“Step Out” with Ralph Scrutton by Andy Parker
The meeting started with Peter sharing how the new Heart tract has recently touched the life of a man who visited him for healing prayer. Peter used the heart tract to lead him to faith in Christ in his living room.
On Good Friday this year in Chelmsford city centre Peter met up with a man called Danny who he had led to the Lord about four years ago. Danny is a former drug addict, who kept relapsing after coming to faith. Danny was happy to report to Peter that he now stable in his walk and sharing his testimony in the church which he now regularly attends.
Ralph Scrutton was introduced – a church Life Group leader, businessman and Street Pastor (but not a preacher!). Ralph shared about his church and family background, with a faith rooted in the 19th century ‘Peculiar People’ movement in Essex. He encouraged everyone to step out and try new things, with these examples from his own life:
Life Group leadership: Ralph and his wife had been hesitant to accept this role in the church. When they did the group started out with 25 people. The Life Group was blessed, and went together on mission trips to Ethiopia, working with a children’s charity.
Fostering: Ralph and his wife volunteered as therapeutic foster carers. They chose the most troubled teenagers – the ones that no one else wanted. The foster children brought challenges to their family, and their teenage daughter tried to take her own life twice. But it brought real hope and change to those troubled lives, and their daughter is now a social worker with troubled teenagers.
Street Pastoring: Ralph started out as part of the Street Pastoring team in Brentwood. This closed down during and after COVID, as there were far fewer young people out late. He then got involved with Street Pastors in Westminster. This had been about to close down, but now has a team of 28. This has greatly benefited Westminster’s late-night crowds, fostering lively discussions among LGBT communities and various religious groups. The gospel has brought light and hope on to the streets of the capital.
The meeting closed with prayer ministry. Peter had healing words for someone carrying burdens and another with leg pain. Both people responded, and the meeting closed with a worshipful atmosphere.
