Spring Water Summer News

Hello dear friends,
The above verse is one of our foundation verses, from the time we first moved onto our narrow boat Spring Water, in 2010. We thank God, who in His mercy and grace has been faithful to us, giving us many opportunities to give the reason for the hope that we have in Jesus to those who ask us. We have now moved to a house but still have our boat for missions, holidays and sharing with others.

Andy and I have been attending Hope Church for some while now and have always found it to be a special place of warmth and welcome, that has Jesus at its centre. Praise God!

They have asked us to share with you about our recent narrow boat adventure from Hinckley to Water Eaton, near Milton Keynes. We went there as part of an outreach mission with Canal Ministries (CM) and Boaters Christian Fellowship (BCF) to whom we belong.

Praise God that he afforded many opportunities to various team members who gathered in their narrow boats, Motor homes and by car at Water Eaton, during the week 12th to 19th June 2022.

This week had been planned and prayed for by members of BCF and CM, together with the churches at Water Eaton, for over two years. Praise God, He answered our prayers, as many folk heard the gospel; others gave their lives to Jesus and still others were encouraged to deepen their relationship with Him. Alleluia!

During the week we were able to share the love of God with church groups and on a daily basis. We did this by offering free refreshments to walkers and those from church organised groups. We also offered and delivered many free boat trips to the public, using two day boats which were kindly made available to the team.

At other times the Brownies and Boys Brigade came to see an historic boat and then visited two of the more modern narrow boats, of which, Spring Water, was one. Whilst on our boat, I told the children the story of Jesus walking on the water, while the children dramatized it, being either the wind or the waves. They all left with a copy of the book ‘Super Cool Jesus’, which had been kindly provided by CM.

Free boat trips ran all week and were very well received. Tracks were given out to the passengers, as were several ‘Why Jesus?’ booklets. Further to this, on the Saturday, the team hosted a fun day, which included a free barbeque, games, boat trips, refreshments and times for sharing the gospel with individuals, which was very exciting.

Andy and I were pleased to be able to speak to an evening house group about some of the ways we have experienced God’s leading and compassion as he has brought us into contact with various needy people over the years. For this we give God all the glory.

By God’s grace, we continue to offer guidance and encouragement to boaters in need of emotional and financial support, provided by CM.

Please pray with us for people that we meet to come to know Jesus. Pray that we will continually abide in Him, keeping his Word in our hearts, so that with the help of his precious Holy Spirit, we will be ready and able, to give the reason for the hope that we have in Christ Jesus our Saviour. To whom belongs all the glory, for ever and ever Amen.

Yours in Him,
Sue & Andy Smith.