OUTREACH Issue 24 | Apr - Jun 11 The Official Elim International Missions Magazine

prayerdiaryPray with us for our

workers and ministries

this issue

THE UNTOLD STORIES

- Amazing stories of what God

is doing around the world

Bible Week 2011 - Canon Andrew White

John Glass visits the Middle East

BIBLE WEEK 2011What you can expect to see

from Elim Missions

The enormity of the devastation in Japan as a consequence of the earthquake and tsunami in March is in many ways beyond belief, and as the nation struggles with the subsequent nuclear crisis it is difficult to comprehend. To see the power of nature and the consequences thereof is hard to take in.

But maybe this devastating event will cause us to pray for the nation and people of Japan like never before. I wonder if Japan is a nation that we haven’t given much thought and attention to but I would exhort you to join with me in making a commitment to pray regularly for Japan and its people.

Back in 2005 I had the opportunity to visit a number of places that had been devastated by the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami and in particular Banda Aceh where the damage was indescribable. At that time there seemed to be no hope, but with the passing of years and the generous support of others, many places are recovering slowly and where there was only death and destruction there is now hope.

Experts say that although it will take time, Japan will recover from the devastation of the earthquake and tsunami, as it has before, but one thing this nation needs more than anything else is the hope of Christ. I am usually reluctant to use this phrase but I will on this occasion as it is true; Japan ‘is a hard place’ to minister the good news of the gospel, so let us pray that in the midst of all that it is going on that believers in that nation will have incredible God-given opportunities to share the hope of Christ.

It had been my intention in this editorial to share with you further on the theme of this edition, ‘telling our stories’, which I find both exciting and encouraging. I was recently challenged, and I believe rightly so, that we don’t tell our stories in Elim Missions as well as we should as there are so many wonderful and encouraging tales to be told. So we are going to tell our stories more in the coming days, to encourage you with what is being done in the Kingdom.

Thank you for your prayers and support that make all these stories possible - you will read some of them in this edition of Outreach. There are many more. In fact over the last year giving from our Elim family to Elim Missions generally has made it possible, amongst many other things, to help support church planters in places such as Macedonia, Japan and Spain, to provide training to pastors and leaders in Kenya, Uganda and the Philippines, to give gifts to help new missionaries get to the field, to missionaries to return to the UK in time of need as well as support the ministry of many who are proclaiming the gospel amongst the poorest in the world.

Thank you.

Chris JonesInternational Missions Director

EDITORIALCHRIS JONES

ContentsCANON ANDREW WHITE | 04

ELIM MISSIONS CONFERENCE PROGRAMME | 08

FEATURE STORY - THE UNTOLD STORIES | 07

JOHN GLASS VISITS THE MIDDLE EAST | 12

A FOND FAREWELL TO THE WILSONS | 14

PRAYER DIARY | 16

LIFELINK | 18

FEATURE STORY

THE UNTOLD STORIESSo many stories go untold in this world. Stories of how God takes ordinary people and uses them to do extra-ordinary things...

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12With the Middle East being so prominent in the news at this time, Elim General Superintendent John Glass writes of the amazing things that God is doing in that part of the world.

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ANDREW WHITE

Dressed in bulletproof vest and crucifix, Canon Andrew White is known as the ‘Vicar of Baghdad’. Working as Anglican Chaplain to St George’s Church just outside the Green Zone, Canon White pastors a congregation of 4000 Iraqi Christians. Dealing daily with violence, kidnap and death, he has described his parish as ‘hot, dangerous and pretty wonderful’, and his love for the Iraqi people has kept him pursuing peace in the region for 12 years.

Working in the Baghdad Red Zone brings with it a strong and harsh reality of religious sectarianism and the continued aftermath of war. The church is kept under armed guard during services to protect members and most are collected by bus in an attempt to avoid kidnap; Canon White is surrounded by a 35-strong constant bodyguard and receives threats on his own life. But the people cannot always be protected from the threat of violence and Canon White says that it has never been worse than now.

On 31 October 2010 the Our Lady of Salvation Church in Baghdad was attacked with gunfire and explosives leaving 59 Christians dead and 75 injured, men, women and children; in the weeks following, Iraqi Christians were given the ultimatum ‘leave or die’. The situation deteriorated until more Christians were killed in a month than the whole previous year, targeted at home as well as at church. Members of Canon White’s congregation were not spared, many have been killed and hundreds have chosen to flee in the increased persecution since the attack; Canon White’s own chief of security losing his legs in a bomb. Guards asked by the government to provide security for the church have refused, seeing it as too dangerous.

