News from our Voluntary & Part-Time Chaplains 

Rev Richard Hayton

Chaplain to Gillingham Football Club

This last season as a chaplain to Gillingham FC has been arguably the most productive and blessed in some thirty years of chaplaincy at the club.

In January of this year I was privileged to baptise the 18yr old son of a staff member at the club on his birthday! I was privileged to lead his dad to the Lord 18 months ago.

About three months ago a player called Omar Beckles joined the club and since he has arrived I have been blessed to have about a dozen players wanting to meet for prayer and Bible study each week after breakfast. We also have a WhatsApp group where people share prayer needs and mutual encouragement. I have had individuals wanting prayer and discipleship before but never a group such as this. It is like I have served a 30 year apprenticeship for a time such as this. 

On the field of play the results have not been great but the players and staff really appreciate the work of chaplaincy. At the end of the season 18 players are out of contract and there will be many changes. Please pray the gains made spiritually this season continue during a time of upheaval and change. Please also pray for me that the cancer treatment I am on works and the side effects are minimal.