Spring 2008
Downstairs there was the huge "Jesus Zone" where people could walk around the life of Jesus presented in a rather unique way with people on hand to explain their significance. For instance, the feeding of the five thousand was a specially built scene where bread and fish were multiplied through the use of mirrors and switches. There was also the nativity scene, the Cross on which handmade flowers could be attached: the Resurrection scene and a DVD showing Keith presenting the Gospel using magic. It was wonderful to see hundreds walking through, especially Muslims and particularly, Muslim men.
Other activities included meeting Superman and Lois Lane, a cafe, a bookstall and a music and dressing-up room. The main church was taken over with a continuous programme of drama: how to draw a Superhero and quizzes all relating to the Gospel.
It was a glorious day with many dads coming with their lads. We praise the Lord for all that was done and for all those who helped to make it such a success.
The following week Keith spent the whole week in his local Senior school with many Asian pupils. This is the first time he has been able to go into this school for many years and the reception both from the staff and pupils was brilliant. Each lesson was an hour long and he has covered the entire Year 8, consisting of about 12 groups.
He, his Vicar and Curate, went straight into a week of mission at the local church school taking assemblies, classes and 2 special "KIds' Bonanzas". The children were really excited, enjoying it immensely. It was good to see so many parents come and get involved with the 2 specials. A new rapport has now built up between the children and our team. They stop and say "Hello" wherever they see us!
Please pray for the schools of the town that God will continue to speak.
Keith is hoping to visit each of the 20 junior schools to talk to the heads about regular work in each one. He will start with the one's most local and work out from there. He would also like to do this with a number of Secondary Schools beginning with the ones in which he has previously worked. This is a big undertaking, but pray he might have wisdom in the planning and for team members also to be available when needed and new ones to come forward and be trained.
We were sad to learn of the death of the head teacher of one of the schools Keith visited for Superheroes after only a minor operation. Please pray that we will be loving and alert when we meet the staff in the schools as we never know what is happening in their lives.
Neil Hudson from the Institute of Contemporary Christianity spoke on faith from a number of different angles, so that a clear picture of it was built up.
Alec Motyer, who led the Bible readings at Keswick last year, shared about hope, each point reaching the heart not just the head.
Rob Whittaker, Principal of Capernwray Bible School spoke on love in such a way that God's love for us and our love for others stimulated us to action.
So popular were these evenings that there has been a demand for more in the autumn.The theme for the Autumn is "The Trinity and You"
September 12th - "The Father and You" speaker to be announced
October 17th - "Jesus and You". Angela Mills, International Bible Teacher and member of "Torchbearer International."
November14th - "The Holy Spirit and You." Andrew Barker, mission and church strategist and lecturer at Cliff College.
Please make a note of these dates and come if you can. It really has been a remarkable opportunity and privilege to hear God's Word expounded.
with those she had affected. She and her husband had worked in Tanzania for many years, Paul being the Principal of the Morogoro Bible College. She was such a down-to-earth, fun loving person and she will be missed, especially by her husband and children. Please pray for the family and Phillie's lasting impact.
with those she had affected. She and her husband had worked in Tanzania for many years, Paul being the Principal of the Morogoro Bible College. She was such a down-to-earth, fun loving person and she will be missed, especially by her husband and children. Please pray for the family and Phillie's lasting impact.
Keith first met David and Jim Duffecy, the International Director, whilst at Bible College as they were just about to introduce the ministry to Great Britain. Keith was immediately impressed and was urged by a fellow student (who later became one of the leaders of OMF) to go over and listen to them as they had such a lot to offer. Keith expressed interest in the ministry as he had always wanted to reach people outside the influence of the church.
This led, eventually, to him being invited to be trained in Brighton and then to become the North of England Director. During the next ten years he opened up opportunities throughout the North that have been the foundation of his ministry ever since. He owes such a lot to the training, methods and opportunities that were afforded him during that time. He was also able to work in Belgium and see the work of O.A.C. begin there under Ben Van Den Akker (a story in itself!) and train three men for the ministry, including David Glover, who is now the National Director of O.A.C.
David Fanstone, until, recently was on Keith's Advisory Group and is still involved in the minstry of O.A.C, in spite of his having Parkinson's Disease. He and Alice have bought a house in Brighton, after being London and National Directors for many years and use it for Christian workers who need a break.
After 10 years, Keith and Deborah felt God leading them into "in Depth" mission work and the ministry that has since developed but they have kept in close touch with the work, and especially David and Alice. We pray God will bless the next 40 years as they are at the cutting edge of evangelism in this country.
Catherine, Simeon and Emily
Simeon has just returned from a conference on bone marrow transplants in Florence in connection with his work at Christies Cancer Hospital, Manchester. Catherine continued her studies, writing essays and working as a children's nurse in the community untilthe summer, as well as looking after the family. Emily will be 10 in the summer and will be in her final year at junior school. She is a great swimmer and will soon be ready for grade 1 exam on the piano (taught by her Aunty Ruth).
Rebecca She is engaged to Dinis from Mozambique. The wedding date depends on visas and lots of paper work and will be in Africa! They then hope to settle in London for a few years before going out to Mozambique to do teaching and Christian work.
Deborah Deborah is now in her final term at Gilnow Primary School before her retirement. It is a sixteen week term which is a long haul. Please pray for the children and staff at the school, that her influence and friendships will continue. Keith and Deborah are both still in touch with the Asian girl Deborah looked after as a special needs assistant in the school. She was given eighteen months to live and they had the honour of being invited to her 15th birthday party!
Thank you for praying with us as we have seen many answers to prayer over the past few months. We praise God for the wonderful "Superheroes" day where so many children and parents were able to hear the Gospel in a new and exciting way. To see a very large cross covered in paper daffodils that the children made, was a joy to behold. We have prayed much for an input into a local Secondary School and now God has opened the door that Keith has taken with the approval of both staff and pupils. We thank God for the continued interest in the Bible School For all these things: THANK YOU FOR PRAYING! Please pray for Keith's health and the future shape of the ministry.
Bible School every Monday until June 23rd.
It is hoped to return to Smithills Secondary School to take another year stream of classes. Possibly Year 9 on Christian Ethics.
Opening up and regular Work in Junior schools.
Planning for East Oldham Mission
Finishing work on "Matthew's Gospel"
May
11. East Oldham Methodist Church
22. Speaking at "The Well" lunch club.
June
5. St Peter's Junior School, Bolton - Assembly
12. "The Well" luncheon club
14. Speaking at Leverhulme Park, Bolton Fun Day (3000 people!)
15. Smithills Chapel, Bolton- "Sermons"
21, 22. East Oldham Mission Weekend
June/July Classes in St. Peter's School+Lever's assembly where we give out SU booklets kindly donated by lady supporter. We may also do this in 2 more junior schools.
August
Holiday