Yet, despite the darkness of the hour, many remain and the church continues to expand. Canon White describes the faith of the people in choosing to stay saying, ‘still the strength and grace of the Iraqi people humbles me. Above all they know how to love. They love each other and they love God.’ He is sure, too, of his call to Iraq and tells one story of Yasser, a young boy

The vicar of Baghdad

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with no legs and living in a home for those with congenital abnormalities who told him, ‘We don’t need anything, God is everything to us; we just want you.’

This is all a far cry from his early life and career where he grew up in Kent, trained at St Thomas’ Hospital in London and worked in anaesthetics. After spending some time in Derby and attending the Elim Church there, Canon White decided to be ordained in the Church of England. In what was to become a reflection of his later work, he chose to study Judaism and Islam and spent time at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem before ordination in 1990.

His work in Iraq began on his appointment as the Director of the International Centre of Reconciliation at Coventry Cathedral. There he redirected the focus of the ICR towards the Middle East where he believed the church should be involved. His first trips to Iraq during the Sadaam era held no less heartbreaking scenes than those of today; a country suffering from dictatorship and sanctions, hospitals full of dying children.

Having been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and considered too ill to work in the UK, Canon White moved to minister in Iraq in 2005. He now spends at least three weeks of every month there, before returning to his home and family in Hampshire. His dedication and commitment has resulted in the building of important and influential political and religious contacts in the region giving him the credibility, respect and relationship he needs to be an effective intermediary, and which has seen him negotiate in a number of high-profile hostage situations.

Despite getting himself into sticky situations, he was once held in a room while negotiating a hostage situation with chopped off fingers and toes described as ‘quite fresh’ scattered about the floor, he seeks political, diplomatic and religious solutions in conflict situations; now as President of the Foundation for Relief and Reconciliation in the Middle East (FRRME).

Having previously said that he became a vicar because he was too bored sitting in the pew, Canon White is at home among the bombed out buildings of Baghdad and explains that ‘You can try and work for peace in safety but it can only really be achieved in the midst of tragedy’. And so he continues to work tirelessly in the midst of the most recent tragedies in Baghdad, to bring consultation and resolution on the increased attacks on Iraqi Christians.

And there is cause to hope. In January this year a Crisis Summit of religious and government leaders representing different parts of Iraqi society was held. The Summit defended the Iraqi Christian population and made recommendations for the

promotion of unity throughout Iraq. Canon White says, ‘We hope this summit will mean the beginning of a change to the sliding degree of trauma facing religious minorities in the Middle East.’

But perhaps the most profound example of Canon White’s deep belief in peace is that his heart for reconciliation is exemplified not in politics but in his parish. Perhaps a church surrounded by razor wire is not the most likely place to find peace, but as St George’s Church cares for the community and seeks to break the cycle of poverty and resentment through food relief and medical clinics, staff from Christian, Sunni, Shia and Jewish backgrounds work together. In the usually hostile Baghdad community, this is amazing.

Canon Andrew White will be our guest speaker at this year’s Missions evening at Elim’s Bible Week. Andrew will be sharing his heart for the Middle East and telling some amazing stories of what God has done in and though him.

Please join us on Tuesday 7th June 7.15 pm in the Fun Factory.

We will also be recording a podcast with Canon Andrew so check out www.elimmissions.co.uk/podcast during the week of Conference.

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MONDAY 6th June:

Lifelink Meeting | 2.30 pm in the Fun Factory (formerly the Ballroom)With guest speaker Kippy Agyei originally from Sierra Leone and now heading up an incredible project making a difference in the lives of children there - see page 9. And Sian Davies will be sharing her testimony about her experiences in Uganda - see page 10

TUESDAY 7th June:

Lifelink Fun Day | on the field at 2pm Lots of fun activities including bouncy castle, penalty shoot-out, face painting, refreshments and much more - join the Lifelink Team for an afternoon of fellowship and fun.

TUESDAY 7th June:Missions Celebration | 7.15 pm in the Fun FactoryWith guest speaker Canon Andrew White, known as the ‘Vicar of Baghdad’. He went to minister in Iraq in 2005 and is no stranger to danger with his church surrounded by razor wire and having 35 armed guards assigned to protect him. This is an incredible opportunity to hear from Andrew White first-hand.

FRIDAY 10th June:Early Day with Chris Jones and Simon Foster | 7am in the Fun FactoryAt the last Early Day meeting of the week, come and worship God for an hour through singing, listening to his word and praying for God’s world.

At Elim Bible Week/Conference 2011..............................................................................................

