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“search the scriptures” John 5:39
“I will give them an heart to know me”, Jer. 24. 7. “Lydia … whose heart the Lord opened”, Acts 16. 14.
Two questions could be asked, as we seek to understand the work of God in human lives today. Firstly, “where is the damage of sin most deeply felt?” Then, “where does the work of grace effectually begin?” The answer to each is the same - in the human heart. The wonder of salvation lies just here The same God that knows the deep, corrupting influences of sin at the centre of man’s being, is the One who enlightens and effectually moves the heart to accept Christ Each saved soul is a miracle of divine power and a mirror in which can be seen the glory of the God who saves. Praise Him for every one in this report whose heart has been opened like a flower to the sunshine. Pray that more shall respond as the message is spread abroad by all who serve the Lord faithfully.
News of work in the North comes from Jim Graham in Belfast. Seven weeks of tent campaigning were conducted by A. McShane and J. Hawthorne at GLENGORMLEY. There was faithful preaching of the gospel with one person confessing Christ. At Ormeau Road, BELFAST, in a portable hall, S. Maze and R. Eadie worked in association with Kingsbridge assembly, and numbers attending were good At Albertbridge Road Hall, BELFAST, in a very needy area, S. Jennings and S. Wishart saw good numbers come in to hear the gospel. Prayer is needed for a number of elderly folk who came that they may respond. A. Caulfield and A. McLean were encouraged by seeing numbers of unsaved folk from the locality come in to meetings at CARNCULLAGH in North Antrim. One young lady was saved in well attended tent meetings, conducted by S. Ferguson and N. Turkington at DERRIAGHY, between Belfast and Lisburn. A long campaign of 16 weeks meetings was held by S. McBride at MOUNTNORRIS, South Armagh. The area was visited in door-to-door gospel work, and the Lord gave His blessing.
News from T. Aitken tells of a most encouraging mission held by Peter Brandon at KILMARNOCK. This involved surrounding assemblies, and was the first mission of its kind held in the area. From the first it was outstanding in its effect, and a tremendous interest continued throughout. There were never less than 400 present, and 600 on Lord’s Days. A great company of about 800 gathered for the final meetings. The sense of the Lord’s presence was very real at all gatherings, and the gospel was preached with much power. Many found blessing during the mission, and there were quite a number who made definite professions of faith in Christ. Much prayer now follows, that the blessing may continue in days ahead. Stewart McKenzie writes of two fortnights of outreach work with teams of young people in FORFAR (Angus) and RED ROW (Northumberland). In both places the assemblies are very small, and it was largely a time for sowing the seed with a number of worthwhile contacts being made. A young married couple were baptized on the last night of the Forfar mission. During May-June, five weeks were spent in DUMBARTON by Stewart who gave three messages each week on “The Life of Christ”. A good interest was maintained throughout the series, and the attendances were consistently good, including a number of young folk. These were not specifically gospel meetings, but there was the joy of seeing a young woman trust the Saviour and a young man restored to the Lord. It was also good to know that a woman saved in March is going on well with the Lord. These reports tell us that there is still a vital place for preaching and teaching the Gospel.
In spite of poor weather conditions, large numbers gathered in the Lancashire Gospel Tent at BLACKBURN for three weeks meetings in August. The tent was pitched in the town centre and attracted all age groups. John Clunas preached faithfully each night, and many from various denominations came as did large numbers of unsaved folk. Each night there were those who responded to the appeal and two young men who were saved gave short testimonies. Young men from Scotland supported the evangelist in taking responsibility for the children’s and youth work. The assemblies in the town and district were encouraged by the response. Pray for all those who professed faith in Christ. At the MANCHESTER and district Sunday School Camp, Howard Peebles was the evangelist. A larger than normal Senior Group was present this year and benefited from the consecutive Bible teaching given. A new venture, giving an Emmaus Study Course to those interested, saw 25 young people completing it by the end of the week, gaining certificates. It was good to see these studies done during periods when other leisure activities were options open to the campers. There were those, too, who professed faith in Christ. As a follow-up, Friday night Bible Studies have been commenced in Manchester during winter months.
A sad item of news is to hand regarding Hope Hall. LITTLE SUTTON. South Wirral. For more than 70 years a testimony has been maintained. After the 22nd of August the Hall was closed. Our thoughts and prayers will be with those who feel the sadness of this step. Brief items of news come from the North East Assemblies Outreach. A fortnight’s campaign was held at RED ROW. Both children’s and adult meetings were conducted by Stewart McKenzie, and a good interest was shown. On two occasions recently, local assemblies used the baptistry at WALLSEND when two believers from Forest Hall, NEWCASTLE, and two from GATESHEAD gave open testimony to the Lord in baptism. From Skellow Evangelical Church. DONCASTER, comes encouraging news. On June 20th, there was much rejoicing as three young ladies were baptized and then received into fellowship. For many years they had attended the Young Life Hour held on Sunday afternoons. There was a good congregation who gathered and the Word was faithfully preached. Parents and relatives were present, and there was a time of fellowship afterwards over a cup of tea.
