Our main speaker is Karl Martin, pastor of Morningside Baptist Church in Edinburgh.  If you'd like to listen to some of his talks online or on your iPod, visit his church website. Karl has taught at the last four Ashburnham holidays and is a gifted and inspirational preacher. He will be speaking at most of the evening celebrations.

 

Most of the morning bible studies will be taught by John and Sue Wilson. John is the Senior Pastor of Lyon Baptist Church. A vastly experienced pastor and teacher, he and his wife, Sue, will bring some French flair to the bible studies!

 

David and Alison Flowers host and lead Ashburnham. They have enjoyed Ashburnham almost every year since the early 1970's when their lives were significantly influenced on holidays with young people's groups there which were led by David's parents: Michael and June. Now their children have grown up with Ashburnham as have many of the other regulars.

 

David and Alison lead the Wharfedale Vineyard and seek to provide a safe and welcoming time in which you can have loads of fun and also experience the presence of God.

 

John and Liz Hawksworth oversee the programme provided for the children and young people. John is the YFC Director for the North East and he and Liz have many years experience of providing children and young people with a vivid and entertaining experience of following Jesus.

 

Rachel and Mark Turner will lead the children's programme. Rachel is a hugely experienced and gifted children's leader. Your children will have a wonderful time - there will be times to learn, worship and pray but all done in an environment of fun and laughter.

 

Sam Flowers will be organising games and competitions.

 

Nik Gee will coordinate the worship at Ashburnham. This is always a significant part of what makes the week special and provides an opportunity for worship leaders and musicians from many churches and groups to take part.

 

Nik is an assistant pastor at Wharfedale Vineyard and has responsibility for worship. He is passionate about music and all forms of worship. He has led for many years and is gifted at creating a safe space for everyone to worship.

 

Between 10.00am and 11.30am you can choose from the Bible Studies, the Art Studio or a workshop which will follow the theme of the Bible Study in a practical way.

 

Hannah Flowers will be leading the Art Studio. Highly creative and with a passion for seeing people express themselves, this will be a great place for the creatives.

 

Josh Flowers will be looking for opportunities to make music. Maybe you want to try writing songs or just playing with other musicians. Never happier than when there is music in the air, Josh will be inviting you to make some music.

 

 

Having walked away from church 7 years ago, I felt very cynical and unsure about coming to Ashburnham. My life as it stands is very far from what God called me to yet I knew a longing for God. Despite fear and running very fast, God has ministered to me deeply and given me new hope.

 

I felt very touched – the sense of God’s presence – the tangible sense of peace, the community, the fun, the great conversations, hearing from God, the spirit of the cabaret evening, the range of ages – love having the young and the old all a massive part of what’s going on.

 

I wanted to say that it was (and always is) an exceptional week, a time where I meet with God pretty much more than any other time, a very rich and diverse group of people that it is a priviledge to be part of and having started going as a child it was very special to have my young child experience his first Ashburnham(which he loved). I loved the continuity of people returning time and time again. There is nothing like it . Thank you very much

 

First-timers to Ashburnham in 2005, Matt and Jue wrote:

"Speaker: amazing! Seminar: fascinating, amazing. God has drawn very near to us and met with us in a very powerful and gentle way. We feel more passionate about doing his will where we live and work. We have been inspired by talks, conversations, friendships, prayer, words of encouragement and much much more. A massive thank you to the whole team for the preparation and hard work and for making us feel very welcome."