Clive

Following his resignation as Pastor on Easter Morning 2015, Clive remains a valued member of the new Ministry Team that has Ann as its elected Senior Pastor. Clive spoke on Christmas morning, using as his theme the Old Testament prophecy and New Testament fulfilment, that God would send Jesus to be the Light of the World. A few hours later it would be the theme of H.M. Queen’s broadcast. Clive had previously distributed as Primate of AICWonline.com the the Christmas greeting of the Queen’s elder son Charles, which prompted a reader to ask why Charles does not declare his faith in Christ, as does his mother. The answer is that Charles is a product of his own generation, preferring to be ‘Defender of the Faiths’ rather than of Christianity. How many times has he been to an evangelistic rally or meeting? A close confident of the Right Reverend Charles Chartres, one wonders on the quality of Scriptural advice given to the man who was born to succeed his mother to the throne, but had a adulterous affair with a divorced woman he later married. If was never permitted to hear the Gospel of Freedom and Forgiveness, is it any wonder so that he seems so consumed by his own power to influence the world. Two days later, Bishop Josep Rosello (a former member of the OASIS congregation) visited Spain with his wife Patrice and daughter Natalia, and spoke of the needs of Brasil where they now live, but where Jesus still needs to be shone as the only permanent cure for darkness. 2015 was an outstanding year on so many fronts.

Barbara and Dieter who are with the Salvation Army and responsible for Camp Saron (near La Jara hospital) hosted another fellowship meeting for local pastors yesterday. Everyone brought food for a shared buffet and Barbara contributed Quiche and refreshments.

Instead of someone bringing us ‘A Word’ that God had laid on their heart, Barbara’s plan was that we share as a way of introducing ourselves and talking about the different ways in which we each served Christ – our Saviour – and tried to introduce Him to a world that was disinterested.

I think a lot of what was said was intended to remain in confidence, but I was greatly encouraged to discover that it wasn’t only me who appeared to be like a hamster on a treadmill will little to show for our effort, but I sensed that most were encouraged by different incidents that happened each Sunday, but our belief that God was moving mightily among our neighbouring pastors and churches – but leaving individuals among us to wallow – was unfounded.

There were some very encouraging reports if increasing numbers resulting in the inability to find new premises at an economical rent and acceptable terms. Various items were mentioned that need to be the subject of individual prayer and intercession. Some of the needs proved the regularity of God undertaking, whilst others explained what it was like ‘walking on the brink’. Ann is not in the photo, as she was taking it.

PLEASE pray that the various local needs will be met by God – and not as the result of our personal effort. We know we serve a God of the miraculous.