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 opportunity to replant a church in Halstead, Essex came to Grace Baptist Church Wood Green in late 2008 and - with a similar opportunity in Edlesborough - would be a significant factor in the formation of Grace Baptist Partnership in early 2010. Progress was slow, and encouragements would often give way to discouragements, but the work went on. From 2010 to 2012, Regan King - sent out as an evangelist from Wood Green to work primarily in Angel and Halstead - would visit Halstead twice a week, doing evangelism from door to door and on the streets, teaching Bible studies, and preaching, sometimes with support and many times on his own, sometimes to a small gathering, other times as the only one in the room. Then in 2013, Graham and Tracey Field were sent out, with their daughter Josie, from Forest Baptist Church in Leytonstone to take up the work.
The years since have seen slow but sure progress, and the difficulties of 2020 have not hindered Halstead Grace Baptist Church. They praise God they have not encountered any unexpected difficulties, and there is nothing that has caused them to be despondent or downhearted in ministry over the past year. They continued to meet physically whenever permitted, and have seen quite a number of new folk join them. 3 young men have been regularly attending for a number of months now: one has recently been received into membership, another has come to faith and requested baptism, and the other shows encouraging signs of God at work in his life. The autumn months were particularly blessed. In September they had the joy of seeing two baptisms. From October to December, Daniel Shwe from North Watford supported them with regular street evangelism. And finally, in October, Halstead Grace Baptist Church formally constituted as an independent church and recognised Graham as their pastor.
When thinking about the gospel work in Halstead, the apostle Paul’s words written to the churches of Galatia come to mind: “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9). Such words are necessary, because Christ’s followers will do good, may grow weary, and might even think about giving up, but endurance brings a harvest of blessing.
Praise God for bringing the congregation to the point where they have their own leadership and membership, and for the love, support, and unity that continues to be evident in the church. Pray that this would continue.
Praise God for those who are being baptised and joining the church, and pray for those who have been attending during and since lockdown, that they would be faithfully directed to Christ, and would trust in him.
Pray that the church would know how best to help those they are in contact with who have learning difficulties.
Pray that God would burden the church for areas in which they need to be more bold - whether in church life or the community - and that in all things, they would continue to persevere.
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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