Trent Vineyard Church, Nottingham

The Making a Difference groups exist to encourage people to fulfil their God-given potential in life. We all want our lives to count for something, and this is because God has made us for a purpose, a purpose specific to our character, personality and abilities.
 
In the film 'Chariots of Fire', Eric Liddell, a Scottish runner, is asked by his sister, "Why do you spend so much of yourself in running when there is so much need in the world?" Eric replied, "God made me fast, and when I run, I feel God's pleasure."

When do you feel God's pleasure, the pleasure of your creator as he watches you fulfil the potential he has put in you? An artist finds great joy in creating, an accountant finds joy in order, a nurse delights in healing and caring for the sick, a mechanic finds joy in fixing things.

Making a Difference groups gather people from the same occupations and professions. For example Making a Difference in Education draws anyone who works in schools, colleges and universities together to explore and live out God's plans for education in our country. The MaD in Education group includes dinner ladies, teachers, LEA employees, university lecturers and teaching assistants.

Further MaD groups include Making a Difference in Business, Making a Difference in Sport, Making a Difference Overseas and we are soon to launch Making a Difference in Health.

MaD groups meet throughout the year to socialise, network and share how God's kingdom values shape the way we work. If there isn't a group that relates to your occupation, please let Andy Kitchen know so more groups can be started.

Contact
Andy Kitchen - 0115 840 3726
  

Making a Difference in Business draws anyone who works in commerce and industry together to explore and live out God's plans for business in our country. The MaD in Business group includes solicitors, graphics designers, business analysts, finance directors, managing directors, and bar managers.

Contact
Paul and Claire Tomkins
George Taft

Making a Difference in Education draws anyone who works in schools, colleges and universities together to explore and live out God's plans for education in our country. The MaD in Education group includes dinner ladies, teachers, LEA employees, university lecturers and teaching assistants.

Contact
Graeme Robins
Mike Cook
 

This group offers an opportunity for anyone who is interested and passionate about sport to explore and embrace what God has in store for us in this area of ministry.

The vision: to see us build communities in our church family through the medium of sport. Moreover, we want to use sport as a vehicle for reaching out to and blessing others in our city. Our heart is for our teammates, coaches, referees, spectators, and, of course, our opponents.

Contact
Andy Kitchen - 0115 840 3726

The Making a Difference Overseas (MADO) networks exist to connect, support and mobilise people with a heart for seeing the Kingdom extended overseas. There are a number of networks focused on different geographical areas. For more information, please see the MADO page.

Several MADO networks meet once a month to pray for the different countries they serve. There's also a yearly forum where all the networks come together to share their experiences and pray for one another. If you'd like to get involved in any of our overseas work, just come along to the MADO meetings advertised in the bulletin or contact Sue Borghisani.

MADO networks and contacts:

India - Liz Gregson & Sue Borghisani

The Bridges Project, Middle East - Tim & Sarah Raybould

Zimbabwe - Keren Long, Tracey & Graeme Guthrie

Romania - Jo Gresty

Ghana - Rosie & Dave Jefferson

DCI Charity - Les & Pilar Norman

MADO team - Sue Borghisani & Sarah Jackman

How do I get involved in a team?

We are very excited about the trips that are planned for the coming year. For further information on a particular trip, please click on the relevant network below.

Participation in a team will involve an application process and some teams will be by invitation only. Unless otherwise stated, everyone is welcome to apply to be on a team, however a place is not guaranteed. All trips are self-funded. In all cases a character reference will be required from your small group leader.

If you are interested in participating in a team, please email the MADO team.