Newcastle, Elim

Several changes  have taken place in recent years at Elim in Newcastle but non so pivotal as the purchase of a complex now know as the Dream Centre.

The local Bingo Hall had seen its number decline as the Elim church has seen its number grow.  The two buildings, just a short distance from one another on the same road were subsequently swapped with the Elim church also providing the difference in a financial settlement.

Senior pastor Simon Lawton (pictured here with his wife Julia and daughter Amy) showed me around the new building which is an extraordinary acquisition on several floors.  Most exciting of all was seeing for myself the development plans that reveal a huge vision and the dream that is now beginning to become a reality.

Marilyn spoke at an Aspire event that attracted a record number of ladies on the Saturday morning and which was hosted by Julia, and I ministered on the following Sunday morning.  This great initiative is a tribute to Simon and his leadership and the loyalty and sacrifice of the members of the church.

AoG Scotland

It is always a pleasure to be back in Scotland, for whatever reason, having spent so many years of our ministry there.  On this occasion I was the speaker at the Assemblies of God leaders day which was held at a conference centre in Perth

The Regional Leader for AoG Scotland is Andrew Smith who is also the senior pastor of the Whitburn church and is member of the AoG NLT.  We have known one another for very many years and he is a good friend.

It was a great day and I was delighted to hear about the increasing progress and strength of our Sister fellowship north of the border.

Cynon Vally Church

One of the greatest parts of my role is spending time with  emerging young Elim leaders and on this occasion Marilyn and I really enjoyed being with Luke and Sam Goodway of Cynon Valley Church in Mountain Ash, South Wales

Its always good to be in Welsh churches and you can always be sure of a great welcome there.

Ignite, Lincoln

There may be some people who do not like the words 'Chav Church' but those who attend this exciting new church plant in Lincoln are not among them.

Darren and Laura Edwards (pictured here with their children Liam and Sophie) commenced the church over a year ago and the initiative came to wider prominence at the publication of Darren's book on the subject and a very support two-page spread in the Sun newspaper who, last Christmas, asked him to write a Christmas message to their millions of readers.

As I have no Sundays free for over a year I visited the church on a Monday evening and spent time with the people.  It was great to witness those present eagerly engaging with the scriptures and sharing their life experiences.  Darren and Laura are a living testimony in their lifestyle as well as their public ministry to their passion to reach the culture of which they are part and which they love.  Spending time with leaders such as these makes me increasingly proud of the young men and women who are reaching people for Christ through our Movement.

Oasis, Treorchy

It was great to be with Jeff and Susan Evans and the congregation at the Oasis, - the Elim church in Treorchy, South Wales.  Jeff and Sue commenced their ministry in our sister Fellowship (Assemblies of God) but have pastored within the Elim Movement for the past 25 years.

The church appeared to have grown since my last visit especially among those in their Twenties.  It was a joy to spend the day with Jeff and Sue and the church there. 

Marilyn grew up in the Rhonnda valley in the small village of Ynyshir.  I went to my first church as pastor in Llantrisant  so it was very much a case of both of us returning to our roots.    

Destiny leadership conference

Apart from my ministry within Elim, I often have the privilege of speaking to Denominations and networks outside of our Movement.  One such example was when being the keynote speaker at the international leaders day in Glasgow for the Destiny network of churches.  This groups has congregations in the UK and in Europe and was founded, and continues to be led, by Andrew and Sue Owen.  It was an absolute joy to be with them and their leaders

Oldham, Elim Fountain of Hope

There are not many churches when I can say that the last time I was there was sixty years ago - but I could do on this occasion as, when I was a very small boy, my father was the pastor at Elim, Oldham all those years ago

Today it is ably led by Willie and Daphline Achumba (pictured) and the special purpose of my visit was to speak at the name change from "Elim Foursquare Church" to "Elim Fountain of Hope".

Apart from enjoying my time with the church I also had opportunity to spend time with the leaders over the lunch. The youth leader is Ugandan International Basketball star Robert Muburu (pictured)

Crawley

It was good to be with our friends Phil and Elaine Johnston at Crawley Elim.  This was the first time Marilyn and I had seen their new building.

The church was very full for the morning service which overflowed into the gallery.  There was a great sense of the presence of God in the service.

Phil and Elaine have always brought added value to every church that they have led and Crawley is certainly no exception.

