The seaside resort of Morecambe in Lancashire is a much undervalued gem with magnificent views of the Lake District mountains across the bay.
Famous for launching the career of one of Britain’s best-loved comedians, it has been home for the past four decades to a dear friend of mine who led my late wife Irene to Christ and has always been a great encouragement.
My early impressions of the town, derided by some as the poor man’s Blackpool, were of a tired and rundown place that had clearly seen better days; drab old buildings, peeling paint and a somewhat seedy reputation for drug dens and dingy drinking houses.
But all this is changing - thanks to groups of Christians who have determinedly set out to pray for a revival of its fortunes.
What God Can Do
It was five years ago that some of them began ‘prayer-walking’ an area south of the town centre, specifically asking God to bring in a wholesome enterprise to boost the economy along with the prospect of jobs.
Then, two years ago, plans were announced that the world-famous Eden Project had earmarked this very locality for another version of their stunning attraction celebrating the wonders of nature, which has made such an impact in Cornwall.
Our Christian friends have since learnt that the new venture was initially proposed five years ago, just when they started praying, a fact that reduced an Eden representative to tears.
Now the town is buzzing with hope and pride. Just last week I witnessed plush new apartments on the smart promenade along with a newly-renovated grand hotel that had been left derelict for years.
As the old song says, “It is no secret what God can do…”
Morecambe’s rundown, seedy reputation is changing thanks to groups of Christians who have determinedly set out to pray for a revival of its fortunes.
Judeo-Christian Ethos
These and other Christians have meanwhile taken over what has become a lively seafront café called The Lighthouse, right in the heart of the resort, opposite the life-sized sculpture of Eric Morecambe in typical comic pose.
Statue of Eric Morecambe, Morecambe BayOffering tasty food at very reasonable prices, it has gained a reputation as a haven of peace and tranquillity capable of calming even the most manic of its many satisfied customers, who may well also stumble across helpful Bible verses in the loo.
The décor is festooned with creative artwork celebrating the town’s history as well as the café’s own Judeo-Christian ethos. And in view of the fact that the original owner was Jewish, it seems appropriate that the current management are part of what is known as the Morecambe Bay Shabbat Network, a fellowship of believers in Jesus who celebrate the Jewish festivals in order to both deepen and enrich their faith (which is, after all, rooted in Judaism) and encourage the participation of Jews.
Missional Vision
Café owner Mike Robinson had envisioned a welcoming venue that was very much part of the community, with profits going to local charities including the Food Bank.
Mandy Atwill explained that her involvement emerged from the idea of ‘food evangelism’ so much used by Jesus in his earthly ministry, teaching his disciples around the ‘table’, so to speak. And she saw the quality of the fare as a key to success.
The backstory to this revolves around the local branch of the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International (FGBMFI) experiencing a fall in numbers at their meetings apparently due to the poor quality of the food provided at the venues. Mandy and her sister Kay duly offered their services which led to a revival of these meetings, which are specifically designed to lead men to Christ.
Once a month on a Friday evening, the start of the Jewish Sabbath, supporters of the ministry meet at the café for a special meal celebrating the richness of our Hebraic heritage.
Prayer is a key to their activities. Recognising the shocking treatment of German Jews by Morecambe residents at the outbreak of World War II, when they were sent to the Isle of Man to be interned alongside Nazis, some of the town’s Christians recently held a prayer vigil on the island, identifying with the plight of those who first brought us the Gospel.
Once a month on a Friday evening, the start of the Jewish Sabbath, supporters of the ministry meet at the café for a special meal celebrating the richness of our Hebraic heritage.
Living Water
During a recent family get-together in the Lakes, we shared in a splendid feast hosted by the Morecambe fellowship to celebrate Tabernacles, a time when Jews everywhere remember how God looked after them in the wilderness, specifically through the provision of food and water.
It was, of course, perfectly fulfilled by Jesus when he announced, first, that he was the “bread of life” (John 6:35) and then, at the Feast of Tabernacles itself, that those who believe in him would experience “rivers of living water” flowing from within them (John 7:38).
With the Irish Sea in front of us and the stunning Lake District behind us, there was no shortage of water to look at. But do we thirst for the living water that only Jesus can provide?
