Christmas 2000
Our Dear Friends,
Please forgive us for the lateness of this letter. Many things have contributed to this. No doubt it will reach some of you after Christmas, so we trust that you had an enjoyable time. For those who may receive it before the 25th, may you have a happy and meaningful time of celebration.
As a family, we are all doing well. Matthew and Rachel are continuing their studies at Southampton and Bournemouth respectively, and were able to join us during our month of ministry at Treasure Cay in August. (Rachel will be 21 on the 26th of December).
David's Mother celebrated her 90th birthday on April 15th. She lives on her own in Crediton (8 miles from us). She is our last remaining parent.
In our last letter we highlighted some of our activities up to August. Now we wish to share some more with you.
In October we had the privilege of attending the Global Outreach European conference in Switzerland (with the help of Air miles!) This conference was a great blessing to us as we sat under anointed ministry, and were also challenged by reports from missionaries engaged in a variety of ministries in Europe.
During the month of November we had the privilege of ministering at the New Life Bible Church on the small island of Man-O-War Cay in Abaco, Bahamas. This visit was a particular blessing as we sensed the Lord's blessing upon His Word. We participated in 27 meetings!
This first year of a new millennium has seen David participating in some special events, particularly at West Down Chapel, where he was asked to preach at two united meetings in the local village hall and to share in a meeting with our good friend, Francis Stanbury who was celebrating fifty years of preaching at the chapel and further afield. During the afternoon, a plaque was unveiled by Margaret Martin celebrating the many years that the chapel had been open for public worship and the preaching of the gospel. In September it was a joy to share in meetings at the chapel with my friend and one time colleague, Alec Passmore.
Alec and I went to Cliff College on the same day, January 6th 1961 and, later served on the college evangelistic staff. Forty years have passed and, how we praise the Lord for His Grace and goodness! We do thank God for all the ministry opportunities and cherished friendships formed over the years. Some of you reading this letter have stood alongside us right from the beginning, thank you and God bless you.
Now we look out upon a New Year. What will it bring? "God holds the key of all unknown, and I am glad..." As you will see from our itinerary, we have a pretty full diary and, meetings are being booked for 2002 DV. You will have noticed that Kathryn's name (K) is appearing more and more as she receives an increasing number of invitations to speak at Ladies meetings. She has been invited to be "Padre" at the Girls camp of the Devon Christian Camps at Blackpool Sands (August 4-11). On June 14th David reaches his 60th birthday and on August 7th it's our 30th wedding anniversary! We have been advised to slow down and take life a little easier but, as some of you know, that is easier said than done!! We want to do all we can whilst we can. Although still on medication, David is feeling much better but, as yet, not back into his visitation routine.
In previous letters we have mentioned our proposed visit to the Holy Land (May 3rd - 13th) with our good friend Chris Spracklen. The tour company has advised us that a few people have booked but, suggest that bookings are slow owing to the conflict in the Middle East. Naturally, we do not know if or when this will cease but, we are still taking bookings! At the end of February the Tour Company will seek advice from the Foreign Office as to the situation. Should the tour be cancelled or have insufficient numbers, any money (deposit) paid will either be returned or an alternative tour offered.
In our last letter we brought BOOK AID to your attention. The response has been very encouraging. Please refer to our summer letter for details.
Well, we have run out of space! Thank you for your friendship and fellowship. May you have a truly blessed New Year. We send our fondest love.
David, Kathryn, Matthew and Rachel