Christian and Jenna's wedding - more photos

Wedding of Christian and Jenna Carpenter

Neath Elim church is a great church pastored by Wayne Carpenter who yesterday officiated at the wedding at which his son Christian and his lovely bride, Jenna, were married.

Christian and Jenna are typical of the fine young people within our Movement who are committed to Christ and to the local church. Christian, a professional musician, leads the worship at the Neath church and many will also know him as one of the lead musicians at The Gathering.

When Christian and Jenna invited me to speak at their wedding I knew that it, and the reception that followed, would be a clear testimony to their vibrant faith in Christ. It was all of that and more beside. We wish them every blessing in their new life together.

Apostle Appiah visits Cheltemham

In a recent posting I reported on the fact that Apostle Amegatcher had returned to Ghana after having responsibility for the leadership of the Church of Pentecost in the UK.

This week Apostle Appiah, who now takes up this important role, made his first visit to our International Offices in Cheltenham accompanied by a delegation of senior leaders. We look forward to a long and meaningful relationship with him and his team.

There are over two million members of the Church of Pentecost world wide and this Denomination has very close ties with the Elim Pentecostal church. The number of Pentecostals world-wide is currently estimated at over 500 million

Ballyfermot, Dublin, Ireland

It was great to be with John and Trish Waller (pictured) at Ballyfermot. The church has doubled in the few years they have been there and this was very evident from the numbers at the Sunday morning service. It is a warm and friendly family church that has a desire, not just to experience blessing within the church, but to create an impact though its ministry of care within the community.

Republic of Ireland Leaders Day

There was great support for the leaders day in the Republic of Ireland that was led by Pastor John McEvoy and hosted by Pastor Richard Macwhinney in Navan. Many of the churches throughout the Republic are many miles apart and so the value of the day is as much about fellowship as it is about teaching.

A special night at Wells

It says a lot both for the church and the leadership that such a high proportion of the congregation was present for the mid-week service. Stephen and Gill Fowler are the right people in the right place at the right time - a fantastic couple. The meeting was designed as means of encountering God and it proved to be a memorable occasion.

Several years ago Gill, who was the first to become a Christian, invited her lawyer husband to an evangelistic outreach. He still remembers the trepidation in which he entered the church - little knowing that years later, having come to faith, he would one day be the pastor of the church. It was a joy to be with them.

Selly Oak - 70th Anniversary

A full church gathered on the Sunday morning of the anniversary celebrations. Senior minister, Maldwyn Jones, has been there for the past fifteen years and has seen the church evolve in a variety of ways not least in the reduction of the average age of the congregation which has a higher than average proportion of students and young people. Tribute was given to the Elder, affectionately known as "Blackie" who was first brought to the church when he was four and has been there all of the churches 70 years.

Funeral of David Khan

David Khan, one of our highhly respected pastors, had a long a successful ministry within Elim. Over five hundred people packed the venue in Croydon for one of the most memorable funeral services I have attended in a long time. David Campbell, regional leader for the area, preached powerfully and several responded to the appeal. Many fellow-pastors were present in tribute to their colleague. Our thoughts and prayers are with Florence and the family. 

Ireland - Alexandra Park Avenue

This was my first opportunity to see the new building since it opened. It is 'state-of-the art' functionally and technically and it was good to spend some time with pastor Brian Madden and his wife Martine. The Irish churches have something to teach the rest of us when it comes to the numbers of non-Christian that they attract to their Sunday night services which often are the largest attended meeting of the week. I felt very much 'at home' preaching at a church that had great music, drama and mime presentations but especially to witness those who came to Christ at the close of the service.

Ireland - Belfast South

I was with Paul and Gail Dunn a couple of years ago in Dromore and now it was great to see how God is blessing them in South Belfast - a growing church with a strong evangelistic focus. As so often is the case, I notice in our churches worship groups that are of the highest calibre and were the congregation many times the size would need to change little.- this churtch was no exception

Two Days in Scotland

I flew up to Motherwell, Scotland to speak at the Celebration of Ivan and Margaret Pott's 40 years in ministry. The following day was spent with Kevin and Margaret Peat (pictured) and to minister to Elim leaders at the Scottish Regional Day held in Falkirk. Kevin is a member of Elim's National Leadership Team and Margaret is one of the leaders of Elim's womens ministry, "Aspire". The comittment of Scottish leaders to Regional events has always been phenominal and on the day there were several who had travelled hundreds of miles in order to attend. Kevin designed the time together with a perfect balance of teaching, encouragement, testimony and worship.

Special day at Wallasey

One of the best parts of ministering in our churches is spending time with our pastors and their families. I get to meet some tremendous people and the Clark family is no exception. Pictured here are Mel and Ruth with their three fantastic daughters (left to right) Danielle, Aimee and Hannah.

