We all face a big decision today (June 23, 2016 - in or out?) By the time most people read this that decision will have been made. Personally, I voted a week ago by post as I am off on holiday. But my thoughts and prayers will be very much on this national decision. It will make so much difference especially to the lives of our children and their children, as well as to our neighbours and linked countries across Europe and the world. My prayer is also that having made the decision we will grow up into one multicultural, multi-faith and harmonious nation under God.

As Christians we have made an even bigger decision. It was also a decision that we made personally, the place we give God in our lives. We may have listened to our parents, watched them at prayer, suffered hours of boring church 'services' as a child, but some time or other, as a child, in our youth, or in later life we made that most important choice, to put our trust in Jesus. I made that decision as a teenager and it has been my guide and comfort, purpose and hope ever since. There have been wobbles, questions and challenges and there still are, but I certainly don’t regret that choice. This is how Joshua challenged his people as they faced a new life in a new land, “Choose today who you will serve,” Joshua 24 verse 15, and he advised them to, “honour the Lord and serve him sincerely and faithfully.”

Jenny Ottewell

St Thomas Church, Kendal