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Grace Prayer Bulletin # 62
6-27-1999

From The Editor's Heart
I have been challenged much in the past month as I have been hearing of the persecution in the Lower Pacific Rim Nations, the cry of the challenge of the work in India and China, the cry of those who have to labor quietly in the Islamic Nations, the cry of those who labor with Roman Catholics in the dying fields of the once thriving mission-sending nations of Europe, and the nations in Southern Africa that the Word of God is abounding. I want to challenge all to lay all on the line not because this is the case in these nations, but, rather because we are to carry the Gospel forward in every place our feet tread to our peril and to His glory. This is the command and charge given by Christ before our Father of glory. Please let us know how we can assist you in this ministry. As a ministry of King's Chapel we desire to see His ministry carried out through local churches, part of the body of Christ; the Church of the First-Born.

Church Planting in Ulverston, South Cumbria
This Word of our Lord to the Church in Sardis is a Word well applicable to the UK, "You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. (Revelation 3:4-5; NKJ)
The Eldership of Free Grace Baptist Church in Lancaster has been burdened since the Autumn of 1992. The new work in Ulverston is under their responsibility. Some new works are happening here the UK, but for the most part old churches are being turned into car washes and appliance stores, etc. There as been a cry for laborers for the UK from within and from without of this nation. This is a report of the new work being done in one small borough.
"Ulverston is a small market town situated on the Furness peninsula in the South Lakeland district of Cumbria. The nearest large town would be Barrow-in-Fumess. Lancaster, which is the nearest city is ten miles across Morecambe Bay, but 40 miles away by road.
"The Free Grace Baptist Fellowship had its origins in 1989 when Guy (now an elder with the church) and his wife Laura Smith felt constrained to commence a weekly Bible study in their home. By 1991, the Smiths had been introduced to the Free Grace Church in Lancaster. They, along with other local believers began to travel to Lancaster in order to place themselves under a responsible and systematic teaching ministry. In September 1992, after much prayer together, and with the leadership and fellow members in Lancaster,
regular Sunday meetings began in the Coronation Hall. The Lord is still blessing the work in Ulverston setting apart another elder from Lancaster, Steve Wood and his family, who shortly aims to undertake much of the biblical ministry in Ulverston. the Lord's good time it is hoped that the fellowship in Ulverston will become a self supporting independent Baptist church in its own right."
Steve Wood snpwood@cwcom.net

Belper Baptist Church - UK
The Church, Belper Baptist was established in 1817, this is an example of a church long standing. We need to encourage and pray for Churches such as this to be strengthened and continually revitalized. I am told that this is rare and a great concern, that is many of these Churches are dying off. This is some of the history provided by this Church on Gracenet. "In 1817, following the ensure of mill workers into Long Row and the surrounding area of Belper, the members of Duffield Baptist Church (about 4 miles away down the main A6 trunk road) gathered for a meeting and felt strongly that God was calling them to "begin preaching the news of Jesus in Belper". Capturing the vision, they set up worship meetings in the George Hotel on Bridge Street in Belper.
So responsive was the work for God that construction of the first Baptist Church building began one year later on Bridge Street. The need for a Sunday School led to the purchase of the land on which the present building stands. However, more than a Sunday School was built. The church today, with just under 70 members of all ages, is evidence of God's leading over the last one hundred and eighty years."

Church Plant: Reformed Baptist Church of Nashville, Tennessee, USA
In a letter from Seve Grambill to Jon Faese we read, "We are very thankful for your prayers on our behalf here in the city of Nashville. The (4) core families continue with us and we are thankful to report their acceptance and continuance with the ministry. There are also currently a couple of single folks with us, as well as two other families who have become regular attendees and expressed their desire to cast in their lot among us. We have also had some visitors among us, both by invitation, visiting families, and those who drop by who are staying at the hotel, Marriott Courtyard in downtown Nashville, where we meet. Be believe all of this is evidence of God's good hand upon us in the building of a Biblical church.
All are invited to make a stop with us in the coming weeks, as we are fairly close to where the Southeast family conference is being held. If you might be passing through this way, please let me know and we will try to make sure that you are taken care of (in renown Southern hospitality). Here are a few prayer requests that we ask you would bring to the Father on our behalf:
1. Continued sense of God's presence as we seek to be faithful in service to Him.
2. Wisdom in reaching out to others, both for salvation and the building up of the saints.
3. For Stephen as he keenly feels his relative youth and inexperience in such a great task as taking heed both to himself, as well as those who hear him
4. Blessing on the coming time of oversight with the families.

In Christ, and for His glory...alone,
Stephen Gambill
Reformed Baptist Fellowship of Nashville, Tennessee
http://www.rbclouisville.com/nashville

Rob Gerard robjenny@netzero.net

Grace Prayer Bulletin # 62

A ministry of The King's Chapel