Sunday Worship 10.30am and 6.15pm
Wednesday Prayer & Bible Study 7.30pm

+

Mission

mission at grace

Missionary Weekend 2019

Grace Baptist Church Southport invite you to our annual Missionary Weekend. Taking place on 16-17h November, we look forward to hearing reports on the Lord’s work from many parts of the world.

This year, out missionaries are going to be including items not just for adults, but also for children.These will take place during the main sessions, as well as in some breakout sessions. So please do bring your children along too.

Please read the enclosed leaflet for more information about our speakers, as well as details of times and our hot lunch.
Parking Information:

You can park on the streets around the church using the meters, and pay £1.50 for up to 1 hour, £3 for up to 2 hours, and £5 for up to 4 hours. Some meters also accept £7 for anything over 4 hours. The meters take cash, credit/debit cards, contactless, and ApplyPay.

There is an NCP Car Park on London Street, which can be pre-booked for 5 hours costing from £7.20 on the NCP website.

The Sports Direct multi-storey car park on Tulketh Street is the closest and probably the cheapest. It is a camera on entry and pay on exit car park, and charges are 30 minutes parking for 90p, 2 hours for £1.50, 3 hours for £2.90, and 12 hours for £3.90.

The Park and Ride on the Esplanade is open in November 7:00-19:00 (not on Sundays); it costs £2 per day and the bus drops off on Lord Street.

LeafletWebsite

 

Mission image

Arequipa News Oct 2019

So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart.

A bird with a broken wing cannot fly. A church that relies on only one “wing” of ministry will also struggle to function efficiently. The early New Testament church spread its wings and lit spiritual fires in many areas, seemingly through smaller group gatherings. The “wings” of the church, God’s people in the Buenos Aires area are corporate worship on Sundays, supported by house groups and other small fellowship events throughout the week. In our case the weekly events, where believers can know real fellowship, encourage one another, and invite family, friends and neighbours, has been a means of considerable spiritual vitality and blessing. It has the effect of moving us away from a mere professional ministry to a more collective ministry, where believers can express their faith and use their gifts. As I said recently in a sermon, “The Lord does not desire fat sheep, so go out and feed others from what you received. Freely you have received, freely give”.

Mission

Recently we had a full month of ministry on Mission, with visiting speakers and all the members involved. We had nine groups in the church who gave a presentation on the country of their choice. Every wall of the church was decorated with photos, statistics and missionary information, along with tables spread with indigenous food. One of our members, Juan José who is studying Japanese brought along his teacher and other students. One of the students, Max, has since made a profession of faith, and now worships regularly with us. We are blessed with a good number of committed young people where those, such as Max, can immediately find fellowship and encouragement.

Recently joined are another couple from Venezuela, Marco and his wife. Roberto, a church member and a builder, has taken on more workers due to winning a contract to build a six story block of flats. Marco is among those men he has hired.  Each day before they start work he holds a short service. He has invited me to share the gospel at some point in the near future. Pray for these families, they face a terrible situation in Venezuela. The couple mentioned above have come to Peru without their children. Working here means, they can send money back to support their families. Pray for Venezuela.

Rebeca will be travelling to Pakistan at the end of October, and not back until May next year. She will spend 4 months at the hospital in Multan, and then for a time in Thailand with other missionaries at the Pioneer Mission Conference. She still hopes to travel to the UK sometime next year with a view to improving her English before returning to Pakistan as a full time missionary, God willing, in 2021.  

Villa Magisterial

Here we also meet with believers in their homes during the week. This has the added benefit of encouraging other family members to join in, particularly husbands, as it is difficult to get them out to other events. We are preparing for the largest gospel outreach we have ever had in the area, running from 8th, 9th and 10th of November. Recently I presented a letter to the President of the local Residents Association, requesting the use of the local community centre for the 3 day outreach. We have chosen the theme of the ministry, along with the guest speaker who will share in the ministry. We plan to work with another Baptist church with whom we have close fellowship, mainly through their Pastor Germán Cáceres, with whom we meet on a regular basis. This month we will meet together to pray specifically for the Lord’s blessing and power upon this outreach. Please Pray also that I will get the relevant permission from the local authority to place an advert above the main highway into Villa Magisterial. Recently the Lord gave me this verse which I shall constantly use in prayer. Please will you pray with us for a move of the Holy Spirit through those days of gospel outreach? I know your deeds, behold, I have put before you an open door which no one can shut, because you have a little power, and have kept my word, and have not denied my name. Rev.3:8. May the Lord be pleased to open hearts to receive the grace of God in salvation; using our weakness and powerlessness to bring glory to his name through the salvation of many.

