Still Going – Still Growing!

Hi Everyone,

God is greatly blessing the work here. For the past few months we have averaged over 40 every Sunday. The last few weeks we have had numerous visitors and return visitors. Today, we had 12 regulars out but still ran out of seats! God is so good.  We really need a new place to meet.

We just completed yet another Holiday Bible Club (VBS). Over 60 youths took part and the finale was attended by over 100 people. Prizes were given out, more than 300 hotdogs served, hours of fun on the bouncy castle and bouncy slide -but the best part of the day was sharing the gospel. We were talking about Polar Extremes all week -extreme trust, obedience, joy, forgiveness and love. For the finale, I took with me a tube of Aquafresh Extreme Clean toothpaste, dissolving paper and a large bowl of water. I presented the gospel and told them how God could make them extremely clean if would we confess our sins (1 John 1:9). The children helped me make a list of sins on the paper. As I emphasised calling upon the Lord, I placed the paper in the water and in seconds, it was gone! Please continue to pray for those who heard and saw the gospel presentation. God is at work! We had plenty of time to sit and chat with the parents as the children played games. This has been an exhausting week, but wow what a tremendous blessing!

Just a Quick Note

Hi Everyone,

Just a quick note to let you know what is happening. Things on this side of the pond are very busy and we are praising the Lord for His blessings. Last Sunday we had two more first-time visitors. Both enjoyed the meeting and want to visit again! The average attendance has been in the upper 30′s since the first of the year, and we have exceeded 40 a few times -Praise the Lord!

Last week I was invited to a meeting with the Town Council to discuss the youth work we are doing in a very challenging area of Congleton. They were impressed with the work and are keen to get involved in the more ‘social iniciatives’ like the bike rodeo. We are pleased about this because a strong working relationship with the local government will help us when we find a permanent property.

Two weeks ago we had another Building Fund Offering Sunday. The gifts received totalled £3,664.55 GBP (or $5,606.75) bringing our building fund balance to an incredible £45,000 GBP. It is amazing to think that just 18 months ago we barely had 10k set aside for this project. The vast majority of this has come through our local people. It is a blessing to see God working is such a mighty way inspite of the economic challenges we are facing.

Please keep us in your prayers! We love you and miss you all greatly.

Best Resurrection Sunday Yet

Hello All.

My absolute favourite holiday and church service is Resurrection Sunday! Unfortunately, it is the start of the vacation season here and most people go out of town. I think we experienced more culture shock on our first Easter here than at any other time. Over the years we have come to expect low numbers and brace ourselves for the lack of enthusiasm. But this year was the best yet. I knew several folks were away, but I was still praying for 30 in the service. Mary Anne was praying for first time visitors. Praise the Lord He answered both requests! 

This year we built a  facade of the Garden Tomb. It measured 7ft tall and 5 1/2 ft wide. I made a recessed doorway and painted the panel black to give it ‘depth.’ Ms. Goodwin would be very proud   We set it up in the corner and placed plenty of plants to the sides. Mary Anne did a great job painting it. Why would we do something like that?  There is a custom in many European churches in which the pastor will give the ‘Easter Greeting.’ Early in the meeting, the pastor approaches the tomb, looks inside, then faces the congregation and says, “He is not here. He is Risen.” Immediately the church replies, “He is Risen Indeed!”

I am no fan of liturgy, but I love the Easter Greeting. Having the large tomb face, added so much to the meeting. Praise God we serve a risen Saviour! My sermon was taken from John 14:19, “Because I Live, Ye Shall Live Also.”

The Good News is that God has not Changed!

Hello Everyone,

Things in Congleton these past few weeks have been interesting. The meeting at the Town Hall has generated much interest in the church. We have had several phone calls to receive a CD recording of the meeting and just now a man knocked on my door asking for a leaflet about the church!

The past few Sundays we have had tremendous services. I have been busy travelling during the week teaching at Bible schools in Sunderland and Evesham. I am grateful for the opportunity we have had. Yesterday I was invited to speak at a conference in the Ukraine. That is so exciting, I pray that the Lord will work out all the details.

With all the blessings it is inevitable that challenges would arise. Yesterday I was involved in a car accident. No one was hurt, but my car is out of commission. I was stopped in the road waiting to turn right and a 20 yr old male came from a side street on the left and turn directly into me. The plastic bumper, grill and radiator were all busted. That has been a little disappointing. Please pray that God will see to it that the other driver’s insurance will do the right thing.

This morning I received a letter letting us know one of our supporting churches will no longer be supporting us. They intend to increase their missions budget this fall but devote the bulk of their support to their home missionaries. I know this seems to be a popular trend, but the reality of this move will increase the strain on those who are already struggling on the field. If every church ceases to support the home missionaries of this particular church, can that home church fully support their missionaries? Probably not. That would have to be said of most churches.  In fact, this will place a greater burden on every sending church who will be expected to fully support their own home missionaries in the future.  Look farther ahead and you can see the end of missions as we know it. No missions conferences, no deputation, no exposure to missionaries or foreign fields (because churches will have not missionaries in), the glowing crown of world evangelism will be set aside. Because the co-operation of sister churches to share the financial responsibility of those called to missions will not be there. With the lack of exposure there will be a substantial drop in those called to the mission field and the US will be just like the UK in this matter of world evangelism.

