^ . . . Report from a feam ministry challenging M^T"
f a post-Chrlstlan nation with the claims ot Christ Janet Baines Debbie Davis Bev Mulllns 202 Kingfield Rd. Coventry CV6 5PL Vol. 3 No, 6 Steve & Lee Tate 1 Marlborough Rd, Coventry CV2 4EM Roger Edrlngton 59 Cambridge St. Coventry CVl SHU March 1976 Jan (Killebrew) Bowen Top Flat 8 Norfolk St, Spon End Coventry CVl 3BX American Correspondents: Mr. & Mrs. C. L. Davis 1010 N. Monroe St. Lincoln, II. 62656 U.S.A. TIME TO 60 Edrington to Ejlington Move for Mullins 1+1=1 With Coventry and Erdington only about a 30 minute drive apart, we intend to be two parts of one ministry. Of course, we will operate separately in our churches and most decisions must be made from local knowledge. Yet we intend to operate closely enough to gether that we will be encouragement to one another and perhaps work together in special projects. The Epistle from England will re main basically the same and will perhaps be divided into two reports to save confusion. how we know One of the aspects of the philosophy of our ministry that we've never tired of tell ing is, "We're trying to work ourselves out of a job," It is understandable, then, that when the small Church of Christ in the Erd- ington (get those letters straightl) district of Birmingham asked us to come to help them, we considered it seriously. We knew that the Church in Coventry wasn't perfect and hadn't reached American Church Growth ideals of IjQ in attendance, but we recognized that it mTght-be time to cut the number of our team in Coventry and expand to another area, A gradual move to a self- I sufficient Church seems the best way to get I local Christians taking on more responsibil- I ity v/hich is already happening in Coventry. The decision has not been a quick one. The Erdington Church, averaging about 15 in -Sunday-atteud-ance", "tooke-d" atr-frany "atrerna-^ tives before they approached us. Their three deacons(no elders) see our future ministry as the only alternative besides closing the church. We prayed and discussed for months before we finally came to a decision and even then waited a few more months to be sure. We have been firmly committed that the move is at the impulse of God. A week of visitation last summer proved that there was a great deal of potential in the area. Even this week, a couple from the area will be talking with us about Christ. But we have not moved yet, Bev and Roger (with the others) are striving diligently to do as much work as they can while they are in Coventry. SO... If you need us come October (Lord willing), v/e'll be in Coventry and Erdington until it's time to go again. ~ <^-f',-,In_Octobe^j'i it will be time to go. Leav- /"Trig a't'^iirof four to continue the Coventry ''v.jitt>J?k-,''''Bev and Roger will be joined by two Qz others to begin a "new" work. Starting fresh in this work will be Penny Creasey(28) \'7 of Lincoln, 111. and Michelle Wegwart (22) of Hull, Yorkshire, EngTan^"' Penny is a / graduate of Lincoln Christian College and m Eastern Illinois University. She has just completed five years as LCC's Dean of Women ^ and brings a variety of Christian experience Vl. to the work. Jiichelle, the daughter of A- merican "missionaries" to England, spent a year at LCC and intends to receive her degree in English Literature/Linguistics from Hull University this year. Having lived in Eng^ land for the past^l4 years, she helps to bridge the Anglo-Ameflean barriers. new ROGER, DEBBIE, JANET (J.B.), STEVE, LEE, JAN, (SEATED) BEV EPISTLE FROM ENGLAND Lincoln Christian Church 204 N. McLean Street Lincoln, IL 62656 Mission Services rompton, ind. 46049 Roger Non Profit Bulk Rate U.S. Postage Paid Lincoln, IL 62656 Permit if76 Tour Investnent In Us: prayer Many times in the work here I find myself going around by my own steam. Needless to say I usually end up empty, frustrated and fruitless in my work. There is a constant need for each of us and you to re-evaluate what we are doing, where we are going, and ask if we have push ed the Lord out. Instead of counting on the Lord to guide me and use me where He wills, often I find that I have set my priorities on having the most way out things for my Theophilus group, or the most visits to the most difficult and undesirable people, etc. I have discovered a real joy in my prayer life lately and I wish to share this with you. I have found the more I