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the local cafeteria. It’s a thoroughly freezing experience without heating in the winter’s sub-zero temperatures, but a warm welcome is offered, hearts are on fire for God and a passion for life and lost people is very clear to see.

Pastor Pavel has ministered in prisons for over 20 years. He and his wife, Tamara, have opened up their lives and modest home to help hundreds of ex-offenders and drug addicts find Christ. Story after story can be heard of lives healed, family relationships mended, work ethics and personal lives rebuilt.

Leaders from Coventry Elim anticipate further visits this year to build on January’s mission when they met the Pentecostal Union’s regional leader, Michael Mokienko, and visited the various outreach projects currently undertaken by the church. A team of young people from Coventry will travel to Dniepropetrovsk in summer 2012 to support the church’s outreach to local villages through children’s holiday camps, and it is hoped that additional teams can be of practical help in the future.

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Ukraine is located in south east Europe, bordering Russia to the east and the Black Sea to the south. Rich in minerals and boasting some of the most fertile land in Europe and Russia, Ukraine was once known as the Bread Basket of the Soviet Union.

During World War II under German occupation food, minerals and even soil were transported to Germany by the train load, until the country was liberated by the Russian troops. In 1991, when USSR imploded, Ukraine gained independence as a Republic and has since fought to keep democracy, struggled to sift out the corruption that has such a stranglehold over its economic prosperity and the wellbeing of the majority of its population.

Decades of Communist rule brought with it extreme persecution, and yet the underground church grew, trained missionaries and sent them east into what was then the Soviet Union. Numerous churches throughout Russia today are quick to attribute their roots to pioneers and missionaries from Ukraine. The current climate of Ukraine is that the Orthodox Church appears to be gaining political influence, and evangelical churches are beginning to sense an ominous demise in their religious liberties once again.

An overnight train journey following the Dnieper River south east from Kiev leads to the major industrial city of Dniepropetrovsk, currently home to 1.1 million people, and once a ‘closed’ city due to a Soviet military hub and missile manufacturing.

It is into this socio-political climate that Coventry Elim is building relationships with a Pentecostal Church in Dniepropetrovsk. Under the ministry of Pastors Pavel Degtyar & Andrey Saprykin, the church has grown to 250 people, meeting for Sunday services in

THEUNTOLD STORIES

Chapter 1“By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him...” 2 Peter 1:3a

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“It’s a thoroughly freezing experience ... but hearts are on fire for God...”

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THEUNTOLD STORIES

Chapter 2“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” ” John 14:6

Our missionary couple in Uttar Pradesh in India tell us about the extraordinary way that 150 monks found Christ.

The Kingdom of Bhutan is a small landlocked country in South Asia located at the eastern end of the Himalayas and bordered to the south, east and west by India and to the north by China. Bhutan is a country whose main religion is Buddhism and although freedom of religion is in their constitution, it isn’t encouraged.

Mr W worked in the forestry department. After he became a follower of Christ he discovered there was no Bible in his native language. He decided to leave his job and dedicate himself to translating the Bible into his language, writing it out by hand. When he had completed this task his son, a Buddhist monk at the time, said, “Dad let me type it into the computer for you.” While typing the manuscript, he received Christ and wanted to share his faith with his fellow monks. He then took 150 copies of the new Bible back to the monastery to give out. 150 monks in the monastery received Christ and asked to leave!

If a monk leaves the monastery before his time is complete, he has to pay the monastery 5000 rupees (about £68) and receive 100 lashes. All 150 willingly paid the price, received the 100 lashes and then went back to their homes to share the good news of Jesus.

150 monks in the monastery received Christ and asked to leave!

If you would like to help send Bibles to Bhutan, the cost for each is £5 but any contribution would be welcomed. Send your donation to Elim International Missions.

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I would be living without my parents and siblings for a very long time. My parents were absent, not by choice but by circumstances which could not have been envisioned when the decision was made for me to travel to the UK.

So my childhood came to an abrupt end at 13 years old and I was ushered into adulthood without any warning. I started work three days before my 16th birthday, and by my 17th birthday I was living independently in a one-bedroomed flat – my first real ‘home’ in a very long time. I became financially responsible for my family. Yet I was not bitter, knowing that I had been brought out for a purpose.

It was not easy. A part of me desperately yearned to remain a child, to be carefree as a child should be. But as one year faded into another, my past childhood experiences and memories become a blur amidst my responsibilities.

Even though I was not an orphan, I could testify to the pains of being orphaned – that is until I found the everlasting love of my Heavenly Father, who taught me that I was His child (even at 21 years old), and that I was special to Him.

