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!
The Scriptures speak of God “shaking” the nations, showing the world who he is and what he is like. They also refer to church gatherings as opportunities to “stir up” one another to loving service. God shakes and stirs his people to awaken and enliven them to who they are and what they are to be and do in Christ. It seems that God is doing exactly this at Diss Baptist Church. According to Pastor Jonathan Armstrong:
"We have realised how ill-equipped we are for real life situations. Never before have we seen loneliness, mental health needs, and poverty thrust upon our comfortable program. It has been a huge challenge to mobilise the church and equip them to meet this need and we are still nowhere near where we want to be."
Pastoring a medium-sized church when many cannot or in some cases will not gather is a challenge. Nonetheless, Jonathan gladly reports “God has sovereignly used the lockdown to open up our hearts, uniting us in prayer and action.” Up to 150% more are in attendance at the church’s Zoom prayer meetings, and whole households are gathering to pray. In the summer, 250 doors were knocked on and goodie-bags handed to the residents. Some gospel conversations were had and new contacts made, followed up on, and further needs met where appropriate. The town Facebook page was full of appreciation towards the church and it got coverage in the local press. There is regular contact with at least 2 households now as a result.
Jonathan Findlay joined the church in June to take on the full-time role of Pastor for Families and the Community. Jonathan, (or JD as he is known to avoid confusion with Jonathan Armstrong) will hopefully head up a new plant in one of Diss’s neediest areas and investigate other planting and training opportunities in Norfolk, with GBP giving significant financial and strategic support. While circumstances mean JD has not been able to begin his work in the way initially planned, he has provided valuable preaching and pastoral support.
People want to know the reason for the church’s hope (cf. 1 Peter 3:15), and they are learning to be bold. Jonathan Armstrong has a regular opportunity to give a ‘Moment of Reflection’ on the local radio station - usually a gentle but sound enough message to ensure an invitation back, and yet this year’s reflections have been golden gospel opportunities to not hold back. Jonathan has been invited back each month and was even asked to do a special Christmas Eve and Day slot. “Our default expectation that in a God-given opportunity we will be shut down is being challenged. People want to hear the good news. We need to be unhindered!”
Pray that Diss Baptist Church would continue to respond to this season with humility and unity that produces prayer and action.
Pray for Diss, that they would be amazed by the church’s hopeful spirit and helpful service and would be drawn to the Saviour.
Pray for Jonathan and JD, that they would know the Lord’s help in their ministries.
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.
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