Home: News Archive: November 2008

Fireworks and Rainbows
It's hard to believe that we have been in Birmingham for 3 months now. We have been enjoying our temporary housing since it sits on high land and gives us a good view of all the fireworks (here in England there are fireworks to celebrate Asian weddings and birthdays, for the Hindu/Sikh celebration of Diwali, and just yesterday for the celebration of Guy Fawkes' Day/bonfire night). And from time to time we see a rainbow which gives us the hope that God is at work in the hearts and lives of people here and indeed, all over the world.

Missing Family
We miss our children but are so glad for the miracle of technology to help us keep in touch. Angelie is currently in South Africa with YWAM after a month in Malawi. She will return to the YWAM base in Swaziland and then come to us in England on Dec. 8th. We are really looking forward to seeing her and hearing of all her adventures when she comes - and it'll be nice to have at least one family member here with us for Christmas! Currently, we have her boyfriend from Canada staying with us.

Not the England You Know
George has been busy in his 'visa role' as part-time pastor of a small, struggling Baptist church and praying about how to lead the church to reach out to our predominantly Muslim neighbours (about 80%). We have already seen a bit of growth in the church and George was privileged to baptize a 16 year old daughter of Jamaican immigrants. George was officially inducted as pastor on Nov. 1st and this was a very exciting day for the church who have not had their own pastor for about 20 years.

New Friends
Karen has been assisting in an all women's ESL class twice a week at a local primary school. These Muslim women are very friendly and one invited Karen home for tea after class one day. Please pray that these women will give more access into their lives and God can use Karen as a witness to them. We have a new Portuguese immigrant family in our church now so Karen has been working one on one with the father who came to England with no English skills. He is a talented mime so sometimes our English lessons are quite entertaining! Please pray for this family - they are in desperate need of housing. We are hoping they can find something in our area so they can continue to worship with us.

Language Learning
One of the benefits of assisting in an ESOL class taught by a British teacher is that Karen learns the British way of saying/spelling things and then in turn can teach her ESL students the British, not the Canadian words for things. The list is endless! (petrol=gas; the garden=the yard; rubbish=garbage; nappy=diaper)

We appreciate so much your interest in our ministry and your prayers on our behalf. Please pray for us to make good contacts and that God would give us the words to say and the eyes of these people would be opened to the truth of the gospel.

Blessings,

George and Karen King
serving in Birmingham, UK

November 2008