As I step into the role of being the UK Country Leader from 1^st September, I am both daunted and excited. This job is beyond me; in fact any calling we have from Jesus (and you all have a calling from Jesus) is beyond us. Jesus calls us beyond our comfort, beyond our capacity, beyond our current faith to trust in him and know that he is holding us.

We are living in a moment of great fear, with the words ‘Stay safe’ ringing in all of our ears. Fear can be legitimate in response to danger, but it can also crowd out the constant presence of God with us in the whole of life. Jesus commands us not to fear because it so easily forces out faith and trust. His Spirit living in us sets us free from fear and instead makes us family (Romans 8:15).

‘Without faith [in the face of fear] it is impossible to please God’ (Hebrews 11:6, addition mine).[1] In other words, our trust in Jesus pleases him. The invitation Jesus left ringing in people ears was, ‘Remain in me … Remain in my love’ (John 15:4, 9). Our freedom isn’t an excuse to be reckless with others’ safety, but to reach out in courageous love (2 Timothy 1:7).

I am glad this role is beyond me – it is a reminder that this is all about looking to Jesus. Jesus has called the Navigators to make our contribution as part of the Body of Christ, and it will be fulfilled as we trust in his promises, rely on his grace and live out his compassion.

We are praying for a movement of the gospel that touches thousands of lives, but this will require courage in the face of fear and it will require us to have our attention unrelentingly focused on Jesus. Jesus is truly the best thing anyone can give their life to – there is no greater goal, no greater good and no greater joy in life. Please join us in prayer for a revival of faith and courage in Jesus in this next period of the work of the Navigators in the UK. Please pray for:

Christ-focused hearts
At the core of the Sermon on the Mount is the desire to see Jesus’ kingdom come more than anything else. Please pray that our hearts will be totally transfixed on Jesus’ will and ways, that we will ‘seek first his kingdom and his righteousness’ (Matthew 6:33). Please pray for me and the whole work that we will shepherd the people we work alongside ‘with integrity of heart … [and] skilful hands’ (Psalm 78:72).

Christ-focused courage
‘Take courage!’ said Jesus. ‘It is I. Don’t be afraid’ (Mark 6:50). Please pray that we walk in courage and faith as a movement. May we truly know the constant presence of Jesus which overcomes fear. May we have a spirit of courage to ‘go’ because Jesus is on his throne and because he is at work (Matt 28:18-20). May the Lord use the Navigators to be part of the building of a movement of disciple-makers who go to the ends of the earth!

Christ-focused compassion
Jesus shows endless, patient compassion: ‘How often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing’ (Luke 13:34). May we live out his compassion in our broken world and so reflect him. May our disciple-making be characterised by humble service, so that we look to the interests of Jesus in our love of others (Matt 20:26-28).

[1] All Scripture quotations are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.