Summer 2000
Our Dear Friends,
Once again it is time for us to communicate with you in this way and bring you up to date with news of the Cole family.
Firstly, we want to express our very sincere thanks for your prayerful concern regarding David's health. It was on the 23rd of August last year that he had surgery and then a breakdown. We are pleased to report that physically he is doing extremely well but, still battles with bouts of depression. He is on medication and is being looked after by a very caring and sympathetic Doctor who has advised him not to engage in visitation until he is more stable and strong enough emotionally. This he reluctantly (at first) accepted and, although he misses the pastoral aspect of ministry knows that in the long term the Dr is right. Preaching is not a problem and, since September last year he has not had to cancel any meetings. In fact, he has been able to accept many more invitations. The experience of the Apostle Paul recorded in 2 Corinthians 12 has been a source of great blessing as have the phone calls, letters, cards and visits of so many of our friends. We feel humbled and honoured to belong to such a caring family. Through it all Kathryn has been upheld and enabled to carry on her varied ministry.
Matthew and Rachel continue to delight us in their vocations (at Southampton and Bournemouth) and their Spiritual involvement. They both appreciate and value your prayers.
We are grateful for the ever-open doors of many churches and organisations who invite us to minister. It would be wrong, even foolish, to select one above another but, some highlights have been the Faith Mission Millennium Prayer Conference at Sidmouth when David spoke on Revival. Those attending spoke of an unusual sense of God's presence. Also, there was the Faith Mission Rally at Okehampton with the Culm Valley Crusade Choir where many spoke of personal blessing. David was also the chairman and speaker at the West Country Festival of Male Voice Praise in Exeter. Many hearts were touched that evening. It was a joy also to share in the 150th anniversary celebrations at Allerbridge Chapel with Peter Glasgow. Callington Methodist Church invited David to lead three meetings over Pentecost weekend, and in July, a day conference at Exmouth Chapel plus three evening meetings in Camelford at the invitation of the Methodist circuit ministers. Since January we have experienced much blessing as we have seen God honouring His Word.
As you receive this letter DV, we will be back in the Bahamas at Treasure Cay for the month of August. We value your prayers for this month of ministry mixed with holiday.
We have included with this letter our itinerary up until Christmas. No doubt other meetings will be booked as and when the diary allows.
PLEASE NOTE: We are planning another visit to the Holy Land! May 3rd - 13th 2001, DV. Kathryn and I will be joining with our good friends, Chris and Carole Spracklen, to lead the tour. Brochures are available and bookings are being made. Why not join us for an unforgettable experience?
Finally, for many years we have been interested in and supportive of BOOK AID. This is why: "One million Bibles in the year 2000 will be sent to Bible-less Believers in Bible-famine areas overseas." That is what Book Aid has set out to do this year. Do you have any old or new Bibles not in use? If so, then please contact Book Aid for the nearest collector in your area. 020 8857 7794 Fax 020 8653 6577.
Well, that's about all for now. We send this out with our grateful thanks for your interest in, and input into, our family and ministry. May the Lord continue to bless you!
Yours lovingly,
David and Kathryn Cole