Matthew and Wendy.
Christmas 2001
Dear Friends,
We greet you in the Name of the one we love, The Lord Jesus Christ! We pray that He will become more precious to us all each day as we continue to live in very uncertain times. The words of an old chorus spring to mind "God is still on the Throne, and He will remember His own. Though trials may press us and burdens distress us, He will never leave us alone." These past months have been very momentous and traumatic for very many people. Let us continue to wield the weapon of prayer.
With this letter we have included a number of photographs. The old saying goes.. "a picture is worth a thousand words."
Family news is brief: As you recall from our last letter, Rachel had Glandular Fever back in February. Unfortunately the after effects are lingering. She missed a lot of classroom lectures and consequently was not able to complete her assignments. She was advised to withdraw from Uni with the understanding that she could complete her second year, fourth semester, in February and, then go on to complete her third year thus, delaying her graduation by one year.
Matthew's research for his Ph.D. is drawing to a close and, as you will see, he has exciting plans for next year! Wendy's parents are in full time service and have a unique Boat Ministry in the Southern Bahamas. We would very much value your prayers for Rachel, Matthew and Wendy.
We praise the Lord for David's improving health. He has not missed a meeting since September 26th 1999! Also, Kathryn's work load and ministry seems to be on the increase as new doors of opportunity present themselves. Being Padre at the Girls camp was a magnificent experience (for both of us!) The organisation was outstanding. The unity of the team was remarkable and a joy to behold. There were 79 girls plus leaders. Eight girls were counselled for salvation and many more were helped in their walk with Christ.
Some of the girls came from difficult backgrounds. Many spoke of the benefit and blessing of being in a Christian environment for a week with people willing to listen and offer loving and helpful advice.
Our third visit (June) to Great Guana Cay was a time of great challenge and blessing. Life on a small Island (80-100) is not without its problems and during the month we were kept busy ministering into a lot of different and often difficult situations. When we first went during Easter in 1989 the Church was hardly visible but, when we returned ten years later the change was dramatic. A new building with up to 50% of the Island people attending. There have been inevitable changes as people move to other Islands for work or education, but the Church remains strong and has been encouraged by conversions and fresh commitments. We certainly meet a lot of precious people on our visits to the Bahamian Islands.
This past year David completed forty years in the Ministry, celebrated his sixtieth birthday (June 14th) and we celebrated our thirtieth wedding anniversary August 7th (under canvas at the girls camp).
Our link with Global Outreach Mission continues to be of great blessing. We have a number of the Lord's choice servants in the UK and Ireland under the auspices of the Mission. The need for workers in the harvest fields is as great as ever. Be challenged by obtaining a copy of Patrick Johnstone's book, 'Operation World.'
Well, we have almost run out of space. Thank you so very much for your interest in our family and ministry. Your prayerful support is hugely appreciated. God bless.
David, Kathryn, Matthew and Rachel Cole
Matthew and Wendy.
Kathryn speaking at the Girl's camp, Blackpool Sands, Devon.
Leaders at the Girl's camp.
David and Kathryn with Dennis and Lorraine Kigongo at their valedictory service
prior to their departure for Uganda. David conducted their wedding in July.
A section of the AWANA group at Calvary Bible Church, Nassau celebrating their
annual prize giving in May.
Seaside Gospel Chapel and apartment at Guana Cay, Abaco, Bahamas.
David preaching in the Seaside Gospel Chapel.
Randy Roberts, David and a large Barracuda, Guana Cay.