Scottish Regional Retreat

Having spent fourteen years of my ministry in Scotlandd there is little wonder that I was looking forward to my time with our leaders north of the border.

Kevin Peat, NLT member and current Regional Leader, excels in pastoral care and, together with his wife Margaret, hosted the Scottish pastors at a the four-star hotel in Strathclyde Country park.

The theme was 'Replenish' and it was a privilege to be part of this fabulous two day event - not just in terms of the teaching that I was invited to bring - but being able to interact with our leaders between the various sessions.

Macclesfield

The last time I spoke at Macclesfield Elim church was 47 years ago.  I was in my mid teens and this was the was the first time that I had preached outside of the home church that I grew up in.

For the past ten years the church has been pastored by Cindy and Dean Shaw (pictured here with their two daughters).  

Though not a large church it has many activities during the week and there was an excellent family atmosphere at the morning service at which I ministered.

Coatbridge, Scotland

I have visited the Coatbridge church on a number of occasions during the past twelve years and was a pleasure to witness the growth in size and depth since my previous visit.

David and Linda Bell have worked faithfully there over the years and all of their family are involved in the Fellowship.  Pictured left to right are Louise, Shirley, David, Linda, Audrey and Stephen.

The Saturday evening service was attended by other churches in the area and the Sunday morning by the local church family. 

Ellesmere Port

 This was my first visit to the Ellesmere Port church that had been planted just three years ago as an Elim church.  Its visionary leader, Peter Israel Peters, took a great step of faith when he embarked on the purchasing of a large church complex at a time when the congregation was so small.

He and his family have worked sacrificially in order to see the new church become established and I believe that principles for growth and expansion are in place that will ensure that the church will continue to effectively reach the community with the Gospel.

After the morning service it was a pleasure to also spend time with the leadership of the local church as listen to their vision for the future.