December 2005
Our Dear Friends,
We greet you warmly in the name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ and trust that you will have a wonderful Christmas and a very blessed 2006.
We are coming to the end of a very busy but exciting six months.
At the beginning of July, David had the joyful privilege of baptising three very special people, Mark and Hannah Martin and Rebekah Bridgeman.
The Girls Camp in July was very happy and fruitful despite the wet weather. It was a joy to work with such a dedicated group of officers. Kathryn took the early part of the life and ministry of Daniel as her morning ministry including work sheets, quizzes and competitions. Her theme was “Stand up for what is right even if you are standing alone,” Right from the first meeting we were conscious of the Holy Spirit at work in conviction, which led to 26 girls being counselled for salvation, plus Brenda (76) who came to help in the kitchen. Thank you so very much for your prayerful interest. Please continue to lift the girls to the Throne of Grace.
At the beginning of September we travelled to Lowestoft in Suffolk, to preach at the Bethel Christian Fellowship, where the late Revd Malcolm Pears had been their much-loved pastor. We stayed with his widow Celia, and enjoyed precious fellowship with her and her family, reminiscing about the “Old Days” whilst on the Cliff College Evangelistic Staff. We also spent time with one of our longest prayer partners, Olwen Down, who used to send David food parcels when he was a student at Cliff. Also a newer friend and prayer partner, Vernon Antill. How grateful we are to God for those who intercede on our behalf.
At the end of September we made our way to Man-O-War Cay, Abaco, Bahamas via Nassau where we stayed a couple of days with Matthew and Wendy.
The month of October saw us with our friends at the New Life Bible Church – our third visit. What a joy to minister to such a responsive group of people on this beautiful Island. We were well occupied with visitation and a variety of meetings, including a “Musical Mix” on the final Saturday when both young and old took part. It was a full programme with some 23 items and then a super supper! Hurricane Wilma just passed us by but Grand Bahama felt her ferocious presence. Please pray for NLBC and its leadership as they seek ways to reach out and evangelise, as well as to build up the Saints. They have a vibrant Missionary support programme.
Since Rachel and Tristan announced their engagement and plans to get married on November 12th, we have had wedding plans to arrange which were not straightforward owing to our being out of the country in May and October. November 12th is history but gave us so many lifelong happy memories. The day was beautiful in every way, which began with a wonderful service at Strouden Park Chapel. David gave Rachel away and then performed the marriage ceremony. The Pastor, Shaun Sweeney, gave a very apt and challenging word. We are grateful to all who prayed for us. It was a blessing to have Matthew and Wendy with us, along with our dear friends, Roy and Janet Parks from Nassau.
Rachel and Tristan have taken up residence at 169 Leeson Drive, Ferndown, Bournemouth, Dorset. BH22 9TL.
We should have said “ Matthew, Wendy and Baby Cole.” Yes, God willing, we shall become grandparents towards the end of February. Naturally, we are excited and look forward to seeing Him/Her at the end of April on our way to Spanish Wells, on the Island of Eleuthera. We are booked for the Month of May at the Methodist Church. It was in 1969 that David last preached there!
The “Good News” paper has now reached 860 copies per month, distributed by 10 churches or individuals. Please pray for its ongoing effectiveness in evangelism.
Another milestone reached! Yes, it was on January 6th 1961 that David left the building site and his Devon home and family to go to Cliff College and the beginning of a forty five year journey sharing the Gospel. Some reading this letter, like Olwen, have been faithful partners with him and then us (34 years) and we want to record our sincere appreciation. To God be the Glory!
Please continue to pray for the ever expanding ministry of Global Outreach Mission with whom we have been officially associated since 1980. God bless you.
David and Kathryn Cole