S4G Connect

Tim Alford who leads Serious4God has done a tremendous job in the short time since he took up the new role.  S4G Connect is a conference that draws on youth leaders from across our Movement and which is held annually in Malvern.

The speakers are drawn from people across the UK who, in one way or another, excel in youth ministry and this year, with attendance up 25% on last year, was no exception

The reason that I had been invited to speak, apart from being the GS, was to address the subject "Knowing what I know now, what would I do differently today than when I was a youth pastor.  

I very much enjoyed engaging with a great group of young leaders from throughout our Elim churches.

UCB Leaders Day

Over recent years I have made many good friends in the cross Denominational world beyond the borders of our own Movement and non better than David L'Herroux the Managing Director of United Christian Broadcasters.

UCB producers the highest quality TV and Radio Broadcasts and is responsible for the publishing of the daily reading booklet 'Word for Today'.

Apart from this wide ministry it also holds leaders day that attracts people from all over the Denominational spectrum and from all over the UK.  It was my privilege to speak at one of these important days led by UCB church coordinator Bill Partington.  The venue was packed for the event and it was a pleasure to spend quality time with quality people.

Brighton

The church in Brighton has not gone through the easiest of times in the past couple of years.  The situation has been reversed however through the leadership of Christy Smith (pictured here with his wife Lynda) and the members of the church.

As so often is the case, its always a pleasure to meet people who have been in the church for a generation or more (one lovely couple having attended Brighton Elim for seventy years) as well as those who have recently become part of the congregation.

An excellent Praise band led the worship.

Camborne

At one of the southernmost tips of the UK, our church in Camborne lies in the beautiful area of Cornwall.

It was great to be with senior pastors David and Liz Smyth who we have known since I was their pastor over thirty years ago.

We felt very much 'at home' in the church on the Sunday morning we were there.  There is a great sense of community and family about the congregation and the worship, led by Christian Ponsford was exceptional.

Dave Smyth is one of our Movements entrepreneurs and, because of his heart for the marginalised, those with learning difficulties and disabilities, has set up a program of care within the town that not only reach many hundreds of people every week but has a turnover of almost a million pounds annually.  It was a joy for Marilyn and I to be with them.

Ealing Christian Centre

By any standards ECC is an exceptional church. Marilyn and I were present to speak at the Watchnight service as the church and the Movement moved from 2014 into our centenary.

One thousand people were in the congregation that commenced at 8:30 pm and concluded at 4 pm the following morning.  Most of us would find a 7.5 hour service daunting but not the members of ECC who do this not just annually but every month of the year.

Apart from my ministry the meeting was packed with worship, intercession, musical ministry and powerful testimonies of the year that had gone past and which included the story of a remarkable creative miracle of which their was full medical documented evidence.  

Two days later I was able to spend time with the senior ministers, Richard and Rajindark Buxton (pictured) and all of the leaders in one of their monthly leaders meeting

Victory Church, Cwmbran

Victory church Cwmbran was in the news in the early part of this year as it was the centre of the what was being termed the 'Welsh Outpouring'.

 In recent months however it entered a very challenging period.  However, through the commitment of Clyde and Rebekah Thomas,(pictured) and the excellent team around them, everything is now back on track

There was a great atmosphere in the Sunday morning service at which I spoke and it is evident that they have now entered a new season.  Following the service I enjoyed lunch with the full leadership team and their spouses - a memorable and enjoyable day.

Northampton Elim

 What a fabulous day at Northampton with Jason and Lynda Heron (third and forth from the left) and their assistant pastors Mike and Beki Nicholls.

During the morning service, which was followed by a hog roast, eleven children were dedicated.  It was a particular joy for me to dedicate Judah pictured here with his proud parents.

Three years ago the church went through a number of difficulties but ,through the wise leadership of this great team, Northampton Elim has never been in better shape

The building, including the gallery, was packed to capacity for the occasion and a building extension for a parallel youth service is already underway.

Marilyn and I so much enjoyed being with great friends and an excellent congregation.

Dr. Michael NTumy

I flew in and out of Hamburg Germany in a day so that I could visit and pray with my good friend, former chairman of the Church of Pentecost, Dr. Michael Ntumy.

After a serious operation this exceptional leader, who during his tenure saw CoP double in numbers and become the largest Denomination in Ghana, was confined to a wheelchair.  However, as those who suffer in this way are not defined by their disability I have chosen a photo taken in 2006 when the President of Ghana decorated him with the 'Order of the Volta' the second highest national award in Ghana.

