Dear FriendsHomelessness

We are continually in the middle of a spiritual battle but the power of faith prayer, Gods Word, and love in action does work

Mick is a real testimony and continues to develop in God’s love and faith and is quite a regular visitor to the Furnace Services at St Thomas’ s Church.



  Homelessness does impact the lives of its victims in very distressing ways; no future, no hope, no dignity and no home. It can precipitate psychiatric disturbance, ill health, drugs and crime. Welcome to our 4th edition of "The Church on the Bus" News Letter. Sorry it’s late, I do sincerely apologise that you have not received an update since Christmas. We know your prayers are with us!

Our ministry continues to aim at caring for the spiritual and physical needs of the homeless, needy and addicted people of Chesterfield. It is first and foremost a church, the top floor of the converted bus is reserved as a quiet space for prayer, individual ministry and reflection, whilst downstairs is for sharing hot drinks, food and fellowship.

The Bus Crew:-

Denise

Alan

Doris

Keith

Mick

Robert

Neville

& Stewart

 The Monday night services are now established and well received, just taking a simple format of a bible reading, reflection & prayer, God is really blessing.



A group of Students from Cliff College came to the bus during March, with the Hope 08 for Chesterfield initiative bringing with them their guitars. The praise and worship was fabulous, a real blessing and they have continued to return when possible on a Monday evening. So we have glorious times of praise, worship and prayer with our friendsJonny and Karen have been coming on the bus, well over a year now and live in the "Safe Haven House". A project Alan, Robert and Stewart have invested in and set up, housing the homeless and helping people to get back into community life.Jonny has recently given his life to the Lord, and is cutting down on his methadone. He has now decided to go on a detox course for alcohol abuse and is doing really well, the cravings are leaving him!!!! "Watch out for his testimony!!!!

(Karen has just completely come off her methadone.)

Both Jonny and Mick read from the bible, regularly giving us passages they want to share from the Lord! – and they carry their bibles around with them – it’s fantastic. .
 We are all rejoicing and praising God with the angels in heaven and thanking God for his grace, goodness, mercy and love. Alleluia for the Lord our God the Almighty reigns.We have just started a nurture group at the Safe Haven House on a Monday mornings.!!!

Also we are praying and looking at the possibility of taking the bus out on a Sunday evening "Church Service"

Alan and Doris will be speaking in a day seminar at "Green Belt" on the 19th of August .

St Cuthbert’s Church, Ashbourne and Hackney Church, Darley Dale, dates to be advised shortly.

Once again the Bus Headed the Whit Walk Procession of Witness through the town centre 26th May, the theme was "Hope for Chesterfield" and what a glorious day and witness this was to the people of Chesterfield.

St Peter & St Paul Primary School, Hady ,last year generously featured the bus through the giving of their harvest gifts and we will be visiting them along with the Bus, September time and featuring in their Harvest Assembly celebrations this year.

Last December, Derbyshire Reflections Magazine did an article about Alan and the bus. This generated a lot of interest and as we say "put us on the map". Visits, donations of money, items of clothing and bedding have come in through this, and we are still getting phone calls. Also Reflections have promised to do a follow-up article later in the year.

Alan, Robert, Doris & Keith visited Christ Church, Dore, Sheffield with the bus last November it was a great occasion, we were once again well received, much interest was expressed and one little boy gave us his pocket money for the Homeless 40p!  Another of Mick’s many poemsWhat can I say about Doris?

She’s just been made a reader

At Holy Trinity Church

We really do need her

Helping with the Services

Also with prayers

Speaking with passion

She shows that she caresAlso on the Mission Bus

Helping us all

To get back on the right path

If we should fall

So pray to the "Lord"

To take care of her

When we need her

She’s always there! Mick Jackson

Sun 22nd Oct 06 Finally on behalf of all the Bus crew, please accept our sincere thanks for your prayers and financial support. Without YOU we could not take the bus out.

The gifts of food, items of clothing & bedding, are much appreciated.

Also to the sandwich makers, St Thomas ladies who provide them every Monday, and Thursday Holy Trinity Ladies.

Please continue to keep this project and all our friends in your prayers and thoughts. That God will give them hope and free them from all kinds of mental abuse, alcohol and drug addiction. We see really sad and desperate people, but in the midst of their torment and suffering God is working and loving them. Pray for openness to the God who can change, transform even the most hopeless situations!Much love in Jesus,

From Alan and all the Bus Crew."Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door. I will come in and eat with him, and he with me"

Revelation 3 verse 20