Sunday Afternoon tea

What a joy it was to have Paul and Jepye with us last weekend. All that attended the tea enjoyed listening to them tell us about the church at Stukeley. We loved the pictures of the children having fun and playing games. I especially loved seeing the pictures of the daffodils on the hill by the church. It reminded me of how faithful God is to bring each season. Many members of EBC have expressed interest in going to England this summer. Continue to pray for God to put His team together to bring an awesome "Holiday Bible Camp" to the children in Stukeley.

Dear friends of Stukeley Baptist Church.

Just couldn’t wait to share this news. Today January 7, 2007 we had a young couple of 4 join the church. They had been members before all the trouble had started and thought the church was closed. They were going to another church and on this past Christmas Eve they went to their church only to find it closed and no service so they came to see if we were having a service. They decided to come back.

Keep praying the mighty Amazon River begins as a trickle at its head.

Serving together,

Paul of the Stukeleys

New Year's Day message from Paul

Jepye and I would like to wish you all a Great New Year and hope that your Christmas was filled with all the things you love.

We had a great time with Carla and our granddaughters, Carissa and Caroline. It was fun renewing our relationship with Carissa and getting to know Caroline for the first time.

December has been a good time attendance wise we have averaged about 19 or 20 each Sunday. On Christmas Eve we had a very simple service and the children’s class sang two songs and were the back up for another, they did a super job. We had gotten word that some of the parents may come to be a part of the service. I thought I should print a few extra bulletins, we normally do 10, so I printed 20. I should have had more faith. We had 63+ in attendance. We have several parents. One couple we had been praying for because they had separated in a bitten fight were there together and seemed to be happy to be together. We had been praying for them for several months. And a house group from Stukeley Meadows were in attendance and seemed to enjoy the service. I will preach for them on the 18th of March as we have a combined service with them in the school in Stukeley Meadows. Jepye and I are praying that perhaps we can combine the two groups and have a church restart.

We spent Christmas in London, its tough work but somebody has to do it, with a friend from our Germany days that Jepye and I have been praying for for over 20 years. We were able to share with her and we attended a Christmas Eve service at the American Church of London. They have a excellent choir and the music was great. At the end of the service we lit a candle and went outside on the street and sang carols. It was a good experience.

We have received word that our friend, John Merritt, passed away last Friday AM. He will be missed and remembered by many who loved him.

The next two weeks will be spent in preparation for our month long trip to the US. We are looking forward to seeing our family and friends in January and February. David Stokes, a man in our church, will fill in while we are gone. Pray for David because he is the sole care-giver for his 85 year old mother.

I would like to say a personnel word of thanks for all of you who have supported us with your prayers, they have helped. The last two months have been especially trying as we have dealt with some fairly significant issues, and a special thanks to a number of you who have not only prayed but have made substantial contributions to our work here, thank you! thank you!

Please continue to pray for these items:
Our children’s program to reach more children and the parents of the ones now attending.
That families will be strengthened.
That we can be a influence in the community for the Kingdom.
For David Stokes as he leads while we are away.
Continued good health for Jepye and me.
Safe travel as we traverse the US to see family and friends.


Serving together,

Paul and Jepye