Dear Friends,

Sorry it has been a while since our last update. Things are stirring and moving for us but more of that later.

September marked the 30th anniversary of when we took a major step and I left employment as a service engineer to concentrate on ministry. From my conversion in 1972 whilst serving in the Royal Navy, I have had a desire for Evangelism. 

In 1977  I met an Evangelist Keith Wills who was teaching on evangelism. Keith was such an inspiration that I began taking time off work to do ‘Open airs’ and schools Evangelism with him. 

It is so important for Evangelists to nurture Evangelists; it is something a pastor cannot really do. Keith nurtured the gift in me and so the journey began. 

Off to Bible college trusting God for the college fees of £1265  a lot of money back then, mortgage and living costs as Christine was at home with our then, 2 children Helen and Andrew who was only 1 year old. 

God is so faithful; as we look back the fees were met as were book costs. The mortgage never fell behind and provision came in amazing ways, anonymous gifts in the post or through the door, boxes of food left. We were even given a car! In fact over those past years we have been given 8 cars and another one was half paid for. God is so faithful. 

As we got going in regular outreach meetings We planted a church in Middleton. Later I was given a Marque for mission[Tent events] and church planting. Space does not allow for us to recount everything it is something we are trying to write out for the website as a testimony of the faithfulness of God. 

At one point I was the only Evangelist in the greater Manchester area visiting schools,taking assemblies and lessons. How times have changed now with so many dedicated school teams.  

We were invited  to lead and train teams of young people in Evangelism. This was for the Assemblies of God home missions department, Taskforce was born. Another marquee was given us and it was incredible that even seating, PA and everything needed was provided for. This led to the Taskforce teams being involved at times in 2 tent missions running in different places and about 40 church plants taking place as well as hundreds of people being saved. Ministries were developed in so many lives. Many of those who were on our teams continue today in Evangelism and church leadership. 

At this time I also became a lecturer at the Assemblies of God Bible College teaching the Evangelism course for 14 years. I also taught at the Greek Bible institute in Athens and the Elim Pentecostal College. It is such a privilege to teach and train others.

It still remains a big part of my heart’s desire to see Evangelists trained and, raised up Churches planted plus a yearning for the Church to re focus upon Evangelism, the Lords last command! 
 

In the early 80’s  overseas missions began for me with a trip to Spain for a 2 week mission to Seville led by  Korky Davey another evangelist from Bristol, who has been such an encouragement to us. The following year it was a trip to India, which has led to over 25years of involvement in that country. That first trip was miraculous as I invited to go and train up OM teams [operation mobilisation] but had no money for the airfare but again it came in through the faithfulness of God. 

 Then Africa happened, Nigeria to minister at Christ Apostolic Church in Ibadan.That was mind blowing in terms of faith,healing and amazing church growth. 
 

We were also involved in starting an Orphanage in Andhra Pradesh and helped develop a Christian School in Orai in the north of India.  

Oh how we could go on about the faithfulness of God and His provision. There have been conferences in North America, ministry trips to Europe, Singapore, the Middle East, and the Arabian gulf as well, Africa and numerous trips to India all paid for in amazing ways by our Heavenly Father. 

I could never have imagined all the Lord would do. Indian involvement continues. At present along with Simon Hawthorne the work grows in fantastic ways. Check out www.lifeassociation.co.uk  

We are importing clay pots that have been filled with bees wax and made into candles. 

This is called ‘the Dalit’ range. The Dalits are the untouchable caste. They often drink from these clay pots that are then broken. The candles will be sold in churches and schools. All moneys raised will go towards building a home for children that have been abandoned at the railway station in Mumbai. We are working with a brother Solomon who is part of the New Life network of churches in the city. We are very excited at how this will make a difference in many children’s lives. 

Ministry work has changed greatly since my first visit to India all those years ago. Once it was lots of open air work in villages but now even OM has had to stop. The passing of anti conversion laws and foreigners preaching can and does cause trouble for local believers and could put the preacher in an Indian jail!!! 

We receive many calls for help in India. Sadly many set up ministries so they can be the big chief. Westerners add to the competitive problem setting up there own Bible colleges and bases where many others exist. It would be easy to be spread so thinly amongst great needs that everything becomes virtually ineffective. This is why we mainly focus upon the orphanage and the Dalit project. These give us a good base for outreach [and setting up jobs for local believers] as well as conducting leader’s conferences.   

Teaching is so important so that these saints are equipped.   Understanding is needed that the white skins have no more favour with God than people of any other colour.   The faithfulness of God is  the same for everyone. 

Next year we expect to take teams of people out to minister in these areas at least twice.  There will also be a training day before hand in areas of ministry,culture and children's work. A liking of curry is essential!!!  Email me if you are interested in the ‘Indian experience’.   

It’s now been over 15 months that we have been living in the flat with Pat and Jeff, and they deserve a medal!  We have been very peaceful in the situation, but unsure where our church base was or where we should be.   We just couldn’t settle on any house we saw plus not many were in our price range.    
Last November [2008] I was in a meeting in Manchester, when at the end of the meeting I was prophesied over.   Basically what was said was “You didn’t waste your time, you never made a mistake, and what you lost will be restored”.   Nothing was known of our situation or what had happened to us, by the person prophesying.   On July the 5th this year, after looking at many houses – I felt the Lord say “A house will come to you”.   
And that is exactly what has happened.     

Early in January we will be moving into a three bed roomed semi-detached house in the village of Gamston in Retford. Fields and woodland at the back and side of the house, its my dream!  It has been an amazing way that the Lord has made this possible.   All we lost in the Canadian move has been restored to us and more.   We are so thankful for the generosity of God’s people and again for the faithfulness of God.   I have also been offered a ‘half-time’ position with the AOG in Retford, Nottinghamshire. I will be working with Steve Williams the senior pastor.  We will be looking at th e development of evangelism and mission along with teaching and preaching.   We are looking forward to a new challenge being part of a team and a new phase in our adventures in God  together.  

Helen and Jonathan are also moving into a house together in Middleton, this again has been an amazing provision of God. 

So its 30 years on and you cant out-give God, and our amazement at His goodness and faithfulness continues to grow.