Children´s ministry

Some of the children who have been with us for years have enjoyed days out with the young people of the Buenos Aires church. What an encouragement that Gonzalo now makes his own way there every Sunday. Pray that the youth leader and I will be able to organise a retreat for the young people from both areas. Pray also for the provision of the necessary funds.

Family news 

I had to take our daughter Melissa to A&E after a recent Sunday evening service. Initially we thought that it was a recurrence of the problem she has had with stones, because of the severe abdominal and back pain. It turned out to be food poisoning, which was relieved by a saline drip and medication. A few days earlier our dog Scooby had an op! The surgeon who teaches Melissa at University invited her to assist him, which was all very valuable experience. She also helped a bulldog deliver its pups beforehand.

Pastor Carlos fell off a step ladder and fractured two of his ribs, on the same day as our Pastor friend, German injured himself in a fall. It all happened during the week of Evangelism when we had a group from the church in Lima helping us. Pray for those who are in the midst of the spiritual battle.  We would appreciate your prayers for all of the above, particularly for our gospel outreach in November. Thank you all for your partnership in prayer; and a special thanks to those who are committed to financially support our work, serving the Lord here in Arequipa.


Mission image

Arequipa News

A sword for the Lord and for Gideon. (Judges 7: 20)

In ancient history a story is told of a valiant captain whose banner was always foremost in the fight, whose sword was dreaded by his enemies, for it always heralded victory. His monarch once demanded to see this potent weapon for himself. On examination the king then sent it back with this critical message—”I see nothing wonderful in the sword; I cannot understand why any man should be afraid of it.” The captain replied, most respectfully, saying, “Your Majesty has been pleased to examine the sword, but I did not send the arm that wielded it; if you had examined that, and the heart that guided the arm, you would have understood the mystery.” The mystery we need to understand is that it is not just the Lord’s sword but that it is the weak instruments he is pleased to use in his service. Are you, by faith, like Gideon, placing yourself in his hand and trusting him to use you in his wonderful service?

Church news

One of our workers, who helps with the children’s outreach and ministry among the ladies, has finally received her visa to visit and serve abroad. With it taking so long, five months in total, we began to wonder if the Lord was perhaps closing the door on her desire to serve. However the way ahead is finally clear but she cannot travel until January 2020 due to the absence of missionary personnel on the ground. She hopes to spend some months with our home church in Southport to learn English, before travelling on to her new location. Please pray for all the detailed arrangements surrounding her travels and visits. Please pray that she may be a blessing and be blessed as she spends time with believers in the different countries and contexts.

A Venezuelan couple  have been with us for nearly a year. Whilst they both look for work they are using their gifts among the young people. The husband’s brother, is a young Pastor with a young family, and who was with us for a few months, is now ministering in a city centre church who currently have no pastor. Pray for the country of Venezuela, that in times of suffering and real hunger, the Lord, the Bread of Life will, by his Spirit, create a lasting spiritual hunger.

Church activities

We had a full church for our recent anniversary services. The visiting speaker from Lima stayed with us and we had a very profitable time of fellowship and ministry. It was good to have a break from preaching and to be edified through God’s word. We were encouraged that a number from Villa Magisterial joined us for the weekend.

The Holiday Bible Club earlier in the year, mainly run by our young people, attracted many children. It was a means of reaching out to the local community with the purpose of increasing the number of children for the Sunday school. Sadly the response and support from the parents was disappointing. We realise, that with most of the population being nominally Roman Catholic, the spiritual opposition by the enemy is not easily overcome. Please pray that this aspect of the church’s work will increase.

In March we had an encouraging visit from Jim Sayers, the Communications Director of Grace Baptist Mission. It gave us an opportunity to share with Jim something of the work of the fellowship as well as the outreach to Villa Magisterial. Please pray that our work might receive a greater exposure among the churches in the UK, as there is a shortfall in our current financial support.