Many children around the world find themselves in similar or worse circumstances, where childhood is seen from a distance through the experiences of others. The uncompromising love of God in me now provokes me to reach out to these children with the Good News of Jesus Christ, to restore them to that place of becoming a child.

Kiptieu Agyel will be speaking at our Lifelink meeting, 7th June at 2pm in the Fun Factory. For more info on our speakers see p6.

Kiptieu Agyei shares the reason behind her founding an exciting new project in Sierra Leone.

Heaven Homes is an organisation inspired by the Lord with the key aim of demonstrating the practical love of Christ, through the Word of God and the tangible expression of the gospel. This translates simply as meeting the fundamental needs of a person, spiritual, physical, social and emotional.

The integral part of this vision is to create safe, secure and loving environments within which the God-given potential of children can be nurtured, to achieve their divine destiny. That is what we will be doing, building safe, loving homes for orphaned children in Sierra Leone.

What led me to this?

To most of my peers my childhood in West Africa was very desirable. I lacked nothing. Educated in the best primary and secondary schools, I soon learnt that there was a distinct and visible line of division between the rich and poor. But this lifestyle soon evaporated into one of despair when I found myself in the UK in August 1989 at the age of 13. I soon learnt that my privileges did not extend across the Atlantic Ocean.

Shortly after arriving in the UK my life took an unpredictable turn, which meant I had to grow up fast. I had to adjust to a new culture, school, environment and food. Under normal circumstances these reasonable adjustments would have been tolerable and even welcomed. However due to political unrest in my home country of Sierra Leone, my father was imprisoned for a year, whilst the rest of my family was held under house arrest. Once released from prison ‘Papa’ remained under house arrest for a further three years. Political unrest escalated into an eleven year civil war, and I had to come to terms with the fact that

Chapter 3“... Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” Mark 10:14b

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THEUNTOLD STORIES

Chapter 4“And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy andto walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8

In 2009 Biojemmss partnered with Elim International Missions. The ministry has flourished, helping more children to flee from situations of abuse. Brenda, aged 5, is the newest addition to the Biojemmss family. The world she left behind was one of severe neglect. She had to fend for herself, cook for herself, and hide when strange men came in and out of her home. Now at Biojemmss Brenda feels safe, loved and free to be herself. Indeed, Biojemmss is an unashamedly Christian project that aims to nurture and care for children who cannot be cared for by their parents, desiring for all young people to reach their full potential.

The ministry is still expanding and is now taking a two-pronged approach. Biojemmss’s new Sustainable Livelihood Programme is designed to tackle the problem of children being abandoned by their families for financial reasons and is supporting families with small businesses so children can remain at home. Biojemmss is also branching into small businesses to support the ministry and provide training opportunities for the young people. In January this year Biojemmss opened a shop in the community, promoting an ‘integrity policy’ of fair buying.

We are looking for funding to be able to buy our own ministry buildings in Uganda, but also financial support so we can help more children and young people. If you would like to support these children, please contact missions@elimhq.net or call Elim Missions on 01684 588 940. For more information check out: www.biojemmss.com

“It was night when I tried to flee the country that I loved. Our final goodbyes were silent, the armed guard watching us from the veranda chair. I had left them digging, their small backs arching awkwardly with the weight of the shovels. It was three months before that I had realised this mission could cost me my life. That very night, we were running.”

In 2007 God gave me an unusual mission; to rescue 18 children from an abusive children’s home in Uganda’s capital, Kampala. The home was owned by a corrupt and powerful man, a man willing and able to go to any length to keep the money flooding in, and children at his disposal. For years he charmed international churches with the image of a Christ-filled ministry which reached out to the children of Kampala’s streets. The image though was a far cry from the daily suffering hidden behind closed doors. What remains in my mind though is not the fear or the danger, but instead the incredible presence of God and the faith and courage of a group of children amidst such suffering. Three years later, the memories and stories reign on, recounted again on nights when electricity has gone in the Biojemmss home. Now they talk about it freely, healed from the pain and fear that had once ruled and silenced them. Laughter fills this place.

The Biojemmss story is unique and stands as an incredible testimony of God’s love, mercy and unquenchable justice. But the real story is only just beginning. It was two years after the rescue that God revealed his verse for the ministry: Micah 6:8. What started out with tragedy is now a respected beacon of Christ’s light in a community in Rukungiri, West Uganda.

