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.