Recently, we finally received the shoeboxes from Samaritans purse, enabling us to have special meetings in both the church and at Villa Magisterial, Christmas came twice for the children!

Outreach in Villa Magisterial

We continue with the discipleship classes and teaching on Sunday afternoons at VM. As all attending have been taught Catholic doctrine since childhood, we decided to delay the baptisms until later in the year. What may seem perfectly understandable to us, is often not so clear to those hearing and reading the word of God for the first time. Please pray, as we move at a slower pace, that the teaching will be more meaningful and give them a clearer biblical understanding of Grace and Salvation.

In November we are planning a week of evangelism, designed to reach a larger section of the community. Carlos and I meet regularly with another Baptist pastor, and both of our churches will be working together during that week. We have invited a well known evangelist from South America whose time will be divided between tow separate areas. Please pray for all the organisation, visits to schools, and the various permissions needed from the authorities to use the open spaces we have in mind.

Please pray that the Lord will provide the finance for the outdoor awnings we need. Please pray that the publicity will reach the wider public in the surrounding areas. I have suggested that our churches hold joint prayer meetings two months before the planned meetings. We invite you to join with us in your prayer meetings that the Spirit of God will move among us, anoint the Lord´s servant and that He will also mobilise the whole church membership to be involved.

Family news

We’ve have had an eventful few months, Firstly, we had a joyful time celebrating the marriage of Roxy´s niece Daniella, who in an answer to many prayers, was married to a missionary from the US. Then our daughter Melissa had to go into hospital for a large kidney stone to be removed, not so welcome! Given that we have all had our health issues over the last year, please pray that the Lord will grant us a sustained period of good health!

Your ongoing support for us in the work here in Arequipa is greatly appreciated, and we trust that you will continue to pray that we will yet see even greater blessing through the salvation of souls in the coming days. We would love to hear from you as to what is happening in your church so please feel free to drop an email to antroxmel@gmail.com.

For further details on how you can support us financially please contact either us by email: arequipa@gracebaptist.org.uk, or Grace Baptist Mission using their address infodesk@gbm.org.uk.

In Christ, Anthony and Roxy Green

 

 

 

website slide

Holiday Club 2019


Superheroes!

Its that time again…Holiday Club at Grace!

holiday club image

Our Holiday Bible Club runs this half term on Tuesday 28th May – Friday 31st May.

Four mornings of free fun during summer half-term, for kids from reception through to year 6.

Where?

It’s happening at the Grace Centre on the corner of Market St and Princes Street.

When?

It’s every morning from 10.00am – 12.15pm. It finishes with an All Age Service on Sunday 2nd June at 10.30am.

Who?

Children from reception to yr 6 are invited to a fun packed morning of stories, games, and craft.

What?

Through the week we’ll be meeting Superheroes!

Other details:

  • Places do not need to be booked in advance.
  • Children need to have forms completed and signed by parents/guardians for the first morning they attend. This form can be downloaded from our website, here:
    Download Registration Forms
  • The week is free!
  • If you have any questions, you can send an email through our website, or call the church to speak to one of our Pastors, Stuart or Jonny on 01704 531751.

Holiday Club A6


Mission image

Arequipa Camp 2019

Our friends in Arequipa, Peru held their annual camp in January, and they thought you might like to see how they got on. We thank you for your prayers for the wonderful time we had together. Please click on the video and enjoy!

For more details about our work, or to support us, email us arequipa@gracebaptist.org.uk.

[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cws1WON9vEM[/embedyt]

 

activitiesimage

Anthony & Roxy Green – June 2018

As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, move quickly, because that will mean the Lord has gone out in front of you to strike the Philistine army. 2 Samuel 5:24

Many an athlete has been disqualified for “jumping” the starting gun. As believers we are often like the athlete, devising strategies before first seeking counsel of the Lord. Seeing the enemy thwarted is the Lord’s work but He calls us to play our part, firstly through persistent prayer, pleading with Him to open doors, and then when He does, we must act promptly and with courage to face the spiritual battle ahead.
The battle is hard but Roxy and I are much encouraged as we seek to support the leadership of the church at Buenos Aires, Arequipa. Please pray with us that the following prayer items will bring glory to God alone as we see His church grow.