An interesting item of news comes from the North Staffordshire Evangelistic Tent. 1982 was the 21st year of operation, and the tent was erected at Clough Hall. KIDSGROVE. from May 29th to June 30th. A “searching and refreshing” presentation of the gospel was given by John Hadley There was a good reception from residents of the Estate who had been extensively visited by John Hadley. Teams of workers also distributed tent leaflets and gospel tracts. Numbers were good - mothers showed interest in the children’s meetings and later came to the adult meetings. Overall attendance of these was probably higher than in any previous year, and was consistent throughout week-night meetings. Teenage attendance was not high. At least three professed faith in Christ. A very cheering aspect of the campaign was the willing help given by so many in the various jobs needing practical work. Pray for the sequel to this campaign. The 1982 Worcester Camp Out was held at a new site at STRETE, Dartmouth. In answer to the many prayers, the good hand of the Lord was seen in the encouraging time enjoyed. About 100 campers and workers joined together, and Ivor Cooper of Leamington was padre. Throughout, a knowledge of the Lord’s presence was felt, and there was sincere interest in God’s Word. Some trusted the Saviour and there were also those who dedicated themselves afresh to the Lord. On the final Sunday evening, Strete Gospel Hall was packed to capacity and it was a time of very deep contact with the Lord.
An encouraging Postal Sunday School Rally was held at Pershore by the WORCESTER branch on a lovely day. About 130 scholars and parents gathered with workers. There was opportunity for games and swimming, and a good friendly spirit was developed. Mike Hencher of Newent gave a clear gospel message in the evening. It was good to see the interest of parents, some of whom had come from a good way off. An item of news comes from Cleeview Gospel Hall, LUDLOW, where the new hall recently completed is in full use. The work is very hard here and often disappointing. Neighbours from 4 houses were invited in to Sunday Tea when John Baker was visiting. Only two came because of illness in the households, but these personal contacts were felt to be worthwhile,
We have an interesting report of Centenary Celebrations Meetings held at Shirley Hall, ENFIELD, Middx, Looking back to 1882. the work began in the form of cottage meetings by a brother named Gasgin, and numbers grew as the years passed with a number of folk coming to know the Lord Jesus. In 1895 a corrugated iron building was erected in Shirley Road for £183, the money coming through the sacrificial giving of “ordinary people”. The early 50’s saw the building in much need of repair and a building fund was commenced. In 1959 a new building was opened on the old site. There were approx. 100 people in fellowship at the time. Changes have taken place during the years, but former members came to the Centenary meetings from many English Counties and also from U.S.A, A great time of fellowship was enjoyed. Gordon Jones, who was commended to the work in Central Africa by the assembly, gave stirring ministry on Saturday July 10th Sunday was a full day with a sit down lunch and tea being served. The Family Service, conducted by Tom Baker of Wood Green, was a well attended meeting, and a time of blessing was enjoyed. An exhibition of photographs and other literature from past days gave much cause for interest to the many visitors. The work goes on today. May the Lord add His blessing to the faithful service of His people.
Some interesting news of God’s overruling in Tent Work comes from S. Mountstevens in RAMSGATE. Four sites were applied for and without difficulty were granted - praise the Lord for this. At HOO, a very disruptive and noisy time was spent with the children who had not much idea of discipline. A young brother. Tim Fudge, joined in the work here and gave much needed help. In spite of all, three girls professed faith in Christ and are being followed up by the assembly at WAINSCOTT. One of these girls was greatly distressed when she came to talk. Pray that the Lord will move in this place. At the WEALD, two weeks - the only two weeks available - were spent in evangelism, and the interest and attendances were very good. There was encouragement on the final night when the parents gathered with the children. At HIGHAM, good meetings were held and encouraging numbers came. The Clerk to the Council and the Chairman paid a visit to express their appreciation of the Tent Work. Again the assembly at WAINSCOTT is following up the contacts. At STURRY, 120 children gathered at the meetings, and there was evidence that the Lord was working. A ten year old girl came under deep conviction of sin, and after counselling said that she would like to trust the Saviour. Her father is a local church warden. At present she regularly attends church with her parents. Her father came to the prizegiving and he commented, “You seem to reach the children. Rebeccah takes more notice of what she heard in the tent than of what she hears from our Rector!” Pray that this father may be reached and be truly born again. The tent was packed for the prizegiving, and a good number of parents came, dads included.
