NEWS LETTER 29 CHRISTMAS 2004
Light and life to all he brings…….
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
(John8:12 NIV)
MAY JESUS LIGHT YOUR CHRISTMAS & ILLUMINATE EVERY DAY IN 2005
OUR CHAIRMAN WRITES
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28 NIV)
If this is true in our experience, as it was for Paul, then we have confidence to overcome:
• Any difficult circumstances
• Any negative feelings
• Any inconsistencies and any past regrets or future fears
Thomas Watson (1620 –1686), one time Rector of St Stephen’s, Wallbrook, London, regarded this verse as ‘A Divine Cordial’. He wrote these words in the preface to his published exposition of Romans 8:28 – “There are two things which I have always looked upon as difficult. The one is to make the wicked sad; the other is to make the godly joyful. I would prescribe them to take, now and then, a little of this cordial.”
PRAYER: “Lord, help me to take this medicine from your Word daily so that I may recover quickly from my present condition to serve and praise only you, the Lover of my soul.” AMEN.
David Morgan
TREASURER’S NOTES
This has been a poor year – too much going out and not enough coming in. Yet closer scrutiny reveals silver linings among the clouds. Heavy expenses were due to the purchase and repair of a vehicle that, by the grace of God, we will not have to pay again next year. Unfortunately this meant that Sonnie and Rosemary had to meet their own expenses for the trip to Slovakia. Though income is about £1,800 down on last year, expenses are over £6,000 lower. Overall, then, the picture is not so sad and we can approach the future with optimism.
Praise the Lord!
Thanks are due again to our home church, Woodford Christian Life; to Len Ruddock for his magnificent effort in the London Marathon; and the vital part played by our loyal supporters. We are most grateful to them for their faithfulness in giving and prayer.
Derek Cartwright
NEWS ITEMS FROM EASTERN EUROPE
In response to the Trans World Radio Balkan Programmes three new prayer groups of 6 to 10 people each have sprung up in Bulgaria.
Twice a month the groups are visited by the producer who teaches them more about the Bible. In between visits they tune in to the radio programmes.
HALLELUJAH!
RADOST MISSION
A charity registered in England, held the first Healing Rooms seminar in Shutka, in September 2004. This is a Gypsy area of Skopje, Macedonia and mostly Gypsies attended the meetings. The teaching and practical sessions were enthusiastically received. There were wonderful testimonies of healing – the lame walking, growths disappearing and pains being eased.
GFC IN SLOVAKIA
Although now semi-retired, Sonnie and Rosemary were in Partizanske for four and a half months in the summer. As usual food parcels, clothing and medicines were given to needy families and children were taken to hospital when necessary. They made visits to the orphanage and school for the handicapped in Prievidza. When Maria (48), a Christian Gypsy friend, died in hospital after an operation, they gave support to the family and attended the funeral with them. Marek continued with the Sharon Project sponsored by GFC with a group of people working in Prievidza dragging the river and clearing the bank. More tools were supplied to enable this work to continue. Alenka, a Gypsy lady from the church, does outreach work in the town. The Gypsies respect her authority so she was encouraged in this work. Sadly we report that the Charity Shop did not get going. Sonnie had much legal work to attend to and Rosemary continued to give English lessons during the summer holidays.
TIME OF REFRESHING CONFERENCE 19/10 –23/10/2004
Sonnie and Rosemary were invited to attend at Leysin, Switzerland, on their way home. They met missionaries from many parts of the world and were blessed, encouraged and inspired at this event.
THANK YOU
Woodford Christian Life Church for enabling us to send out our Newsletters, for your prayers and financial help. God bless you all!
PUBLICITY - PUBLICTIY - PUBLICITY
GFC would like to hear from you if you want to receive our Newsletters by e-mail. Please contact us at: office@gypsiesforchrist.org
Please pray along with us for the work of the ministry and other future events. Thank you!
Nigel Joda
GIFTS & DONATIONS
Please send your gifts to our treasurer Derek Cartwright at 12 Fosters Close, London E18 1DQ indicating whether you are a taxpayer as we are now able to reclaim tax if you pay income/capital gains tax.