1. Student Outreach
Please pray for Juan José, and Jessica Cuadras, two of our young people reaching out to students in the local University. Before going on to the Campus for daily personal evangelism, they meet for prayer at 6.00 in the morning. Recently they travelled to Chile for a conference, and in their report to the church, not only was their own personal zeal for evangelism evident, but also that they were encouraged by the zeal of the Chilean churches. Juan has preached a few times in our church; pray for his spiritual growth as well as for others who desire to serve the Lord and use their gifts.

2. Marriage counselling
Please pray for Roberto, who has responsibility within the fellowship. He recently returned from a conference aimed at helping those facing marriage problems. He has a number of friends who are facing such trials and so has a burden to reach them with the Gospel. He currently hosts a meeting in his own home, but we are just waiting on the Lord to see if this is a further area where we can offer support. Just recently the wife of one of our young couples asked Roxy for some advice. Could our home be used for this much needed yet sensitive area of ministry, or do we continue meeting at Roberto’s? Please pray for clarity in decision making.

3. Home groups
Please pray for us as we consider developing church house groups. A year or two ago, Pastor Carlos and myself attended a Conference led by a Brazilian Pastor, examining the issue of growing the church through house groups. Churches around the world have grown exponentially through such ministry. Pastor Carlos has sourced some good material to use, and, apart from deepening fellowship, he seeks to prepare some of our younger men for leadership of these groups. Pray that this preparatory teaching will be greatly blessed by the Lord and that wise and clear structures will be in place before they begin. Pray for Roxy and me as we, alongside Carlos, pay periodic visits to the groups to encourage the continuation of vision and focus. Pray also that new converts can be readily and wisely fed into the right group.

4. General prayer points
Rejoice with me over the inconvenience of a flat tyre! Dealing with a flat tyre gave me an opportunity, for over an hour, to share the gospel with Emerson. I was able to give him the booklet, Reasons to Believe, and he has asked to meet again soon. Please pray that I might be able to point him to Christ, I feel he is not far from the kingdom.
Please pray for Ismael, 12 years old and the nephew of one of our members. He is due to have a serious heart operation this month in Lima. Pray also for his mother, who attended the church recently, and for the whole family at this time.
Please pray for Samuel as he leads the young people’s meeting on Saturdays. Pray for those unsaved who attend.
Please pray earnestly for Nancy, Pastor Carlos´s wife who is undergoing radiotherapy treatment for her cancer. Pray that the Lord will provide the funds necessary so her treatment may continue.
We are encouraged by the prospect of more baptisms. Please pray for Carlos as he leads these classes and that the candidates may grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

5. Villa Magisterial
As shared in our May Prayer Letter, the outreach work at Villa Magisterial is now under the direction of the church at Buenos Aires. This has given it fresh impetus, not only in prayer but in help and support from church members. Their attendance, from young and old, has brought a more lively spirit to the meetings.
Please pray for the opportunity that this work gives for some of our young men to develop their gifts.
Please pray for a special evangelistic outreach on Father’s day, 17 June. We long to see more fathers converted.
Please pray for Vilma, who recently expressed her desire to receive the Lord as Saviour, and for Walter, whose wife attends the church. She says he has heard the gospel from some work colleagues, and desires to meet with us in the near future.

6 Financial Support
Please pray for our financial support. Recipients of our prayer letters will know we have never mentioned finance, until more recently. However, given the significant shortfall in the level of our support, there is a real need for an increase in giving if we are to achieve the required 100% designated giving. Clearly we must first look to the Lord, yet we are deeply grateful to those who have already pledged additional monies. If what we have shared has encouraged your heart and you feel you can give, either new money or make an increase on your already valued contribution, that would be greatly appreciated. Gospel truth is impacting Peru, we are so happy just to be part of that growth but equally we desire that you partner with us, sharing in the joy of seeing Christ’s kingdom grow, and all to His glory alone.

For further details on how you can support us financially please contact either Maciek Stolarski on arequipa@gracebaptist.org.uk or Grace Baptist Mission on info@gbm.org.uk
We do appreciate you all, both as a family and as a church, for your prayerful support for the work here in Arequipa.

