Home: News Archive: October 2009

"Is English Class on Tonight?"...
...asked two Pakistani men when I (George) opened the church door in response to their knock. Several of us were gathered in the church just to meet before going into the neighbourhood for a planned prayer-walk. All I could say was, "Not tonight, but let me take your information so I can call you when it starts again." Let me back up a bit... We held a mens English group earlier in the year but had closed for the summer. But then we hadn't been able to get the helpers needed to restart in September. It looked like it was not going to happen until sometime in the new year. Then I met a Christian worker whose desire is to initiate English clubs in willing churches. After meeting together, we agreed to start one in ours. Within days, those two Pakistani men knocked on the church door. We held the first class with 2 Pakistani men in attendance. The following Monday, 6 Pakistani men showed up. Pray for God to use us in the lives of the men who come for the gospel's sake.

"Head and Shoulders, Knees and Toes...
...eyes, ears, mouth and nose" was the exhuburant song of burkah-clad Muslim women learning the English names for parts of the body from Karen at the church. They all laughed as they sang and did the motions as children do when they learn this song in school. "Now you can go home and do it with your children!" Karen exclaimed. In the case of at least one woman, it would actually be her grandchildren.

"God, Give Us Neighbours"...
...is one of the prayers uttered as our church people prayer-walk the streets of our neighbourhood every week. It is gratifying to see the growth of a spirit of intercession in our congregation. There are several who have caught a vision for prayer, realizing that God's work in human hearts proceeds not by human ingenuity or persuasiveness, but by His Spirit. The week following one such prayer walk, Karen and I were invited to a Sikh family's home on that street to join in a special celebration they were observing. The day after another prayer walk, a young Muslim wife on that particular street expecting her first child called out to Karen as she was walking by and asked her to come in and spend some time with her. Praise God for the building of trust and friendships, and for answered prayers.

We have been seeking to strengthen our tiny congregation in every way possible. God has graciously brought us 4 young believing families/couples in the last year to strengthen our hands for the work. The church family is finally encouraged about the future. Some of the young people are starting to get to know each other instead of keeping their distance. Small groups are enabling people to confide, share and learn in ways they never could in Sunday services. I think people like it.

On the other hand, we have yet to see new people won to faith. Nonetheless trust is being built, relationships are being fostered, and in time we pray, Christ will be confessed.

"90% Sure it's a Girl "
...is the word from our daughter Amy as she shared her ultrasound results. She is due to give birth to her first baby on November 14th. That is also the date Karen will fly to her side to help Amy get a good start as a new mother. Grandpa George will reluctantly stay behind in Birmingham and mind the ministry. At least there is Skype...

George and Karen
October 2009

Update on Amy's Baby
Sophia Faith arrived on November 5th, nine days ahead of schedule. She's beautiful and healthy.