Have you ever come across the term 'BHAG's? This is a management term which I have also read in a number of Christian leadership books. It stands for Big Hairy Audacious Goals!

In the business world it refers to setting targets that are well above anyone's expectations and then working as hard as possible to achieve them. I suppose BHAGs inspire some people and bring out the best in them. They will lead others to give up before they start!

A BHAG speaks of having an expansive vision of a preferred future which keeps everyone working together. Some give their whole life to ensuring that we all choose a particular soft drink or designer label or car you know, all the important decisions in life!

God-given BHAGs

Personally, I am not too bothered about soft drinks, clothes or cars, but in terms of our relationship and walk with the Lord I do think that it is very important to have BHAGs. The vital difference is that they must be God-given and not just good ideas. God-given vision is always expansive because it speaks into, and affects, eternity. He always leads us into works that He prepared in advance for us to do.

To deliberately ask our Father to lead us into something well outside our comfort zone, will mean we are totally dependent on Him to act or we fail.

This is a real blessing, for only here will we see the faithfulness that endures. Settling in our hearts and minds that He is Lord of our lives and that therefore obedience to Him is the only option is a very blessed place to be.

Faith is spelt r-i-s-k

I remember someone once said to me that faith is spelt 'r-i-s-k' and I understand what he meant – but there is no risk in pursuing God in wholehearted and glad obedience, for in so doing we find greater contentment and have a deepening relationship with Him.

Yes, we will probably also find hardship and suffering but we must always have a heavenly perspective. The real risk is in not pursuing Him.  Jesus said 'I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me.' If this was Jesus' purpose whilst on earth, then surely 'Christ in us' will find His expression in the same way.

As this project unfolds there could have been times when we step back and ask 'what are we doing here?' This is not the right response. We should be taking a step back and thinking, in awe:

• 'Lord what are YOU doing here?'
  
  
• 'What are YOU preparing WEC and Bulstrode for?'
  
  
• 'What are YOU planning to do in the UK tomorrow, which means we need to be doing this today?'

How exciting! Our heart is to develop this place into a centre where people '... can come, meet with God and be inspired with missionary vision and zeal.'

How is that going to find expression amongst the nations? In as many ways as God in His infinite wisdom chooses to call His people.

Please continue to pray:

1. For safety for the workers on site.
2. For good relationships with the Contractor and the workers. This is an opportunity to demonstrate the substance and reality of our faith.
3. Praise God for who He is, His faithfulness and His constancy in our lives.
4. Pray for wisdom as we seek the Lord for His clear leading for the redevelopment of Bulstrode.

John Bagg, UK Director

Background to the Redevelopment            

History of Bulstrode Park

Forthcoming Events at Bulstrode             

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