In2venture

Today sees the continuation of our series on the In2venture community – this week I have bitten the bullet and it is my turn.

Graham Simpson

My name is Graham Simpson and I am the operations manager of In2venture.

Although I am a proud North Easterner I currently live in a village on the outskirts of Carlisle with my wife, two kids and our german shepherd/husky cross.

My links with In2venture go back 16 years to when I used to be involved with an activity club that was linked to the charity at the time. Professionally I have now been working for In2venture for over 10 years in a number of different roles including instructor, senior instructor and now operations manager.

I took over as manager in the early part of 2014 shortly after I had an unfortunate climbing accident which left me with a broken leg and an operation to fit a metal plate to correct the damage. Due to both my injury and the fact that In2venture was going through some major changes when I took over, most of this year for me has been about consolidating what we have and ensuring that the groups who use us are safe in the knowledge that they can still expect the same level of service under my charge.

The next year will be very exciting for me as it will allow me a chance to put my vision into action now that the charity has had chance to settle after a year of changes. My hope for the charity is that we can continue providing activity sessions to groups and schools, both residential and non-residential as we currently do, whilst pushing out into other related areas.

My passion is for spreading the gospel through outdoor sports and my plan is that this year we can start to work more with the local community – not just providing sessions but in encouraging people to come on board and turn their own passion into action. My hope is to provide a system that allows both young and adult to get along side each other through outdoor sports and give them the skills and knowledge to go out and do the same.

Physically I am still not back to where I was before my accident and it is going to take some time, but I hope to be getting out there a lot more this winter and the coming year. I have thus far managed to get in some surfing (would take more than a broken leg to keep me away from that), and I am currently pushing myself in road biking to try and regain my fitness. I am also just about to start heading out again into the mountains and back under ground into the mines, however it may be a while before I climb again.

Prayer Points

Please pray for us as we try and connect with the young people in our area, and that they would feel encouraged and enabled by us to seek new experiences in both faith and outdoor adventure.

– Graham

Those of you that know me will know that I had an unfortunate climbing accident back in January that put me out of action for a long time. Aside from the physical injuries, one of the biggest hurdles I am faced with is the huge knock my confidence has taken and getting back to performing as I used to is going to be tough.

In the last week I have taken the time to get back on my road bike to try and get back some of my fitness and my confidence.

After a small ride the previous day to get re-accustomed to my spd pedals, I headed out on a ride from Bamburgh to Holy Island – not a long ride, about 16 miles but a good ride with great views and quiet roads which promised to be a helpful boost to my recovery.

What really struck me on this ride was just how much I noticed the small things. After being a confident and experienced mountain biker for many years this felt like going back to basics – small rocks, slippy tarmac and crosswinds all felt like massive obstacles. One of the most memorable obstacles was a simple railway crossing.

This simple crossing that wouldn’t have even registered to me a year ago really brought it home just how much of my confidence has been knocked – the rails felt slippy, the trains and cars felt close – irrational fears that creep in when your confidence is low.

Other road users, both cars and bikes, simply flew over these tracks without a thought for me nervously wobbling my way across.

As so called ‘experienced’ Christians it is easy to forget what it was like when you were starting or restarting out on your journey. As with the cars that were flying past me as I was crossing the train line, it is easy to forget how imposing these obstacles are to the less confident.

We need to remember what it was like back at the beginning when the smallest of obstacles are huge blockages on your Christian journey. As with the rail tracks – Biblical passages and views can be difficult for people to understand and as Christians it is our duty to recognise these obstacles and assist people through them rather than simply driving past.

This week try and get along side someone who is new in their faith and try to look beyond your own confidence and strive to identify what might be the railway crossing on their journey. Even if the obstacles are not clear we can and should be ready and willing to help people on their continuing journey in faith.

– Graham

I live in a village which is essentially a suburb of a small city. I am extremely fortunate to have a Wildlife Trust wetlands a few hundred yards from my doorstep. This provides me with an excellent place to walk my dog each morning and evening.

Although this time of year I often end up trudging along behind my hound in the dark, soaked to the skin and freezing cold it does give me an opportunity that you very rarely get living a modern ‘grown up’ life with a job, kids and other such time consuming aspects. It gives me a chance to think, reflect, pray or simply generally clear my mind (which some would say is pretty empty in the first place).

