As you can see this edition of Goodnews is a bit different from normal. The editorial committee had a retreat in Walsingham some time ago when we prayed for the Goodnews and its future direction. We sensed that the Holy Spirit was saying to us that we should be reaching out more to others and having more simple stories. As a way of responding to this, as a trial, this issue we have decided to reduce the pages of Goodnews from 36 to 24 pages and then produce a 36 page colour A5 testimony magazine to be given free to our regular readers. To help pay for some of the extra printing costs we have accepted a few advertisements. We are also hoping that some of our readers might be inspired to buy more of these magazines to give away to others as a form of evangelistic outreach. We all know how inspiring personal stories can be and there are some really good ones in this little magazine. See what you think and please give us your feedback so we know if we should do this again and if so how often. The testimony magazines will be sold for £1 each including postage but we can also offer good discounts (10% to 50%) depending on the number of copies you buy.

We are living through turbulent times economically at the moment as the global financial crisis worsens. So I was very interested when I was given a photocopy of an article written by Bruce Yocum in the late 70s which contained a number of prophetic words received by the American NSC 30 years ago. These include one which specifically speaks of cities going bankrupt – “Are you willing to see the bankruptcy of the whole economic system you rely upon now, so that all money is worthless and cannot support you?” another line speaks of churches “with bars across their doors”. Although in the UK and Ireland we still have freedom of religion, there are many churches now that are barred, (but from the inside!) as due to lack of priests or vandalism churches are closed. These prophetic words don’t sound like “Good News” but I believe the Lord is bringing these things to our attention, not to depress us, but to challenge us, to make sure that Jesus really is our security and not our money or material possessions. In these same prophetic words the Lord promises that although these times will be difficult they will also be a time of glory for the Church, and an opportunity for evangelisation, if we are prepared.

Fr Pat Collins CM in his article this month reflects on all this prophecies and others and considers the way ahead. Fiona Hendy, who co-ordinates the network of intercessors for the CCR, also reports back what she feels the Lord is saying in the light of the prophetic words she has been receiving from people all over the country and the growing urgency in prayer that the Lord seems to be calling us to. Michelle Moran had the honour of being invited, as one of a few women, to last autumn’s Vatican synod on the Word of God. She shares with us some of her experiences and what it was like being at an international synod and what came out of it. Fr Bob Faricy SJ, who has been part of the CCR for over 30 years, tells us how Charismatic Renewal changed his life and his priesthood and how essential he feels it is for the CCR to promote the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. This experience is the gift that the CCR can help bring to the Church to awaken and empower people’s faith in Christ.

For evangelisation to be successful, however, it needs not only the anointed preaching of the salvation message but also the witness of love and service of the Christian community. In this issue we hear the amazing story of Kkotongnae in Korea, an amazing ministry that blossomed from the witness of an old beggar who began to care for other beggars who were too weak to beg for themselves. Today it is a huge complex where the destitute and ill are taken care of, as well as being a centre for charismatic renewal in Asia. This spring there is an opportunity to visit the place, as ICCRS is organising its first international catholic charismatic conference outside of Rome, there in June 2009.

We also have our usual news stories, coming events and regular columnists, Fr Chris Thomas and Sue Whitehead, who share their thoughts for this time of the year.