We are coming to a point in the year when we ask for nominations, from among the members of the church, for election as deacons. Deacons serve the church as an executive group, handling the ongoing running and maintenance of the congregation’s fabric and buildings, and financial responsibilities. They also work with the pastor in providing an environment for testing and exploring how we might better serve God together as a whole congregation.
The term ‘deacon’ comes from the New Testament. It means ‘a servant’. Because of our understanding of Christian life as a life of service. Those elected as deacons to the congregation should be from among those members who have demonstrated their willingness to serve and also to work as part of a team. They should be people who are serious about being disciples. Their lives should demonstrate sincerity in seeking to walk the path of holiness to Christ. They should be people who are team players, committed to being Christ-centred, to communal discerning of God’s will and to encouraging others, as well as seeking themselves, towards growing into mature Christian disciples.
One of our deacons, Christine Lumsden, will be standing down at this summer’s AGM, after many years of continuous service. We thank her sincerely for her service. Now, we need to elect new deacons to add to those who presently serve. Please find out more from or give nominations for election to myself or any of the present deacons. Deacons serve for three years. Anyone in full membership can nominate another in full membership, who is regularly attending and committed to the life and witness of the Bristo congregation. Nominations must also be seconded by another full member.
Please think and pray. All nominations should be in by Sunday 3rd May, proposed and seconded by members with the explicit approval of the nominee. Ballot papers issued 10th May for return by 31st May.
Jim Purves
Friday, 13 March 2009
Pamela Graham on Mercy Ship
Pamela Graham, who was part of the Bristo fellowship until a few months ago, has just started a short-term period of service on the Mercy Ship, Africa Mercy, which docked in Benin on 11th February and will remain there for ten months. Africa Mercy, a former rail ferry, is the world’s largest non-governmental hospital ship and was deployed in 2007. It has six operating theatres and is capable of about 7000 surgical interventions per year. Following the example of Jesus, Mercy Ships brings hope and healing to the poor, mobilizing people and resources worldwide. Since 1978, volunteers serving with Mercy Ships have had an impact on the lives of millions of people in the world’s poorest nations. Here Pamela gives her first impressions (taken from a couple of emails).
Well, I arrived on the ship late on Sunday night (1st March). The ship itself sailed from Tenerife to Benin in late January and arrived here mid Feb. It will stay here until Dec 10th when it will return to Tenerife. This particular outreach they are concentrating on accomplishing over 3000 cataract surgeries, among others. I have already seen such an extent of eye injuries that just would not be present in the UK. I started in theatre today. Most medical staff come and go on a regular basis due to work contract commitments however I will be here for four months and I hope this will give me time to get settled and know the place pretty well.
The basis of the ship is to reach out to the poorest of the poor. Currently Benin ranks 163rd poorest nation out of 177 according to the human poverty index. It isn’t evangelical in manner but aims to reach out by example, letting the people see the love of Jesus in action. Already we have helped so many people in the short time of being here and there are many more to do the same for.
Since I have only been here only a few days I haven’t even got off the ship yet but by looking out I can instantly see the deprivation here. Benin’s cultural and religious beliefs lie mostly with Muslim however there is a large impact of sorcery and witchcraft here also. During devotions this morning we touched a little bit on that in mentioning that the reality of it shouldn’t let us give the enemy power, so I go in grace!
It is great being here, although in many ways it is just like a westernised hospital, it was founded in the U.S and volunteers are mostly North American. The delicacies in the shop are American candy and we all know it’s rubbish. So in many ways, it has the same stresses and strains of our own hospitals which I am disappointed about but I hope that I will be able to rise above this and enjoy the time serving in the way I have been equipped and that He will use my experience and character to its very best. It is my hope that I will be able to build strong relationships here and get as much from the experience as I can or wherever it is God wants to take me or show me in this time.
Here is my first instalment of my life for the next four months. arrived safely in Benin last Sunday night, there is little time difference so I’m really glad I didn’t have jet lag on top of motion sickness. Have had it for a while now as the ship is rocking quite a bit. Apparently the wall at the dock is not a solid wall right down and so the sea sweeps in underneath hence rocking us. I have since got a transdermal patch for the sickness and it is working wonders!
