Partnership Update – 1st November 2011
GROWING LEADERS
“Gloucester”
We rejoice in the positive feedback from the first two monthly meetings in Gloucester. Trinity Baptist Church (as one would expect) has done an outstanding job hosting the sessions. Phil Heaps, from Grace Church, Westerleigh (near Bristol), has helped the men to understand and put into practice basic principles of Biblical exegesis. I look forward to joining the men for a day of instruction and interaction on 19 November 2011 from 10:30am – 4:30pm. What a joy to be able to contribute to the growth of leaders in the church for the churches.
Please pray, especially, for Clive Tookey as he and his family undertake a church planting work on Kingsway Estate (Quedgeley). They have just sent their first prayer letter. If any of you would like to be on the list just reply to this email and I will pass your details along to Clive.
“London”
Our meeting on 12 November 2011 promises to be both challenging and encouraging. As both training groups meet jointly, Nathan Xiques will take a session on Biblical ecclesiology and I will take a session on Expository preaching. The highlight of the day will be two presentations by David Chapman who is retiring at the end of the year as secretary of the Association of Grace Baptist Churches (South East). He previously was pastor of Akeman Street Baptist Church in Tring, Hertfordshire (where he remains an elder) for almost
thirty years. He will, no doubt, be a blessing to all the men. The ladies of the church (as usual) will insure that we are well fed.
Please pray, especially, for Adam Laughton as he and his family undertake the church planting work at West Gravesend. I look forward to visiting Adam tomorrow and seeing his work firsthand.
“Manchester”
After ably leading the last two monthly meetings, Geoff King will hand on to Mick Lockwood on 5 November 2011. Mick has distinguished himself among us as both an effective church planter as well as a faithful pastor. I so enjoyed visiting Mick and Gill in Haworth last month and seeing first hand the work they have been doing. He, also, dutifully (remembering I am an American!) walked me around the tourist area. I know the men on Saturday will get on with him very well. Let’s all be praying for them.
Please pray, especially, for Tom Almas as he is now assisting with preaching from time to time at Bradford Community Church.
“Reading Assignment”
As we have no training sessions in December each man will receive a book to read and a set of questions to work through based on their reading. The men in London and Manchester will read “Apologetics to the Glory of God” by John Frame. The men in Gloucester will read “Catch the Vision: The Roots of the Reformed Recovery” by John J. Murray.
Partners have kindly underwritten the costs of these books for the men in London and Manchester. Please pray that someone would be prompted to help in a similar way with the books needed in Gloucester.
PLANTING CHURCHES
“Angel”
Two new members and a new ministry to international students have encouraged the friends at Angel this past month. They look forward to celebrating 160 years of Baptist witness in Angel this Friday. Adam Laughton will preach in the service beginning at 7:00pm.
Prayer would be valued as decisions are made about church leadership at Angel in the coming weeks.
“Charlwood”
We thank the Lord for those who have faithfully supported the work of Providence Chapel through the years. The last meeting will be held here on 18 December 2011.
Please pray for new work beginning in Charlwood in January.
“Chatteris”
The growth of the fellowship at Chatteris is most encouraging. We thank God for their outward focus.
Please pray for Robert Read and the friends at Chatteris as they pray about the most effective way of supporting and /or initiating gospel work in neighbouring Peterborough.
“Chelmondiston”
Who would have thought it possible? After being closed for years the Chelmondiston Chapel has been reopened. After decades without a pastor a man and his wife have moved to the village to take up the work. This is the Lord’s doing and it is marvelous in our sight.
Please pray for the friends at Chelmondiston as they constitute the church in the next couple of weeks and have an official welcome service for their pastor in November (more details to follow).
“Edlesborough”
While many areas lack gospel workers period, the Lord has graciously provided two men to labour for Him at Edlesborough. We rejoice in encouraging reports from the work here.
Please pray for Antony Coles and Nathan Xiques as they balance responsibility for study at London Theological Seminary and service at Edlesborough.
“Grays”
I so enjoyed being in Grays this past Sunday morning. It was especially good to see a first time guest in the service. The work here is very promising.
Please pray that Bruce and Kate Massop’s home in Walthamstow will sell quickly.
“Halstead”
A man (not yet converted) whose wife and daughter have been converted and baptised at Halstead invited the group to his home last Wednesday where he prepared a meal and joined them for a Bible study.
Please pray for Darren’s conversion to faith in Christ.
“North Watford”
Daniel Shwe’s exemplary efforts in evangelism continue to bring new people to the services in North Watford.
Please pray that he can effectively balance his time between his evangelistic work and the preparation and delivery of sermons.
“Richings Park”
One might think a congregation composed largely of young adults would have little concern for the elderly. Think again. You can’t be around anyone from Richings Park for long without hearing them mention a man in his 90’s who has attended some of their meetings.
Please pray for Jack’s salvation.
“Southall”
Sonny Simak and I recently visited a Sikh man at his home. He has been attending the meetings at Southall for some months now. It was a great joy to see him make a clear confession of faith in Christ.
Please pray that Bobby will grow in grace and in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.
“Wood Green”
I have asked you a few times to pray for several who attend the meetings in Wood Green who have not yet professed saving faith. It was then a great joy for Daniel Onyango to declare his faith publicly at a prayer meeting last month.
Please pray that Daniel’s baptism on 11 December 2011 will be a powerful testimony of Christ’s saving power to the lost.
REACHING NATIONS
“Grace Baptist Mission”
It was wonderful for more than 50 of us representing 10 different church plants to be in attendance at the GBM Annual Meetings Day in Solihull on Saturday. We desire for every one of the plants we are involved with to have (from the beginning!) a burden for the nations. How privileged we were to introduce our friends to the ministry of GBM. I fully believe some of those who were with us on Saturday will one day serve the Lord abroad. I trust this will be in fellowship with other like-minded churches through GBM.
Please thank the Lord for the extraordinary efforts of the Abingdon staff and others in preparing for such a memorable day and for the faithful ministry of Don Carson. May the Lord continue to bless GBM.
“Germany”
The Lord is working in various countries on the Continent not least of which is Germany.
Please pray for John McDonald and me as we visit Germany later this month to meet with men interested in the work of church planting there.
“Scotland”
Though the official launch of Grace Baptist Partnership Scotland is not until 14 January 2012 (details to follow), this week marks a significant step as Ali McLachlan and his family relocate to Dundee where the work will be based initially.
Please pray for the Lord’s faithful provision for the McLachlans. If you would like to receive their prayer letter send me an email and I will pass your details along.
BEING FAMILY
“Sunny and Milly Kundhi”
I thought you might enjoy seeing a picture of Sunny and Milly from their wedding last month. They have now returned from their honeymoon in Sri Lanka and are continuing their involvement in the work at Southall.
Please pray for Sunny and Milly as they begin a lifetime of service – together!
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL UPDATE
I hope you have had time to digest the financial update I sent yesterday. Please make this a matter of prayer and if possible send along a gift to show your continued support for this important work. To request a copy, please email gracebaptistpartnership@googlemail.com
Warm regards in Christ