Meeting Dr John MacArthur

Today I had the privilege of fellowshipping with Dr John MacArthur (pastor of Grace Community Church, California, president of The Master's College and Seminary, and featured teacher with the Grace to You radio ministry). John preached in our church last night (click here to download the message 24MB) and today he spoke at a special pastors conference in Belfast, which I helped to organise. We were greatly blessed by his ministry and also that of Dr Steve Lawson and Pastor Philip De Courcy. It was also great to have lunch with them all before they left for a round of golf before going back to the states tomorrow.
Details of where to order tapes and DVD's from the conference.

Visit from Philip De Courcey

Me with Pastors Clifford Morrison and Philip De Courcey outside Portadown Baptist Church. 

BBQ in Gosford

Wow what a day! The weather was beautiful and the people came and really enjoyed themselves. We estimate that 200 people were there. We were so blessed by all the people who sponsored the food and offered their help – people have been just so kind to us!
Then last Sunday night (28th May) the church was packed with friends, family and well-wishers who gathered for a special service to mark the end of my ministry as Associate Pastor in Portadown Baptist Church. We were very pleased with the programme and encouraged by all that was said. It is so good to know that the church is behind us as we step out in faith to follow God’s leading.
Two weeks holiday now to get ready and then we are off to Kilchzimmer to do the CEF Europe - Leadership Training Institute. Please pray for us.


Here is my father with David and Joel. He will miss them and they will miss him a lot this summer.
We had a large bouncy castle, an large inflatable slide, a treasure hunt, face painting… A great night of family fun was had by all. 

The polish connection

It was exciting this past week to meet Bogdan Bassara at the CEF Regional Conference, in Kilkeel, NI.
As coordinator for Media and Publications in CEF Europe, Bogdan and I are sure to be working together a lot in the future. I had heard much about Bogdan but this was the first time we met and I believe we instantly clicked with each other.
While being part of the European regional staff based in Kilchzimmer, Bogdan resides in his home country of Poland with his wife Agnes and one year old daughter. 

Service and BBQ

You are invited to join us on...

Sunday 28 May 2006 at 7 pm
in Portadown Baptist Church (Thomas Street)
for a service to mark the end of Gary’s ministry
as Associate Pastor

and to a

Barbeque on Saturday 3 June 2006 at 6.30 pm

in Gosford Forest Park (Main car park)
Food, fellowship, bouncy castle, face painting, games for all the family…

Opportunity will be given at both events to contribute towards Gary & Claudia’s expenses.

Visit from the Gwynne's

The Gwynne family will also be attending Kilchzimmer this summer so we had them over for a Saturday evening. It was a great opportunity for us and the boys to get to know each other.


 

A step closer

At last night’s meeting of the CEF Ireland National Committee, Claudia and I were officially accepted as CEF Ireland Missionary Candidates.
This means that we are now free to organise deputation meetings to raise regular prayer and financial support. To arrange a meeting, please phone me on Tel. 07967 651 647.
We praise God that He has brought us another step closer to beginning our new ministry at Kilchzimmer.

A special service to mark the end of my ministry, as Associate Pastor, will be held on Sunday, 28th May at 7.00pm in Portadown Baptist Church. We would like as many of our friends and supporters as possible to be present – so please do come.

Some prayer and praise points:

• Praise God for those who have offered to help us in many practical ways. This always encourages us and we never cease to be amazed at peoples generosity.
• Give thanks that a suitable tenant has been found to rent our house while we are away.
• Pray for me as I finish my time (Sun. 4th June) as Associate Pastor in Portadown Baptist Church. Pray that the church would know the will of God in finding a suitable replacement.
• Pray for us as we finalise our travel arrangements for driving to Switzerland.
• Pray that as we prepare to leave salaried employment and step out in faith, that the Lord will provide the necessary finance to cover all the costs associated with this summer.
• Pray for us both through this emotional transition, that God’s grace would prove sufficient as we submit to the perceived plans of God for us at this time.
• Pray for our boys as they adjust to all the changes. They are very excited about going to Kilchzimmer this summer!

"And the Shofar Blew", Francine Rivers

I just finished reading this book. It was an excellent read and a timely reminder of the temptations that could so easily be the downfall of the servant of God in ministry.

Spring Prayer Letter available in English and German

If you would like a copy of our latest prayer letter then please request it by email
(Please indicate which language you require)

"David: A Man of Passion and Destiny", Chuck Swindol

Read this one recently.
It is very well written, helpfully applied to everyday life and grounded in scripture. Looking forward to reading more books in this "Great Lives from God's Word" series.