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Christmas 2022
Our Dear Friends, Once again we send you our very best wishes for a very happy and meaningful Christmas and a truly blessed 2023. Again, no doubt like you, we look back upon 2022 tinged with much sadness. So much has been happening in our Country and around the World which has caused Believers in the Lord Jesus Christ to intercede for the many situations beyond our control. Of course, one great sadness was the death of Queen Elizabeth who reigned for seventy years and whose passing was mourned by people around the world. The media certainly covered the events in a very professional manner. Our thoughts and prayers are with King Charles 3rd and his Consort, Camilla. Also, political activities have certainly caused a lot of upheaval and controversy. Although the effects of Covid have subsided there are still many suffering in the UK and around the world? Yes, the outlook for many is looking very bleak The Psalmist asked “Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth” Psalm 121. The Hymn says, “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness; no merit of my own I claim, but wholly lean on Jesus Name” Sadly this past year there have been many funerals. David has been invited to conduct or share in the Thanksgiving services of a number of treasured friends. During the past year the number of preaching and speaking appointments have been greatly reduced. Looking back over the years to 1982 when we moved to Exeter, we began an Itinerant ministry which grew to some 70 Churches and Chapels. We are so deeply grateful to those who invited and supported us in wonderful ways. We have so many cherished and happy memories. One very recent and lasting memory was the joyful privilege of baptising Cynthia Smeeth and John Anstee at West Down Evangelical Chapel. Their testimonies were a great encouragement and challenge to all in the congregation. As you saw in our letter last Christmas, we are involved in leadership of the fortnightly Thursday Fellowship at Pinhoe Road Baptist Church here in Exeter. The group consists of up to 30 “Seniors” and they bring us much joy! Those who have been on the mailing list since 1962 will remember the Mustard Seed in Callington, Cornwall, which is now the Mustard Seed Evangelical Church. Sadly it closed for around two years but this past Easter it re-opened and a new Pastor has been appointed and great blessing is being experienced PTL! FAMILY NEWS. It was wonderful to see Matthew and family in the flesh as opposed to Face time each Sunday night. They were with us for three weeks in the summer and when Rachel and family were able to join us we spent four nights at The Manor activity centre near Okehampton. It was absolutely brilliant! (See photo) Matthew and Wendy write “Benjamin is doing very well. He is back at full capacity in sports and school. The most recent scan showed that the tumour has not grown and that is excellent news. We are following up with some other tests but are so grateful for his health and healing. We are so thankful for your faithful prayers for him! Kathryn’s brother, Michael has been far from well which has meant weekly visits to his home near St Austell, Cornwall. Again, thank you for your very important part in our lives and ministry. As this will be our last Newsletter we pray that God will continue to bless you according to your needs in every way. Much love David and KathrynHail, the heaven born Prince of Peace! Hark! The herald angels sing Matthew and Wendy ColeDr and Mrs Matthew/Wendy and Benjamin Cole, Helpful information - 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
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Newsletter (A4 PDF)