Through your prayers and giving, you are our partners in proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ. Pray that we would continue to do so with all boldness and without hindrance!
As Baptists, we believe that local churches must come to their own conclusions as to how they can most faithfully respond in their context to a deadly global pandemic, national lockdowns, and public health restrictions. Some churches have decided to voluntarily suspend physically gathering. Others have decided that they can most love God and their neighbours by keeping their doors open. “Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind” (Romans 14:5b).
At the start of the first lockdown, The Angel Church - led by Regan King in the London Borough of Islington - became actively engaged in a food provision service for needy people that has seen thousands of meals prepared in the church kitchen. The Angel Church has offered vulnerable, needy, and isolated people a warm welcome, generous provision of food three times a week, and the gospel message. This ministry has continued uninterrupted since it began, and several people met through it began attending the church’s Sunday gatherings.
By the November lockdown, the church had come to the conclusion that it would be unconscionable for them to cease gathering in the future. They were a beacon of hope to their community, and a refuge for many vulnerable people. Even atheists were commenting on how inspired they were to see the church’s vibrant holistic witness. The government clearly exempted mutual aid efforts, support groups of 15 people plus staff, and live broadcasts from places of worship, and the Angel Church determined to proceed responsibly, complying with hygiene and distancing regulations. This did create a small media storm and a large number of police arrived one Sunday - but after they saw who was there and what the church was actually doing, there were no fines levied, charges filed, or arrests made, and (contrary to some media reports) no services were halted. While every difficult decision attracts critics from further afield, this incident only served to further advance the good reputation of the Angel Church in their community, and consequentially to aid the spread of the gospel.
“In no room with a candle, can darkness be king”. A crowd of hungry and vulnerable residents listened attentively as they ate their food and listened to Regan speak about the light of the world, Jesus, the day after the church’s police visit. The candle is lit and burning brightly on its lamp-stand at the Angel Church.
Praise God for the safe delivery of Regan and Rachel King’s firstborn son, Randall. Pray for them as new parents continuing to serve their church and community.
Praise God for baptisms and added members to the church. Pray that the ongoing work of discipleship would see deep-rooted spiritual growth and maturity.
Pray that those involved with and helped by the food provision service would come to know and love Jesus Christ and the fellowship of his people.
You can make a gift to Grace Baptist Partnership and the ongoing work of leadership training, church planting and revitalisation, using this link: Donate | Grace Baptist Partnership
No comments:
Post a Comment