Seeing my daughter baptised

Duane and I have been in post now for a year and I think it has been a good year for all concerned. 

 

On the face of things not much has changed. This is because we have been involved in making decisions for a while in the Ministry team, who are responsible for the five area's of church life. They are Evangelism, Spiritual Life, Personal Growth, Community care, Overseas Missions. Together with Ian Ashton, Alan Howes, and John Betts, Duane and I have been serving in various area's. The blessing of this set up is that it is not a one man band (or one woman show!) but that people are released to serve to the best of their ability in a team. 

 

So what have the highlights of the year been for us? For me I think it was seeing my daughter Elizabeth being baptized by Duane. Any parent who has seen their own children baptised will know what I am talking about. Hearing her testimony as she told her classmates and took in the bible that her grandparents gave her for a batismal gift was fantastic. This is the first fruit of a children's ministry which I have led for over six years and I believe we will see more of our children saved and baptised among us as a family. We are also seeking to pray with them to be filled with the Spirit and released in the gifts of the spirit amongst themselves and us. Please Join with us in praying for our children.

 

Another Highlight was the wedding of Noah and Janet Avowlanu! Those of you who joined with them and witnessed their marriage will remember what a fantastic day we had. It was the first wedding that Duane had taken and he had done his research, made his notes, met the registrar and was ready. Jonnie was a page boy and he was decked out in a suit and scarlet bow tie! Then we waited, and waited, not just for the bride but for the groom as well. Noah arrived fifteen minutes before the registrar was about to go with Janet shortly behind him. Duane was given ten minutes to rush through all his carefully prepared notes in order to get the register signed before the registrar left! After the wedding one or two people commented that Duane was a bit fast. There might not have been a wedding to celebrate if he hadn't have speed through the “I do's”!

 

We have felt supported and surrounded by friends this last year and are looking forward to what God has for us as a church in the years ahead.