Thanks to a Children and Young People Mission and Ministry grant, the Christ Church West Wimbledon youth group (Kung Fu Hamsters) recently went to see the Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe and made links to its’ rich connection to the Christian Faith.
Together with Tish, parents and helpers, we had the joy of taking our children and young people from the KFH (Kung Fu Hamsters!) group to Sadler’s Wells to see The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
What an evening of fellowship and fun we had! There was laughter, wide-eyed wonder, and a real sense of being drawn into a story much bigger than ourselves. We are so grateful to our diocese for the grant that covered our costs, it was a gift that allowed us to share in something beautiful together. The crucial element of this was the follow up that encouraged the youth to build on this, gathering to chat about the symbolism of the story, what it meant to them, and how it helps us think about God’s love.
For those who know C.S. Lewis’s wonderful tale, you will remember how the land of Narnia lay under the spell of the White Witch: “always winter, and never Christmas.” Yet into that frozen world comes Aslan, the great Lion, whose love and sacrifice bring hope, courage, and ultimately, new life.
It’s not hard to see the parallels with our own story of faith. Just as Aslan gave himself for Edmund, breaking the power of evil and death, so Christ gave himself for each of us on the cross. And just as the snow begins to melt at Aslan’s coming, so too our lives are renewed when Christ’s love is welcomed in. What a joy to be reminded that light always breaks through the darkness.
Please continue to hold these young people in your prayers, that their hearts may be warmed by the love of Christ, just as Narnia’s endless winter melted away with Aslan’s return.
The follow up from the theatre trip is just one example of how a grant can make a powerful difference to grow and deepen the faith of children, youth and families. To grow or restart its mission with children, youth, and families, take a step of faith and apply here for a Children and Young People grant for mission and ministry!
