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!
“What if everything falls apart? How can we keep moving forward?” Daniel Funke is planting Grace Baptist Church Govan, having been sent out with his wife Monet from Grace Baptist Church Edinburgh. These questions came to mind over the past year, but when he looked around, things around them were already in pieces. Govan, in Scotland’s city of Glasgow, is one of the most deprived areas in the United Kingdom. Unemployment is high. A significant number of asylum seekers are processed through the area. Life is hard. Many are addicted to drugs or alcohol. A key ministry of the church has been a community drop-in, where people are welcome to talk about their problems and given gospel hope. That was before COVID-19.
Glasgow has borne the brunt of national and local lockdowns. People have not been able to visit others in their homes since September, and loneliness is destroying many lives not yet taken by poverty, abuse, or addiction. The Scottish government does not recognise the essential nature of the church or the key role of church workers in caring for society through such a season. Consequentially, churches cannot legally gather in any way under the present restrictions.
Believing that God is good and that the good news of Jesus Christ is the best and most important message anyone could ever hear, Daniel was compelled to move forward. When standing on the street distributing literature was no longer an option, the church switched to Facebook ads offering to send Christian material. When evangelistic Bible studies were off the table, Daniel did a series of short YouTube videos from John Blanchard’s booklet, Ultimate Questions. When not gathering as a church and unable to livestream due to WiFi issues, Daniel prerecorded his sermons, and distributed them with a music playlist. In those moments when they could go out, they resumed street evangelism, followed-up on contacts made online during lockdown, and Daniel pressed on with pastoral ministry. No, it hasn’t been easy, but it has been necessary. And no, the response has not always been encouraging. But Daniel is determined to keep going:
“'With all boldness’ is an attitude irrespective of the response. Yes, there are some things I can change: I can become a better preacher and pastor, and I’m not really the example of boldness and perseverance. But we will keep doing what we have been doing the past three years: making disciples in Govan for God’s glory.”
Pray for the church’s maturity and growth, and its increasing visibility in and good witness to the community.
Pray for Dan and Monet’s perseverance in a harsh environment.
Pray that Grace Baptist Church would be a place of refuge and redemption for Govan. Pray especially that a way would be made for the church to resume their community drop-in and that God would bring people to repentance, faith, and fellowship through it.
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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