September 1999
Our Dear Friends,
We warmly greet you in the Name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ!
How often do we hear/use the phrase "how time flies." It certainly does, and seems to more quickly as the years pass by.
We have just celebrated our 28th wedding anniversary and on September Ist begin our 18th year of Exeter based ministry, How wonderfully the Lord has provided for us through His people. There have been times when we have wondered (foolishly) how we would manage to continue "living by faith," then, God surprised us and reassured us that He will provide "Jehovah Jireh." We are indebted to so many who, over the years, have helped the Lord fulfil His promise by being obedient in the area of stewardship and generosity.
We continue to minister the living and life giving Word. At present we are privileged to minister in over 70 churches for which we are deeply grateful. It would be very difficult, even unfair to highlight one particular church but, the Landford Wood Mission in Wiltshire deserves a mention in view of the 100 years of ministry and the weekend celebrations back in June, On Saturday the 12th there were two preachers rallies in the village hall when preachers who had served over the years were asked to speak for 3 minutes!! In the afternoon 12 did so and, in the evening another 10 interspersed with congregational singing, solos, duets, trios, quartets and choir numbers plus, a marvellous tea! David was the chairman and linked the items together. On the Sunday David was joined by Lional Blackburn and David Privett from the London Emmanuel choir who ministered in song, Needless to say, it was a very special weekend. PTL.
What a joy it was for us to join with our good friend Chris Spracklen in leading our second tour to the Holy Land. We had a fantastic group of people who seemed to thoroughly enjoy the experience. Chris and I only thought of doing this once but, owing to demand, have booked provisional dates for our third! (DV) May 3rd-13th 2001. Brochures available in the new year.
We were greatly privileged to return, after ten years, to Great Guana Cay, one of the Abaco Islands in the Bahamas, for the month of May (pop approx 100). What a blessing to see the growth of the church, spiritually and numerically. Ten years ago the church was hardly visible but, through a series of providential events and the obedience of a number of God's people the work is thriving. Four years ago a new church was built but is now proving somewhat inadequate for "the needs of the growing congregation. Special thanks to our Guana Cay friends for making our visit such a blessing.
Over the years you will have noticed that we have requested prayer for our hospital visitation. Quite often people ask if this is an official appointment with David being a hospital Chaplain. No, this is a voluntary ministry which has grown over the years as we have become more widely known in the South West. Exeter is fortunate in having extensive medical facilities and this ministry has proved very fruitful over the years as we have been asked to visit a variety of people by individuals and churches throughout the area. Some of the people are known to us but not all and, it is a privilege to visit, often having opportunity to read the scriptures and pray, leaving suitable literature. We have met some very wonderful people and made some cherished friendships. Thankfully, over the years some have quietly and sincerely responded to the call of Christ in repentance and faith. So, thank you for praying for this particular ministry which is almost daily! We also visit Nursing and Residential homes and Kathryn holds a short monthly meeting in one of these.
Matthew continues his Ph.D. studies at Southampton University having completed the first of his three-year project. He continues to be stimulated by his studies and appreciates the ministry of Dr John Balchin at Above Bar Church.
It's all change for Rachel. Having spent a year working at Exeter College with special needs students, she will be going to Bournemouth University in September. Based at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital she will pursue a three-year course in Nursing, specialising in learning disabilities. We would value your continuing prayers for both Rachel and Matthew.
Thank you so very much for the part you play in our family life and ministry. We could not do what we do if you did not do what you do!
May the Lord richly bless you.
Yours in the bonds of Calvary,
David, Kathryn, Matthew and Rachel.