I am often struck by the contrast between the two worlds that exist so close to each other, one a busy village full of houses, shops, farms – people living busy, pressure filled lives, and the other a calm relaxing environment where the chances of coming face to face with a heron is more likely than another person.

In our busy lives it is easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of money, possessions, job status etc and forget what is actually important.

Here in this wilderness, hidden amongst the houses and cars that we have strived to afford, it is somehow easier to contemplate on what really matters. Here what possessions really matter? (apart from the obligatory waterproofs!) – here you are alone with your thoughts, here you can pray and truly listen.

People often say they don’t get the time or opportunity to pray – look for these places where you can be alone and make the time.

People often say they pray but get no answer – look for these places away from distractions where you can concentrate on listening.

These places exist everywhere – a local woods, a secluded garden, driving alone, a church or simply a room by yourself with no radio/TV etc.

Why not give this a try each day this week, even just for a couple of minutes. In the time it would take you to make a cup of coffee you could take the time to listen – who knows what you might find?

– Graham

This week sees the continuation of our series on people associated with the work of In2venture.

This week – Kevin Marsh

Kevin Marsh

Hi, my name is Kevin Marsh, or Kev as I am more commonly known as, I am a Chartered Quantity Survey and a Partner in a firm of Surveys; however in my spare time I am a keen volunteer with In2venture.

I have been involved with In2venture since 2002, when I was a participant in the original Grafted Project run by Paul Little, whilst In2venture was still operating from Whithaugh Park, Newcastleton.  The first year of Grafted, was aimed at training leaders of youth clubs in various activities so that these skills could be taken back to the local community in which they worked.  I was asked if I wanted to come back for Grated 2 to help out, when the programme developed in to working with youths and those who had been in trouble with the law and the like.

I stayed with In2venture when the Charity moved to Blaithwaite House in around 2005/6 and I have gained many qualifications, such as L1 Cave Leader, Archery Instructor, BELA, SPA training, not to mention the extensive experience gained in volunteering with a well-respected outdoor activity provider.

I became a Director of In2venture Community Interest Company in 2010, which was the body operating Blaithwaite House where the Charity operated from until early 2014.  I have been a Charity Trustee since January 2013 and remain so today.  In addition I am now a Director in the new Community Interest Company In2mission CIC, which is the new trading arm of the Charity.

My preferred activity is caving, but I do like being out on the water either in Canoe or Kayak, and with an interest in climbing, there is always plenty to be involved in.

To me the In2venture community offers great opportunities for friendship, fellowship and the chance to experience the great outdoors.

Prayer Points:

Please pray for the organisation as is moves forward in a positive light and pray for the safety and well-being of those who In2venture takes on such a diverse range of adventurous activities.

Kev

The surfer waits patiently for the wave to be ready.

I have previously mentioned my love of surfing, and as a fan of both surfing and the odd beer I can vividly remember a certain beer advert for several years back. This advert for a well known Irish black liquid (we all know the one), depicts a particularly patient surfer floating about in the sea as ‘he waits’.

Surfing is very much about the wait – particularly for terrible surfers like myself. I recently took our  action camera out for a day in the surf, but came back with only pictures of myself bobbing around as I caught practically nothing. The conditions weren’t right and the day was spent waiting.

Sometimes surfing is like this, the conditions aren’t right – the wind is onshore, the waves are closing out etc.

This is much the same with evangelising. Sometimes this too is the waiting game, the conditions must be right.

Many people simply are not ready to accept the good news of the gospel – they may have had bad experiences with Christianity in the past, they may followers of other religions, perhaps they simply don’t think they need religion in their lives or it may be that God isn’t ready to open their eyes yet.

As a surfer I love to surf and will happily sit all day in the hope of catching just one more wave – for me it is more than worth the wait.

As a Christian I love to spread the gospel and for me it is worth the wait. It is our job as Christians to endure the wait, patiently creating fellowship with others through living caring, compassionate, Jesus centred lives. Building these relationships will allow people to see the benefits and when they are ready to listen you will be there. We need to remember that it is God that decides when they are ready not us.

The Christian waits patiently for the person to be ready.

Graham

Today sees the start of our series on the work of the people associated with and integral to the work of In2venture.

This week Paul Rose has kindly written this about himself, his work and what In2venture means to him.

