Ladbrook Grove, London

The church in Ladbrook Grove is close to the Portobello Road. It is part of Elim's 'London City Church' network which works under the auspices of Kensington temple.

This was my first visit to the congregation that is pastored by Jacqueline Brown (pictured). I was impressed by many things during my time there and not least by the number of people involved in the meeting.

After the service I had the pleasure of meeting a couple more of the core leaders over a meal. Jacqueline is doing a great job in one of the most economically challenged wards of the borough in which they are located.

Sowerby Bridge

Duncan and Beverly Curry (pictured) were appointed to the Sowerby Bridge church in Yorkshire under three years ago.

Though, at the moment, one of the smaller churches within our Movement it has excellent potential for growth. It ws especially good to spend quality time after the morning service with Duncan and Beverly and the Elder of the church, Phil Tate (pictured right) to hear about the various ministries in which the Fellowship is involved and to talk about possible avenues of expansion for the future.

Bethel Christian Fellowship

Bethel Christian Fellowship has been in a great church in Oldbury (West Midlands) for many years. The reason for me being there on this occasion was to welcome it into the fellowship of Elim Churches. The senior minister is Rev. Ken Hipkiss (pictured) who until recently was the chaplain for West Bromwich Albion football club based at the Hawthorns. The speaker at this event was Gordon Neale the Regional leader for Elim the area.

Swansea City Temple

Hundreds of people packed the church in both the morning and evening services which celebrated the 80th anniversary of the Swansea church. Senior minister Michael Williams gave tribute to those who had contributed to the growth and development of the church over the past eight decades - both ministers and members alike. If it is true that 'a church that honours its past has a fruitful future' then there are great days ahead for Elim in Swansea. A much fuller report of the celebrations will feature in Direction shortly. I was the final speaker after a month of special ministry that has taken place. One of the most moving moments was the tribute paid to an 89 year old member who had given his life to Christ as a nine year-old in the opening meetings held by George Jeffries and who was still serving God today. Joel Pridmore, resident worship leader, led the music ministry powerfully and sensitively. I have preached in Swansea on several occasions over the years and it is a church that has been blessed by a succession of the best of our pastors. I have to say however that I have never seen it in such a strong position as it is today - both numerically and spiritually. Michael and Jill Williams (pictured) are giving phenomenal input into one of our Movement's flagship churches.

Dunstable Community Church

A recent Direction article featured the transition that DCC have taken in moving from their previous venue a former nightclub in the centre of the town. I was present to speak at the opening service on the Saturday afternoon which began a series of meetings over the weekend that was to conclude with Morris Cerullo flying in the the USA especially for the Sunday evening.

Around 450 people were present for the opening service during which a multi-media presentation showed the development of the vision to its present stage. Tribute was given to the leadership of senior pastor Doug Richards and his wife Helena who have led the church for the past 25 years.