Summer and some good news

I made it to my Stage 2 Church of England selection conference after much agonising and prayer. It was a miracle to even make it there, and the sense of God’s deep peace that I felt on the way there and during it were incredible.

The two days involved two long interviews, a group task with the other candidates, meals together (where you were assessed) and a series of chapel services. The retreat house was very peaceful and there was time to pray, think and process amongst the timetabled activities.

We finished the 48 hours in worship by reaffirming our baptismal vows and being reminded that whatever the outcome of the selection conference we all have a part to play in serving the Lord Jesus. It was very moving.

The Diocesan Director of Ordinands rang me a week later to say that I had been approved for training by the Church of England. I wanted to let you all know as you have been prayerfully supporting me through this year. It was a joy to receive good news, and see and hear answered prayers, but humbling to consider the weight of this call going forward.

Charley Maidment - Oak Hill