The morning service was with the Oasis church in Wallasey and the evening consisted of three churches coming together as the leaders of the local Kings church and Wirral Christian Centre attended together with their respective congregations. The Wallsey church was packed to capacity. WCC is pastored by Paul Epton who served with distinction as Elims Director of Evangelism for many years.

 

Irish Ordination Service

I have already mentioned the service in a previous blog and a fuller report will appear in a future edition of Direction. The top photo shows the ordinands and their wives together with Eric and Ruth McComb and Marilyn and myself. The second photoi is of the ordinands confirming their ordination pledge to a packed church.
 

Regents Theological College Graduation

Nigel Tween, Director of Training , opened the Graduation service at St Mary's Nantwhich at which 43 students received their degrees.
The mayor and mayoress of Nantwhich were present for the first PhD award which was presented to Marijke Hock
 

Elim Church - Keynsham

I am sometimes asked if I miss pastoral life in the local church. If there was an aspect that is not usually possible in the role that I currently fulfil it is the continuity of preparing a weekly Bible study. It was therefore a particular joy to commence a three- part series in Keynsham - an excellent church pastored by the founding minister Des Morton

Elim Church - Yate

Pictured here are Paul and Miriam James and the leaders of the Yate Elim Church at the dedication of the new church complex. A full article and further photos will appear in a forthcoming edition of Direction magazine 

Oasis - the Venue - Portsmouth

Pictured here at the cutting of the ribbon on the new conference facility are Pastor Stephen Potter with his wife Marie and Pastor Andre Cowdery. 

Great day at St. Helens

From Portsmouth on the south coast I travelled to St. Helens in the North West. I always find an openness to ministry at all of our churches but the morning service at St. Helens was something special. The sense of the presence of God from the start of the service was evident and there was a tremendous oppenness to the preaching . At the close of the service senior pastor Phillip Fell took me on a tour of the major extensions to the church facilities that are due to be completed in the next eight weeks.

Portsmouth Grand Opening

It was great to "Cut the tape" at the opening of the excellent new facilties at Portsmouth. "Oasis - the Venue", as the church is now called, has now completed stage two of a three stage plan. Stephen Potter paid tribute to the key role that his wife Marie has made to the process that now gives the church a conference area. This Fellowship situated at the heart of the cirty will now extend its already effective influence and care for the community it seeks to serve.

Irish Ordination Service

The newly extended Ballymena Elim church was packed to capacity to witness five of our pastors being ordained. The meeting was convened by Eric McComb the Irish Superintendent and I had the priviledge of ministering at the service. (I hope to post photos of the service shortly)

Birmingham Christian Centre

Around seven hundred people packed the morning service at BCC. Senior Pastor Barry Killick was in Israel but the service was ably led by Shiela Hendley, Peter Pennant and Jonny Lee. This great Elim congregation is right in the heart of the Britain's "second city" in more ways than one and has huge potential to reach their community with the gospel. It has seen incredible growth over recent years and is poised for a great future.

Kensington Temple Region

Tonight was spent with the Leaders of the Kensington Temple Region. There was an excellent number of pastors and cell leaders of churches birthed through the vision of KT and covered by Colin Dye the senior minister

Great Day in Wembley

It was two years since I was last in Wembley with Pastor Soke-mun Ho who, apart from being one of our finest women ministers, also happens to be our Dentist. I was immediately aware of the growth of the church since my last visit. This is a church with big dreams and I have no doubt that God will reward their faith and give them the desires of their heart. 

Metropolitan Regional day at St.Albans

Around two hundred Elim Leaders from the Metropolitan West Region led by one of Elim's national leaders, David Campell (see recent posting for picture). This was one of the highest turnouts in any Regional day I have spoken at during the past six years. It was great to have so many key leaders in one place. Worship was ably ed by Joel Pridmore.

New building at Yate

It was great to speak at the opening celebrations of the magnificent new church premises at Yate. Senior pastor, Paul James, has done an excellent job over the years he has been there to lead the Fellowship to the point that this goal could have been reached. The work has been completed to the highest standard and gives the local congregation greatly increased worship, relaxation and administration areas.

Farewell to a good friend

Today we said goodbye to Apostle Nene Amegatcher who has served the work of ELICOP (Elim Church of Pentecost) in the UK so well in the past six years. He, and his wonderful wife Dorothy, leave to take up a new post in Ghana. When he came Elicop had 1000 people in 14 churches. As he leaves the church has over 6000 people in 79 churches. The growth rate in the past year has been 55%

He has become a close friend and will be greatly missed.
 

