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 is the future for a small church replant in a year like 2020? That might have been asked of Grace Church Walthamstow, led by Olawale “’Wale” Akinrogunde. Everything was closed and people were not leaving their homes due to national lockdown. Contact was partially lost with local unbelievers who were attending the church prior to lockdown, and adaptations had to be made - ‘Wale cycled by their houses and spoke to them from the pavement. The church’s weekly Mothers and Toddlers Group, a major evangelistic outreach with over 20 children and their parents and grandparents, was shut down to avoid spread of the virus. Then of course there are other pastoral challenges not occasioned by the pandemic but certainly not helped by it. The oldest member of the church died in April (not from COVID-19), and the normal procedures of pastoral care, corporate grieving, and a church funeral were severely disrupted, making closure difficult. Two of four new converts that have been baptised since the replant began have stopped attending meetings because of personal struggles, and the church longs for their restoration.
But Grace Church Walthamstow is not looking at their circumstances for hope, but to the God who is sovereign over and with us in every circumstance, and finding his help. Looking around them, they see and are seeking to respond to an area of great gospel need. Less than 5 minutes from where the church gathers is Europe’s longest street market, with hundreds of shops and almost 400 daily pitches and the surrounding area is densely populated. False teachers and religions have great influence in the area, and Islam is particularly prevalent - a large mosque stands very near the church building. The church thanks the Lord for giving them boldness and unfettered access to such a diverse and needy community and seek him for more boldness still as they proclaim the crucified and risen Jesus Christ.
God is working. A Muslim lady and her family worshipped with the church for several weeks until they moved. They are still in contact and the hope is that they will again be receptive to the gospel and led to a biblical local church. ‘Wale and family are determined to grow roots in Walthamstow and the replant is working towards formally constituting in the near future. The church is starting a late afternoon evangelistic service at the end of each of month. There is a future and a hope for the people of God in Walthamstow.
Pray for the resolution of personal issues and restoration of people who have drifted from fellowship.
Pray for greater boldness and more success as the church continues to evangelise their community.
Pray that whatever the reception they get, ‘Wale and the church will not be discouraged but will press on, do more, and see much fruit from their work. Pray especially that God will bless the Sunday evangelistic services.
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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