lay my inner struggles, my worries and concern for the ministry, my fears, insecurities, and in adequacies at the feet of my Lord, the more I am free to get to work. X have found it a real thrill seeing prayer answered about people for whom I have felt particulary bur dened. There is a real comfort and a special feeling that comes when these things happen. The future no longer worries me as I have a Lord who is Lord of today and tomorrow. I must constantly keep today in His hands. Needless to say, my old self comes and really messes things up. I find myself draw ing to the old familiar ways and becoming really uptight and sensitive and withdrawn. I am certain that it is because of the pray ers of you back home that the Lord daily convicts, and not only me but each of us to return to Him. I believe that things here would not have been what they are if you at home did not love Him, us, the people here, and did not ask the Lord to guide, direct and work out His will so that His kingdom may grow. Keep loving and asking. You are a vital part of the Kingdom. J. B. Briefly Noted: Blooming Jesus said, "I tell you there is joy a- mong the angels in heaven over one sinner who repents." I'm sure that there must have been double joy when Noel and Carole Hastings gave their lives to Christ and were baptized into Him. Noel came on really strong against the Christian faith in an Investigation Group a- bout a year ago. But Noel found some ans wers that he had never known before. Carole wasn't really concerned; she thought "every one went to heaven." But she started believ ing even more quickly than Noel. After six weeks of special investigation, they (with others) were involved in a weekly Bible Study on the Book of John. Always with plenty of questions and discussion, theymove- ed on to study the Book of Acts. And mean while, they were becoming regular in Church attendance. Months of struggle were involved and they were sometimes up and down. But constant witness and prayer from family and friends have once again shown us that God continues to supply and use each of us to advance His Kingdom. Robin is Noel's brother. Robin and Noel have two more brothers, a sister, a mother, and lots of other people whom they would like to see do the same, Noel and Car ole have two children our first family (with children) to accept Christ. Their lives have really blossomed since accepting Jesus. Jan and Roger *In five post-Sunday evening service meet ings, 16-20 Christians have been preparing for OUTREACH TO ASIANS. We're not going to Asia, sillyJ England (and especially Coven try) has vast numbers of Asian Immigrants (largely Indian and Pakistani). The program, "Who is My Neighbor?" prepared by an evangel ical English mission, formed an excellent basis for our preparation. We studied Islam, Hinduism, and Sikhism, the major religions, as well as dealing with practical issues of recognizing their differences and how to re late to Christ to their cultures and idea- ologies. *We have just begun new Tuesday night BIBLE STUDIES: Isaiah, Romans, and the General E- pistles (John, Peter, Jude). *JAN AND PETE BOWEN intend to be in the USA March 29 to April 22. Friends may contact them at 1533 Houston, Muskogee, Oklahoma 74401, Telephone (918)682-3812. *A new Investigation Group has begun with work friends of Robin's. Work has more than its obvious purpose. Christians are sure of that. *There are 1,500 Mormon Missionaries in the British Isles right now. Eight in Coventry. What a challenge to the Truthi Building Bigger Barns Plans for the extension of the tiny build ing in which our church meets are now well under way. They said it couldn't be done, but we did receive permission to purchase three feet* of extra land to the side of the building. This extra little bit will change an Sh foot extension to an 11% foot one - a much more worthwhile and workable proposi tion. We expected the kind of opposition a- gainst us having more land which we've re ceived for years, but this time with much prayer,**it passed through the Town Planners with no opposition. We have been committed to this project for quite a while now and have raised jr7,000 (about $14,500) of the estimated jf12,000 (about $25,000) needed to complete the exten sion and the remodeling required. This money received includes some generous gifts from individuals in our congregation as well as from