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| CHRISTMAS 2003 PRAYER LETTER Our dear praying friend, Its a beautiful wintry day in Ireland! I get to write these letters in some lovely places. I realise you didnt know I was coming here - so read on. But as I look out on the frost being melted away by the morning sun, I am again made aware of the warmth of Gods love, bringing new life to needy, cold hearts. Hello again! Im thrilled you take time to be one of our very special praying friends: here is our latest up-date of news. The things people say these days ... Here are three of them: BEEN THERE - DONE THAT (GOT THE T-SHIRT) The Autumn started with an excellent Conference at Swanwick for those working in evangelism with older people. It was great to feel their enthusiasm and to share the findings from my book 'Older People and the Church (have you got yours yet?). There are many opportunities to share our faith with the old as well as those who are younger - check out the reference to Lindfield later in this letter. Of course you want to know about the Brixworth Mission. It really was tremendous. The Holy Spirit touched very many lives. Well over two hundred people indicated a response to Christ, including three church organists, several churchwardens, many other church leaders and members, a local school headmaster, leading members of the community including members of local councils, and young and old right across the area. It is always exciting to be there as people meet Jesus. After one Sunday service, I passed a new Christian onto a local helper. She said, "I know him - hes my father!" Another helper said to me, after helping one person himself, "Id like a leaflet for me" - and he wrote his own name down on the response form! Our team of over twenty speakers did everything from a pets service to a meeting at Althorp House (where Princess Diana is buried), from a countryside walk to a Harvest Festival outreach meeting, from a Civic Service to a Family Fun Day. At a 'Celebration of Marriage service, a lady told Di that she had never heard the Gospel spoken at that church before, and was thrilled to find that her husband had said 'Yes to Jesus. Do pray for Gods Kingdom to grow in that part of Northamptonshire as His new children witness for Him. Then there was the strange entry in the last Prayer Diary which said, '60th Birthday Celebration Service in Allesley, Coventry. A friend of ours, Muriel, decided she would celebrate her 60th by having a service of thanksgiving, followed by a reception for her family and friends. She had planned and saved for it for three years. There was a full choir, the Salvation Army Band, and 200 people filling the church. Over thirty responded to the invitation to trust Jesus - what a birthday present! It was a great afternoon - praise God for such an occasion. Oh yes - Ireland. And not just once, but twice: the North and the Republic. Thats what comes of saying I had some space in the diary. Its been good to return yet again, and see God touching more lives here, as the peace struggles to be more permanent. Ive been preaching and teaching here, as at Ellel and Macclesfield (which you know about), and at Kineton and Wolverhampton (and a few more ....) which you didnt know about. Thank you for praying! No- we didnt get T-Shirts. Just as well - its too cold for them today: more like big jumpers needed. On the other hand ... HERE WE GO (HERE WE GO, HERE WE GO) There are some really big events in the Diary this time - though we hope we wont be chanting like soccer supporters. And the first one may need the T-Shirt: January means Niger for John Price and me. Its time to find the Hausa robes for that hot African land. It is our fourth visit, and the indigenous church has a very exciting programme of preaching and teaching lined up. As the country is only 1% Christian, 97% Muslim, it would be discreet not to detail where we are going. Suffice to say that we have some remarkable opportunities around the country. Niger is, according to the Times newspaper, the second most underdeveloped country in the world. The 40:3 Trust underwrites the entire visit: do pray for funds to cover this, and for our health and safety - and an outpouring of Gods Spirit on all we say and do. We have some Missions in England in the diary. The one in Lindfield is a 'first: it is almost entirely focused on residential homes for older people in that whole area of Sussex. April sees the beginning of a six-month 'first Sunday mission to Ipsley (south of Birmingham): I am to preach on Palm Sunday, and then every first-Sunday-of-the-month at the evening service in the parish church: another 'first in mission styles. Darren and I are off to Slovakia in March, for a tour of the major cities which receive my radio programmes. As you know, I broadcast with Trans World Radio in the U.K., across Europe, from Swaziland - and throughout Slovakia (please go to the home page or click here for a link to the weekly programme). Such has been the response from listeners that a book of my talks is being published in Slovak, and we value your prayers for us - and our interpreters - as we meet our listeners and preach to them. What about evangelism and teaching where you are? This will have to be after Easter - but give us a call! I continue to receive invitations to teach on faith-sharing, older people, and bereavement. 'Bereaved was published in September, and many copies have already gone out from the office. Make sure you get yours - and give some as Christmas presents. Do pray for future opportunities, and for our Trustees meeting on February 5, when our long term future is discussed. We believe God has opened doors for us to walk through: please pray that we may both hear the calls and go to the places of His choosing. That applies to all of us, including our splendid associate evangelists Mark Brown, Sylvia Johnson, David Lopez, Di Newhouse and John Price (the order is alphabetical!). And finally, there is one thing many people will be saying right now: A MERRY CHRISTMAS - AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR Im never sure how 'merry' Christmas is for many people - unless they know the wonder of 'Joy to the world, the Lord is come. Hurrah for Jesus, who makes us 'merry at His coming. In 2004, may His Kingdom come. The 40:3 Trust team is in good heart. The hard-working office trio - Darren, Julie and Sue - keep the wheels turning. They, with the associates and the Trustees, value your prayers and are grateful for your support. They all join in wishing you Gods richest blessings, and our prayer that you may have a 'merry Christmas and a happy new year. With love in Jesus,
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