Ministry Update – Trips, Events, Preaching, World Cup, Stabbings

Trips – It has been a busy few weeks with a trip to Northern Ireland two weeks ago and then a two-day discipleship conference in Coventry last week. It was good on both trips to spend time with fellow laborers and to make some new friends in the ministry. I particularly enjoyed hearing Bill Hull speak last week. He wrote the book The Disciple-making Pastor which made a big impact on me a number of years ago.

Events at Downham Baptist – Last weekend, we had a leadership and teamwork training course at our church provided by the Cinnamon Network. It was an insightful day and I am grateful for Daniel Payne in our church organising the event. Just this past Saturday, we had a memorial service at our church for the father of one of the ladies who attends our church. Please pray for the family as they mourn the loss and for people to come to Christ through this.

Preaching – A couple of weeks ago, we finished 1 Corinthians on Wednesday nights after teaching on it in 43 sessions. We are now doing the book of Genesis on Sunday afternoons and Wednesday nights. We just finished the book of Jonah in our Minor Prophets series, and this Sunday we move on to Amos.

World Cup – As most people know, the world cup is on. We have enjoyed watching matches when we can. We are of course now cheering for England and hoping they do well. It certainly also makes us aware of other nations and gives us reminders to pray for the work of the gospel around the world.

Stabbings in London – This past Saturday night, four people were stabbed at a festival in North London. Since January there have been over 1000 stabbings in London and 51 people have died of stabbings. It is really heart-breaking to hear of the violence that continues to happen all across this city, often among young people. The gospel message is more relevant than ever as Christ is the only One who can really change people.