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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 8^th, 9^th and 10^th 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.

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

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.

Liz, Carlos' Daughter — Liz, Carlos’ Daughter

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.

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.

Missionary Weekend 2016

Mission image Please 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

Holiday Club 2016

Champions Challenge!

Its that time again…Holiday Club at Grace!

Our ‘Champions Challenge’ Holiday Bible Club runs this half term on Tuesday 31st May – 3rd June

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 a family session on Friday evening at 6.15pm – 7pm.

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 finding out about Jesus through a sports theme – Jesus is our trainer, our physio, our substitute and our champion.

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 Pastor Stuart on 01704 531751.

A5 Holiday Club leaflet 2016

Arequipa News – November 2015

(Matt 11:25. NASV).

Jesus knew what it was like to have his words and works rejected by men. The people in the surrounding villages of Chorazin and Bethsaida had seen his miracles and heard his teaching, but did not repent.

However, the disappointment and rejection did not for a moment dampen or interrupt joyful communion with his Father. Of course we are not so perfectly wired to the Divine nature to be able to live in interrupted joy, but it does give us a window into how the Sovereignty of God in the human life of Jesus was so beautifully expressed.

I have never climbed Misti, the volcano that dominates the skyline here in Arequipa, but I do want to climb to a higher position of praise and joy through the calm assurance of the Sovereignty of God. If we can look and view life from that position, where Jesus was, then we shall know the peace of God which passes all understanding. Praise him in the storm!

BAPTISMS

Just recently we have had a couple of Baptisms. Firstly Ronny´s son Samuel, and then Clara the mother of Eddy (more about her later) who has been attending for some years. Eddy and Clara do all the cooking for the special services we hold. Pray also for her partner Herman who has requested baptismal classes.

Samuel, currently studying civil engineering, plays the guitar in church. At some point in the future he wishes to study Theology. A Christian couple, Jerry and Charo, who are new to the area, have recently joined us and seem keen to settle. It would appear that they have come from a church strongly influenced by the health and prosperity aberration. Encouragingly they are both increasingly convinced over the doctrines of Grace, and so our desire is that they will settle well and serve the Lord alongside us in the church. They have asked for more one to one Bible studies, which I hope to start soon on Saturday afternoons.

Another couple, Luis and Marianna have also requested both baptismal and marriage classes. Pray that we may wisely discern their current spiritual state, as we seek to explore their level of Bible knowledge and their experience of God’s grace in their lives. Transparency and openness are not so readily forthcoming in this culture.

Recently all the legal wrangling over the change of land use for the whole estate, in which the church building is located, was finally settled. This dispute has been going on for nearly ten years, but our lawyer is now in the process of finalizing the paperwork for the Title Deeds to the church. The biblical admonition to wait on the Lord must have been prophetic with Peruvian culture in mind!

A little while ago I was praying and fasting over a matter for a number of months, when suddenly while I was driving somewhere, I knew I had to cease from fasting. There is now no point; the prayer has been received and answered. It is in the post; wait for it, it’s on the way! That one experience blew away the storm and the dark clouds of unbelief. I’ve climbed a better mountain than Misti, and the view is much better and longer lasting!

VILLA MAGISTERIAL

We continue to sow the seed of God’s word from Lucresia’s home. From there we run a children’s club on Thursday afternoon, and a family breakfast on Saturday mornings. Lucresia gets up at 4.00 am to prepare the breakfast, and to rouse her neighbours! It also provides some income for her and her husband; they often struggle to put food on the table. Joachin, her husband, has recently been out of work, so the support she receives goes some way to alleviate those times of hardship.

The Saturday morning breakfasts mean we are reaching more people, and they are certainly more attentive to the preaching at that time of the morning. We have different folk coming each week, the only thing lacking is the spiritual harvest! We expectantly wait on the Lord that soon we will see conversions, so please keep praying.

Often we are called upon to support families practically. Recently two of our ladies gave birth in the same week, so we were able to buy some clothes for both of the new babies!

Pray for Dina, a lady who has been abandoned by her husband. She has three young children, and has often to leave her home in order to find work. Her children come to the meetings dishevelled as they are often left alone. Pray the Lord will be merciful and gracious to many such families in the area. There is no debate here about welfare cuts; those words aren’t even in the dictionary here!

San Pedro

Ronny and Rocio continue with the children’s club on a Saturday afternoon and the Bible Study on Thursday afternoon.