From Philip Lambert comes news of a first time mission in STEEPLE ASHTON, a small village in the heart of Wiltshire. Numbers of children were good - about 100-140 each night. The adult rallies were well attended. On the first Sunday at least 50 from the village came, and there was an encouraging response. Prayer is sought for the many contacts made and for those who professed faith in Christ. Also for planned follow-up meetings. A considerable amount of time was spent in door-to-door work in at least six surrounding villages. A gospel was left in every home - very few refused. At PURTON, west of Swindon, one of the most difficult tent missions ever was conducted. But despite difficulties and Satan’s efforts to frustrate, there were three who trusted the Saviour. Pray for the follow-up work.
News of the work in DORSET is interesting. At WEYMOUTH sands, the Sunday evening open-air meetings were conducted without a break. Good weather enabled a good company of willing helpers to give their witness to Christ. There was a good hearing, and each time there was a real spiritual atmosphere in the gatherings. Many tracts were distributed. Thankfulness to the Lord was expressed for this open opportunity to preach the Word. A Witness Tent was set up at the one-day DORCHESTER Agriculture Show. The witness was entitled “The Word of Life”, and was led by Stephen Gillham The general exhibition at the Show was based on the National Maritime Year. Taking advantage of this, several displays presented the Bible in relation to the sea. Children’s competitions proved useful, and two prize givings were held by Stephen Gillham at which the gospel was presented to children and parents. Refreshments were served and useful contacts were made this way. Several young people’s Camps were held in the area. Numbers were down on last year but good interest was shown with much blessing following. Quite a number of young believers benefited from regular Bible Study. The Family Camp was led by Reg. Whittern, and despite poor weather, 45 family units enjoyed good fellowhip. Several unsaved folk enjoyed the warmth of Christian love around them. We can pray for the Lord’s blessing on all these efforts to reach people for Christ.
From MAESTEG comes an interesting item from Paul Young. He and his wife look back over 12 months of “full time” Christian service in the town and valley area around MAESTEG. They give testimony to the faithfulness of the Lord and they speak of a longing for God to move in this needy area. A population of 25,000 souls with 30% in some villages unemployed presents a demanding field of service. Attendance at places of worship are generally low and yet the pubs and clubs are full. Drug taking, by police estimate, is an increasing problem among young people, and the practice of witchcraft in the area hit the national headlines last year. Schoolgirls are known to be practising witches. Pray that God will work in the Welsh valleys where the Great Revival was once known. Opportunities for service have been taken at MANSELTON, SWANSEA and Llwynhendy assembly at LLANELLI.
From John Hadley comes news of two Tent Campaigns in this needy county. At WHITSTONE, the Gospel Tent was erected and children’s and adult meetings were conducted for about three weeks. The meetings were happy and good fellowship was given by local believers. Door-to-door work was engaged in among surrounding villages between BUDE and LAUNCESTON. This is a needy area, with little assembly testimony, and much prayer is needed for follow-up work. A three-week Campaign was held at PENZANCE at the Princess May playing field. It was a dangerous and difficult time, and there were those who were determined to destroy the tent. Attacks were made by young people off the Council Estate. An accident almost incapacitated John, and police protection had to be sought. Eventually the Lord worked with these folk, and some came in to the meetings. The Word was preached with power and there was good fellowship with local believers who were willing to help.
News of assembly work in ZIMBABWE has been sent to us by John T. Lynn. There are interesting points for prayer. At Bethany Chapel assembly, HARARE. a gospel campaign was held. Arroll Lester and George Mowat together shared in nine special gospel meetings and over 1000 High School children heard the gospel clearly during school visits. There were those who were won for the Lord, and attendances have noticeably increased at Lord’s Day evening services. Ministry and gospel meetings were conducted by William Hastings from Cape Town. The subject was the Coming of the Lord in 1 Thessalonians. These meetings proved to be a challenge and blessing to both older and younger people. A young people’s Camp was held at RESTHAVEN, Over 20 young people gathered with workers, and there was a full programme of activities. Bible Studies by Alistair Young, out from Scotland, centred around the story of Samuel, and a personal and practical challenge was given. One young lad trusted the Lord and others were drawn nearer to Him. A children’s mission is planned with Alistair Young leading it. There is a great need in this area. At CRANBORNE, Harare, between 80 and 100 children of all ages converge on Cranborne High School Hall each Lord’s Day morning. Teachers are mostly Bethany young people. A week’s special activities was conducted by Alistair Young and the attendance grew each day. Prayer is sought for continuance of work here. MABELREIGN Assembly. Harare, has suffered from “exits” - many believers have moved away. No longer is it possible to hold a Gospel Meeting, but the Sunday School, held in the local school, is well attended. Other small assemblies in Zimbabwe that need prayer are at BORROWDALE. Harare. MUTARE and BULAWAYO.
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