Grace Baptist Church, Southport

Arequippa News - April 2012

Phillip — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 15:20:20 +0000

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Hebrews 13.8

Red tape, roofing & rain have dominated the first couple of months since our return; I am still waiting to have my visa renewed. The new Government has brought in changes, which you only learn about when you begin the process! So much time has to be spent in preparing more legal documents. Furthermore there has also been a shake up in regards to the criteria for the acceptance of mission organizations. The requirement for the number of active members has changed, which could practically eliminate most foreign missions. Many agencies are currently making representations to the relevant authorities, so we will have to follow this issue very carefully in the coming days.

Whilst you were having fine weather we had rain non-stop for a month! One day we had an electric storm combined with hailstones. The damage to the roads has been extensive, and it´s no fun driving around in the city at the moment.

But through all these unwelcome changes we fix our faith upon the Lord whose promises and purposes cannot fail; “in every change he faithful will remain”. It also delivers us from the natural tendency to frustration, especially when bureaucracy seems to rob us of the time we could devote to more pressing matters.

Villa Magisterial

Despite the weather delaying progress, building work on our new meeting place has continued and we have just completed the roof. In the next couple of weeks we plan to install the windows. On the first Sunday we used the building, without windows, it was not the most enjoyable service, so we hope to get that finished very soon! We have now begun the children´s meetings on Friday´s and the family service on Sunday afternoon. We have made some changes to how and where we spend our time here in the work. We no longer lead the children’s work in San Pedro, Ronny and Rocío now take full responsibility for that. We now plan to spend most of the available time visiting in Villa Magisterial, and using Saturdays for discipleship classes and Evangelism. Pray that these new arrangements will prove a blessing, not only to the work but also to us as workers together here in Arequipa.

Simon Bolivar

The work in the church at Simon Bolivar is steady, but we long to see growth and progress. A few have applied for Baptism, but we need to be cautious, given that some are sporadic in their attendance. We need to make disciples, and they must understand the significance of baptism in relation to their commitment to the church. The body of Christ is where we best serve him together and where we are most effective. Miguel, an architect and one of our younger members, has been in the UK for a couple of months, visiting his brother and fiancé, Megan. (Megan was on the first Envision Team to Peru last year) The visit seems to have cemented their commitment to each other and confirmed the will of God for their future. Megan is due to return to Peru sometime this year, to serve the Lord here in Arequipa. We pray that they both may be of service to the Lord here in the future.

I trust the following list of prayer items will be helpful in providing fuel for intercession during the year, although we do plan to keep in touch, DV!!

Prayer items

Some of the items are perhaps of a more general nature, but nonetheless Biblical in their import, as we earnestly seek the Holy Spirit to guide us in prayer and in the work.

Pray for:

*Joachin, Lucresia´s husband. He attends the meetings in his home (in VM) and is listening well to the word of God. Pray that he will soon be saved and able to join his wife in serving the Lord. What a blessing and witness that would be as we develop the work in this area. It would be great to have a couple living in the township and serving the Lord together.
*Miguel and Megan, that they may know the mind of Christ regarding their future.
*The church of Christ in Peru, especially concerning the recent changes that affect all Missions, that these new requirements will be revised and not affect future ministry among the churches.
*His Kingdom may be extended. (Matt 6:10)
*A constant filling with the Holy Spirit to be effective in his service (Luke 11:13)
*For the salvation of the lost in all areas (Rom 10:1)
*Healing among us, both spiritually and physically. Often physical ills proceed from a life of sin. (James 5:13-15)
*Strategic wisdom as to how best use our time and resources. (James 1:5)
*Unity and love to be deepened in the life of every member in the church. If there is disunity then the work will be hindered. (Phil 2;2)
*The Lord to help us grow in the knowledge of God and in increasing measure, so that our words and our lives will express real love and compassion. (Eph 3,14,18,19)
*A deeper understanding of the glorious hope we have in Christ, that our service will be one of joy and that he will be exalted in all we do. (Eph 1:16-18, Matt 6:9)
*Strength and patience, they do not come naturally. Our natural bent is weakness and impatience. That we may persevere when we see so many obstacles and opposition in various ways. (Col 1:9-11)
*Our faith to be preserved among all the Lords people and that it will not fail, but give glory to God (Lucas 21:36)
*The Lord to work in us that which is pleasing, for his purposes to be fulfilled in us and in those we minister to. (2 Thess 1:11)
*Us to keep short accounts with the Lord and for his forgiveness and presence each day (Matt 6: 12)
*The Lord to keep us from falling into temptation and protect us from the wiles of the devil and keep ourselves blameless to the day of Christ. (1 Peter 5:8)
We do appreciate and covet your on-going prayer and support.

