The Band of Brothers were gathering for a weekend away a few weeks ago at the beautiful St Brides Bay on the Pembrokeshire coastline. In the build up to the event a number of guys arrived early to enjoy the facilities and surroundings. Matt Bassett (19) ran into the water full speed and took a dive into a wave, that made the water appear deeper than it was, he broke his neck on impact. He was airlifted to the UHW Cardiff, Wales, UK. Subsequent medical investigation discovered that he had broken his C5 and that the spinal cord is severely bruised but not damaged. The C5 was repaired by a plate administered in surgery the day following the accident, a cage was placed around the spinal cord. The immediate post-trauma effects of such an injury known as “spinal shock” which can last for a few months mean that movement is only gradually returning to Matt’s limbs. However, he has good use of his shoulders and elbows, and is very proud of the stability his left wrist can muster. Matt is a remarkable young man and his sense of humour and cheeky smile over-ride his current circumstance. In Christ, Matt is more than a conqueror, and his smile reflects his heavenly Father’s delight over him.

The Words of God can be life to those who find them and health to a man’s body (Proverbs 4:22). Together with his family Matt is trusting God for a full recovery by declaring a number of scriptures we agreed together and you are invited to join in that prayer agreement. Psalm 103;1-5 and Isaiah 40:31. The Psalmist declares that “He heals all our diseases and satisfies our desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” When he heard those words Matt’s face lit up as he told us his favourite animal is an Eagle, he’s got a picture of one on his guitar and one over his hospital bed now. That picture is also stored in his heart and mind “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Matt’s hope is in the Lord and the definition of faith is “being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Circumstances alone do not have to dictate the outcome of this situation.

As a Band of Brothers, we are standing in total prayer agreement with Matt and his family for complete recovery. This may well be an extended journey but we can thank God and join in Matt’s excitement with each sign of  progress.

“Your youth shall be renewed like the Eagle’s” Psalm 103:5

“They will soar on wings like eagles” Isaiah 40:31

God Bless

MLJ

Come and join 1000 other men, in St David’s Hall, Cardiff. Where “2 0r 3 welshmen are gathered there is harmony.” This years theme is the “Power and the Glory” where we consider the whole area of success and how it affects our lives in the world around us, but how we need to get God’s perspective on this issue. Let’s face it none of us make it our goal to fail…..The guy in Psalm 1, was encouraged like Joshua, to meditate on the word in order to prosper; sitting at the right table with the right blokes was aslo encouraged. On 19th March, you’ll be in the right company, so bring some mates and make a day of it, and still have time to watch the rugby. Book now  http://www.cardiffmensconvention.org.uk/

During a recent personal spiritual retreat it was my absolute privilege and honour to meet with my good friend and brother in Christ, Theo Oakley, who is 100 years old, 75 years of which he has lived as a follower of Christ.

He is a living legend and an example of a man who has lived all out for Christ, a steadfast, stable and successful man, who has fixed his eyes on the author and finisher of his faith. During our conversation over lunch, (which he demolished with gusto), I was amazed at his eternal perspective on life. His favourite bible verse is 1 Cor 15v52 and describes the hope that lives within him.

I am truly inspired at Theo’s zest for life and for God, and as I sat in his car while he drove me home, I thought to myself, God’s been walking with this friend of His and mine for a whole century, and I’m probably in one of the safest place’s I know. Watch this short flip video in which Theo gives you his best advice for 2011, and witness his driving skill first hand !!

Enjoy.

MLJ