Winter/Spring 2003
Dear Friends,
The time has come for another letter from us! The last one was
dated Christmas 2001 and with it our itinerary for the year 2002.
So, here we are with a letter and itinerary up to the end of July.
We plan to send out another in the Summer.
Needless to say, this past year has been full and varied. We are
deeply grateful for your continuing prayerful interest in our family and
ministry.
MINISTRY
Again, we are deeply grateful for the 60+ churches who invite us to
minister in a variety of meetings. For Kathryn, this has meant
speaking at children's meetings, Mum's and Toddler groups, Women's World
Day of Prayer, Trefoil Guild and many Ladies meetings and Rallies.
She has undertaken a considerable amount of Hospital visiting and found
great joy in doing so. The weekly term time Christian Endeavour
meeting at Pinhoe Road Baptist Church is an ongoing commitment and a
tremendous challenge for her and the team. Most of the children
are from unstable backgrounds and need a lot of TLC.
David's ministry continues apace with thousands of miles covered during
the past year at home and overseas. At home, generally speaking,
most of the churches are small numerically but have indicated a real
desire to hear the Word and to seek to evangelise their
neighbourhood. The ministry of encouragement is very much to the
fore. An increasing number of Home Bible Studies and Ladies
meetings have been undertaken as well as regular Church and Family
services.
Some highlights have been: speaking at a united service at Cheriton
Bishop on the occasion of the Queen's Jubilee, at a wedding anniversary
celebrations and choir concerts.
Out overseas ministry took us to the New Vision Ministries in Marsh
Harbour, Abaco, Bahamas and a fourth visit to the Treasure Cay Community
Church also on the Island of Abaco. It was a joy to see the growth
at NVM and to be a part of this exciting ministry for the Month of July
and two Sundays in August. God is at work and we pray that the
Leaders will remain sensitive to the leading of the Lord. God
willing we plan to return in August 2004.
The Month of August was spent with our friends at Treasure Cay where
the Sunday service is held at 9.00am. Much visiting was done and,
we rejoice in the numbers attending on the Lord's Day also, at the
Tuesday night Ladies meeting at which Kathryn spoke. Being out and
about amongst the people proved to be the secret of the Months ministry,
building bridges and offering counsel. This Church relies upon
visiting ministers usually spending a Month in this resort community.
PTL! We are happy to report that we have been able to undertake
all our appointments and thank God for a goodly measure of health and
strength. Your prayers are greatly appreciated.
During the year we have been able to sit under some outstandingly
encouraging ministry. Firstly, at the Devon Bible Teaching
Conference when the speaker was Dr Steve Brady, Principal of Moorlands
College, and then, at the European Conference of Global Outreach Mission
in Switzerland when the featured speakers were Dr Charles Price, Pastor
of the People's Church in Toronto, Canada (formerly Principal of
Capernwray Bible College) and the Revd Art Larson from Bible Town, Boca
Raton, Florida. The fellowship was stimulating, the reports
encouraging and the setting, a tribute to God's creative excellence.
The family of Global Outreach Mission continues to grow around the
world with 346 Missionaries serving in 39 Countries. Here in the
UK we have been pleased to welcome Michelle Buffa from Oregon, USA, who
is working with the Gateshead Evangelical Church in the North
East. Also, Pauline Linton from Aylesbury, Bucks, who is seeking
to raise support and obtain a visa to return to the Gabon in West Africa
to undertake the Bible translation. Please remember them and the
other eight couples serving under the auspices of Global Outreach
Mission, UK.
FAMILY
We are happy to report that Rachel has begun her final year at
Bournemouth University pursuing her special needs nursing course.
Matthew and Wendy were married on July 26th at Calvary Bible Church in
Nassau and have settled well into married life and live in a nice
apartment in the capital.
The wedding was a very special occasion as David conducted the service
in the Church we Pastored for six years and, where Wendy’s Grandfather
also Pastored! Matthew was dedicated in the Church on October 26th
1975. Rachel, as well as being a Bridesmade, played the piano for
the very happy occasion.
On October 26th we held a reception here in Exeter for family and
friends when Matthew, Wendy and Wendy’s parents, Edison and Eunice were
able to join us. Again, it was a very special and memorable
occasion. The week flew by and now the happy couple are back in
Nassau – Wendy back to her teaching and Matthew working for a Security
business. Before emigrating at the end of June, Matthew was able
to submit his Ph.D. research to the University Authorities and now
awaits their decision.
Some of you have kindly enquired about David’s Mother. After
spending almost eighteen months with David’s sister Jean and her husband
Peter, in Newton Abbot, she recently moved into a very lovely and
suitable Nursing Home in the Town. She is in her 93rd year and
very settled in her pleasant surroundings.
Well, all that remains for us to say is “We wish you a very happy and
meaningful Christmas and a New Year full of blessing.”
With very many thanks and much love,
David, Kathryn and Rachel Cole.