In Hindsight subscribed by Rev. David Hind

November 10, 2007 at 8:54 pm (In Hindsight)

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THE parentingTHING

By Rev. David Hind 

It’s Saturday night and Susan, Sam, Tom and I are in the middle of a ‘Time for TATT’ (talking at the table).The idea is that each person in turn gets to talk about their week, their concerns and areas for reflection with the family. Everyone else has to listen and can only speak if invited to by the person whose turn it is.

In its ideal form it is the best way I have seen to communicate and give room for honesty and vulnerability in a family. Even very recently, when his younger brother was away at a youth week-end, Samuel at seventeen, came for his customary Saturday night chat, ready to share several moving and well thought out comments about his life.

We have had some fantastic times and others when I was glad that only God sees everything. Being a parent is one of the greatest privileges and responsibilities given to people. To be trusted with the life of another is awesome. To then be asked to train and inspire them to stand on our shoulders and reach their full potential is a ‘gulp’ moment. Happy memories are mixed in with moments of vulnerability.

From the moment they are born to their teenage years and beyond we ask ourselves many questions about our children, including the following: ·         Are they feeding okay?   ·         Is it right they are not speaking yet?   ·         What school should they go to?   ·         How much television should they watch?   ·         How can we help them make more friends?   ·         What are they saying for so long on the phone?   ·         Where are they at 11-00p.m.?   ·         Will they be safe? I believe God’s original plan was for a husband and wife, together, to bring up their children.

Today, for many families and for many reasons, parenting alone is a reality. With God’s help, though, I believe all of us can succeed in our parenting. A few principles Susan and I are aiming to live out:

    1/.   Accept the strengths and weaknesses of your own Upringing 

Some of us had desperate childhoods and others were over protected. Some could never talk about or express their emotions and others had a listening ear. Some had no visible Mum, Dad or permanent home, others never knew love.  Some lived through divorce, affairs, or grew up in care homes, separated from brothers and sisters. Some have only positive memories and some have only negative ones. Don’t live in limitation. Don’t try to over compensate. Forgive and move on.

    2/.   Be teachable and find role models 

Before the release of my last album I paid for singing lessons with a lady who could help me with my breathing. She knew more than I did and was able to show me a different technique and it really helped. There are may parents who have already walked the path you are walking,. Look for ones you respect, ask them to help you and be open to their advice.

     3/.   Learn to Listen 

Listening builds a bridge over which communication can pass for a lifetime. The more a child becomes aware of a parent’s willingness to listen, the more a parent will ear.    4/.   Talk carefully Be careful how you speak about your children. Always be honest. Encouraging and consistent. Explain to them why you say ‘no’ sometimes, keep your promises and release the power of ‘sorry’ and ‘I forgive’ you in your family.

    5/.  Give them Boundaries 

Every child, young person and adult, needs boundaries.

     6/.  Create memories 

Fulfilled lives are built on rich memories. Decide to do something memorable with your children today. You can be a fantastic parent. 

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Meet the Christian Ministers introduced by Rev. E. Anderson

November 10, 2007 at 8:47 pm (Meet the Ministers)

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Rev. Ron and Cynthia Eske 

At a Time when Sureway International Christian Ministries (SICM), then known as Sumner Road Chapel, was at a desperate stage in its history, Rev’d Ron Eske, who was employed as a clerical engineer, was invited to take the pastorate of the church. It was much later that he left his secular employment and fill the position on a full-time basis. 

Strongly convinced that God had greater plans for the Church world wide, he encouraged the congregation to expect a move of the Holy Spirit that would effect numerical and spiritual growth. His vision empowered by a word of revelation which he received from God that ‘ they come to you; your sons and daughters from afar….’ – Isaiah 60: 4 KJV, later came into being with a massive influx of people from different nationalities into the church. As time went on, the vision became international and opportunities to support numerous overseas developed. 

During Rev’d Ron’s world-wide ministry he has travelled on behalf of Sureway throughout the UK, France, Italy, Germany, Austria, Poland, Finland, Holland, the U.S.A, India, Ghana, Uganda and Malta. In line with his passion for international and home missions, a church was planted in Malta in 1997, a home church was later birthed in London-Penge in 2000. Rev’d Ron has welcomed all nationalities and races, irrespective of colour or creed. He maintains a strong conviction that the Holy Spirit has much more to accomplish in the Church of Jesus Christ before his unequivocal return. 

Ron has now retired from being the senior leader and, along with his wife, Cynthia, are busy in ministry seeking to use time and gift in service for the Lord on a wider front. They are so very desirous of aiding those in later life to still find fulfillment and fruitfulness at such an important stage.                         

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