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!
If asked about profiles in boldness and perseverance from among their ministry co-workers, several pastors of churches in the Grace Baptist Partnership family will likely mention Daniel Shwe. Daniel has been a constant part of GBP life since its launch in 2010, but his involvement in the work that developed into GBP goes back six years before that. His love for the Lord and the local church compels him to have a deep love which propels him to boldly proclaim Christ - door-to-door, on the streets, relationally, at home and abroad. His enthusiasm is infectious, directly and indirectly shaping the lives of many individuals and churches across the UK and Europe.
But Daniel is not only an evangelist, he is a church planting evangelist. In 2008, he moved with his wife Lily, sent out by Grace Baptist Church Wood Green to take the church plant in North Watford forward. It took years of hard and consistent work to make much progress, and there have been many heartbreaks along the way. But a church was planted, and formally constituted five years ago.
Daniel is also a pastor. He was ordained to that ministry ten years ago, in 2011, and continues to faithfully fulfil it. Through regular Bible study, preaching, prayer, personal counsel, pastoral care, and personal example, he points the church to Christ. It has been painful to see some church members wander away from their devotion to Christ in recent years, but the church has prayed, pastorally pursued, and patiently encouraged them to return to God and the church. This past year, Daniel has led Grace Baptist Church North Watford through a season of online worship and fellowship during the first lockdown, and a decision to continue gathering through the second and third lockdowns. He has opened the chapel for people to privately pray, and for counselling. And yes, the church has continued to engage in public evangelism. The church’s deacon, Stuart Lee, met a man on the street through one such outreach this past year, and that man is now professing faith in Christ. Daniel reflects on lessons they are learning:
“During this time of pandemic, we see a greater need for discernment as to how to honour God in our service, while obeying the law of this land. We need God’s grace and the wisdom he provides to help us when challenged to do the latter, but never at the sacrifice of the former.”
Praise God for a growing church, with deepening spiritual maturity and developing works of service, that is diverse but united, and proclaiming Christ. Pray that they would continue to grow and develop.
Pray for Daniel and Lily to be strengthened in every way, and for the church to recognise other elders and deacons to work and serve alongside him and Stuart.
Praise God that the church at North Watford is a blessing to many through the wider ministry of Daniel, supported by GBP, to churches in need of evangelistic support. Pray that this his faithful work would bear fruit.
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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