Paul Luckraft meets up with Sally Richardson, founder and organiser of the 'Israel and Prophecy' group, London.

The 'Israel and Prophecy' group meets once or twice a month on Saturdays at All Souls Clubhouse, London. Paul arranged to meet up with Sally, its founder, to find out how they started and what God is doing through the meetings.

Pieces of the Jigsaw

It is often the case that when God wants to start something new he calls on those who have been serving him faithfully for many years and whose previous experience and background provide just what he needs at that time. For many years Sally Richardson had been involved in organising meetings and making contacts with speakers and teachers who had also become good friends. Her involvement with Christian Ministerial Fellowship International (CMFI) in particular meant that she had come across several speakers at conferences whom she would be able to call upon in the future – a future which God knew about long before she did!

Another piece in the jigsaw that the Divine hand was putting together was the venue. By chance Sally came across All Souls Clubhouse (ASC) when walking down Cleveland Street one day. Instead of just going past, she decided to go in and investigate what was there. Sometime later, when another venue for a meeting she was organising was inadvertently double-booked, Sally remembered ASC and was able to rearrange her meeting there. Although this was a one-off at the time, it is now clear that God was showing Sally the potential of the rooms there for what he would want in the future.

God knew Sally's future long before she did – and had all the pieces of the jigsaw in place ready.

The Seeds Germinate

For the next few years nothing different happened, but seeds had been sown. Then in 2012 Sally found that, quite spontaneously and independently, people were telling her with great concern and sadness about their churches espousing Replacement Theology and having no understanding of prophecy or the end times, much less any teaching on them. This very much resonated with Sally's own awareness of the lack of good teaching in churches on the vital subjects of Israel and prophecy. As she says, "I was very distressed in spirit about these matters, and began to earnestly pray and seek the Lord concerning them. He then began to remind me of certain things."

First, he showed her that she was in the fortunate position of knowing a number of brothers who could give sound and balanced teaching on these vital and neglected subjects. He also reminded her that she had organised meetings in the past, so why not do so again? Indeed, with both the necessary administrative skills and a list of personal contacts, surely she was the one God could most use to help people in this respect?

Further, the Lord laid on her heart that these meetings were to be in central London, and in a venue easily accessible for people. At this point he reminded her of ASC and of that previous occasion when she had needed to find a last-minute replacement venue.

As she continued to pray about the possibility of arranging meetings and what to call them, she sensed the Lord say they were to be held under the banner title of 'Israel and Prophecy'. Everything was coming together and in the spring of 2013 the first meeting took place, being led by two brothers from the Bible Prophecy Foundation.

Sally recalls that only a small number of people attended (about 15), but all very much appreciated the teaching that was brought, the warmth of the welcome they received and the fellowship they enjoyed with others of like mind. This encouraged her to continue, and three more meetings took place that year. Also encouraging was the way the Lord brought a small team of helpers around her to assist with recording, serving refreshments and the other essential tasks which make such a venture more successful and enable it to grow.

Often when God wants to start something new he calls on those who have been serving him faithfully for many years, whose background provides just what he needs at that time.

Gathering Momentum

In 2014, things really took off - such was the demand. There would be a meeting every month, sometimes twice a month, with more and more speakers being drafted in. News of the meetings spread by word of mouth. Sally testifies, "I don't need to advertise much now, new people are coming each month." Thankfully, there are larger rooms available at ASC when necessary – as God knew from the beginning! Sally is grateful that the Clubhouse is a very welcoming and supportive venue. "I have been told by the Manager and some of the volunteers that we are a favourite of theirs amongst the many other groups who use their facilities."

With such contentious subjects as Israel and prophecy, it might be wondered how this is handled. The answer is - diplomatically and with a stress on unity! Clearly, regarding Israel all the speakers are anti-Replacement Theology and pro-restoration. As for end time topics, a greater diversity of opinion is allowed for on the part of the speakers, which at least allows people a chance to think things through from a biblical perspective.

Without exception each brother's ministry has been warmly received and greatly appreciated. Those attending regularly tell Sally at the end of the meetings how very grateful they are for the teaching they've heard, some nearly in tears and others almost overcome with gratitude. "I get fed here!" more than one has declared. "Please...never stop these meetings! We need them!"

Such contentious subjects as Israel and prophecy are handled diplomatically and with a stress on unity.

A Bright Future!

The future of these meetings seems assured. The speakers are generally free to decide what they want to speak about, as long as it fits the general remit of Israel and prophecy. There will certainly be no lack of specific topics to keep the group going until...well, the Lord returns!

The style of the meetings may vary a little, sometimes with discussion, Q&As, and also some prayer and intercession. But the overall aim has been satisfied – people are now receiving the biblical teaching they were lacking previously.

As Sally concludes, "I want to give all the praise and glory to the Lord for the blessing these meetings have been, and indeed, continue to be."

Details of Future Meetings

The next four meetings are as follows:

• 1 October: Pastor Ian Huxham and Rod Boggia (Bible teachers from Evangel Sidmouth and PFI)
• 29 October: Prayer and Bible Day with Simon Wyatt (Bible teacher from Bethel Christian Assembly, Raising a Standard)
• 5 November: Chris Hill (Bible teacher and Israel Tours leader, CL Ministries)
• 19 November: Tony Pearce (Bible teacher, Bridge Lane Fellowship, Light for the Last Days)

All meetings will be from 10am-3pm unless advised otherwise, at All Souls Clubhouse, 141 Cleveland St, London W1T 6QG. Recordings are available to purchase after. A love offering is taken for the speaker. Please come prepared for the lunch break – either bring a packed lunch or eat at a nearby café.

For more details, contact Sally by This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

All welcome!