I suppose this is my first true blog as this is a ‘realy time’ expression of my thoughts. The good news with everything that I have said is, in spite of the challenges, dissappointments and confusion concerning why churches are dropping missionaries -GOD HAS NOT CHANGED. He will meet our needs as we are faithful to Him. I can trust Him to do what is beyond my power and ability, if I will do what is in my power to do. Let me encourage all 2 readers of my blog to do the same   The test of our faith and sincerity is not when things are great and the economy is good, etc because it is convienient to serve the Lord then. Our faith is tested and strengthened in the furnace of adversity, when the economy is not so great, the prospects are not so bright and when things are clouded by uncertainty.  I am reminded that I must never question in the night, those things that God taught me in the day. Why? Because God is still God He has not changed.

I am praying for my church family at Piney and I trust that you are praying for us as well.

Mothering Sunday

Hi everyone.

The UK equivalent of Mother’s Day took place on 22 March. This year we tried to incorporate the young people from the Afternoon Sunday Club. Over the past few weeks they have prepared special gifts and cards for their mothers. We had arranged for the children to sing and present their gifts in the morning service. It went over really well. There were over 40 people in attendance, 10 of them were first time visitors. It is a small victory, but we are thankful for it! Please continue to pray for us as we continue to build relationships with these families.

God Bless,

The Jones’

Creation vs Charles Darwin, People are Still Interested

Hello All,

Things in Congleton are going really well. The last few weeks have been very busy and we have so much to tell you about. On Tuesday 17 February, we hosted a meeting in the Town Hall with Creation Research director Dr John Mackay. It was wonderful to see the Town Hall full. Both the floor and the balcony were filled with some 290 people in attendance. Perhaps  most encouraging was the number of lost people who came. The Gospel was clearly presented and I am trusting that fruit will come from this meeting. This outreach has sparked a continuing dialogue in the local paper with numerous people writing into the ‘letters to the editor’ section. It is obvious that the answers proposed by Darwin are not as satisfactory as the scientific community would have us believe.

Last Saturday we took the young people from the Afternoon Sunday Club bowling. This is our second year to do so and it is growing in popularity. There were 28 people in total, with several parents taking part. Mary and I were able to talk casually with all the adults. This goes a long way in helping us build relationships with them as our aim is to reach the whole family with the Gospel.

Please continue to pray with us that God will give the increase to the seeds we are sowing.

February 2, 2009

We had a great day yesterday at church. All three meetings were very good. In the morning, most everyone was there and more importantly the presence of the LORD was with us. One older couple, whom we have been praying for was back. It was great to see them. Mr Harris was just taken to the hospital with breathing problems and chest pain. Mrs Harris also has her own health issues and it has been several weeks since they were last with us.  They are a real joy to be around. Both are in their 80′s and Mrs Harris always brings her tambourine to church. The best part is she has perfect timing!

The Afternoon Sunday School is growing!  We had two more visitors yesterday. In the next few weeks we are planning a bowling trip. The kids are really excited about that. We are hopeful that the parents will also attend like last year. It is a great way to get to know them better.

The evening meetings with the Crown Financial course is going really well. I am leading the adult group and Mary Anne is teaching the children in the front room. If you have never taken a course with Crown Financial, I highly recommend it. It is very straight forward, easy to follow and spiritually challenging. Everyone is thoroughly enjoying it.

Will type more soon.

2009 Church Theme

Had a great day yesterday at church. The morning service went really well. I preached from John 1:35-49 on the subject, “Each One Reach One.” We looked at the example of Andrew and Philip who both sought out others to bring to Christ. Over the past year we have seen God do wonderful things in our church. At this crucial time, we need to make a deliberate effort in reaching others. The people responded quite positively to the challenge. I am praying we will not only be challenged; we will be changed.

In the evenings I am teaching a Crown Financial course. Most of you have heard about them as they are based in the US and frequently featured on local Christian radio. Thus far, it has been amazing. The attendance from our church has been encouraging. We have a few people coming who do not attend our church and I am pleased to have this opportunity to get to know them. Although the topic is finances, it deals with a wide range of issues, focusing on knowing God. I am praying this will have a profound impact on each of us as we reevaluate our priorities and this matter of stewardship.

Back Home Safe and Sound

Hello All,

It was really nice to see everyone over the weekend. The flight back home went pretty good and even had an unexpected blessing. The original plan was to fly to Manchester via Italy. When I checked in the Italy flight was overbooked so I volunteered to give up my seat. In return Delta put me on the 8.50 direct flight to Manchester, plus 200 delta dollars for a future flight. I asked them about my seating arrangements because I wanted an isle seat. The Delta rep smiled and said she could offer me an upgrade to the ‘Business Class.” I quickly accepted. I must say, the flight was much better than I am used to. Normally I fly ‘cattle class.’ For dinner they fed me steak, grilled shrimp and veg. The starter was a spinach leaf salad, soup and all the bread I wanted. They even let me use real silverware and covered my tray table with a large white  cloth. Classy! I have never seen so much food on a flight. Overall it was a great experience but the best part was walking through the gate and seeing the family. I almost think they missed me

I am still waiting for my luggage, unfortunately it was sent to Italy. But it should be here tonight all being well. Thank you for your prayers and all your help while I was Stateside. You are a tremendous blessing to us.

Hello!