WOE IS ME

After our visit to Bedford we made our way to friends of ours near Ipswich and "camped" on their drive. They welcomed us with their accustomed warm hospitality, and we were able to worship with them in  Walsham-le-Willows on the Lord's Day

They took us to see an old church in Helmingham, Suffolk.

The list of Rectors dates from 1307 and one name especially was of interest to us: John Charles Ryle, who was in this church from 1844 -1861.

Ryle was one of the leaders in the Evangelical Wing of the Anglican Church in the 2nd half of the 19th century. He disapproved of much of the ritual in the Church of England worship. He had every conceivable space of the walls of this church covered in Biblical texts.

The test above the pulpit is especially solemn; a continual reminder to himself and any other preacher to preach the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and nothing else.

Ryle became Bishop of Liverpool. He has left tracts, books and written sermons, many dealing with relevant issues of the time and all direct and challenging.

BEDFORD

Recently, on our way South to a wedding, we stayed overnight in our camper van just outside the town of Bedford. Next morning we visited the handsome Bunyan Meeting Free Church, built in 1850, replacing an older one built in 1707. Before that, in 1672 stood an old barn in an orchard, which was bought and converted into the first meeting place of Bunyan and his congregation.

The inside is beautiful. On 2 sides of the church, there are stained glass windows illustrating scenes from Bunyan's celebrated book, Pilgrim's Progress.

Beside the Meeting House there is a very interesting museum, depicting the life and times of this man, whose book, Pilgrim's Progress has been translated into 200 languages.

In the town on a corner of St. Peter's Green there is a statue which was erected in his honour in  1874.

John Bunyan (1628-1688) was born into a poor family. As a child and young man he was unruly. Swearing, cursing and lying became second nature to him.  However, after he became a Christian there was a radical change in him. He became a preacher and author, and in those times when those who wished to uphold the teaching of the Bible in all matters of worship and way of life, he was imprisoned for his stand. He used his time of deprivation in prison to do some of his best and most influential writing.

A QUIETER BIRTHDAY

After the excitement of last year this year's birthday was a quiet event. But what better than to share it with someone you love?

JANUARY PICNIC

How is this for a lovely picnic site in the middle of January?
Cup-a-soup with rolls with pate and chutney. Mmmmmmmm

SERGE, EVELIEN AND SINA!

A new co-worker! She is called Sina. She is about 5 months old , and when she is being taken for a walk, nearly everyone wants to speak to her!! An opportunity for Sergio to chat with many different people. In fact, Serge keeps looking for doors opening so that he may be able to share the Good News of the Gospel.

His latest venture is joining a Novel Readers' Club! About 20 people go and they read, then discuss a novel. Serge has given the leader a novel that he himself has written, about a young man searching for his identity, and who is finally converted through reading the Bible. Please pray that the Lord may use this opening.

Serge has paid a return visit to a man who initially was very prejudiced against him. His wife has been confined to bed for many years. The man's attitude has changed and on this occasion Serge was able to pray with them. "This cannot be paid for with anything," they said.

A widow lady, a contact from their times preaching in the park, has given her address in order that she may receive a visit.

Don Dimas, who watched the film on Martin Luther still has issues to work through. Please pray that he may see Jesus Christ as the only mediator between God and man.

Soon Serge and the Jehovah Witness will discuss a book that Serge gave him about the false teaching that he hears. May his eyes be opened.

Uzo has put off being baptised because of some personal doubts. He still attends services.

Claudio is still without employment but is attending a course which hopefully may help him in that respect.

There are things to thank the Lord for: Lucia is now a church member, Olga has gone to Poland to finish her studies. She has been recommended a church there and continues to show spiritual growth.

Serge and Evelien testify to the Lord's provision for their needs, both spiritual and material. They continue to ask those who pray that the work in their church in Cuenca, Spain, may be blessed by the Lord, and that "He might add to the church daily such as should be saved".

PORTREE

We are just back from a lovely visit to the Island of Skye We joined our friends there in order to do some psalmody work which included:
some tips on the Sol-fa system of reading music,
giving out a new set of 12 tunes for this coming year,
some background on some of the tunes
and, most important of all, some singing in our customary style - unaccompanied, led by a "Precentor".
There was an adult session and a children's session.

