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One of the wonderful things about REAL is that it isn't all over when we sing the last song on the Saturday afternoon and leave the conference. The effects, the projects, the stories and the impact of the teaching keeps growing and bearing fruit.
I've loved still being able to enjoy the beautiful set on Sundays at Kerith - that visual reminder helps me call to mind all that I learnt and experienced at REAL.
I'm also enjoying listening again to the podcasts of the talks - such a great resource to hear on your own or in a group.
However, I've just heard some great news about an area of REAL that is all down to your generosity. You'll remember that this year we supported Kerith Social Justice, as we "Filled a Handbag". The idea being that we all contributed treats and essential items to fill handbags, in order to show love to women who are facing struggles. You brought along umbrellas (essential!), hand cream, body spray, lip balm, mirrors, notebooks and much more.
Thank you so much - you were so generous, and Lorraine is delighted that together we managed to fill 86 complete handbags!
She has already begun to give them out, to bless the women that she meets. And here are a few of the lovely comments so far
"Thank you just doesn't seem to be enough"
"My friend will be so jealous"
"I haven't had perfume for years"
This is love. This is the Christian life Jesus invites us to walk with him - watching Him, learning from Him.
"Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. The goal is equality, as it is written: ‘The one who gathered much did not have too much, and the one who gathered little did not have too little.’ 2 Corinthians 8:13