| This is a story of two cultures, connecting and discovering faith, Romany and English together.
It is the uncovering of faith in a Romany community, as an English vicar journeys alongside them discovering a new depth and freedom growing in his own relationship with God. The outcome is the planting of a new infant faith community around the encounters with Jesus and deepening relationships with him.
It demonstrates the power of the gospel being shared cross culturally which challenges and changes some of our cherished values and attitudes.
This story will stimulate creative reflection on our way of seeing and doing things.
Hearts are transformed on both sides. What does it mean to really live in community?
How willing are we to see with different eyes, to learn from each other. The principles are transferrable to all mission endeavours and church planting, especially where there is a significant cross-cultural dimension.
Bruce & Colleen Mounsey
"This is a record of how 'church' happens even when the institution isn't looking - how people are gathered together around Jesus Christ by the sheer force of the Spirit's leading. God constantly goes ahead of us in mission - not least in communities many Christians don't know about, or even don't much want to know about! It is a moving and inspiring testimony to God's creative liberty at work in our times."
Dr Rowan. Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury
Martin Burrell's first career was as a professional clarinettist. Following studies at Trinity College, Bristol, he was ordained into the church of England in 1995 and was curate at St Mary Bredin, Canterbury. From 1999 until 2009 Martin was vicar of Cranbrook, Kent. He was then appointed to lead Christchurch, Bushmead, Luton. Both Martin's mother and his wife, Margareta, are from Switzerland. Margareta is a music therapist. They have three children, Rebecca, Naomi and Leo.
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