testament and come to God. He was converted in 387 along with his teenage son.

Augustine was convinced that there was room for all in the kingdom of God ,and that everything is by grace and God is merciful. Indeed, his outreach was totally inspiring. His writings became a huge influence, particularly his last book “The Revisions”.

The last two sessions were about Martin Luther(1483-1546) and Blaise Pascal (1623-1662).

I was particularly interested in the life of Blaise Pascal as he was an eminent mathematician and scientist. Indeed a unit of measure for air pressure is named after him..the Kilo-Pascal. Pascal was converted to Christianity in 1664 in a “ Night-of Fire”, so he decided to study the Bible and write an apology to encourage people to follow the Bible .He also wrote a number of books on maths and religion namely “Pense”…800 fragments containing notes etc. Stephane described Pascal as a shooting star in history who loved the Lord.

It was a full day of learning and worshipping which was beautifully delivered by Stephane in a gentle and encouraging tone. I hope to hear him preach again soon .

Gill Beadle