Easter Weekend

Phillip — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 12:25:54 +0000

This Easter at Grace, we are hosting two events recalling two remarkable events.

100 years ago, the Titanic set sail for America. They said that even God himself couldn’t sink this Belfast built ship. And yet….

Join us at 5.30pm on Saturday 7th April (Easter Saturday), to see and hear “A Night to Remember“, a presentation on the story of the Titanic, by Steve Wright, a lawyer from Belfast.

Then, on Sunday evening at 6.30pm, Donal Walsh tells his own story of surviving a plane crash in Ireland, as he and others made their way from Belfast to Cork - a Flight to Forget!

These events are organised with Grace Baptist Southport, by Young Life, an inter-church Christian youth work. For more information, please email northwest@younglife.org.uk, or call Vinny on 01704-560782 or Elizabeth on 0151-737-1538.

Annual Men’s Conference

Phillip — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 22:09:34 +0000

Annual Men’s Conference

23rd - 24th March 2012

Speaker: Derek French, Bible Teacher, and Radio Producer for Grace Baptist Mission

Bible Shaped Men - Lessons from an Old Testament King

Session 1: Friday 23rd at 8.00pm - Building Well

Session 2: Saturday 24th at 10.00am - Building Solidly

Session 3: Saturday at 11.00am - Concluding Unexpectedly

Session 4: Saturday at 11.45am - Q&A and Prayer Time

On Saturday Evening, we will be relaxing together, ten pin bowling followed by a Fish & Chip Supper. Please join us at Ocean Plaza to commence bowling at 6.00pm. Bowlinhg should last 1 hour, after which we will return to the Grace Centre for a Fish. Chip & Pudding Supper. This will include an evangelistic talk by Derek French.

For more details, please contact us here, or call Pastor Stuart on 01704-531751.

Christmas at Grace

Phillip — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 14:01:16 +0000

We welcome you to Grace Baptist Church, Southport, this Christmas. Come and celebrate with us, as we remember God’s gift to us, His only Son, Jesus.
We will be holding a variety of services throughout Christmas, services suitable for all ages. So have a look, and please do join us. For further information about these events, you can telephone us on 01704-531751.

CHRISTMAS SERVICES 2011

Family Carol Service
Sunday 18 December, 10.30am
Including songs & readings from the children.

Traditional Carol Service
Sunday 18 December, 6.15pm
With carols (old & new) & Bible
readings from the Christmas story.
Mince pies & hot drinks.

Christmas Morning Service, 11.00am
A short all-age service to thank God for his kindness to us.

Christmas Evening Service, 7.00pm

Arequippa News - May 2011

Phillip — Mon, 16 May 2011 21:28:03 +0000

Alfredo and Suzanna at their baptism

Arequipa News - May 2011

“Follow me , and I will make you fishers of men. Mt. 4: 18″

A well known preacher was once approached by another minister, lamenting the lack of power upon his ministry. He proceeded to list all the activities in his church and all the supposed success. The other minister said, “Well, your tank seems pretty full already. You are like the guy who goes into the petrol station to fill up his tank and then continues to drive. What you need to do is hand over the keys to the Lord, open the boot, shut yourself in there, and say to the Lord “you drive”! The young minister wanted power just to prop up his own agenda and to have control.

