For those who wondered exactly how I would fare on a practical level, the Lord more than provided: my tent went up and stayed up courtesy of David my guardian angel by way of Brooklyn, ably assisted by his crew of former gang member youth who he ministers to and who were utterly charming to me, David’s niece Jaleesa and finally the Priest family, (yes, that really is their surname), who did a couple of patch jobs for me over the course of the week, when the back of the tent threatened to cave in. Another big answer to prayer is it didn’t rain (never again doubt the prophetic words of Rev. Nicky Gumbel, who prayed against the jet- stream that had rendered summer a wash-out bar for Focus week and won… very Elijah-tastic if I may say so myself). And in spite of having never done or indeed been drawn to the camping holiday thing ( I will always love my creature comforts), never mind one with Christo trimmings, I enjoyed myself immensely and made a bunch of friends too (arise the Champagne Chickas – that would be Janine, Sophie, Chola, Persia, Nwakego, Jaleesa and Jo – yes, all of you!) who sentimental outpouring a-go-go, can only be described as God-sends and siblings in Christ.
As for the ‘heaven on earth’ expectations, the teaching gave us tools to consider our faith differently. At this point I have to confess to full-on fandom of Father Raneiro Cantalemessa, personal preacher to the Pope, super-sharp theologian and author of a Christo book which given my other predilections, probably has the best title ever, The Sober Intoxication of the Spirit. Over the course of a couple of days his teaching on Pentecost and St Athanasius as well as his innate charm, sense of humour and humility (told you I was a fan), not only challenged those gathered but also precipitated an outpouring that left the Big Top, where services were held, feeling like a certain first century upper room. The spirit of unity in the Christian faith was further reflected in not only his presence as a Roman Catholic but also that of the Anglican Bishops of London and Durham attending as well as leading Pentecostals Jentezen Franklin of Free Chapel and Brian and Bobbie Houston of Hillsong Church. Some might beg to differ, but when it comes down to it there are more similarities between us all and in these fallen times a more collaborative rather than combative approach needs to be championed. Perhaps, the key tool we were given for keeping our faith alive and fresh in the hum drum of life was to pray from a place of victory (Jentezen’s line, I don’t think so, has become a mantra of sorts), imitate Christ wherever possible (Jonny Gumbel’s talk was a stand-out) and look to the transformative nature of the Holy Spirit (yup, Father Raniero again).
It would be wrong for me not to mention worship: of course it wasn’t a competition but song of the week has to be Ben Cantelon’s My Guardian. In fact one week on and the song is still very much with me. I keep humming it unselfconsciously in the most random of places and today I excelled myself: hand aloft in supplication on the District Line. Suffice to say I got a seat. Also memorable was St Peter’s Church Brighton, who led by Martin Smith brought a full on festival feel to proceedings, without the drugs and drama of course, with their congregation stage rush and quartet of babes leading a dance routine. The key track, God’s Great Dance floor is a floor-filler if there ever was one. At the end of their set, my heart was still racing and I had to stop myself from shouting out ‘One more TUNE!’. And now back home I have made sure all of the songs are now in the iPod on shuffle: perfect accompaniments for journeys to work, exercise regimens and good old get ready for the day sing-alongs.
Aiming for the same state of heightened euphoria, profound spiritual understanding and growth in fellowship that Focus allowed in one’s everyday may seem unrealistic. In fact one could argue we have heaven to look forward to experiencing these things and more ad infinitum. But there is something special about taking time out to remind oneself about why one believes what they do and try and reflect it on one’s return in the slightest modifications of behaviour . Gathering with believers one sees the multifarious ways in which God blesses his entirely disparate but much loved family. Some were healed, others had their faith restored, all were transformed. Back in London I ran into an acquaintance and they asked if I had met someone such was my sparkle. Without hesitation I said I had and He’d known me forever.