other churches. We are trying to learn real stewardship to make this project possi ble without either going in debt or hampering the existing program. Soon many of us (Americans included) will be giving up our days off and vacations to grab the picks, shovels, and trowels to build together something we hope to use to extend His kingdom in the hearts of men. Steve *We realize Americans think in acres instead of feet, but land is more occupied in a coun try of 900 people per square mile (England) than in a country with just over 60 per square mile (USA). We also still think being surround ed by 13 high rise apartment buildings is a strategic position of influence. **Ours, not the Town Planners. .. . Report from a team ministry challenging f a post-Chrlstlan nation with the claims of Christ Janet Balnea Debbie Davis Bev Mulllns 202 Klngfleld Rd. Coventry CV6 5PL Vol. 3 No. 10 Steve & Lee Tate 1 Marlborough Rd, Coventry CV2 4EN Roger Edrington 59 Cambridge St. Coventry CVl 5HLI July 1976 Jan (Killebrew) Bowen Top Flat 8 Norfolk St, Spon End Coventry CVl 3BX American Correspondents: Mr, & Mrs, C, L. Davis 1010 N, Monroe St, Lincoln, II. 62656 U.S,A, Give Me Your Tired, Your Poor.,," The other side of the Bi-Centennial. "England!, England!, England! "Yanks go home. Yanks get out! Wogs go home! We are the English boys!" It began innocently enough - twenty or so out to the park for games after the evening service. Seven Anglo-Americans, one Indian and the usual mixture of Brit ish. All Christians or "nearly so." The players were enjoying a good session - with even some neighborhood boys joining in. Then I noticed them. Six or eight teens and pre-teens carrying a big British flag marching around the field chanting. At first I thought it nothing unusual - just some football fans warming up their cheers for the next match. But then I noticed what they were saying, "Yanks go home! Wogs get out! We are the Eng--lish!" I am well aware that the phrase "Yanks go home!" has not been uncommon in many places throughout the world. And many tim^s it has been hurled with some good reasons. But surely never justly over a game! Yet there it was again - these young boys were definitely shouting at me and my "Yank" friends. It all ended innocently enough with ev eryone going home to fish 6c chips - the one sided shouting match only a memory. But the memory brought some solemn reflections tome. Those boys don't understand the broader issues of our day. They certainly don't understand why I and my "Yank" friends have come from America to help a struggling church in Coventry. They probably only understand that they live in a bad part of town, the economy's bad, dad's out of work, too many immigrants, too few jobs, and outsiders ROGER, DEBBIE, JANET (J.B.), STEVE, LEE, JAN, (SEATED) BEV take what they can't have. So to strike out against those who are different, the "Yanks" and the W.O.G.S. (Western Oriental Gentle men, I.e., Asians) is the one thing that makes sense. And isn't that a natural thing for people to do? To find an underdog to kick a minority to oppress, to make yourself feel M.gger and better and self-righteous, to have a scape-goat to blame your problems on. And here as the economy worsens so do relat ions between immigrants and 'native' Britons. But here is one place where Jesus says, "Follow me." Follow Him.where He went in search of the underdogs - the poor, the blind, the prostitutes and beggars, even the lepers oh, those smelly, ugly lepers! Jesus stood beside them to heal and to save, look- ing out for their interest before own. This simple leading of the Lord does not give details to the complex political ans wers needed. But it does tell me where I need to be in specific situations. I re member the ghetto where I tried to stand be side my black brothers and was cursed for my skin color. Now I am jeered for my nat ionality for other reasons. And in the fu ture I may be called to stand beside a Church with many underdogs - the Asians, the immi grants, the poor, old, and sick, the alco holics, the lonely. This is not to my credit for outstanding, selfless service. This is simply where His steps have gone before and where He bids / believers to follow. He too was jeered and mocked for things he did not do. Steve EPISTLE FROM ENGLAND Lincoln Christian Church 204 N. McLean Street Lincoln, IL 62656 Missions Services Box 177 