Tunbridge Wells – Brethren provide a Presentation to Scouts on our way of life
Members of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church in Tunbridge Wells were asked to speak to the 11th Tonbridge Scout Group (Paddock Wood) to present their history and way of life. The Scout Leaders, Tony Potter and Simon Tovey live in the same road as some brethren and wanted to know more about their beliefs.
To set the tone for the evening, the brethren provided refreshments, which were eagerly consumed by approximately 30 young people and 5 adult leaders.
The history of Christianity was briefly touched on from the crucifixion of the Lord Jesus, through the persecutions, Dark Ages and Reformation to the time when J. N. Darby left the established church and joined with a few similarly minded Christians.
Mr David Marriott, a church elder, then spoke about the church’s beliefs – covering the gospel, eternal salvation, the Persons of the Godhead, the Head in heaven, the body here and finishing with the importance of purity in view of Christ’s return to claim His own. The brethren then showed a videoclip from the PBCC website, which was very well received.
Mr Duncan Woodford, another elder, then spoke about how their young people spend their time, with Bible reading, prayer, church activities, sports and helping in construction projects involving churches, schools and homes. Mr Woodford gave all the young people present a blessing from the Lord.
Outreach to the wider community was then covered by Mr Howard Gray, particularly highlighting the street Preaching’s, and other altruistic activities. He mentioned Rapid Relief Team activity and extended an open invitation to all the Scouts for the next ‘Pack and Pie Day’ at one of our halls.
A Question and Answer session followed, with a lot of audience participation and many interesting and pertinent questions being asked by the Scouts.
To complete the evening, Bibles and ‘Living Our Beliefs’ booklets were offered to all the young people in the group, and taken by the majority. Gospel tracts were left to be distributed.
Also presented to the group was the ‘Firestorm’ book produced by the PBCC in Australia, which was very well received and the Scouts even gave the PBCC a wish list of items which could be donated!
The PBCC representatives thanked the audience for their respectful and attentive attitude towards the speakers, and their quiet listening.
Tony Potter, Scout Leader, said “I couldn’t believe how quiet the Scouts were – they seemed stunned with the presentation, and took a while to bring out their different questions!”
well done hjg looks spiff
eaten too many kebabs.com
Dear Oar
Just to bring the mention of the word ‘Purity’ into thr consciousness of any young person is immeasurable blessing
Probably the bibles they gave them. You can’t have a greater blessing than to have Jesus dwelling in your heart… That is the most important thing. Everyone needs him not just the young… What an awesome gift. The bible is the greatest book ever.
Very interesting event. Are there any PBCC young people in the Scouts?
With young people all around the world it would be hard for them to know I guess? Anyway, with their own RRT it doesn’t look like they need to be in the Scouts!
Thanks for your reply, Joe. It would be great to hear from any scouts in the PBCC worldwide on this blog. I am sure they must have read this one, with great interest! By the way, what is the RRT? Is it like a Boys’, or Girls’ Brigade – a sort of evangelical movement for young people?
No, not at all actually!! Rather obviously, the RRT is a relief team… It’s solely operated on a volunteer basis – I am part of it because, a) I enjoy helping others – It’s the secret to happiness and everyone knows it! b) It’s a great laugh working with others my own age; it builds teamwork c) I believe in making other happy! [try imagining every person you meet carries a sign saying make me happy – it’s great!] For more, see article https://theplymouthbrethren.org.uk/news-views/rapid-relief-team/ if you haven’t seen it already!
Could anyone explain what the RRT is, please?
Hello Zap,
To put it in short, RRT stands for Rapid Relief Team. (See article https://www.theplymouthbrethren.org/news-views/rapid-relief-team/). Anywhere & anytime when an emergency arises, (eg. car accidents, flooding, fires, earthquakes), the Plymouth Brethren are voluntarily there to provide support to the emergency services and people affected – often by way of food & drink, but whatever is needed in each situation. Some examples are the Christchurch earthquakes (https://www.theplymouthbrethren.org/community/plymouth-brethren-assist-in-christchurch-earthquake/), Queensland floods (https://www.theplymouthbrethren.org/community/where-were-the-brethren-after-the-queensland-floods/), Swedish 70-car pile-up (https://www.theplymouthbrethren.org/community/swedish-rrt-provide-welcome-relief-during-motorway-pile-up/), major fire in Indianapolis (https://www.theplymouthbrethren.org/news-views/400-called-to-fight-indianapolis-fire/), Helicopter accident in London (https://theplymouthbrethren.org.uk/news-views/horrific-helicopter-accident-london-160113/), Dalwallinu truck accident (https://www.theplymouthbrethren.org/news-views/dalwallinu-truck-accident/), snowstorm in SE England in March (https://theplymouthbrethren.org.uk/news-views/the-angels-of-the-a23/), … … Zap, the lists are endless, as you see I could go on & on!! But I won’t… I’ll let you read the articles yourself and see what is in the hearts of the PBCC by what is displayed in their invaluable efforts, kindness & generosity to all mankind …
I trust this helps…
i only just noticed this blog – i don’t know how old it is. but i’m a scout.
to add to Me!’s list of situations where RRT helps, there is a new one: https://www.theplymouthbrethren.org/community/kingston-experiences-the-citys-worst-fire-seen-according-to-the-fire-fighters/ this fire happened to occur in the same country I am from: Canada!
I think that this is a wonderful idea and more talks like this should be done in the communities where Plymouth Brethren live – especially to young people. A positive way to dispel any misconceived notions.
Be interested to hear what gets granted from the scouts wish list!
This looks good – most educational!
Can anyone apply for a presentation like this?
Now I know who ate all the pies!!! 🙂
I wonder what their wish list was?:)
hello crackers,
as having seen the wishlist personally I can tell you that it was very interesting… ranging from the more affordable items like portable gas stoves to rather more expensive items like a box trailer to store their Scout belongings in… it’s being looked into to see what would be the most appropriate gift. 🙂
sounds very interesting! Would’ve loved to have been there. What was the blessing that Mr Woodford gave to all the young people?
Thats got me wondering as well!