Sian Davies is the Director of the Biojemmss Organisation. Sian will be sharing at our Lifelink meeting

at this year’s Bible week. For more info see page 6

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Chapter 5“The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” Matthew 9:37-38

My time in Maues was one of the most spiritually impacting I have ever had, much of which I find hard to even describe. I learnt a lot personally and privately with God when I was there and it was an opportunity that has definitely changed my life, my outlook and my love of God. The power of God I experienced when I was there undeniably made my short-term mission one of the best things I have ever done. I would love to go again but I am also conscious that it has to be in God’s will and not just my desire. I would say to anyone considering short-term mission, pray about it and if you hear God tell you to go then GO. If God sends you I know you will come back changed and impacted, wherever it is He may send you.

At the beginning of this year Harry Goodwin from Elim Redditch spent 2 weeks with Martin Davison in Brazil. Read on to find out about his amazing Amazon experience.

Around mid 2010 I felt God giving me a nudge to go and see Him moving in other countries. After trying to ignore this for a few months, I got scared the whale was coming and I contacted Elim Missions. I felt God telling me I needed to learn more about Him, how big He is, how He moves in other countries and how His miracles are not restricted to a Sunday morning in England.

So after I sent an email to Elim Missions, I soon found myself discussing with Kathy Cooper the possible options for me. After hearing the sentence, “The Irish dentist who went to Brazil” my spirit did back flips and I knew that was where God wanted me.

Several months down the line I found myself on a plane for 14 hours, then another for four hours to get to Manaus. After that was a 24 hour boat ride from Manaus to Maues and I have to confess that I began to think that Maues didn’t really exist! So with images of people in grass skirts and spear in hand, I boldly continued to go where one Irishman (Marty) had been before. Spiritually I was on fire and could feel God’s hand on me as I eventually got off the boat in Maues.

The first thing that I thought was, “What, that bloke is wearing Nike! There are no grass skirts!” Throughout my stay in Maues God continually rewrote my preconceived ideas about the people of Maues. The structure of their house groups, teaching and training is incredible and some of the styles I would love to see reproduced in the UK.

On my first day I went with Marty to paint the church and the number of people who came to help left me awe struck. Within about 20 minutes I was on my face crying out in tongues because the presence of God was so intense in the church. Then further on in the week, as I saw more of Maues, I learnt some heartbreaking truths about the struggles there. The thing that really got to me was when I found out many of the prostitutes were 13-15 years old. But God showed me He was there through people praying and interceding for the town.

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My most recent interest in the Middle East was fuelled by the incarceration in Iran of Maryam and Marzieh because of their refusal to deny their faith in the Lord Jesus. Our International Missions Director Chris Jones introduced me to Elam ministries that had been working tirelessly for the gospel over many years, and at great sacrifice, in that closed country.

Subsequent to their eventual release, Elim was able to present a cheque for £4500 towards the rehabilitation and physical care of these two courageous women after they have suffered physical and psychological abuse in the most intolerable conditions.

When Chris and I attended the 25th anniversary of Elam ministries I had the opportunity to meet more of Elam’s key leaders but, more importantly, met with individuals who shared their stories of faith while living under the worst forms of duress.

An account that will stay with me forever was that of a young lady who told me that she had been instructed that unless she renounced Christ she would never see her two year old daughter, her only child, ever again. She could not denounce Jesus and, as we spoke, I learned that eight long years had now past and she had never seen her daughter since that day.

Some months later I was invited to attend the third Lausanne Conference held in Cape Town, South Africa. During my time there I met with a senior leader of Elam ministries who introduced me to a fine young Iranian leader who said that he wanted me to travel to Egypt to minister to other young leaders who, after training, would be returning to

Iran to work underground and, if necessary, give their lives for the cause of the gospel.

On Boxing Day 2010 forty Christians were captured and taken to a notorious prison in Iran for draconian interrogation. They remain there at the time of writing. I was later to learn that the young leader that I had been introduced to in South Africa was among that number.

When I had the opportunity to travel to Beirut, Lebanon to speak at a large Pentecostal church there, and also at a leadership Conference, I felt privileged to be asked. I was accompanied by Chris Jones and by Phil Whitehead, pastor of our Chiswick church, who has ministered in the region on a number of occasions.

On the first night I spoke at Abundant Life church - an independent church in Beirut itself. I found the Lebanese people to be warm and welcoming and open to the message. At the conclusion of the service the presence of God was the most powerful

I have experienced in a very long time.The whole of the next day, a Saturday, was spent teaching at the leadership Conference. I was impressed with the age

JOHNGLASS}the Middle East........

“... unless she renounced Christ she would never see her two year old daughter ... ever again.”

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range of those present. Most of these leaders were in the 25 -35 age range.