The many “I wills” of Christ in Scripture should challenge us to ensure our plans are a fulfillment of His, which is both humbling and encouraging as we serve Him, knowing that he is in control and is building His church. As one writer has said. “A Holy Spirit church will consult Him before doing anything. She will not draw her plans, pass her resolutions, transact her business, and then ask for His gracious influence to follow all that she has done” The Spirit will not be our servant, but we must be His, to truly know His power. May we be filled with the Spirit each day, knowing that the keys are in the Lord´s hand, opening doors of opportunity.

BAPTISM
At the end of this month we have a Baptismal service for a young man called Miguel. He has been worshipping with us for over a year and keen to help and be involved in the church. Recently he joined the Gideons here in Arequipa and has already been to the local prison to distribute bibles. Pray for this service that, during it, the Lord will speak to his family and also cause others to consider this step of obedience to the Lord.Fidel is the son in law of our oldest church member. Recently he was stirred to come to church along with his wife Lucía, who attends sporadically. He closed his business last Sunday, saying that he wanted come with the whole family and seek the Lord. Pray that this family will be united in Christ and that Satan will not be permitted to snatch the word away from his heart. Sadly I have seen this often, that which looks initially promising often dissipates like the morning mist. Good intentions that are not touched by the work of the Holy Spirit don´t last very long. Pray for the salvation of families. This is an area where we are weak as a church. We need more men who will be godly leaders, both in the home and church.

Teodoro & family.

We came across this destitute family whilst the Envision team was helping at one of the orphanages, run by José and his wife Diana. Their daughter Leodea, has had four operations, and is due to have another soon. Pray that the Lord will be their strength and that the Lord will grant healing to their daughter. Their home city is Puno but they will remain in Arequipa until the medical treatment for their daughter is completed. We have been helping them with food parcels and medicines, and in doing so have sought to show the love of Christ. We were encouraged when they turned up at church, traveling a good distance to find us.

Pray on for Joachin, Lucresia´s husband.

It is in their home, in Villa Magisterial, that we started the children´s meeting. She tells me they now pray together and he is more regular at the church fellowship. It would be a real blessing to see him saved and them bothserving the Lord together as we desire to plant a church in their area. We regularly have over 40 children and plan to start a regular Bible Study on our return from the UK early next year.

More Workers Needed

The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest , therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. Luke 10:2. One area where we need more workers is among children and youth. Pray that the Lord will provide suitable workers to help support and grow the work. Only the Holy Spirit can send new workers with the relevant gifts and ability. A Holy Spirit church will consult Him before doing anything! Is God leading you to work in Peru?

Envision Team Visit

Recently we had a GBM Envision team working with us here for ten weeks. Their work ranged from painting, helping with the children (two orphanages), studying Spanish, helping at our family camp games and competition for young girls, (the more mature members being the judges during the days of competition!), cake making (welsh cakes!) singing, sharing, tracting and preaching. (not the ladies!)

We traveled to the Colca Valley where we beheld the majesty of the Lord’s creation. We watched the Condors rise and glide against the backdrop of this immense canyon, causing one to worship the Lord for such splendour and marvelous creation. It was a blessing for us to have this united and helpful group.
We will be returning, DV, to the UK in August. We hope to renew fellowship with many while in the UK. We have many things to consider, and therefore we would covet your prayers for us as a family during our time away from the work here until January 2012. Should you wish us to visit your church, please contact either Jim Sayers or Trevor Condy who will be arranging our deputation schedule. Thank you for your prayers and support. May the Lord will be pleased to bring great glory to his name in Peru, through the prayers of his people.
Contact details:

Trevor Condy, 22 Kirkstall Road, Southport. PR8 4RA. trevor@condy.co.uk
Anthony, Roxy & Melly: New email: antroxmel@googlemail.com
Ronny, Rocio & Samuel : Casilla 411 (Mission PO BOX)

With God on the Streets

Phillip — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 15:41:47 +0000

With God on the Streets

Click here to listen to a remarkable testimony.