Graham

Paul Rose

Hi,

My name is Paul Rose – I am the youth work team leader at Penrith Methodist Church.

I have been linked with In2venture for over 8yrs now –originally working full time with them, and more recently as a voluntary instructor and user of their kit, knowledge, insurance and licence…

Shortly before finishing my paid work with In2venture I began to develop the vision of providing adventure-based spiritual retreats. My on-going connection with them has meant I have been able, even if in a limited fashion, to run these retreats knowing I’m supported by them, their insurance and their risk assessments. This sounds a bit dull – but it is an unavoidable element of work outdoors. The retreats bring space and time out for mostly a group of blokes – drawing on the active and adventure aspect to connect with masculine spirituality (note – NOT male spirituality as females also resonate/respond to masculine spirituality, it’s often just more foundational in males)

More recently, I have started a youth Cell based around adventurous activities. This has provided a way to connect with a group of around half a dozen 13-14yr old lads who were simply opting out of other forms of discipleship we offered. Once again, I believe there is something particularly strong within masculine spirituality that is ignited by adventure and the bond of friendship these adventures create. The outdoor setting provides a great environment to be stirred by God too. This combination has now, for the last month, been where we do discipleship.

Prayer Points:

Please pray for us as we develop our understanding of discipleship in this setting, and also for the opportunity and supporters to be able to offer this style of group to girls as well.

Paul

At In2venture we are so much more than an outdoor sports provider. It is out mission to promote the development of faith with as many people as possible.

This would not be achievable without the hard work and commitment of all those associated with the charity. These people range from full time employees to occasional volunteers, youth workers to doctors.

This Friday will see the start of our new series on in2v.org, looking at the work of these people and what it means to them to be associated with this charity.

Come back this Friday to start learning more about who we are and what we do.

-Graham

As the week long challenge comes to an end I thought it would be good to summarize what it was all about.

We all become numb to the things that we see and do everyday, this week has simply been about trying to recapture the feelings and emotions we felt the first time we experienced them.

I have shared a photograph from my personal collection on our facebook and twitter pages everyday this week to try and spark memories of those places in an attempt to put myself back in the moment to try and re-live those memories.

My hope was that these pictures would spark fresh enthusiasm in us all to get out and enjoy creation and encourage us to share these places with others.

The final photograph of the week was of a Bible. This is hugely significant for this challenge. If we look upon the information held in that book with fresh eyes every time we open it, we can truly appreciate what power it has. Keeping our faith fresh and at the forefront of our minds will make it easier to enthusiastically invite and include others on our journey.

I hope you, as I did, have found this week both thought provoking and re-energizing.

I would very much like to hear from you if you took on this challenge over the past week and how you found it.

Remember – this was a week long challenge, not a week long concept – keep looking through new eyes and ask yourself how it makes you feel each day.

Graham

On a recent trip to Cornwall it struck me just how immune you can become to the amazing features of the world around you.

As an outdoor practitioner for over ten years it is rare to come across a view that is entirely new. Every mountain top is different but the more you climb the easier it is to forget the amazing spectacle that surrounds you. The more mining environments you explore the harder it is to pinpoint things that are unique to this new mine. The more rivers you paddle the easier it is to concentrate on the activity rather than the beauty around you.

I have been visiting Cornwall each year for over 15 years and have explored much of it, however this year my two year old daughter took a very keen interest in exploring the coastline with me. She loved the cliffs, beaches and surf more than I could have imagined and it took me back to when I was exploring these places myself for the first time. Seeing the world through her eyes brings about an entire change in how you appreciate your surroundings.

In the outdoors we are constantly exploring and trying to recapture those feelings of awe and wonder that we experienced early on and has driven us into this way of life. It is much the same in our faith – as we continue on our Christian journey it is easy to become complacent with how spectacular our religion is. When we look through fresh eyes at the promises that are made to us as Christians it is easy to see what drew us to this way of life, much as the outdoorsman was drawn in by the spectacular views and experiences.

This thought for the week is more of a challenge than a thought.

I challenge you to go through this week looking upon every view, every experience as though it was the first time. Look upon your faith as if you were reaching out to God for the first time.

Perhaps you, as I did, will recapture what it was that you were drawn to in the first place.

Graham

Our new leaflets and flyers are out now and looking fantastic!

If you would like any sending out to you or your group please get in touch.

Graham