Christmas 2017

 

Our Dear Friends,

No doubt you will be surprised to receive a Christmas letter from us as last year we intimated that it would be our last! But, we felt that one more was necessary in order to let you know what has been and is happening in our lives.

Yes, we are having a “change of seasons” (not retiring!!) as David feels that it is time to cut back on his preaching programme. So, next year there will be considerably less services and meetings.

The churches and fellowships where he is planning to preach know, so, there will not be a printed itinerary. Of course, Kathryn will continue to accept invitations to women’s meetings, Soup and Sweet gatherings etc as she is able. We humbly ask that you continue to remember us in prayer as our regular ministries continue – Hospital, Home and general visitation, hospitality, Monthly GOMUK Prayer and Lunch meetings, Monthly distribution of 2,800 Good News papers, keeping in touch with GOM missionaries to and from the UK and dealing with some of their support.

A few weeks ago we did a house blessing for our dear friend Kerensa.

Both of us have some health issues and thank God for our Doctor, Chiropractor and the NHS who have taken excellent care of us. David has had cataracts removed from both eyes.

During the past year we have lost a great number of close friends which has meant that David has shared in and conducted a lot of Thanksgiving services, and attended others.

Matthew, Wendy, Benjamin, Naomi and Gideon visited us for three weeks in June which was really wonderful and then for a few days Rachel, Tristan, William and Holly joined us and all eleven of us had a wonderful time together.

We greatly enjoyed the Devon Bible Teaching Conference in Torquay, the 51st and last. Derek Burnside, now Principal of Capenwray Bible College gave us excellent ministry.

Having missed last year, we managed a week at the Keswick convention which was a wonderful blessing. On our way up we visited Kathryn’s sister Jane and her husband Eric and enjoyed our stay very much.

On our way home we visited Bill and Pat Turner GOM Missionaries in Silloth, again, a very lovely time of fellowship. The ten hour drive home was on our 46th wedding anniversary!

We have had a number of visitors staying with us and in particular, Pauline Linton from Bolton a GOM Missionary in Gabon translating the scriptures, and Barry and Jean Burton retired? GOM missionaries from Grantham who served the Lord for many years in France.

Long time friends, Eleanor, Retta, Reg and Donna visited us from Marsh Harbour, Abaco and Ashley Bethel from Guana Cay, Abaco. It was a joy to have them stay in our home.

Back in October we spent five days at the Park Hotel in Paignton with a lovely group of “seniors” associated over the years with the Christian Endeavour movement. David had the privilege of giving the Bible ministry each day.

Another last was the “Devon Men For Christ” breakfast held on October 14th. This twice yearly event started over twenty five years ago and has been a great blessing but, the committee felt that it was time to draw it to a close. Our speaker, Dick Chamings from Barnstaple, gave us a very thought provoking, encouraging message.

At the end of October we helped to arrange a “Good News” paper day in Exeter for people who distribute the paper in the South West. It was well attended and a really great day with an opportunity and privilege to meet the Editor, Andrew Halloway, Chairman/Treasurer Phillip Bounds, Andy Godfrey Promotions and Trevor Dickerson Field Director for Outreach UK. It was a most rewarding day!

So, the next big event will be the Christmas celebrations, and David is looking forward once again to sharing the Christmas message at the Culm Valley Crusade Choir Christmas Charity concerts. Over the years hundreds of Gospel Booklets have been requested at these events

We trust that your Christmas will be meaningful in every way and then 2018, whatever God has in store.. We do not know what the future holds, but we know who holds the future.

Thank you so very much for all your love and care over many years. We continue to covet your prayers.

God bless you, and much love,

David and Kathryn

www.david-cole.org
www.missiongo.org

Dr and Mrs Matthew/Wendy and Benjamin Cole,
PO Box SS 5588 Nassau, Bahamas

Helpful information -

Global Outreach Mission - www.missiongo.org

Mr Paul Squires Second-hand Books – Christian and Other - www.biblosuk.co.uk 

Good News Paper - www.goodnews-paper.org.uk

Matthew Cole Art - www.matthewcoleart.com