On Easter Sunday, we were thrilled to hear the moving story of Robin Oak, former Chief Constable of Isle of Man Constabulary, and previously Deputy Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police, whose son Stephen, a Special Branch Constable, was murdered during a terrorist arrest. Robin spoke movingly of the strength of God in his life.

Click here to hear it for yourself.

Wise up! Proverbs for Men

adaml — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 08:28:00 +0000

Men’s Conference - Fri 25th to Sat 26th March

Wise up! Proverbs for men.

Guest Speaker: Gary Brady (Pastor, Child’s Hill Baptist Church, London)

Session 1 - Friday 25th @ 8pm “Heart of mine - men being unfaithful”

Session 2 - Saturday 26th @ 9.30am (10am start) “How to succeed – men at work”

Coffee break

Session 3 @ 11.00am - 11.45pm “The wife you need – men and wisdom”

(Followed by Q&A and prayer time until 12.30pm)

Evening event @ 7.30pm (8pm start) - Fish, chips, puddings, quiz and testimony

50 Years Service

Phillip — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 17:13:08 +0000

Paul wrote a letter to someone once, in which he said: “I thank my God, making mention of you always in my prayers, hearing of your love and faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus.” (Philemon v 4&5)

Well, here at Grace Baptist Church in Southport, we would use the same words about a couple who have been and continue to be an inspiration to all of us.

Allen and Alyson Miller were baptised and joined the church 50 years ago, on 16^th March 1961, and have been involved with the life of Grace Baptist Southport ever since. Well known for their musical gifts, Allan playing the organ and Alyson the piano for so many of the services, playing together in such a natural way that can only be accomplished by being close to each other and to God. 50 years of service, which included Allen serving as Secretary, Deacon and Elder.

We thank Allen and Alyson for all that they give, and praise God for their 50 years of inspiring service.

And so, Paul went on in his letter saying, with us, “the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you.” (Philemon v 7)

Arequippa News - January 2011

Phillip — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 21:17:42 +0000

Arequipa News - June 2010

“Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.”
Revelation 3v11

A long innings and true building!

Let me start with an introduction from the game of cricket, for sometimes a commitment to a secular cause can teach us valuable lessons. A commentator recently said, concerning two batsmen from Australia: “They are talented shot makers used to getting good scores in limited overs cricket, but have little experience of building longer innings” In other words, talent can be wasted if patience, commitment, and mental strength are not applied to building a long innings.

The longer innings may be less exciting, but will in the end lead to a greater victory. Some Missionary pioneers waited years to see their first converts, but were committed to God’s call and were “there for the longer innings”, and we can now see their evident victories in the countries where they laboured, and none shall take their crowns from them when they appear before the Lord they loved and served. We need to keep batting and build a long innings! As the Lord says, “that no one may take your crown”.

Review and Plans

Another year has come and gone, and we continue to build, looking to the Lord of the harvest to give us grace and power to persevere waiting for the promised harvest. We labour in a hope that will not fail us as we continue to build and by his grace would show the patience, commitment, and mental toughness to move onward to certain victory.

As usual, we had a very busy Christmas period with many opportunities to share the Gospel. At Villa Magisterial we had over 70 children and a good number of parents.

We will be re-starting the Sunday Bible Study in February, and we would value prayer that the Lord will stir hearts, and that this year we may see souls saved and added to the church. It was encouraging that a teachers’ federation in the community approached Lucresia to use her home to distribute Christmas presents to local children, which indicates how folk are now aware of our presence and ministry in the community.