Kempton, IW 46049 6 Non Profit Bulk Rate U.S. Postage Paid Lincoln, IL 62656 Permit #76 MS in SS (Holy Spirit in Sunday School) We have recently given much thought to our Sunday School program - hoping to im prove the overall structure. We want the children to have balanced growth in know- lege, feeling, and worship (mind, heart, and soul). As a result, we hope to begin a two year teaching scheme which will in volve a variety of teaching methods and learning experiences. We plan to follow the Christian calendar, celebrating events and worship along with the records of the early Church. Pentecost Sunday was a good opportunity to attempt teaching by experience. Joel and Jesus (two of our boys) told of the coming of the Holy Spirit. Teachers spoke various foreign languages; the children made rushing wind sounds and each wore a "tongue as of fire" badge. We read that the disciples were praising God in the var ious languages so we closed our time sing ing a praise chorus. Of course we couldn't go into great depths, but I'm sure they have a basic understanding of who the Holy Spirit is and what He does for Christians. Planning graded lessons for a two year period is a big task, but I'm sure of the Spirit's help and the need to help our young people to grow. We do have willing teachers who will begin to pool their know ledge and resources to help each other in lesson preparation. The potential is limit less ... as long as we are in God's hands. Debbie From a Questionaire "I see most Churches as empty buildings ... I don't really understand the word 'God* ... I used to pray - but that was only when I needed help. Now I don't; I think it is unfair to myself and the ideas of Jesus ... I believe that parts of the Bible hold some truth . . . Christianity in its true sense is always relevant. It is only the way that it is taught that has to be changed in any period of time." These answers were the response of one of the teens who is involved in a new Teen Investigation Group. Obviously, she's not consistent in her thinking, but her impres sions convey an awareness of some real depth in Christianity. In an attempt to meet the needs of people Tike'^Bev Burke and two other teens, Helen (a Coventry Christian) and I have modified the Investigation Group to fit teenage needs. The two main factors which have made the sessions effective and relevant are the con tent and the general attitude (openness). To produce openness we've said, "Feel free to disagree and discuss; we're not trying to bulldoze our way in." So, we've become friends, able to discuss and enjoy Christ ian ideas. For content, we concentrated on the basics. Who is God? Who is Jesus? Is the Bible relevant? Who is the Holy Spirit?, etc. Various articles provided background for the sessions. There are visible results. Bev certain ly has come a long way from when she first wrote the above answers. Dave, though quiet, has expressed a real seriousness about Christ ianity. Janet wants to be immersed although she wishes to wait until the final session iq finished; that session is regarding the meaning and method of being a Christian. Bev Pleased as Punch Our Christian display in Coventry's busy shopping Precinct (See February Epistle) had one change of clothes and then finish ed in mid March. But the display was not without its influence - locally and nation ally. PUNCH, a glossy, national weekly maga zine made mention of us in their February 18 issue. Their reporters were in Coventry and other parts of the middle of England "to answer the question: dead centre, or living middle?" In Punch's usual v/itty but satirical style, our display gets just a paragraph and a sentence in "The Long and Short of the Midlands:" So the shops in the Precinct keep busy enough and presumably will do so until the money runs out. Any doubts they may have must surely be dispelled by the slogan above the Corporation Street exit: reas- suringly^ it says, "God still loves the world". Whether He still loves Wolverhampton is a moot point. At the north-west end of a lir runr ig fr-n Co->ntry hrougl- ri V Well, at least somebody saw our display. And don't "they" always say, "For every person who writes, so many others were in fluenced." Our last attempt at display was more simple than the first. In Reader's Digest contest style, we proclaimed, "YOU COULD BE A WINNER!I SEE NAMES BELOW." We print ed a long