The Gathering

Though this major event has been highlighted in detail already in our magazine, I could not possibly leave this out of my itinerary. It was a privilege to be invited by the Serious4God team, led by Mark Pugh, to speak on the final Sunday morning of the three day event.

Around 1700 of our young people were present. At the final meeting on the Sunday morning at which I spoke I gave one of the most challenging appeals for commitment I have given in over forty years as a minister. It was moving to witness the hundreds of young people who stood to their feet in positive response.

There has never been a time when the youth section of our Movement has been stronger than it is today and I cannot applaud to highly the calibre of young men and women who give leadership to this dynamic initiative within Elim.

NTCOG Conference

The New Testament Church of God is a classical Pentecostal Denomination the membership of which is primarily Afro-Caribbean. For the past number of years it has been led by Bishop Eric Brown. Though we have only known one another for a relatively short period of time we have become close friends and it was a privilege to be invited to speak to the hundreds of leaders that were present at their recent Conference. One of the current features of the Denomination is an initiative called 'The Big Move' which outlines the Bishop's powerful vision for the future. I spoke on the Friday and the Saturday before going to speak at The Gathering on the following Sunday morning.

Clacton on Sea

Three things remain in my memory of my visit to Clacton. The first was the leader's prayer time that preceded the morning service. It was a far from perfunctory occasion and very much set the scene for the day. The second was the noticeable growth in the congregation since my last visit three years ago. Finally it was pleasure to spend an extended lunch with the Smith family before return home later in the afternoon. (Left to right Stephen and Elizabeth Smith, Annie, Sarah and Mark)

Regents Theological College

One of the great advantages of the move to Malvern was the combining on one 32 acre site of our International offices and our theological college

During this month I had the pleasure of speaking to the entire student body at their weekly Devotions - the largest in our 96 year history as a Movement - and then to a small group (pictured) for an informal 'Question and Answer' time. Dr Keith Warrington (far left) chaired the discussion.

Malaga, Spain

Howard and Sue Coley (second and third from right) planted the church in Malaga around six years ago. Their two daughters (Naomi, far left and Lucy third from left) and son Sam (far right) are all involved in the life of the church which is situated right in the centre of the local shopping Mall. Dave Hodgson (second from left), who is married to Naomi joined the ministry team two years ago.

I was there to speak at leadership seminars on the Saturday and to preach at the church on the Sunday.

Through sacrificial commitment the church has grown to the point that their building is the only thing that limits their growth. I greatly enjoyed my time with them. It is always a pleasure to spend time with those who so clearly carry the DNA of our Movement whether in this country or abroad.

Letchworth Elim