Three of the children who attend live in a shelter with their Mother, due to family violence. Pray that the Lord will give us many opportunities this year to visit such families and reach them with the word of God. I hope to dedicate most of my time and labours this year in this area, while maintaining the teaching ministry in the church. Pray also for the Envision team from GBM arriving this month. We will DV be doing much evangelism and literature distribution in the area.

We have many activities planned for this year, hoping to involve the church members in order to encourage them to serve the Lord in works of labour and love.

I am also planning to begin to hold preaching classes with Alfredo during this year , and to give him the opportunity to share the word, beginning on the Wednesday afternoon Bible Study. He is devouring books, studying Theology, and we want to prepare disciples as their gifts becomes apparent.

We have been greatly encouraged by Pedro who was recently cleared of cancer. He was baptised last year and is growing rapidly in the things of God. He has served at communion and is always the first to give testimony to the grace of God in his life.

In February we will be having a Holiday Bible club in the church, (involving the Envision team) and also our usual family camp. Pray that the Lord will enable us to reach families through all these activities:

Holiday Bible club: February 3rd till the 6th.
Family camp: February 14th till the 19th.

Pray for…

Pray for all the evangelism and activities in all areas. We have now withdrawn from Puquiana, which will allow Ronny to dedicate time to evangelism in the areas around the church on a Saturday, involving other church members. We had many new people visit us over the last year. A good number have remained with us and sit under the regular preaching of the word of God. Pray that the Lord will open the hearts of those who hear that they may be attentive and trust in Christ for salvation.

Some names for you to remember:

Ladies first: Francisca, Lorraina, Angélica, Lucía, Elsa, Fabiana, Diana, Sixta.

Men: Hermán, Miguel, Vincente, Melchor, Alex.

These are always with us on a Sunday, but pray that the Spirit of God will awaken them, and cause them to feel anxiety and unease regarding their deep need of Christ. We don’t want them to feel comfortable, until they are led to the comfort that only reconciliation with God brings to our lives and heart. May the Lord unable us to storm the throne of Grace on their behalf.

Often prayer is a long innings that demands faith and perseverance until the Lord is glorified and his kingdom extended. Pray the Lord will raise up more workers that the areas where we are working will be supplied with adequate gifts to build up his church among all ages.

Family news and Miscellaneous

Melissa´s music teacher at her school was abducted and murdered over Christmas, her body found after being missing for 16 days. This was a tragic and terrible event. When human depravity and wickedness comes so close it only intensifies the longing for the coming of Christ, to roll up the earth and heavens like a scroll, destroy the wicked, and usher in everlasting righteousness and the perfection for which the saints wait. Christ is the only hope, and that also intensifies the desire to see more saved before the Lord returns.

A Missionary couple were also abducted at gunpoint recently and driven around blindfolded for some time, not knowing if they would survive. But although they may have an empty bank account they escaped with their lives. Pray the Lord will keep his servants from harm.

Roxy is much better after a worrying time of illness. Thankfully, she was diagnosed with a condition she had had for many years without knowing it, which can now be controlled through medication. Melly has been busy making her “Christmas hamster” (a little pun there!) feel at home, although our Sharpei dog Scooby is always on the prowl. But as you can see above, he has now taken to reading!!!

Thanks again for all your prayers and support. May the Lord grant you a blessed and spiritually prosperous New Year, to the praise and glory of his name.

Contact details:
Trevor Condy, 22 Kirkstall Road, Southport. PR8 4RA. trevor@condy.co.uk
Anthony, Roxy & Melly: New email: antroxmel@googlemail.com
Ronny, Rocio & Samuel : Casilla 411 (Mission PO BOX)

Times of Prayer

adaml — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 09:22:58 +0000

PLEASE JOIN WITH US TO SEEK THE LORD IN PRAYER…

We meet in the Grace Centre Annexe, Market Street

Mon 3 Jan - 1pm

Tue 4 Jan - 10am & 7.30pm

Wed 5 Jan - 7.30pm

Thu 6 Jan - 10am & 7pm