Holiday Club 2017


Meet the King!

Its that time again…Holiday Club at Grace! But this time, it’s February Half-Term.

holiday club image

Our Holiday Bible Club runs this half term on Tuesday 14th – Friday 17th February.

Four mornings of free fun during spring half-term, for kids from reception through to year 6.

Where?

It’s happening at the Grace Centre on the corner of Market St and Princes Street.

When?

It’s every morning from 9.45am – 12.15pm. It finishes with an All Age Service on Sunday 19th February at 10.30am.

Who?

Children from reception to yr 6 are invited to a fun packed morning of stories, games, and craft.

What?

Through the week we’ll be ‘Meeting the King’.

Other details:

  • Places do not need to be booked in advance.
  • Children need to have forms completed and signed by parents/guardians for the first morning they attend. This form can be downloaded from our website, here:
    Download Registration Forms
  • The week is free!
  • If you have any questions, you can send an email through our website, or call the church to speak to one of our Pastors, Stuart or Jonny on 01704 531751.

le-logo-smaller

Life Explored Course

 

[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xghL-8RrSac&width=400&height=250[/embedyt]

 

Are you searching or longing for something more in life? Or maybe you know someone who is? Life Explored is an informal and relaxed seven-week course. It’s for anyone who wants to find contentment and happiness in life.

It starts 8.00pm on Tuesday 10th January 2017 and is being held in the Grace Centre. The course and all the material is free. You don’t need to know anything about the Bible, you can ask any question you like or just sit and listen.

Speak to Pastor Jonny for further details.


le-logo-words-small

 

 

Mission image

Arequipa News – December 2016

She will bear a Son; and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins. (Matt 1:21)

ANheaderNov15

Those words spoken by the angel of the Lord ring from eternity past, into the present, and on into the certain fulfilment of all Gods purposes since the dawn of creation; a sure beacon of hope in a world torn by sin, suffering and human misery. He will save his people, and he is today saving his people among the nations, as the Kings return is ever nearer on the prophetic horizon. This sure hope cuts through the superficial, effervescent, materialistic celebration the world calls Christmas, where the baby Jesus is always kept in the crib! But his coming to reign as King is the hope of the church; when sins reign will come to an end. As the Spirit and the bride join together, saying and pleading, come Lord Jesus to end earths sorrow and misery.

May the light of Christ by his Spirit be pleased to shine into some dark hearts at this season, and bring salvation according to his word. We pray that the Lord will make you all fruitful in every good work, and that the New Year will bring joy and new life for many to the Glory of God. We take this opportunity to share with you some news of the work here in Arequipa, grateful as always for your prayers and on-going support.


Church News

We have recently linked up with the “Baptist Theological Centres” based in Lima. They have various centres in different cities in Peru, and are looking to expand their influence of ministry in the country. Therefore, we have given over the use of our church facilities to open a centre in Arequipa, for studies on a regular basis. The idea is to run studies every couple of months here in Arequipa during the year, for Pastors and students from different local churches. Pastors travel to Arequipa and run intensive classes for a full week to cover the various courses and studies on offer. It has been a blessing to have fellowship with other Pastors and students, and to pray for one another and our various ministries. It is so different and refreshing to gather with a group of fellow believers who have a hunger and thirst for God´s word; as in the church there is often only a remnant living and serving among the spiritually apathetic!

 


The first two courses have been well attended, and no doubt as news spreads, the numbers will increase further in the future. We would ask you to pray for “Gustavo”, a Pastor from one of the largest Charismatic churches in Arequipa, who recently came to understand he was preaching a false Gospel. He has attended the first two studies, and now has a tremendous opportunity to preach the Gospel in his church, as he continues to grow in his walk with the Lord.

The blessing is that he has no elders or deacons to oppose his ministry, so therefore, he now has a congregation of over 400 to reach, teach and influence with sound doctrine.

I have been asked to teach some courses next year, so I would value prayer regarding how much time I should dedicate to this ministr

I have started a bible class on a Saturday morning in the church to encourage deeper study and discipleship in the church. The two couples who have attended are really keen, and they have also attended the theological studies during this year.