At the end of the conference many came forward for prayer and, just as I believed the ministry time had come to a conclusion, a young leader led towards me one of the cameramen who had been filming. I was to learn that the cameraman was from Kurdistan and his friend was there as an interpreter. He asked that I would pray for his country and went on to relate how hard it was to meet as a church. A few people gathering in a home was illegal so not even cells could meet. I was astounded by what he was then to relate.

He told me that groups of Christians went out into the open areas and, to those around, appeared to be engaged in aerobic exercises as they jumped up and down. Had the onlookers come nearer they would have heard the athletes worshipping God in the only way it was possible to express even a modicum of public worship!

On the Sunday Chris, Phil and I ministered in three separate locations before returning on the following day. None of us could have imagined that two days after our plane launched itself into Lebanese skies for our flight home that the Government would collapse and that leadership of the country would fall into the hands of Syrian-backed Hezbollah.

As we reflected on the messages that the Lord had given us for the churches and for the leaders it was only then that we were humbled by an awareness of the timeliness of our visit in the sovereign purposes of God.

When I think of the testimony of Believers in the Middle East, and the price they are called to pay for their faith, I find myself hugely humbled and massively challenged.

There has never been a more vital time to pray for all our brothers and sisters who comprise what we call the Persecuted Church.

This phrase may seem very far removed from us yet 36% of the world’s population live in places where religious freedom does not exist and another 39% where it is only partially honoured. In other words, only 25% of Christians enjoy the level of freedom that we enjoy.

I read some time ago the challenging statistic that one in every two hundred Christians alive today can expect to be martyred for their faith,

How powerful then do the words of Hebrews 13:3 become when we read, “Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.”

You can hear more about John Glass’s recent visit to Lebanon plus much more in our recent Podcast. Visit: www.elimmissions.co.uk/podcast or use the QR code below.

What is the funny mosaic symbol? It is called a Quick Response or “QR” code; a type of barcode. The QR code immediately links the user of any smartphone device to pertinent text, web page, video etc. On your iPhone download free app RedLaser and on your Android download free app QR Droid and be hyperlinked to this podcast

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36% of the world’s population live in places where religious freedom does not exist . . .

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“...only 25% of Christians enjoy the level of freedom that we enjoy.”

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Way back in 1982 Margaret Thatcher was Prime Minister, UK unemployment rose above three million, ET and Ghandi were showing at cinemas, the Pope visited Britain, the price of an average house was £23650, petrol was £1.59 a gallon (35p per litre!) and in April of that year the Falklands War took place.

Well in January of that year a young couple were accepted as Elim Missionaries and took up their placement in Thailand along with their young children Hannah and John. They settled first in Chiang Mai, learning the language and culture then reaching out to people with the gospel and planting a church there. They trained national workers who eventually became sufficiently skilled to be able to take over the church.

The family, now including Tim who was born in 1983, then moved to Korat in the north east of Thailand where they church planted. They worked there for three years and to this day there is a very vibrant church there that is totally indigenous and has planted daughter churches. Then they moved to Nakorn Sawan where they church planted again. They did not know a single person in the city and the work was started from zero. Again they faithfully shared the good news of Jesus at every opportunity and a church was founded.

Now nearly 30 years later Tony and Ursula Wilson are retiring in June 2011 and will be

settling in Northern Ireland, having served faithfully in Thailand through all these years. Along the way they have had immense challenges along with incredible times of experiencing the greatness of God and they give thanks to God for his faithfulness in all things.

One of the hardest things Tony and Ursula experienced was sending their children off to boarding school in the Philippines and only seeing them for three months each year. Now they are looking forward to spending time with four wonderful grandchildren. The UK they left is very different from what it was in 1982 and in many ways they will have as much of a cultural adjustment returning to settle here as they did when they first went to Thailand.

As well as planting and leading churches, the Wilsons have been involved with training up leaders, prison ministries, evangelistic outreaches in the market place, children’s ministry in slum areas, youth programmes, shepherding people through difficult times of spiritual attack as well as enduring heat, humidity and at times flooding.

All of us in Elim want to place on record our thanks to Tony and Ursula for the enormous sacrifices they have made throughout three decades. Through them Jesus Christ has been introduced to thousands of Thai people and many of these we will meet in heaven one day. We give God all the glory.

FUEL, THE FALKLANDS, FAMILY & FAREWELLAFTER NEARLY 30 YEARS IN THAILAND WE BID FAREWELL TO THE WILSONS

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APRIL

Week 1 - 3rd-9thPray for Lifelink. Pray for the team that heads up this ministry: Mandy Campbell, Rachel Hesketh, Lynn Tugwell, Karen Green, Amanda Blount and Lisa Lenton. Pray especially for the Lifelink team as they have their team meeting. Pray that God would speak clearly to them about what He would have them do. Pray for unity in thought and action as they seek to serve Elim Missions.

