Sat. 12th April saw Debbie, myself and the volunteers taking our annual Retreat-day at Over Peover church. This was a very moving day, and we painted pictures, wrote and chatted about our experiences, and some people spent time just reading, or reflecting about their Christian journey. All in all it was wonderful to be able to spend time catching up with people as we are now so busy at work.

We are as busy as ever. Debbie, myself and all the volunteers are taking on the challenge of the day-to-day life at The Welcome, using the gifts with which we have all been blessed. We asked for some help in the servery taking orders, and once again God answered our prayers and we now have one of the local residents, Peter Russell, helping us on Monday and Tuesday lunchtimes. If anyone can help us on Wednesday or Thursday, please contact Debbie or myself at the Welcome.

The 'busyness' of the days here is absolutely amazing, but what I find truly amazing is that we are all here doing ordinary jobs with the help of an extraordinary God who touches us in so many ways. Everyday when I come into work I realise that I wouldn't want to be anywhere else - but then, as my testimony reflects, I am here at the Welcome because that's where God wants me.

Good news for Judy and Keith C is the safe delivery of their new Grandson, Joseph, who was born on 14th April, weighing in at 6lbs 13ozs. Congratulations!!!!!

All of our groups are growing in numbers. Toddler group now has a couple more new children, and the children and parents/carers seem to have a really good time getting involved in the various things that take place. The Travellers have finished studying the Lord's Prayer and are now moving on to various themes. They use a meditation area, prayer area and a Bible-study area. We are going to display some of their ideas in the café each week.

Please feel free to come and have a look and spend some quiet time with God, in our quiet room, where we have placed topics for prayer and other inspirational material.

Our Craft Club on Wednesdays also has a couple of new 'crafters' who have joined us, and I love to listen to all the stories that they share.

The Education Workshop has a couple of new members, and some people are getting ready, with Julie's help, to take their end-of-year exam.

Little Stars has recommenced after the Easter break, and it is wonderful to see God moving in these children's lives. We do praise our Lord for this - it is a time of great enjoyment and spirituality for both children and leaders alike.

Debbie has been down to Basildon, once again, and James has had an interview at a college to continue his studies after he leaves Knutsford. So once again we offer our love and prayers as they take their next step along the road with Jesus. She will be missed as she has been an inspiration to so many people of the community, staff and volunteers alike. We know she will be so to the people in Basildon, too.

On a personal note, I would just like to thank everyone for the kind words and affirming comments that I have received since giving my testimony at Knutsford Methodist Church in April. I would like to give thanks to God for leading me here, and making my life so different.

Brian, one of our volunteers, has come up with the idea of putting some of our recipes down in print, in a book of favourite recipes - so if any of you budding Jamie Oliver's or Delia Smith's have a recipe that you would like to share with us and other people, come in and share them, or write them down and give them to one of the staff or volunteers.