Apostle Ntumy is an inspiration to many - not just in the two million strong Church of Pentecost - but countless others around the world through his books.  He remains one of the finest Christian leaders I have encountered.

Formby Christian Fellowship

It was a pleasure for Marilyn and I to spend the day with Malcolm and Denise Dyer at Formby Christian Fellowship - a church that has many activities that relate not only to the local community but which also network with what other churches are doing in the area.

Over lunch it was good to meet with the Elders of the church and their wives before speaking at the evening service at which four other Elim churches in the area were represented.

Bakewell, Elim

It only seems a short time ago that I was present for the opening of the fine new building in Asbourne but since that time not only has the church doubled under the leadership of Ben Brown and his team but they have planted out into the pictureque town of Bakewell around twenty miles away.

It was my privilege to be present at the opening of the church.  Though the town is nationally known for its famous Bakewell pudding, the building that now carries the Elim logo is an old chocolate factory.  The small building was full for the first official service with local people and visitors alike sensing that this was the beginning of great things.  Well done Ben and Esther (pictured here with their children) and all involved, for being among the many in our Movement who are rising to the challenge of the 'Big Centenary Ask'' by planting out beyond the boundaries of their locality into the surrounding areas.

Nantwich Elim

When our Bible College moved from Nantwich it had an understandable numerical effect upon the local church as students and faculty no longer attended.  However there has been a dramatic turnround under the leadership of Michelle Nunn who has seen the congregation double in the period of less than four years in which she has been the senior minister. 

Prior to the Sunday service I was taken on a tour of the church and conference centre and it was clear that a massive effort has been made by volunteers to create the improved facilities that now exist on the site.  There was a great sense of appreciation for what Michelle, her husband Brendan (pictured here with their son Dominic) and the team, had accomplished and having been there I have to concur that the best days of the Nantwich are yet to come.

National Leadership Team

This diary page usually relates to only the preaching engagements that I have around the country. It does not cover the remainder of my diary throughout the week.

One of the most valuable inclusions in my calendar is the time I spend with the National Leadership Team - the group of leaders selected by our Conference to give leadership and direction to our Movement throughout the year.

Our meetings take place over three days five times a year.  One of the greatest joys in my role as General Superintendent is the privilege of spending time with people of such high calibre who, apart from being colleagues, have also become close personal friends.  

Elim France

Having spoken in Edinburgh on the Sunday morning (see earlier post) I then flew direct to Paris for the Elim France leaders Conference.

Our churches there are led by an amazing couple - David and Christine Thabot.

I know of no people who have shown more tenacity than they have over the years as they, and the churches that they lead, struggle against the oppressive secular and Islamic opposition that exists in that country against evangelicals.

I spoke at five sessions over the two days.  Elim does not have a strong presence in France but it was a delight to spend time with our leaders and their spouses while I was there.

Edinburgh Elim

Gordon and Heather Allan hale originally from Greenock and ministered latterly in Clydebank.  A little under two tears ago they moved to Edinburgh.  It was great to be with them.

On entering the church one is immediately impressed by the fact that, though it is a traditional church building, it has been sensitively restored and the entrance hall is high-tech with video screens and first class contemporary graphics and branding.

After a meal with the local leadership on the Saturday afternoon I spoke at the church service in the evening and then on the next day on Sunday morning service.  There are usually excellent worship bands in all our churches but I considered Edinburgh to be exceptional.

Rotherham Elim

It was good to be with Paul and Caroline Folland and everyone at Elim Rotherham and witness the development of the church since I was last there.

One of the things I enjoy about my visits to churches as I travel is to hear  the stories and testimonies of members of the congregation who I try and spend as much time as possible with after the service has concluded.  These include those who have served faithfully for many years as well as those who have recently come to faith.

I was surprised on this occasion to meet a wonderful 94 year old man who, when he was a small boy, knew my great grandfather.  How many memories and experiences are contained in every one of our churches.

Scottish Regional Retreat

Elim in Scotland has never been in  better shape than it is at the moment.  This was the clear conclusion that we came to as Marilyn and I attended and spoke at the retreat for pastors and spouses organised by Kevin and Margaret Peat and listened to the testimonies of all the good things that are taking place.  It was good too to hear of the faith-fuelled plans for the centenary celebrations in 2015

Sixteen years of our ministry was spent in Scotland - a period in which we made many friends among leaders and members alike.  One of the exciting things that are evident is not just an awareness of those who have served in Scotland for many years but the new and emerging younger leaders who are set to carry the baton into the future.  Thank you Kevin and Margaret for creating the climate for growth and thanks too to everyone in leadership for your dedication to the harvest into which you continue to sow.