list of names including "Everyone" and "You", to show that every man is what the sign said (Romans 3:10), "But God Still Loves You" was the reassuring remedy. An other window showed that "Jesus Gives JOY For All People." Cardboard figures and mannequins depicted the different types of people. On the final side, we said in bold print: COME & JOIN YOUNG & OLD WHO HAVE PROVED THE GOOD NEWS OF JESUS TRUE By the Evidence & In Their Own Lives CHURCH OF CHRIST HILLFIELDS Perhaps no one came and joined then, but they might ... And we'll be pleased as.... Roger Vl' ^ . . . Report from a team ministry challenging -%, # 9% * a post-Chrlstlan nation with the claims of Christ '%J Janet Balnea Debbie Davis Bev Mullina 202 Klngfield Rd. Coventry CV6 5P1, Bids Vol. 4 No. 1 Steve & Lee Tate 49 Huntingdon Bd. Coventry CV5 6PT Roger Edrington 59 Cambridge St. Coventry CVl SHU He was sitting on the ground, in the middle of a cow field-cum-campground. His dinner plate was on his head like a hat, his Japanese chopsticks (a surprise gift to all the kids during one of the mission talks) in his hands and he was beating away merrily on his 'drum' -- an old dried cow pilel Little 7 year old Paul was one of 23 children from our Sunday School sharing with us three nights and four days of camping. Kids never cease to amaze me. We had many 'types' of kids and some of the be havior problems we faced I remember from my own former camp days. However, that didn't seem to help me handle theral We ran into some of the oldest pranks in camp history. (One amazing thing about kids is that their camp pranks never seem to change.) One night we had an outdoor toilet tent dismantled while occupied and a f(aw g)ttFTTipt-pH raiHg on thp girls and boys tents by the opposite sex. Our kids have even reached camp romance stage. But since the kids aren't from Christian homes and none are yet Christians themselves, they have no real reason to live by Christ ian moral standards. The theme for our camp was 'The King Is Coming' on which our teachings and songs were, for the most part, based. Our third year of camp had our first missionary talks this year and the kids loved it. Some even expressed a real in terest in missions and yet have never made a personal committment to Christi One little girl, whose parents have re cently become Crhistians, has developed a unique and beautiful friendship with God. She showed me how to thank Him for all things from Tuck shops (the canteen) to cow piles - "without them there wouldn't be any cov7" and she. I.oves co^p. - ROGER, DEBBIE, JANET (J.B.). STEVE. LEE, JAN, (SEATED) BEV September 1976 Jan (Klllebrew) Bowen Top Flat 8 Norfolk St. Spon End Coventry CVl 3BX Ainerlcan Correspondents: Mr. & Mrs. C. L. Davis 1010 N, Monroe St, Lincoln, 11. 62656 U.S.A. At the end of the four days we had seen many joys and yet tears, fights, and hurts as well. The thing which impressed me most was the importance and difficulty in reaching these young people. The challenge is overwhelming but we have a Savior who can accomplish the impossible and work where we are weakesti Praise Him. An evaluation on this camp is difficult, but I pray that our King is working in the lives of those 23 children. Janet From Rejection to Repentance I have knbwn Marion Welton for near ly three years and during that time we have had Bible studies and many discus sions on being a Christian. About two years ago, Marion became very interested in ac cepting Jesus. When learning of the Truth and the-eoa^-of-dlaci-pleship, Marion chose not to accept Jesus as her Lord and Savior. Our friendship continued but our studies and discussions stopped. She avoided the subject of Christianity. While visiting Marion one day, she told me of an experience she had had. This ex perience convicted her to make a decision about her life. On^August 1st when Marion p was baptized, her comments describe her feelings, "It's great, I feel so relieved, I'm glad it's over." It's really just be ginning for Marion. The pressure is gone and she can begin to start her new life with Christ. Jan Editor's note: Her 8 year old says, "She's better than before. She used to lose her temper but now she doHari"'~LT"^ "Jesus cTianges EPISTLE FROM ENGLAND Lincoln Christian Church 204 N. McLean Street Lincoln, IL 62656 Mlsalons tiiervicaa /Box 177 / Kempton, IK 46049 Not) Profit Bulk Rate li.S. Postage Paid Lincoln, IL 62656 Permit ms tP j Not Alone in Europe Many thanks to God for His leading me to Lugano (Switzerland) Christian Service Camp! The camp has been designed to bring English speaking people in Europe together for ten days of fellowship and learning. I came away with much respect for those people who for the first few years see no visible results because they must learn the language and customs of a foreign coun try. What great patience and diligence these people develop! Please keep them in your prayers; Europe is a very difficult field in which to work.