Hi Folks,
This week has been pretty hectic for me, but I have had a lot of 'Give to Grow' thinking time.

It started a few weeks ago with planning for the 'Give to Grow' programme, it then became reality on Sunday morning when John was introduced to the Corps, I just had enough time to listen to what John said about this not being a 'giving time' it was more of a 'thinking time', and then I had to leave for X factor.

A few people had mentioned during the week that they felt that the 'Give to Grow' programme was a pointless exercise, as many people already knew what they were going to give without the Programme and the meal. And I must admit I sort of thought along those same lines.

As the week progressed and I got to some of the planned events that the Corps were hosting, I started to do some personal stock taking, looking not at what I should give to God, but looking at what God has given me.

When I started attending Bellshill Salvation Army, I always told people that I didn't know why I was coming to the Corps but I just felt that it was the right place to be, I knew God was planning something for me but I wasn't yet aware of what that something was.

The week before the 'Give to Grow' programme started I told someone that I still didn't know what God had put me in this Corps for. At the end of the programme and after a bit of stock taking I realise what a terrific change God has made in my life:
He has brought me to a place where I feel really at home amongst like minded people, He has allowed me to openly talk about my faith and my love of God, He has put me in a position where I can keep in touch with the needs, hopes and fears of the youngsters in our Corps, He puts me in a place where a bright new future for Bellshill Corps is just around the corner.
God has been really good to my family and myself, I just needed some 'thinking time' to realise it, thanks to the 'Give to Grow' programme it made me take stock of my life and it has been a great help in me looking at my/our pledge. I feel that it's pay back time and now I gladly Give back to God what is owed to him.

Bobby