Creative Leadership Conference

Donna Neville was the principle speaker at the Creative leadership Conference hosted by Maldwyn Jones, senior pastor of the Selly Oak Elim church. Other speakers were Chris Cartwright of Cardiff City Temple and myself

Donna Neville is the co-founder of the Praise Chaepl network of churches in the States that now has hundreds of churches aroujnd the world. The minitry she brougght to the Conference was exceptional 

More wedding photos

The happy grooom!
Sophie and Amy - the two daughters of David and Mandy
David and Mandy Campbell. David is one of Elim's National leaders and has responsibility for the two Metropolitan Regions 

Carl and Danielle's wedding

250 family and friends packed the church in Llantrisant to celebrate Carl and Dianielle's wedding at which Marilyn and I were guests. Carl (son of Pastor Phil and Elaine Johnston of St Albans) has recently become the youth Pastor at Glasgow Elim church. Thirty four years ago I officiated at the wedding of Danielle's parents (Steve and Trish Tompkins) - so it was an added joy to be present. 

Three days in Italy

My trip to Italy was eventful on a number of levels. An hour into the outward journey the pilot informed us that we would have to return to the UK as smoke was coming from the cockpit. On landing, firefighters in breathing apparatus came on board. There was no panic and no one was hurt in the incident. Five hours later we were able to recommence the journey on another aircraft

Happlily the incident did not prevent me from preaching at the Milan Elim church that night (Friday). The church is pastored by Giuseppe Piccolo (pictured with his wife Antoinetta) who is President of Elim Italy. During his years in office Elim in Italy has grown to well over eighty churches. Saturday was spent with the Italian Elim leaders. The following day I spoke in the Como Elim church and then at the main Sunday service back in Milan. It was great to be with Giuseppe and Antoinetta in their home and to witness first hand the great things that are taking place in Elim Italy. 

Ian and Rachel Hesketh inducted at West Bromwich

Tonight Gordon Neale, one of Elim's national leaders, inducted Ian and Rachel into the Pastorate of the West Bromwich Elim church - a meeting that coincided with the churches 70th Anniversary. It was a particular joy for me to preach at this service, not just becuase I beleive that Ian and Rachel are going to fulfill a great ministry in the years that lie ahead, but because 31 years ago I beame the pastor of this congregation and enjoyed five happy years here. There was great support from local churches and the congregagtion extended way out into the foyer area. 

Great Guys on the Gap Year

Those who have taken time out from studies or work to be involved in missions spend time with various Elim leaders in the preparatory weeks before they leave.. Today (left to right) Darren, Luke and Johnny spent the morning with me before setting off tomorrow to work in Cambodia with Neville and Kaye Walker our missionaries there. I enjoyed our time together and the opportunity to pray with them before they set off on what I belive will be an important time for them. 

With Luc and Rachel Favre in France

Arrived in Thonon on Friday and spent the evening with Luc's leaders. Saturday morning was spent with Michelle Rimbert's leaders in Ambilly. The Saturday night meeting in Thonon was followed by a great Romanian meal. On Sunday morning I was again in Thonon - a church I visit about every eighteen months and see evidence of growth on each occasion. Saw significant development in the worship band. It was especially good to be able to spend time with Luc and Rachel (awesome cook!) in their newly converted farmhouse.

 

Weston Super Mare

Had a great day at Weston. The Sunday morning service was packed to capacity with extra chairs filling every available space. Claude Ellerington, senior minister of this creative and innovative congregation, is ably assisted by his two sons Richard and Steve - both ordained Elim ministers. The picture shows (left to right) Richard and his wife Regular. Natasha and her husband Steve and Sue and Claude.

Donna Neville, co-founder of the Praise Chapel network of churches based in USA, is to be the main speaker at the "Creative Leadership Conference" at Selly Oak Elim church organised by Maldwyn Jones. Other speakers include Chris Cartwright and myself. The dates are 12th-14th October. Women in Focus (12th) Teams in Focus (13th) Leadership in Focus (14). To book places for yourself and your leaders contact Maldwyn Jones 01214711133 maldwyn@sellyelim .org 

Next week in Weston SuperMare

Next Sunday we will be in Weston with Claude and Sue Ellerington. We were in college in the Sixties and have remained close friends in all the years that have followed. A couple of weeks ago, while on holiday, we spent the day together and we are looking forward to seeing what is currently taking place in this creative and innovative church 

Sunday in Braintree

This Sunday I preached in Braintree. Dave and Bev Dickson are doing a fabulous job in this great church. I was there two years ago just before they took over the pastorate. Today I witnessed a congregation that had almost trebelled in size and was packing the present building. Necessary expansion plans are underway. These two great people are typical of our young leaders who enthusiastically and sacrificially are creating an environment of faith in a congregation that I found to be warm, responsive and open to all that God wanted to do among them.

 

Enlarge Youth Leaders Conference

The largest ever numbers were present for the Serious4God youth leaders Conference held in Mark Ryan's ideal fascility at Letchworth. It was great to play a part in this two day event lead by Mark Pugh who, together with his team are doing an awesome job in leading Elim's youth focus. There was a great atmosphere and the title "Enlarge" was an apt tdescription for this growing youth vision.