~^ -- - V Added Extras Two new types of meetings were success ful recently. "Full Fellowship Sunday" is a goal for every Sunday, but on this day we made a special effort to get all our members and friends together for the whole day. A good crowd turned up to enjoy the services, pot-luck lunch, sharing and re creation. Another Sunday evening was TESTIMONY EVENING. Songs by request were mixed with testimony by eight different Christians. Even a non-Christian who is currently looking for truth rose and test ified that Jesus was speaking to her through the life and witness of the people in our body. We have begun new Tuesday home Bible Studies. There are four groups with pos sibilities of 30-35 in attendance. Isaiah, Corinthians, the Prison Epistles, and Mat thew are the topics. We change groups and books about three times a year. USA Tour Roger will be speaking concerning our work in England in these places. If you would like to come, please contact local people for arrangements. AUGUST 22 Darlington, Indiana 29 a.m. Clarence, Missouri p.m. Colchester, Illinois SEPTEMBER 5 a.m. Highview Christian Church Washington, Illinois 6-7 Missions Emphasis Week Central Christian College of Bible Moberly, Missouri 9 Milligan College Convocation Johnson City, Tennesee 9 Emanuel School of Religion Chapel Johnson City, Tennesee 18 Body of Christ Indianapolis, Indiana 12 Colfax, Indiana 16 Great Commission Festival Lincoln Christian College Lincoln, Illinois 19 a.m. Bluff Creek Christian Church Greenwood, Ind1ana 15 or 21 Lincoln Christian Seminary Lincoln, Illinois 26 Adrian, Missouri OCTOBER 3 a.m. Central Christian Church Charleston, Illinois p.m. South Shores Christian Church Decatur, Illinois 10 a.m. Nesconset Church of Christ Nesconset, New York When Roger &Bev Leave As I gaze towards my Father's home. With only a few shining stars in the sky, I think of a time When like the stars, Only a few shining hearts, Raised themselves towards heaven In hopeful prayer. These prayers were not forgotten And to the Father's glory Were answered. And from what was a few, became many, And like a flower, Opening its petals to the morning sun, We raised our heads to the light. And now the time has come, For a part of that answered prayer, To take their spark Of love and life And set alight, a dying people, In Christ's chosen place. And as I sit, I begin to wonder; "What is it, to part with a few When we gain so many?" So little a price to pay, For so great a debt. Kim Spencer Kim is 17 years old by birth, 1% years old by New Birth. Facing the Issues Six Christians and one non-Christian have just finished a six week study, "INTRO DUCTION TO FRANCIS SCHAEFFER." Using the three major books of the above author, the group grappled with major issues confront ing the disciplines of theology, art, music, philosophy, and general culture. They es pecially emphasized the apologetic in an evangelistic setting. Many confronted these issues for the first time and they felt that they were be ginning to get down to the real meat and depth of the gospel's implications of meet ing the attack that the world and the devil are putting on us. Roger, who led the group, also gave them essay topics with apologet- ical relevance on which they may write. Among other things, the experience of this study convinces us that many "ordinary Christians" really want to go deeper in growing as a Christian. Ministers and el ders should take this lesson to heart. Roger J.A.M. A sincere "thank-you" goes to the four students from Lincoln Christian College/ Seminary and Minnesota Bible College who led J.A.M. (jJesus And Me) Week for twenty of our 5-8 year olds. From 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. the children were occupied with Bible classes, singing, eating, playing, and going to the park, zoo, and