December 2024 Italy, UK
ITALY "To the poor the Gospel is preached", that's a fact. But Paul notices that "not many rich / mighty / famous" respond to the Gospel. "Not many". But some. And it is a testament to the power of the Gospel that even with the distractions of fame and achievement, some in that category still are touched by the Gospel's power. And so, it was with sister R. Despite coming from, and living in, an environment which was not at all Christian, she began reading the Bible about 10 years ago. And trying to understand it. But going to church... was not for her, given her profile. And so, she studied online as far as she could and decided to baptize herself. But whilst researching whether that was legitimate, she came across us online. So, after much messaging online, we made a visit to Italy to meet her whilst she was there [she's not from Italy]. Sisters Grace and Lois took a break from their work with us in the UK and met up with Duncan and our new sister; and after some wonderful chats, we baptized her in a very classy rooftop swimming pool in a hotel. We won't say more, just ask for your prayers for our sister in what will not be an easy walk with the Lord. And again, we rejoice that the message of the Lord Jesus touches hearts in strange places and situations.
UK This is the week of our alcohol-free Christmas Party, so many are putting in such an effort with the food, music, games and presents. It's this Wednesday 11 December, 5:30-7:30 PM Lord willing, at The Venue, Middle Street, Croydon. Do come along if at all you can, plenty of opportunities to talk to folks about the Gospel. And if not, do please pray for this outreach as we expect a big attendance- and it's a great opportunity to share the Gospel.
So hard to say goodbye to sisters Grace and Lois and we're so grateful for their coming all the way over from Canada to help us at The Venue and our related activities. In an ideal world there'd be a roster of such folks coming over to help. For now, we're back this week to doing a lot of things single handed. Do consider coming over and helping, the work is so rewarding and so clearly blessed by the Lord.
This week we were able to baptize ARMIN in East London. He is an asylum seeker who needs his blood changed every three weeks and has therefore been put in a hotel next to the hospital. He has a hard life but is so committed to the new life in the Lord Jesus.
We had a good turnout at
Church in a Pub this Sunday, and sister Becky, baptized nearly 2 years ago, gave us an Xmas card that was the best ever... so appreciative, in her own way, of her baptism and what we've been able to do for her on the Lord's behalf:
PRAYER POINTS - For those recently baptized
- For those with chronic health issues living as refugees
- For those of wealth or prominence in society who still seek to follow their Lord Jesus
- For our Christmas Party outreach this week
With love from your brothers and sisters of Carelinks