As usual our host was Rev. Ritchie Ross who looked after us very well.

"Do remember the tune carries the all-important words"

Ali is one of the excellent Skye Precentors.

It didn't sound like a psalm but we know all creatures glorify their Creator.

Praise ye the Lord.....
Praise ye him all his angels: praise ye him all ye hosts.
Praise ye him, sun and moon: praise him all ye stars of light.
Praise him ye heaven of heavens, and ye waters that be above the heavens.
Let them praise the name of the Lord: for he commanded, and they were created.
Praise the Lord...... beasts and all cattle; creeping things, and flying fowl
Praise ye the Lord.

from Psalm 148

NERAC

Jean Calvin visited Nerac in 1534. He met Jaques Lefevre D'etaples who greatly influenced him. Lefevre firmly believed that the only source of authority for the church was the Bible.

We were blessed to be able to worship with the Lord's people in the Nerac French Reformed Church.

Two of the ladies who warmly welcomed us.

A sumptuous meal was enjoyed after the service.

This kind family invited us back with them for the evening. We ended up staying the night in their drive.

BURNING BUSH

We know that some friends have been interested to hear that our congregation in Edinburgh was provided with a building which just suits our needs. The men, especially, have been working very hard - cleaning, painting and generally improving it and now it feels most comfortable.

Walking in to our Prayer meeting a week past Thursday, we couldn't but notice the latest acquisition - a picture of the burning bush, beautifully embroidered on a dark blue background.

The burning bush has been a symbol of the Presbyterian church in countries throughout the world since reformation times. Fire, in God's Word is a symbol of His holiness; that is why Moses was commanded to remove his shoes. But, here, there is something else; just as the bush was not consumed by the fire, God would keep His people in the fire of affliction. God spoke to Moses from the bush saying that He would deliver them from their suffering in Egypt.

God's Kingdom (His people) will never be destroyed. His Kingdom will last forever. The gates of Hell will not prevail against it. Down through the centuries, many of God's people have been persecuted, even unto death. Today, many suffer for love of Jesus Christ. One day they and their faith will be vindicated.

This is why the burning bush is such a suitable emblem to have: it does not just look back, but it looks forward.

God in the midst of her doth dwell
Nothing shall her remove
The Lord to her an helper will
And that right early, prove. Psalm 46:5

Read about the burning bush in the second book of the Bible - Exodus chapter 3

BASQUE

Three planks of wood make up this fascinating instrument, played by two people each with 2 wooden "hammers". It is called a Txalaparta. This is in Basque country.

Laundry day

The beautiful coast of North Spain

Looking at the sky sometimes makes me think of the Lord's return

MORE FROM SERGE AND EVELEIN

Serge and Evelien persevere in their service for the Lord.

Through the regular open-air preaching the congregation in Cuenca, Spain, have the opportunity to talk to people in the park. Indeed they have noticed that some people are waiting for the sermon. Amongst these are people from the Seventh Day Adventist Church. Please pray for a girl called Emma and her friends, and that God will work among all people who listen to the preaching of the gospel.

Sergio has got to know a hairdresser from the South of Spain, who has shown a great deal of interest in the Christian faith. Remember her as, when Serge has the opportunity, he can talk with her about Christian matters.

Soon he hopes to watch the film, "Martin Luther" with the priest, Don Dimas.

Thank God that Lucia has been accepted as a member in the church. She has been attending for a year and has shown a firm Christian testimony. Pray for her growth in grace.

Uzo is showing encouraging improvement in his spiritual state and has asked to be baptized. Please pray that the occasion will be a testimony to his family and friends.

Olga and Agustin, for whom the couple have been praying for some time are becoming more and more involved in the church. They have a real desire to know more about the Word of God.

The couple were glad to be able to attend a Christian Camp organized by reformed churches in Spain. They found it to be a time of blessing. They have also been on vacation to Holland, visiting Evelien's family. This has also proved to be a time of refreshing for them, to help them as they continue the work of preaching the gospel.

Evelien would appreciate your prayers as she takes up teaching again. It is not easy and she is concernerned that she will be a good witness and do her job well.

They are grateful to all those who remember the work in Cuenca.