City Church, Peterborough

There are four Elim churches in the Peterborough area and my visit on this occasion was to City Church in Midland Road.  The congregation was between ministers when I visited and  awaiting the appointment of a new pastor.  That church operates so well on such occasions is a tribute the the Elders, deacons and the many volunteers that make local church effective in all our congregations around the country.

Staines

Desmond and Patricia Egharevba are leading a church plant in Staines.  On most occasion when I minister it is necessary to travel to various parts of the country to connect with our churches.  On this occasion this congregation was holding a church weekend at our International Centre here in Malvern.  I spoke on the Friday evening and Nigel Tween on the Saturday. It was good to spend time with people who were so open to teaching and input.

People's Church, Newtonabbey, Belfast

My first memory of George and Linda McKim was when they came to Falkirk in Scotland to plant a church during the time that I was the Regional Leader for the area.  They commenced with just a handful of people and, after years of tenacious and sacrificial service, saw those early beginnings grow to a church of around two hundred people with its own building in the centre of the town.

They are now leading a church in Belfast and, as I did not have and free weekends for the next eighteen months, I flew out to speak at their regular midweek Bible study that, like their mid week prayer meeting, attracts large numbers.  There would have been around 250 on the Thursday night that I was there.  On a Sunday the church numbers around 600 people.

Apart from  ministering at the church it was a delight to spend time with two people who have experienced both the pleasure the pain that accompanies the process of building a healthy church.

Ipswich

It was a very full weekend in Ipswich and it was a pleasure to spend time with the senior minister and his wife,Harold and Florence Afflu (pictured here their family).

The first session was on Saturday afternoon which was a meeting for the wider church leadership.  This was followed by an evening celebration during which the message was translated in Romanian as there is a Romanian church linked to Elim that worships in the building on a Sunday and their congregation and their leaders were present on the Saturday service on this occasion.

There  were two morning meetings to accommodate this growing church.  In the second service the church and balcony were full and there was standing room only for any who were not present for the start of the meeting.  One of the most impressive memories about the visit was that, although the Worship Band were committed to two services, they were present for their own time of worship before the first meeting began.  With such commitment there is little wonder that this church is in the healthy state that it is.

Wrenthorpe

Wrenthorpe is a small on the outskirts of Wakefield.  And it was to this congregation of faithful people that Jamys Carter (pictured with his wife Emma) came to minister a little  under two years ago,

The church is well known in the community in which it has had a presence for very many years.

Apart from his leadership of the church, Jamys is very involved in the development of Elim's "ministers in training' within our Movement and Emma, apart from her role within the church, has a  doctorate and  works as a research scientist at Sheffield University.

It was a pleasure to spend time at the Wrenthorpe church and to have some quality time too with Jamys and Emma during the day.

Sparkbrook

The last time I spoke at Sparkbrook Elim was when Pastor JJ Morgan was the minister.  I was a teenager, and he had invited me to give my testimony.

Fifty years later I was a speaker, together with Nigel Tween, at a convention weekend entitled, "Embracing the Holy Spirit"

The church has gone through some difficult times in recent years but has seen a dramatic turn around under the ministry of the current pastor , Caleb Nyanni pictured here with his wife Angela who in the four years since he has been there has seen the church triple in size.

Calvary Chapel, Kings Heath

For many years Calvary Chapel was pastored by Colin and Francis Dyson (pictured fourth and fifth from left) and then four years ago their daughter, ordained Elim minister Claire Williams (pictured third from the left with her husband Tony), took over the leadership when her father retired.

Their eldest son Tim (pictured fourth from right with his wife) is a Minister in Training and now serving as the assistant minister at Elim Yeovil.  Their second son Jon (pictured second from right) is a second year student at RTC.  Their third son Joe (far left) is in the praise band in the local church.

It was great to witness first hand the growth and development of the church under Claire's ministry and especially good to for Marilyn and I to share a meal with all the leaders and their wives after the morning service.  A special mention should be made of the church elder Norman who has been a member of the church since  it was founded 55 years ago.