Week 2 - 10th-16thPraise God for the meetings we have been hosting across the country to look into the area of special needs. Pray for those attending that it would be productive and help with the development of Elim Missions in this area. If you are interested in getting involved with these meetings then please do contact the office.

Week 3 - 17th-23rdPray for those who are raising funds for Elim Missions through sponsored events. We have people taking part in this year’s Belfast Marathon and also the Great North Swim. Praise God for the sacrificial giving of these people in time and energy and for those who are giving financially.

Week 4 - 24th-30thSunday 24th April is Easter Sunday. A day of celebration where we rejoice in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Pray that this Easter will be an amazing time for many across the world. Pray that through the special events and services that our missionaries put on, many will come and hear the Good News and be saved. Pray that this Easter will see the Kingdom of God extended.

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Week 1 - 5th-11thPray for Elim Conference. This year’s conference will be held in Prestatyn 4th-11th June. Pray that all those attending would be refreshed and renewed in God. Pray especially for the events that we will be hosting especially our celebration with Canon Andrew White. Pray that these events will raise people’s awareness to the world around us and the need to not just talk but to act. Pray that world missions would be stirred in people’s heart and a passion to get involved. For our conference programme see p6

Week 2 - 12th-18thPraise God for our missionaries. We honour those who have heard the call of God and acted upon it. We praise God especially for Tony and Ursula Wilson as they retire from serving in Thailand for nearly 30th years. To read more about the Wilson’s read p14. We also thank God for Mark and Shirley Billage as they return to UK from India on completion of term of service.

Week 3 - 19th-25th23rd June 1978 is a date that many across our Elim family remember as the Vumba massacre. A tragedy because 9 of our missionaries and 4 children were martyred in modern day Zimbabwe. Pray today that their deaths would serve as a reminder that we are in a battle against the principalities and powers of darkness and that we are the salt and light that can bring God’s love to a hurting and dying world.

Week 4 - 26th-2ndSunday 26th is Elim’s World Missions Sunday. As many churches use this as their focus on missions pray that all the events and services planned would stir the people of Elim to get involved with missions by praying, giving and going.

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Week 1 - 1st-7thPray for the people of Japan after the devastating events of March. Pray that as the news cameras move on, we won’t forget that there are still people seeking to rebuild their lives. Pray that in the midst of such traggic events the people of Japan would see the hands of a loving and caring God. Pray that the church would see growth in Japan and people would come to love and trust in Jesus Christ.

Week 2 - 8th-14thPray for all those who are going on short term teams or for long term service overseas. Pray especially for Lynette Orange from our Elim Rugby church. As she leaves to serve in the Philippines pray that God would use her to do amazing things for the Kingdom of God. Pray also that God would stretch and develop Lynette and her faith you go even deeper.

Week 3 - 15th-21stPlease pray for the Elim Missions Department. Pray especially for those who will be travelling in the coming weeks. Please pray for Kathy and Christina as they travel to Haiti. Please also pray for Chris as he leads the Missions team. Pray for strength and wisdom as he looks forward leading from God’s direction.

Week 4 - 22nd-28thPray for our workers ministering in sensitive situations or closed countries. We can’t always tell their stories, or use their real names, but please pray for their safety and protection, for wisdom in all they do and that God will use them miraculously in all they do.

Week 5 - 29th-4thAs many nations in the Middle East are experiencing turmoil, pray that the right governments will be put in place to bring democratic peace. Pray that religious freedom will be granted to the people so that persecution will end and the Word of God can be freely shared. SIGN UP

forPRAYERLINEemail: kathy.cooper@elimhq.net

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MISSIONS SUNDAY

CHALLENGEthe

One of the ways you could get involved is to support our World Missions Challenge. In the UK we are blessed to have access to medical care, education, shopping, transport systems and much more. Many people across the world struggle to survive, even with such basic things as having access to clean water.

So our challenge to you is to choose one whole week in June and see how much you can save on your shopping during that week. For example, you could eat food from your freezer or store cupboard and just buy essentials such as bread and milk during that week. Then work out the difference between what you have actually spent and what you would normally spend and send that to Elim Missions. Every penny counts and makes a difference. How much do you think you could save in a week?

06.2011Elim’s World Missions Sunday is always held on the Sunday nearest to the anniversary of the Vumba Massacre in Zimbabwe, when on 23rd June 1978 thirteen of our missionaries and children were brutally attacked and killed.

