Thank you to all who came by and stopped to chat on the stand. It was so great to meet people from the groups that Transform Work UK supports and put names to faces, such as Vanessa from Christians In Government UK, Trudi from the Royal Bank of Scotland, the student worker from the Christian Dental Fellowship, along with crazy fun Nath from the Naval Christian Fellowship manning the Military Christians stand at Momentum - amongst others. Special thanks to those who joined me on the stand, Helen from Agriculture Christian Fellowship and Beth from British Association of Christians in Psychology.  You can check out their adhoc promo videos taken on the stand here.

I am also very thankful to Hannah, TWUK’s Social Media volunteer and who had a baptism of fire on the stand.  As a new member of the TWUK team - here’s her feedback...

'My lasting impression of helping on the stand was that, coming from a history where you have to 'sell' at an exhibition which I've never been very comfortable with, and having no gimmicks on the stand to draw people in, I was really inspired by a number of lovely Christians who sought out the stand because doing 'something' at work for God was really important to them. It's a shame that there are still workers in some industries/geographies/organisations where they are alone with no other Christians to team up with, but so great to see they are still energised and committed to praying for their colleagues and employers and eager to see change! Yay for lovely people! I hope we will build relationships with these people to support them!' 
  
Whist on the stand we asked as many people as possible to answer a few survey questions. The results of the survey are really interesting, and can be seen here.  My main conclusion is that if you are part of a CWG / CPG you are more likely to pray with colleagues for your organisation.

It was great to be able to promote a number of Christian Professional Groups who had supplied their leaflets for our carousel stand and have their logos and pics on our revolving TV display. I loved seeing people walk past and pick the profession that is related to them or hear them say 'I’m taking this leaflet for my friend'!

We had some fun on the stand, even David Cameron showed up to find out more at one point! I think his cardboard cut-out was doing the rounds in the exhibition room! Brilliant to have Christians in Politics at both events, to meet Colin Bloom, and hear what an excellent job they are doing supporting Christian MPs and staff in the heart of our government. Praying for you guys!

We had brilliant chats with people in work. One recent graduate was sharing about her law firm where they are naming and shaming those who don’t reach their targets - Goodness! We had long chats and a great time praying together. Although her first reaction was to leave the firm, after seeking the Lord she felt it right to be there. I love her courage and determination to stay and to find the other Believers in her organisation. Together they can achieve great works for Him to reverse the culture to one of encouragement and praise. Go Girl – it’s a privilege to know you!!!

I had another super conversation with a young guy who has been working in the Nationwide for years, and, although he has a theology degree is not sure he’s making much difference for the Lord in his present position. We had a long chat, I shared about what CWGs were doing and he seemed surprised and encouraged and then excited about the possibilities for him in his organisation. We prayed on the stand and he took our Growing Christian Groups booklet as a guide. Transform Work UK is committed to help him find the other Believers in Nationwide, to grow a CWG that seeks to pray for the organisation as well as fulfil their corporate social responsibility and diversity policy. Please get in touch if you or a friend works there.

Another quick story from a guy who came to the stand in the afternoon on the last day. He was fired up! It was so refreshing, listening to him. He had recently given his whole life back into Father God’s hands and has found himself in the leadership position of Ernst and Young’s CWG in London. He was thrilled that Transform Work UK existed as much as I was thrilled to hear of his 12 month strategy for the group! Hold on tight... the Lord Jesus is definitely at work in E&Y! Can’t wait to see our London Ambassador team following up, and introducing him to other key leaders in the heart of The City for encouragement and sharing of good practice!

There are so many stories… another quick one is of a lady who is nearing the end of her career in psychology feeling a little worn out and demoralised with the apparent oppression towards Christians in her workplace. I, of course, put a British Association of Christians in Psychology leaflet in her hands, but also asked if I could pray. As we prayed the following scripture from Philippians 2:15/16 came to mind…

“Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.”

After we prayed she said 'how did you know, that is the exact verse that I have written on my desk at work!'. Needless to say she went away encouraged by the work of the Spirit!
Father wants to encourage all of us – put Him first, seek Him in your workplace and you will shine so others can see Him.

Having had a week back in my lovely warm dry bed I can now say it was an absolute pleasure to meet so many people keen to make a difference in their workplace across the UK. Keep going – I can’t wait to follow up and see how the Lord is going to use you for His glory!

Ros