swimming. The "Mum" of one of the boys said she'd "never seen that kid as happy and content" as he was that week. I always appreciate what we are able to learn about the kids by being with them for concentrated periods of time. Another positive result is having children attend who have never been involved in any of our other activities - new contacts both in children and their parents! Debbie p "aV ^ ckadtn^in^ a poil-Ckriilian nalion wtlk ike ciaims of CkrUi "W Vol. 4 No. 4 December 1976 Many things can change in a month. The long drought which we suffered this summer has been relieved and with the rain many new blessing have come. The team of six has changed to two teams of four working inErding- ton as well as Coventry. With the transfer of Roger and Bev to the new work in Erdington, we at Coventry lose two very capable ministers. But what we are gaining is a new sense of responsibility to total ministry a- mong the whole body here. Our prayers for a smooth transition have been answered as many are seeing more fully the vision of the whole church ministering to itself as well as witnessing to the world. This has meant that the "More mature" Christians in our church have been asking what they can do to spread the word and nurture the new "babes in Christ." This new sense of responsibility is just what we need and v;hat we have asked from the Lord ever since we saw the possibility of divid ing the team. Essential to working oneself out of a job is training for and then giving up - responsibility. We see many indications that the Lord has led the timing of these changes. The growth we are experiencing - in quantity and quality - is more consitent than ever before. The number now stands at 15 baptisms in 1976 with some others under conviction even now. Many of those who have recently made commitments to the Lord have come simply through the wit ness of their Christian friends and the preaching of the Gospel at our services. This is in contrast to those in the past who have needed lots of calling and study through long term methods such as our Investigation Groups before being able to even consider making a decision. So we have needed to "shift gears" a bit to be able to give these new Christians the spiritual nourishment they will need. We are asking some of the older Christians to take a special "shepherding" responsibility over the new Christians. This will involve first just being a friend to these new ones, getting to know them and helping them find their place in our fellowship. Also we hope these "shepherds" can encourage the new Christians in their growth and watch for difficult times when they will need guidance from older Christians. Basically we hope this will mean no one is overlooked. We realize the problems involved when so many new Christians come all at once into a small fellowship, and we take very ser iously our task to bring each one to "The fullness of the stature of Christ" Steve N R After 3h very short weeks in the states, I find myself back in Cov entry trying to convince myself I was really home. I appreciate greatly the love and encouragement I was given by all of you. Coming home for a break and to report on the ministry requires a bit of adjusting. Not only did I leave one culture and step into an other, but I found myself stepping from the shadows of being a team minister in a busy little church in to the spotlight of my family and home church. That was greati But the whole process has been reversed now that I'm back in Coventry. Af ter a few days of the "blues", I'm making the necessary readjustments. Thank you all for making my visit home and my ministry here so very meaningful. ~ Bits Sl Pieces **Please be in prayer for us as the Christmas season approaches. We have many ideas and plans to make special use of this season and we need to be sure of doing the Lord's will. **The extension of the Coventry Church building is coming slowly but surely. In a few weeks, we are hoping to put on the roof. *^Please be in prayer for Leon and Janis. The couple are very inter ested in becoming Christians, but wish to have a period of study in order to understand. **Recently, we had a social even ing for those who have been Christ ians for a year or less. The team member's purpose was to spend some time just with themi Janet I Debbie NowAChristtan When asked our door-to-door survey/witness questions nearly 