We have recently agreed to support Eddy, a qualified teacher and worker with the children, to start reading and writing classes with some of the elderly.. Many of the older folk have never received an education, so the purpose of such classes is to enable them, as far as they can go, to read God’s word for themselves.

Tomasa, our eldest member and one of the first converts in the area, is a stand out student! Roxy became concerned that we were not doing anything for those members who cannot read. Pray that this new initiative will be blessed by the Lord and that He will grant them the ability to remember and learn more of God’s word.

Comings and goings

We have had a few visitors this year. First we had Daryl and Julia Jones from Grace Baptist Mission, and then a young couple, Michael and Stacey Sutton from our home church in Southport.

The one thing we have here is clear skies almost all the year round, allowing one to observe the course of the moon every day. Recently, whilst out walking the dog, we had the marvellous sight of a blood red moon.

It really was a most glorious sight, causing us to contemplate our most Glorious Lord. The changing light and hue made for a spectacular sight, bringing many outside with their cameras! Our young visitors certainly had an interesting first day with us! I am sure that there in the UK you had the usual spectacular sight of clouds!

Recently Melissa had a school outing to Columbia, the first time she had been away from us for more than two days; so ten days seemed like a loooong time! Next year will be her last year at school, and then on to University. Her desire at the moment is to be a veterinary surgeon. I wanted to her to be a chef, but she sussed me out on that one, and quickly declined the suggestion!

We hope soon to renew fellowship with many of you soon, as we plan to be in the UK for two months, beginning late December. Thank you all again for your continued prayers and fellowship in the Gospel.

Holiday at Home 2015

When is it?

Tuesday 18th – Thursday 20th August 2015

What is it?

Many do not have as much opportunity for holidays away, but we can enjoy being together as God’s people. Holiday at Home is open to all over 60s connected to the church in any way and it is an opportunity to fellowship together informally, share our faith, have fun & eat well.

What happens?

First 2 days of activities in the church with guest speakers, quizzes, singing, games/activities, devotional times.

Beginning at 10.30 for coffee & biscuits. A hot lunch is provided

Tea & cake at the end, finishing at 3.30

Special Guests: John and Marion McDonald

Where does it happen?

1st two days, all the activities are in the main church building so that it is all access friendly for the older folks.

3rd day out – Coach trip to Erdigg, the National Trust property near Wrexham in North Wales.

Thursday Outing to Erdigg

3rd day is a coach outing to a local attraction, including those in wheelchairs. Help provided by the younger, fitter ones.

Erdigg tells the story of a gentry family’s relationship with its servants (as it would have been in the days of the Empire and the Raj). It has a 1200 acre landscape park and gardens.

Cost: £15, including coach and entrance fee (reduced to £6.00 for National Trust Members).

There is a restaurant, cafe and tea room, plus picnic areas for those wishing to bring their own lunch.

Depart Eastbank Square 10.00am
Arrive Back Southport: 6.00pm approx.

Holiday at Home Registration

Click here to view more details about Erdigg.

Click here to see some photos of previous years.

Men’s Conference 2015

Equipping Men to Reach Men with Unbelievable Good News

We are living in a secularised, globalised, multicultural world, with many believing in no “truth” except what seems right to themselves. Others doubt the relevance of any religious faith, and often question the rights of those who do believe the Christian gospel to impose their views on anyone else. Belief in Jesus is often seen as one option among many.

If you are struggling to share your faith, you are not alone. At a time when neighbours and colleagues know less and less about the good news of Jesus Christ we feel less able to communicate with them. We are “not clever enough”, or we are embarrassed or we fear being re- jected (even litigation)! Maybe it is best to stay silent!

You are invited to join like minded men to explore some of the ways in which we might engage with friends, in a way that connects with them where they are at.

Sat 28th February, 10am

The Lounge, Southport Football Club, Haig Avenue, Southport

Speaker: Antony Billington, Head of Theology at the London Institute of Contemporary Christianity

Start with coffee at 10.00
Session One: Listening Carefully – Making Connections, Handling Questions
More coffee!
Session Two: Engaging Confidently – Using Strategies, Communicating Consequences Question time
Conclusion

Attendance is free!

The coffee is free!

You will be free to ask questions.

Anyone can come.

See you there!

For more details, call Pastor Stuart Harding, or use the contact page here.

Grace Baptist Church, Southport