We have just returned from Africa praising God for the privilege of
serving Him and seeing His hand at work. It is good to encourage you with
answers to prayer but of course with Christmas nearing, it is an opportunity
to greet you and thank you for your support, love and prayers for us as
a family and for Living Hope. We do wish you a very happy Christmas and
may God bless you in the coming year 2000AD.
Like all families we have had our share of challenges this year. We
praise God that my father is recovering well from the cancer operation
which seems to have been very successful. Paul is working at the Royal
Courts of Justice in London and after adjustments, is settling down well.
Philip is in his final year at Southampton and has been very active in
the Christian Union, amongst other things as Missionary Prayer Secretary.
Matthew has made very good progress since joining Worthing 6th Form, Stephen
continues to do well at Boundstone, and Jonathan is in his last year at
Lancing, where his unexpected acting talent was recently observed!
Elaine is very busy attempting to keep us men all in order and still
finding time to teach piano, occasionally play for church worship and supporting
me so well in the ministry.
The 18th trip to Africa is just completed. This year has seen 4 trips
to Africa, including a first visit to Rwanda, and the beginnings of work
in Eastern Europe with the visit to Poland. Each trip has been reported
so I will not repeat, but to see the numbers of pastors we write to grow
to over 1000 and also souls being saved is enormously encouraging. The
media side too has grown, and we have TV programmes in Nigeria, Uganda
and Kenya. Also there are Radio programmes in parts of Central Africa and
much of East Africa. All this and more is because of God's grace and the
doors He has opened. It is also God's way to make it happen abroad because
of the UK ministry. Your prayers, practical support, your giving and
the Churches behind me giving and praying has facilitated tremendous opportunities.
We have begun gathering Pastors in London who work mainly with African
brothers. This is an opportunity to feed them to then bless their people.
It also helps me, because the number was becoming too many for me to preach
in all their churches. So gathering 3-4 times a year is a good way forward.
I am grateful too for those who have come with me and for the positive
impact their first hand testimony has brought. It was particularly good
this time to have the experience of Peter Ali who has travelled with a
team many times. His endurance sharing a room with me and the patient support
of David and Sarah was so much of the Lord and I believe is shaping ways
that Living Hope can develop and grow in the future.
Thank you so much all of you, for all your support.
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