Com Church, Dunstable

My visit to Com church was part of their anniversary celebrations.  Thirty years ago the Dunstable congregation commenced with just a handful of people led by Doug and Helena Richards (pictured) and now is a large and vibrant church.  It was great to meet people who were part of the initial group and who are key leaders in the church today.

The last occasion I was in Dunstable was the the opening of their new premises where the church had taken over the largest night club in the town and converted it into a place of worship.  The previous week I had been at another Elim church that had taken over the town's casino.

Thank you Doug and Helena for your great welcome to Marilyn and myself and for the generous cheque you gave to Elim Missions for the suffering Christians in Iraq.

Church of Pentecost

Elim and the Church of Pentecost enjoy very close links.  It was therefore a privilege to be asked to be the speaker at the 25th Jubilee Anniversary celebrations that was held in Dagenham, London.  Other Elim representatives present apart from Marilyn and myself were John and Trish Waller, who had served for many years in Ghana, and Bruce and Heather Hunter.

The four and a half hour service included times for worship and reports of the growth of the church over the years.  It began in the UK as Elim church of Pentecost with just 30 people and now is 17,000 strong.  World-wide is numbers over two million.

River Camp

It was good to be back at River Camp on 2014 - an initiative commenced by David Campbell from small beginnings but now which attracts around 1800 annually to the large site situated in the Cotswolds near Evesham.  Other speakers were Che Ahn, David Campbell, Simon Foster, Ken Gott and Kevin Peat.

London City Region

Kensington Temple in London is not only Elim's largest church but, under the leadership of Colin Dye and his team, has developed into a network of churches around the city designated 'London City Church'.  KT, as it is more commonly called, is not however limited to the England's capital and supports many churches around the world several of which it has pioneered.

LCC has grown at such a rate that it is considered to be a Region in its own right within our Movement.  It was a great pleasure for me to spend an entire Saturday with all of the leaders from the LCC region - something that I do at least once every two years.

Rushey Green, London

Rev. Sam Larbie (pictured here his wife Sophia, Marilyn and I and Regional Leader David Campbell at the opening of their new facilities) was a major in the Ghanaian army before coming to the UK 28 years ago.

He commenced a church with just a handful of people and since then has never stopped planting and expanding.  I estimate that over a thousand Elim members have sprung from the work that he has accomplished over the years.

Recognising the apostolic gift on his life I have always referred to him as 'The Bishop'.  Apart from the many  who have found Christ under his leadership, several people testify to have been healed through his 'Right Now Jesus' ministry.

Though it has taken many years to reach the point when there fine facilities could be finally secured, it is clear that the tenacity that he and the leaders around him have shown has paid off.  A large auditorium and many ancillary rooms pay tangible tribute to their work throughout London.

Kingstanding Elim

One of the first things that you notice as you enter the Kingstanding church is the excellent "Elim Life" branding around the building and the next thing would be the warm welcome.

Johnathan and Sam Skelton (pictured here with their two lovely daughters Olivia and Charlotte) have done a tremendous job in the years they have been at this influential Birmingham church.

Jonathan's parents pastored the AoG church in West Bromwich when I was a young minister in my Twenties and we became firm friends.  So I have known Jonathan since he was born.

Now having to run two morning services because of the burgeoning numbers 'Elim Life' is well known in the community for its social concern as well as its vibrant services.

Also on team is Sarah Whittleston who is a key person in Elim's National Prayer initiative and a major voice in the Lift-Up intercession emphasis in our Movement.

Winson Green, Elim

More times than I can recount I come away from visiting our churches thankful to God for the men and women that God has gifted to our Movement in Leadership.  My visit to Winson Green, Birmingham was one such occasion.

In the two years since James and Kasia Talbot moved there with their children Gabriela and Jonathan the congregation has grown from the 35 to well over twice that number and much progress has been made on the church building giving it a profile in the vicinity that it had never enjoyed previously

It was a pleasure to preach at such a warm and welcoming congregation and the worship was enthusiastic and powerful.  Marilyn and I thoroughly enjoyed our time with the Winson Green church family.

A century of service

When anyone thinks of Elim's International centre it is usually in the context of excellent facilities spread over a 32 acre site at the top of the Malvern Hills.

But what really matters in Malvern is the scores of dedicated staff who work loyally and faithfully in all the many departments - Administration, Finance, Missions, Conference Centre, College, Serious4God, Reach and Aspire.

This photo celebrates three of our staff who between them, had given a century to our Movement.

