The March of the Abolitionists came through Reading this week. I have been working on this for weeks and it has tired me, but has been so worthwhile.

The last couple of days have been some of the most profound I have lived through. I saw it coming.
Sunday night I had stones thrown at me and my dog Paddy by, as well as much abusive language from, youths on Dee Road.
On Monday night Paddy was attacked by a loose Rottweiler, fortunately I was able to release his lead and he ran home without injury.
Both incidents shook me up and I'm sure were aimed at distracting me.

Walking with the team into Reading on Tuesday in the Yoke and Chains was, much as I had expected, a very strange experience.
Entering Newbury the next day was even stranger as we encountered racist remarks, laughter, mockery and looks of disbelief.
It gave me a very small insight into what it must be like to be on the receiving end of racist abuse.
Reading by contrast felt welcoming, there was a mix of interest and disinterest, but no real opposition.
Indeed, as we left on Wednesday there were car horns honking and friendly waves.
That we put down to the "South Today" coverage.
As we walked through Friar Street, The Forbury and Broad Street, a number of people came up to thank us for what we were doing.

Leaving Reading was the first time in seven years that the team did not contain a descendant of slaves. We reflected on why that might have been.

With three significant elements to the March Through Reading (at the Mural; at St Saviour's and at Greyfriars) we must trust that our emotions were not wrong when we felt that a significant spiritual change had occurred in inter-racial relations, which will be seen to develop into reality within the community over the months and years to come.
It came as quite a surprise to us all that God used Reading as a place to strongly confront West Indian / African conflict and hatred.

The acts of repentance and forgiveness on both sides were very real.
As is so often our experience, what happens first in the Church is released out into the wider community.

As Reading's Church leaders determine to put the past behind and work together for the sake of the kingdom so the town will be blessed.