It’s been a while since we last updated our friends with our news, and in that time – such a lot has happened.
Rachel continues to make great progress after her micro-disectomy surgery – which she had in January.
Thank you for your prayers.
I too am doing really well, and only a few weeks ago celebrated 18 years since I became a recipient of a pancreas transplant.
To celebrate, Rachel and I went out and treated ourselves to a lovely meal at a restaurant in Doncaster. And; although we needed to go on a diet afterwards, we really enjoyed the celebration feast.
Hey folks, we will always be encouraged by what God is doing in our lives.
God is so good!
Anyway, let me just share with you about some other things that are happening with us:
We carry on supporting our local church in our village, as and when we can. We especially look forward to the “Luncheon, Handful of Songs” which we support every fortnight. This involves sharing in music and a short word or reflection.
Keeping up that link with the folks in our community has been important, and good for us.
But since our health has improved, we’ve been eager to extend our tent pegs as it were.
For this reason; in recent months, we’ve begun to support a fellowship just four miles up the road.
It seems that we’ve joined the fellowship at a transitional stage, as a younger couple have recently been inducted as new pastors.
We’ve been made very welcome, and really enjoy the Sunday morning fellowship which has a different format every time.
Yes; every week is totally different, there’s no chance for anyone to be in their comfort zone.
One week could find us sitting in the octagonal shaped auditorium in rows, celebrating together. The following week could find us in a cafe style setting – this we call “Cafe Amen.”
We’ve had meetings where the worship, teachings, notices and so on have been almost orchestrated via a power-point presentation.
One week saw us all go to various points in the octagonal shaped building to pray into various sections of the wider community.
Rachel and I were particularly inspired with confidence when we had a “faith meeting” followed by a “faith meal.” All of us were encouraged to bring something to share in both.
Rachel began by asking the pastor to read an article which she had found.
Written by Ruth Bell Graham, Morning Song set the theme for the day.
Then; a short while later, I was able to share from the keyboard the song New Every Morning.
The spontaneous participation from all was very encouraging, and something which I hope we’ll do again.
In the short time we’ve been there; we’ve also completed a mini introduction course, which was basically an insight into what the fellowship believes, it’s history, key values and so on.
What is more; we were really blessed this past week-end by the ministry of Bob & Eileen Kilpatrick – the Regional coordinators for Partners In Harvest – Europe.
Bob reminded us about the story of the man who had been born blind, but then, Jesus healed him.
He concentrated his thoughts around the verse in John 9 where the man said, “One thing I do know: I was blind, and now I see.”
Amazing!
In addition; we particularly enjoyed the new “FIRE” Cell groups which began this week – it was good fun.
Anyway, we’re looking forward to next week-end when we have a conference with Scott & Hilary Dalton from Toronto Rivers of Grace Ministries.
The “Living Free” Conference will include the following themes:
Fathers Healing Love,
Taking Forgiveness Deeper,
Establishing Godly Beliefs,
Healing For Rejection &
Healing Of Memories.
Then; in June we’ll have the senior pastor from Toronto Airport Christian Fellowship with us. Steve Long is coming to minister over a two day period.
These events, along with the monthly prayer “breakfasts,” other training courses and a day of prayer for Yorkshire are all exciting opportunities for the church.
Now, I know it all sounds fairly busy & packed together – but Rachel and I have learned over the years to pace ourselves.
Indeed, due to medical conditions we are unable to attend everything, but please pray for us, the folks we relate to, and the wider community – that God will be glorified in everything we do.
Anyhow, that’s all our news for now.
As for you; whatever you’re doing today and throughout the weeks ahead, we trust & pray that you’ll continue to be blessed & encouraged – and hopefully you’ll continue to be a blessing & encouragement to others.
In Jesus name,
David & Rachel Prince.