Jenny Locke (centre) has worked for us  for an incredible 40 years and Miriam Loveridge (left) and Cath Symons have served for 30 years respectively.

To make this very special occasion 25 members of staff from their immediate department gathered for a buffet lunch and each received a large bouquet of flowers and the latest edition of the iPad to mark the occasion.

I consider it an immense privilege to serve alongside staff of this calibre and our Movement could not operate without them.

Ground level

Ground Level is a network of churches led by Stuart Bell, a prominent member of what is often referred to as the New Church Movement.  He covers a number of fellowships  from the 'Humber to the Wash' and his own congregation is situated in the heart of the City of Lincoln

I was responding to an invitation to speak to the leaders in his network.  It is always a joy to minister to groups in Streams beyond the borders of own Movement and there is always strength in cross-fertilisation, mutual learning and bridge building.

Selly Oak Elim Church

There are two vibrant Elim churches within a mile of one another in the Selly Oak area of Birmingham.  The one that I was speaking on this occasion is pastored by senior minister Iain Hesketh (pictured here with his wife Rachel) and assistants  Jack and Annie who, by the time that this is published will be a newly married couple.

Marilyn and I have visited this church on several occasions during the time that Maldwyn Jones was the minister and it was great to be there on this occasion and see the continued growth of this fine church.

Iain, apart from his leadership of the local church is also active beyond its walls in a number of Regional and national initiatives.

Lakeside Elim Church

If ever there was a church that lived up to its name it is Lakeside Elim Church situated at the heart of the beautiful northwest coastal resort of Southport and on located by a lake with stunning views.  Not too many church cafes overlook a vista populated by swans.

This vision is the result of the tireless and tenacious efforts of senior minister Malcolm Hathaway (pictured here with his wife Lorna) and associate pastor Richard Vernon (pictured here with is wife George).

The former fitness complex provides some of the best facilities seen in any Elim church and incorporates two squash courts and is surrounded by a car park for 180 cars.  But of course, as great as buildings are, its the people that matter and Marilyn and I so much enjoyed our Sunday with this warm and welcoming congregation.

Barking, Elim

It is always a joy for Marilyn and I to be with our friends John and Trish Waller who are the senior leaders of the Elim Church in Barking, Essex.

Immediately after arriving on Saturday afternoon I met with the Elders and pastors of the church for an informal two-hour leadership session

Sunday morning consisted of two identical morning services in order to accommodate the expanding congregation that has almost doubled in size since John and Trish came to the church. Also, since I was last there eighteen months ago, the adjacent building has been renovated and modernised - a great addition to their already excellent facilities.

Most churches have a moment in the morning service where the children go out to a parallel meeting of their own.  That morning I understand was a record as no less than 97 children filed out - phenomenal.  Thank you Barking for the warm welcome you gave us and your openness to the input we were privileged to bring.

Metropolitan Regions

David Campbell is the Regional leader of the two Metropolitan Regions and covers the largest number of churches and leaders in our Movement

Ealing Christian Centre pastored by senior ministers, Richard and Rajindark Buxton provided the excellent venue and generous hospitality to the large numbers of leaders who attended. 

Worship was led by Sam Blake

It is on days of this nature that I become increasingly aware of the great calibre of men and women who are leading the churches across our Movement.

Ellesmere Port Elim Church

As I revisit churches over the years, it is great to see the development and expansion that is evident since the last time that I was there.

 I was at Oasis (Elim in Ellesmere Port) just eighteen months ago and it was remarkable how many people that I spoke to after the meeting told me how they had joined the church during the past twelve months.

Peter Peters, originally from Nigeria, pastors this church that continues to grow numerically and as well as in faith and vision.

Claude and Sue Ellerington - retirement

 Marilyn and I attended the retirement meal for our close friends Claude and Susan Ellerington who have Pastored the Elim Church in Weston Super Mare for the past 19 years.

Both of their sons (Richard and Steve) are ordained Elim ministers.  Richard is planting a church in the south of France and Steve is the senior pastor of Bude in Cornwall.  Their daughter, Dawn (pictured here with her mother Susan) holds an Elim 'License to Minister' credential and his based in Holy Trinity (Elim) Weston.

Many tributes, from church Elders and members, were made to Claude and Sue who have seen the church triple in size during the years that they have been there.  They clearly will be greatly missed by this warm and friendly family church.