2 years ago, PAM THORNTON commented that she thought herself to be a Christian and saw no need to come to church. But she did say she would ask her husband about a possible Bible study. Two years passed and Pam came to her first service on Easter. Since that time she has come to the services regularly, started coming to a week ly Bible Study, and talked to her friends about what she was finding out about Jesus. Like so many, she wanted to try to get things sorted out before accept ing Jesus. Finally realizing that this is impossible, she decided to ac cept Jesus and let Him sort out her life. She was baptized into Christ and now rejoices that her life is being changed by Jesus. Her friends have remarked about her changes. Already Pam has witnessed and invited them to find the same personal relationship that she is finding with Jesus. As a mother of four young boys, Pam is anxious that her family know the love of Jesus too. But being divorced now and without a job, she has many pressures which compete for her attention. She is not unlike many single parents in our community who must face these responsibilities alone. We hope as Jesus becomes real in her life, many others might see how the Lord can help us face any situation. Jan Getting A-HEAD The Church is the body of Christ - so says the Bible. Work, work, work we must, there's no one else to do it. Plan, plan, plan it's got to be done or e: it'll all fall apart. We are the body. Year after year, we work, work, work, plan, plan, plan we are the body. Die, die, die --we're dying. What is wrong? What else can we possibly do? Help, we need help to work, work, work, plan, plan, plan it's all got to be done or else it'll fall apart. We are the body. "S T 0 P i I am the head: Come unto me all you who are heavy lad en and I will give you rest. For yoke is easy and burden is light:" It seems that the Church members of Erdington need a new headship,^and it has become our task to bring this body to the Head. As well as evangelize. /4ccc*tt OH I thought I had begun to gain an ear for the British accent while in Coventry. Then I moved to Birming ham - only 25 miles away. I have learned that there is no such thing as a universal British accent. It is really impossible to share the "broad Brummie" (Birmingham) ac cent on paper, but I shall try with these few words: ..1 K.S. Neale Bib (baby type) Eight Tea A. B. I'm told, regarding all the other accents in Great Britain, "You ain't heard nothin' yet." Penny Kye S. Nyle beeb ahit tu^y aye bye Bev 'InTheBeginning...' Thursday, October 28.... Today 43 children showed up on a cold, rainy afternoon and were introduced to Jesus-some of them for the first time. During two packed hours, we tried to share our concern for them as individuals and our knowledge of Jesus as a living person. Nearly all of them came from non-Christian homes and we sent them away with an invitation to a new Sunday School, a "Jesus and Me" time. Sunday, November 7,., This morning 17 interested child ren between 5 and 12 years of age came and heard about a real God who in real space and time created a real world which was originally per fect. It was not about some myth- (continued back page) (from previous page) leal power who resides somewhere in ' the universe oblivious of man, his environment, his needs.... It is a small beginning, but it is a beginning, and we want to ut ilize this precious one hour a week to break down, with the truth of the Word, the inherited scepticism of these kids. Michelle NO EPISTLE NEXT MONTH The Epistle is published eleven times yearly. We take a break at Christmas time. Well, not exact ly a break - we're so busy with outreach at Christmas time that we just don't think we should take the time. So, we wish you a HAPPY JESUSCHRISTMAS! ** Janet Baines and Beverly Mullins are going TO BE IN THE USA for four weeks imiTiediately after Christmas. and that Jesus will be the center of your celebration. aini Non-Profit Bulk Rate U.S. POSTAGE PAID Lincoln, III. 62656 Permit #76 EPISTLE FROM ENGLAND Lincoln Christian Church 204 N. McLean Street Lincoln, ill. 62666 / ERDINBTON TEAM 290 Gnvilly Line Blrminghim B23 5SB ENGLAND COVENTRY TEAM 49 Huntingdon Rd. Coventni CV5 OPT ENGLAND AMERICAN CORRESPONDENT M/M C. L. Divis 1010 N. Monroe St. Lincoln, ill. 62656 U.S.A. iCJrin^lon Wuffin. Missions dervices Box 177 Kempton, IM 46049 P.nn^ WicUL iP