One on one with Julie Macklin

Julie Macklin

It was great meeting Julie Macklin: Pastor Mark Macklin’s wife – lead Pastor of Christian Community Church - and spending time with her. Julie is such a lovely, friendly lady and this is what she said:


M.M: Tell me about your background?
J.M: I grew up in Staines and did all my schooling there. I did my college in Birmingham. I met Mark through a Youth Group when I was 14. We started dating at 18. It was love at first sight. Mark and I married 5 years later. We have 3 children: Amy 16, Ryan 14 and Cameron who is 10 years.


M.M: How long have you been here at Christian Community Church?
J.M: We’ve been here for 10 years, coming onto 11. Mark was on the ministry team previously for 5 years.


M.M: What are you doing ministry wise?
J.M: I’m on the Missions Team. I do administration in the Church office and being Mark’s wife is a ministry.


M.M: What have been the highlights of life at Christian Community Church?
J.M: The diverse people groups in the church and there is such a love and respect amongst the people. The 10 year celebration was wonderful. We felt so loved and accepted and the 2 special days: The Caribbean and African days. We do food and fellowship well.


M.M: Anything you’d like to share?
J.M: Initially, I felt overwhelmed being in such a multi-cultural church. But I prayed and thanked God for our people and our diversities and within a month, I felt loved and accepted. Now CCCWL is our extended family, our home.


M.M: Excellent! Who has influenced you recently?
J.M: John Oatburg’s book. The theme is becoming the person God made you to become – how to be yourself.


M.M: What do you do to relax?
J.M: I enjoy time with my family, watch a movie, and walk


M.M: What is your current favourite album?
J.M: ‘Arriving’ by Chris Thomlin


M.M: What is your favourite quote?
J.M: “If life gives you lemons you can wear a sour face or make lemonade”. This quote comes from the film ‘Love happens.’


M.M: Thanks Julie. I hope we can meet again.

by Molly Manhanga

Getting to know Caron Lurrie

Caron Lurrie

Caron Lurrie is married to Nigel – assistant Pastor at Christian Community Church in West London. Caron has been at Christian Community Church for the past 5 years. It was great catching up with Caron.



M.M: Tell me about your background?
C.L: I was born in Kwekwe, Zimbabwe. We moved to Harare when I was 5 years. I did all my schooling in Harare. I first met Nigel when I was 5 years. We went to Arcadia Baptist church for a while and ended up at Living Waters Fellowship. I got saved at Living Waters which was being led by Pastor Len Marillier. I saw Nigel again when we were youth. We ‘noticed’ each other and that was it. We married 3 years later. We have 2 children: Joubert who is 14 and Joi who is 6.

M.M: When did you move to the U.K?
C.L: we moved in August 1997. We had been praying about going into ministry full time. God provided for all our needs and we stayed here.


M.M: What have the highlights of ministry been so far?
C.L: We’ve been here for 12 years and have been very blessed at Christian Community Church. Pastor Mark Macklin is so supportive and so open. I’ve done the children’s ministry and led worship. I’m hoping our Missional work becomes stronger. I love forming relationships as I love people and I want to be a blessing to the people in church and work.

M.M: Any challenges?
C.L: Not being able to be in full time ministry as I work. I want to be a blessing to people financially but I’m not in a position to do that yet. I’d also like to spend more time with my children and the last challenge is knowing when to move and when to get direction to move.


M.M: Who has influenced you the most recently?
C.L: Reading my Bible, Joyce Meyer and my husband Nigel. I love his honesty and you know where you stand.


M.M: Any words of encouragement?
C.L: Be a blessing. What you do for others has earthly and heavenly value. Read the word and keep your minds transformed.

M.M: Thanks so much Caron. What an amazing time we've had with you, Nigel and family.

By Molly Manhanga
 

The Touristy Thing....

Brett Mills 

It was great being back in London. Stephen did magnificently at the Youth meeting at Christian Community Church on Friday evening and on Saturday, we spent most of the day doing touristy things with Brett Mills - (Youth leader from Christian Community Church)

It had been 3 years since we "toured" the famous London spots so going to Westminster, London Eye and so on was interesting. We really enjoyed the cruise on the Millenium Dawn from the London Eye to Greenwich Pier. Being on the water is just wonderful.

Westminster

The entertainment at Covent Gardens was really amusing. We spent alot of time walking and catching the underground tubes.

It was great getting back to our host family - Nigel and Caron Lurrie. However, they had arranged a barbaque with 2 other families from the area. It was wonderful meeting new friends in and amongst watching the World Cup soccer, sharing about the work in Kezi and ending our evening in a time of prayer. It was so fulfilling.

Millenium dawn

What a day!

By Molly Manhanga