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!
It is likely that COVID-19 has exposed how a great many churches have so spiritualised their identity, mission, and activity that they have effectively become little more than weekly preaching stations, with little positive reputation or good impact on their local communities. The New Testament letter of James clearly addresses a scenario that surely has played out a great deal in many places across the land over the past year: someone in need is told “Go in peace, be warmed and filled”. “What good is that?”, James asks. Of course, he anticipates the answer “No good at all”, and is using the scenario to illustrate the uselessness of faith without works. There are however many churches that accompany their preaching with practice, and yes, their faith with works. Ryarsh Baptist Church is one of them.
Led by Artur Piotrowski, Ryarsh Baptist Church has partnered with Halling Baptist Church to run an emergency food bank for people in need throughout the pandemic, which has blessed many and has also built relationships with people from local villages and towns who have brought donations. Through this ministry, the two churches have been able to work together to be a witness to God’s love among their neighbours.
One of the people they were helping was an older Christian lady living in Snodland. Maureen has been through many hardships in her life and needed to be strengthened both with food and discipleship in the Scriptures. After helping her with her physical needs and holding regular Bible Studies with her, the church gladly affirmed her testimony of faith and accepted her into membership. Maureen has been a great blessing and her love for the Lord, the church, and the people around her is evident to all. Furthermore, Maureen knows many ladies who are victims of abuse and carry great scars, some of which have never healed. The church responded by creating a support group for them, during which they can console one another and encounter the ultimate healer of human souls - the Lord Jesus Christ - in His Word.
Pray that the Lord would continue to embolden Ryarsh Baptist Church to proclaim the gospel and proactively love their neighbours in practical, holistic ways.
Pray that Artur would have great pastoral wisdom, sensitivity, and strength as he ministers to the support group for abuse victims. Pray that he would listen well and speak the right words and Scriptures to people bearing the enormous weight of their past. Pray that the Lord would heal their wounds.
Pray that the church would persevere in congregational worship and community service, growing in God’s word and prayer and going into the area to proclaim Christ and to portray Christ-likeness. Pray that thereby, the church would be strengthened and built.
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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