Each year we remember them and their families by holding a special World Missions Sunday when churches throughout Elim focus on praying for world missions and also hold special events to raise awareness of world missions. This year Sunday 26th June is designated as our World Missions Sunday and we would encourage you and your church to get involved.

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J U S T L O O K I N G

WHY NOT JOIN US FOR A DAY AND SEE WHAT ELIM MISSIONS IS ALL ABOUT...

The day will start at 10.30am (coffee available from 10 am). Lunch will be provided and we will wrap up at 3pm.

We will have various speakers touching on all aspects of Elim Misions.

The whole day is FREE so why not come along!

Contact: missions@elimhq.net | 0845 302 6750

SAVE THIS DATE:

17th Nov 2011

@ The ELim International Centre, West Malvern

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“Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel,that I may share in its blessings.”

Do you know that we are blessed in order to be a blessing? Lifelink certainly enjoys that in many different ways. Over the past few months we have shared about the various and unique ways that people are getting involved with Lifelink and we hope that it encourages you to give something a try. You yourselves will be really blessed when you aim to bless others.

Mandy and I (Karen) had the privilege of being invited to visit our Guernsey churches at the end of last year. During our time there we were able to share about the heart of Lifelink and display our Shop with Integrity, then we spoke at one of their churches on the Sunday morning. It was a long way to go to share about Lifelink, but we were thoroughly blessed as we were treated like princesses and encouraged in so many different ways, not least making new friends and growing friendships we already had.

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We recently received an email about our visit from Jackie Walker from Elim Romsey. Here’s what she told us.

”We met in Guernsey back in October but I live in Romsey where my husband is the pastor of the Elim Church. I just want to let you know what our Ladies group has been up to! We wanted to do a project in our group to raise money for an item in the Gifts For Life catalogue and plumped for a pig in the Philippines - as I have a heart for that place and also love pigs! So we had what we called a ‘Pink Pig Missions Night’. We all wore pink, we played silly ‘pig-themed’ games for which we won ‘piggy prizes’, and I shared some of my experiences of missions work in the Philippines. Then we ate pig themed food (it had to be either made from pig, pink or as a long shot begin with the letter P) and we had a great time. We got hold of a ‘piggy bank’ which we named ‘Penny’ to save the money in, which was a fun way of saving our ‘Pennies for Pigs’ or ‘pounds’.

Our next fund raiser was a jewellery swapping party which went down a storm! We now have raised £106 to buy the pig.

I hope that gives you some encouragement today, I was so blessed that even in our relatively small church we have been able to do a little bit to make a difference. This project really drew the ladies together which was something that I had been praying to see happen and they have been blessed. I am looking forward to doing something else along the same lines, and have an idea of getting the children in the church involved in something too.”

What fantastic, creative and fun ideas. All of us in the Lifelink team were so encouraged by this, it just shows what a difference all of us can make to lives when we take the time to share our vision.

If you have been encouraged by this do let us know. And if you have held a special event please do share about that with us.

You will see now why I chose the scripture from 1 Corinthians 9. There are times, especially in the day and age we live in, when we have to be all things to all men. Even in our churches we have to change our mind-set towards each other and realise how different and unique we all are. Some ladies would love a ‘pig party’ whereas others would be happier holding a jewellery evening. Find out what you can do and do it! Let’s get on and do something ourselves, you will be amazed at what you can achieve.

If you would like to know more about Lifelink, setting up a team or inspiring women in your church to get involved, then please do get in touch. You can email Sophie at:lifelink@elimhq.net

“ So we had what we called a ‘Pink Pig Missions Night’. We all wore pink, we played silly ‘pig-themed’ games ... and I shared some of my experiences of missions work in the Philippines.

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DONATENOW:www.elimmissions.co.uk/japanappealalternatively you can call: 01684 588940 or send cheques payable to ‘Elim International Missions’ marked ‘ERA Japan’ on the reverse to: Elim International Missions, Elim International Centre, De Walden Road, West Malvern, WR14 4DF

With the epicentre well out to sea, there was a subsequent tsunami with a 10 metre (33 foot) wave striking the port of Sendai and causing devastation as it progressed inland. In all, hundreds of kilometres of coastline have been affected. Now there have been two explosions at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant with a third reactor reportedly at risk of fuel-rod meltdown, resulting in a 12 mile exclusion zone around the plant, hampering relief operations there.

The earthquake has caused extensive dam-age to homes and roads with fires breaking out from damaged homes and vehicles. The death toll is expected to exceed 10,000. Huge numbers of survivors are without fresh water, heat and power, many need medical care.

On Friday 11th March we woke to the news of a massive 8.9 magnitude earthquake devastating the north-east of Japan at 14:46 local