Why I am surprised by answers to prayers? He may be a God of surprises, but shouldn't we expect and anticipate an answer when we talk with Him? When we share with Him our hearts, our desires, our needs, our cares?

I've heard that there are three answers to prayer - yes, no, wait.

I think I've had all three several times recently. Did I tell you what's happened?

**bright cheerful daffodils are brightening the grounds, all around the front garden, in the orchard ... a wonderful gift last August from a friend!**

- All those seemingly unsolvable problems from 6 - 9 months ago have each been answered well - but I had to learn to wait! Among them - the cottage was sold, the health issues have disappeared, and other answers too, solving several problems

- bookings are beginning to happen, people are coming on retreat and we are watching in humble amazement as the Lord blesses those who come

- a significant donation has been given (from the USA) so that the chapel and the parking area can be finished, work which will be done in April. How we thank God!

- another much smaller donation has been pledged, which enables the office to be finished

- there are a handful of regular supporters/Friends of the Vine, supporting the work through monthly giving. Not nearly enough yet, but it's a start. I'm being paid again after several months of no income at all

- a full house for the Volunteers Week, with people coming to work on getting the house and grounds ready for the summer. They are going to be sponsored for their physical hours of work (3 -4 hrs each afternoon) and the money raised will go towards the purchase of the summer house, a much-needed further quiet space for retreatants to use. Join in sponsoring them - without doing any physical work you can help towards the project! CLICK HERE TO SPONSOR A VOLUNTEER!

- a single donation to enable someone to come on retreat for 2 nights who otherwise couldn't afford it and another payment for a specific individual to come for a few nights

- some rest, refreshment and renewal for us. We escaped for a week, the first time we have had a week away as just the two of us for over a year. It was wonderful; we were really blessed especially through some very helpful books - we both highly recommend "The Day is Yours - slow moving spirituality in a fast moving world" by Ian Stackhouse. It's being worked out in new daily rhythms of grace applied to our life at Mays Farm!

- the provision of a Christian part-time housekeeper! Realising it's no longer possible for me to cook, housekeep, garden, as well as lead retreats, provide spiritual direction and hospitality, now that there are more people here. So we are grateful for the unexpected provision of Rachel, who spent her teenage years in a Christian retreat centre, attends a local Vineyard church and goes to New Wine and has been on several retreats herself. Please pray for her as she begins with us on Monday March 31 (part time, 2-3 hours every Monday - Friday)

- you have been praying and supporting us! THANK YOU.

Thank you for your prayers thus far. Please keep praying -

the ministry can't do this without you!

*** * * * * ***

Upcoming Retreats:

Have a peek at our website - some of the most popular retreats are

Hotel de Chocolate (click for link)

and SEND YOUR VICAR AWAY - or your pastor or minister (click for link)

SOME OTHER DATES for your diary:

Individual retreats & Away Days

May 3 - 30, June 2-6

Available for you to come for a night or three to be rested, refreshed and renewed. Join in the rhythm of prayers if you would like, but take plenty of time to BE and to 'remain in The Vine'

Spiritual Direction available on request

STOP'N'BE! June 13-15 in association with the national retreat event

part of the national retreat events for the weekend of June 13 - 15 2014

A time to step away from normal routines and try some space and sanctuary.

Ideal for those who have not experienced a retreat before.

A guided retreat but with plenty of down time.

And breakfast in bed if you would like!

arrive Friday June 13th afternoon, depart Sunday June 15th.

48 hours of time to BE!

WRITERS' WEEKEND RETREAT

Friday July 11 - Sunday July 13

A weekend of peace and quiet!

If you're a writer: time and space to get on with your opus magnum; chat with others over meals for further inspiration; encourage and support each other in getting down to the actual words on a page! And morning and evening hemming of the day with a guided devotional time to provide spiritual nourishment.

If you just want space, time, peace ... this is the weekend for you! Breakfast in bed, time to relax, read, pray .... AND WRITE!

Your hosts are each published writers.

Maximum of 5 people. Private en-suite rooms. Full board.