The main prayer need should always be for the success of the Gospel through all the various ministries; prayer for those who come week by week to the meetings, seemingly unmoved by the preaching of the Gospel. As John Calvin once said: “That the restoration of the Church is the work of God , and no more depends on the hopes and opinions of men, than the resurrection of the dead, or any other miracle of that description. It is the will of God that his Gospel be preached, what the success will be is not ours to inquire” There are often more unsaved among us; pray on for the miracle of New Birth and conversion.

Some names to remember in prayer: “Edwin”, was recently in hospital, and attends when he is not working as a security guard on Sundays. He is very friendly and thankful for the support he has received; pray that future visits at his home will be used of the Lord to speak to him personally. “Javier, Patti, Maira”, a family that has been attending regularly, but, as yet, show no evidence of any stirring or concern. Ephraim, who works in a copper mine, attends with his wife, but both show no signs of personal faith and trust in the Lord and his word. What is lacking for those and many others? We need to pray that the experience of the Apostle Paul may be a personal reality in the churches of Christ. For our Gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction (1 Thess 1: 5) In word only is not sufficient; we must have Holy Spirit power in conviction leading to full assurance!


Villa Magisterial

The ministry in “Lucresia´s” home had to be suspended for a couple of months, due to her suffering a long period of ill health, starting with Pneumonia! The family breakfast had to be cancelled due to the colder mornings, with her obviously unable to prepare the porridge at 5.00.a.m! The ministry also provides some support for her personally, and we have sought to help her over this very difficult period with medication to help her back to health again.

The Christianity explained course also had to be put on hold. I have been invited to preach at a local church near to Villa Magisterial, and the Pastor there has kindly offered to help with a group from his own church in Evangelising the area. This kind of reciprocal Gospel partnership will give further advance for the Gospel in the area next year. The idea is to visit all the homes, to invite them to take part in the Evangelistic studies. With the help of the Pastor, “Carlos Pezutti”, and the help of others, we can hopefully cover the whole area in a shorter time period. With us being well known now in the area, and the building of trust through the children´s club and family breakfast, the purpose next year is to pray for a spiritual harvest from among those who have heard the Gospel over the last couple of years.

The other children´s ministries in both the church and San Pedro continue, run by Ronny and Rocio, on Saturday and Sunday respectively.


Other News

As I write this there is just a couple of weeks until the school year ends. Our daughter Melissa has been studying in the University here in Arequipa since September, taking six exams up until December. She recently took her final exam, finishing top of her group, so DV, she will begin a five year course in the University next year, to qualify to practise as a Veterinary Surgeon.  This year was my 20th year here in Peru, and next year will be our 20th wedding anniversary! Where have the years gone? Another milestone during the year was having my first book published in the US, which should be out early in the New Year.

We want to take the opportunity to thank you all for your prayers and support for us over the years, and we trust you all have a blessed Christmas and spiritually prosperous New Year.

Mission image

Missionary Weekend 2016

Mission imagePlease join us for our annual Missionary Weekend, 19th-20th November, when we spend time with each other and with our missionaries, as we learn more about their work telling the world about Jesus.

We begin on Saturday at 10.00am with an fascinating morning of discovery, listening to four speakers telling us about God’s work.

 


Saturday

 

10.00am – Coffee

10.30am – Speakers:

Hannah Prior – Envision Programme, France

Aries Loboro – Missionary in the Philippines

Keith Charlton – New GBM Missionary

Daryl and Julia Jones, GBM Mission Director

Our morning’s conference will be followed by a hot lunch, to which everyone is invited to enjoy across the road in the Grace Centre.


Saturday Evening: Youth Night – 7.30pm at the Grace Centre, including Pizza, Quiz, and Grill a Missionary…not physically grilling them, because that would be dangerous..


Sunday

10.30am: Morning Service:

Our Missionary Weekend continues on Sunday morning, with some of our Missionaries.

6.15pm: Evening Service:

Then on Sunday evening, we are very much looking forward to speaking directly to our friend Anthony Green in the church in Arequippa, Peru.


 

We are very grateful to all our visiting speakers for the weekend, and would encourage you to join us, and be encouraged in the work of the Lord.

For directions to Grace Baptist Southport, just follow this link, HERE, where you will find a map and specific information.


Missionary Weekend