Feast of Esther

It was a privilege to speak at the opening night of the 'Feast of Esther' Conference attended by influential women from the black community who are leaders in church, academia and commerce.  It is hosted by Pastor Foluku Adeboye the wife of Rev A. Adeboye who is the pastor of the largest church in the world based in Lagos Nigeria and who was voted by Newsweek magazine as one of the fifty most influential men in the world. He is also the leader of the Redeemed Christian Church of God.  It was an exceptional evening and it was a joy for Marilyn and I  to be with these great women of God.

Isle of Man

It is thirty years since Elim first planted a church in the Isle of Man as a result of a series of special evangelistic services conducted by Paul Epton.  There are now three Elim Churches on the Island which has a population of around  85,000 people.

The reason for my visit was to celebrate this special anniversary.  The Saturday meeting was in Onchan and then on the Sunday all three churches (Onchan, Peel, Ramsey) came together in a hired venue.  During the service ten people indicated their decision to commit their lives to Christ.

One of my nieces and her husband (Amanda and Alex Brown) head up Scripture Union on the Isle of Man and it was a joy to attend their annual Conference on the Sunday afternoon.

I am grateful for the work that the three pastors Des Deehan, Jonny Harding and John Powell are doing for Elim on the Island.

Elim - Church of Pentecost

The Church of Pentecost, based in Accra Ghana, is the Denomination to which we in our Movement are the most closely associated.  Every year members from our NLT attend their Conference  and, similarly, a delegation from Ghana attends our Conference.

This photo depicts the Elim NLT together with two CoP apostles from Ghana and senior leaders of the Church of Pentecost in the UK.  CoP is the largest of all Denominations in Ghana with a world-wide membership which now exceeds two million. 

Cardiff City Temple

Due to the volume of my appointments and the printing schedule of Direction, there is often a gap of some weeks before a report can be seen in the magazine.  An example of this is my Easter visit to the City Temple in Cardiff

This church always had good memories for me for it was when attending the Easter Convention in 1971 that I first met the lady who was later to become my wife.

The City Temple today is far larger and more effective than it has ever been in its long history. This is due to the fine leaders that it has had over the years and the faithfulness of the members of its congregation.  Steve Ball (second from the left) has been senior minister for the past four years and the church has continued to grow in size and depth under his ministry and that of the team (pictured) that work alongside him.  There were around 500 present for the Good Friday service and almost 800 in total in the two morning services on Easter Sunday.  It was a great pleasure to spend Easter 2014 with everyone at the City Temple.

Oasis, Wallasey

Another example of the commitment of bi-vocational ministry is that of Vinny and Helen Devonport (pictured here with their son Joshua and daughter Anna)

Vinny and Helen both hold senior roles within the educational system and yet have committed themselves to lead the church in Wallasey.

Vinny and Helen have been members in Wallasey for some years and, when a pastoral vacancy occurred, the congregation were supportive of Vinny applying for ministerial status and, from what I witnessed while I was there, they could not have made a better choice.  This a great family who through dedicated commitment are making a very real difference in the place that God has planted them.

Wembley Christian Centre

Readers of this page will know how much we in our Movement seek to honour bi-vocational leaders - people who engage in secular employment in order to support themselves in pastoral ministry

Someone who has done this for many years Soke Mun Ho who has her own dental practice in Wembley while at the same time giving pastoral leadership to the local Elim congregation.

The service at which I ministered included a testimony from a long-term member of the church who was leaving to take up a senior position as Barrister in the Nigerian government and who expressed gratitude for the input she had received from Pastor Soke Mun during the time she had been part of the congregation.

Longton Elim Church

It was in 1968 that I first met Phil Parsons (pictured with his wife Sue) when we were both Students at the Elim Bible College in Capel, Surrey so it was a privilege for me to be present at the Sunday service in which his current church put on a surprise program to mark his retirement.

What a track record these two remarkable people have within our Movement - 44 years in Elim incorporating a staggering 38 years in leadership of the church in Longton.

Apart from his faithful pastoral ministry, Phil has also served with distinction on a number of committees within the Movement.  We pray God richest blessing on their lives together in the years that lie ahead

Elim Brazil

Being with Elim in Brazil was one of the most memorable trips that I have made overseas and I am grateful to our International Missions Director Paul Hudson for planning the very full trip with such precision.  A full account can be found in this edition of Direction.  The photo shows the Elim pastors and their spouses at a Saturday teaching day that we spent together.  I love the Brazilian warmth, hospitality and openness to the word of God.