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The past fifty years...
Convinced of her calling, and with the aid of a small group of supporters, Ruth persevered, confident that the only way forward was to trust in the Lord for everything. A large house with extensive grounds in Branksome Park, Poole, was located, and just enough money – including £500 compensation for the car accident – became available to enable it to be purchased. On March 28th, 1955, Ruth moved in, and the work had begun. Initially there was a strong reaction from other residents in Branksome Park, who feared that the house would be too noisy! Money was very tight and there was little to spare for furniture, beds and other essentials, so the ever-resourceful Ruth resorted to jumble and auction sales to furnish “The Free Church Home of Rest and Divine Healing”, as the home was officially entitled. Eventually, at the suggestion of one of the guests, the name ‘Green Pastures’, inspired by Psalm 23, was adopted –rapidly to become shortened affectionately to ‘GP’. From the very beginning, Green Pastures was a place where peace and powerful prayer were the focal point, with a daily service in the chapel and a healing service, often with communion, held every week – a tradition that is maintained to the present day. Spending time listening and praying with guests was seen as a vital part of their recovery. Some guests eventually became members of the staff, in much the same way that Ruth herself became involved initially. In the first year, 140 guests and patients stayed in the home and, much to her amazement, the year ended with all bills paid and £200 in the bank account. This was despite (or perhaps because of?) a policy of accepting reduced fees from those who were unable to pay the full amount. To meet the increasing demand for places, an annexe was added and dedicated in April 1960, to provide much-needed ground floor bedrooms and other accommodation and offices. In response to the increasing number of elderly visitors, a second house in Burton Road, ‘Still Waters’ was purchased in 1964, although it is no longer part of Green Pastures’ ministry.  The 'new' extension in 1960 In 1965 Ruth Hainsworth retired although she remained active in her support. Two years later, Iris Delaselle became Warden of GP until 1969, when Rev. Lewis Maclachlan succeeded her. In 1972 Rev. Bill Burridge was appointed Director. Bill instituted a major transformation of the premises to reflect the changing needs of the ministry, including new bedrooms, a larger chapel, and a new dining room and kitchen. The healing ministry of Green Pastures, with its emphasis on healing prayer, laying-on of hands, and pastoral counselling, was once (and in some areas still is) viewed with suspicion by mainstream churches, although GP has always enjoyed good relationships with churches in the area. The charismatic renewal begun in the 70s helped to bring such activities into general acceptance, although it needed skilled guidance by respective Directors to maintain a healthy balance between ‘ordinary’ and extraordinary manifestations of God’s power. Since Bill Burridge, our Directors have been: Over time, a number of extra facilities and services have been added to Green Pastures: the heated swimming pool, a new roof, the conservatory, ensuite facilities, and a second storey to the 1960 annexe. Having the Director living on the premises has been a key factor in maintaining the community feel of GP. In 2004 the Director’s flat was significantly extended to accommodate Colin and his family. New healing therapies have been introduced, too, including creative activities and massage. Currently, funds are being raised to install a lift, to enable less mobile guests access to the first floor. As Green Pastures looks forward to the next 50 years, and all the challenges that we shall face, we remain confident in God’s perfect plans and timing. In the words of Ruth Hainsworth, our founder, we pray that we will “learn more of His will for the work of the Home, to be purer channels, and by His help to receive a larger vision. We continue to service him as steadfastly as we are able, and to give Him the glory.” For more about the early years of Green Pastures, try to obtain a copy of Ruth Hainsworth’s book “Led to Green Pastures” (Arthur James, Evesham, 1977); unfortunately it has been out of print for some time. A new booklet, “From the infinite past”, has been written and privately published by Sue Crowder, a member of the Executive Committee. It is available from Green Pastures, and we invite a donation of £2 to cover postage and packing. |
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Severely disabled by a car accident in her mid-thirties, Ruth Hainsworth faced a dismal future, unable to work and heavily dependent on others. On Good Friday morning, almost in despair about what would become of her, she distinctly heard God tell her that she would be healed - if she went to a Home of Healing. Her search for such a place led her to Crowhurst in Sussex, where God was faithful to his promise and she experienced a major improvement in her physical wellbeing. Later she moved to Resthaven, and it was here that God called again. This time it was to tell Ruth that she should open a Free Church Home of Healing - an ambition that was dismissed by most people she tentatively approached as being utterly ridiculous.
