Is it 2022 already? New year thoughts by David Latter, Chair of LWPT

Is it 2022 already?

Last week I should have been warming myself in the Canary Islands, but the slight possibility of not being able to return to the UK, with the new regulations being brought in one day before we left, tipped the balance towards cancelling. We stayed in the UK to feel the effects of Storm Barra!

Life at present seems to be full of twists and turns, changes, disappointments, and heartache. However, it is good to know that there are some constants in these difficult times, primarily that through all of life, God is in control. This is shown throughout the pages of the Bible when, time and time again, refugee status, famine, and war hit God’s people. We see through the stories of Moses, Joseph, and the kings of the 12 tribes how God was in charge. With their history understood it is surprising that God had to send His only Son, Jesus, to remind them of the truth; however, it is probably not surprising as people easily forget what has gone before, either because they positively want to forget, or events get in the way!

Is this true for us and 2021, where the changes that I have mentioned above make us want to forget or where we strive on our own to do better?

The work in which LWPT is engaged, and to which I am proud to associate as Chair of Trustees, is rooted in God’s love and His desire to be known through the words of scripture and the work of His people. As a Local Preacher in the Methodist Church for over 40 years, I have been blessed to share God’s word with many but am always looking for new insights and ways to share.

It is very encouraging to receive support from our members, both financially and prayerfully, but we do not want to forget those who are reading this and from whom we would love to have your continuing support, both financially and prayerfully. We thrive serving active preachers with resources for development and learning, with grants to those who are experiencing hardship in these difficult times and for those requiring help with their training as preachers.

As we move into 2022, may you find peace and comfort in the knowledge of the constancy of God in your lives and the power of His Spirit changing you for the better. 

David Latter

Chair of Trustees, Leaders of Worship and Preachers Trust (LWPT)

LWPT are publishers of Preach magazine, Preach eNews, Ichthus, Sermon of the Year, and in partnership with The Methodist Church, the Bible Month booklets.