Had orientation on Monday by the OR staff which went well and then started on Tuesday morning in OR 5 which is eyes. The aim of the outreach here in Benin this year is to reach a target of 3000 cataract surgeries by the time they leave. The doctors, Dr Glenn Strauss and Dr Ralph Crew, both from Texas, have been getting through them like a steam train!
Yesterday I went into max facs [maxillo-facial surgery] which was amazing, we removed a massive mandibular tumour. They removed the entire jaw but left the condyles which the titanium plate attached to and proceeded to attach all the muscles around the plate to stabilise and ensure the tongue was secured otherwise it would slip back as there is nothing to hold it in place when the airway would become obstructed which is the biggest concern for these type of patients. This patient’s biggest concern was that she may not be able to afford the trip back down to Cotonou for follow-up and so will return to her home not knowing the possible complications. There are apparently many people running around north Benin with their titanium plates on show as the skin around the jaw has shrunk back to its original state and the plate has protruded through the skin. Although I hear it doesn’t bother many people, they even decorate the jaw with earrings and such like to make it pretty!! Infection must not exist in Benin!
Cataracts are also very prevalent; however, we see these patients when they already cannot see. A few of us got to see the post op eye patients yesterday after their surgery 24 hours earlier. When the patch is removed they have a sight test. It’s great to see these people reading a letter chart so easily whereas the day before they were almost blind. It really is amazing and just to be a part of that is such a privilege. The disturbing thing is that normally patients such as these have no access to medical care and go blind, so the family will disregard them and stop feeding them, hence death by starvation. It happens a lot here I am told. They are seen as a non-productive person in the family and so the family can’t afford to keep them. But praise Him as He has helped many families travel a long distance to get their loved ones to a doctor.
Also had the chance to go to the ward today where a VVF [vesicovaginal fistula] patient was being discharged. They are usually very emotional and joyous events. It’s a very common complaint here. Due to the lack of obstetric care, a lot of women during labour rupture the birth canal and the bladder, forming a fistula. From here, they have no control over their bladder causing incontinence. The consequences are complete eradication from society; it is very distressing and many women consider suicide as their only cure. These women range from 13 upwards. From childbearing age they get married off and pregnant resulting in a still-birth in most cases and this horrific ordeal afterwards. There was a documentary we watched which was really helpful. A lot of girls from age 2 have to carry large water vessels which means they have stunted growth and their pelvis does not grow so that in pregnancy the baby cannot fit through the pelvis causing this rupturing. It really does ruin lives, being completely extradited means they live on the streets and, due to the heat, they carry the smell of urine around with them. They cannot go out of their homes if they have this condition and again are seen as a non productive person in the family; it’s even portrayed as a curse in some places. One girl who had VVF had been seen by a doctor a long time ago. As he could not help her, he wrote a note and told her to carry it with her. On it, it said “Please cure this woman”. This lady in question had been waiting at the bus stop for 6 years to get enough money to see another doctor. You will be pleased to hear that she continues to improve now. One of the gynae docs headed up to north Benin a few days ago to find VVF patients and bring them to the ship. He successfully found 19 patients and brought them all down here to Cotonou last evening. They were meant to stay in a hotel close by; however, they were not allowed in as they ‘smelled’ and so Dr Hosea stayed in the van with all of the women overnight to ensure their safety and support. The humbleness of many of the people serving here is incredible, for what they could be getting in our western society, they have committed to living and working on a ship for in some cases as much as 22 years.
Watching the VVF ceremony was incredible; as a symbol of the new life they are about to begin there is a celebration. Members of the family come into the ward, along with all the nurses. There are speeches and thank yous and also the odd clinical bit of post op instruction which I will paraphrase for you (“Remember now, no mama papa business for at least six months”) to which everyone laughed. These women are so elated in such a huge shift in lifestyle and acceptance and they are sent out with a new set of clothes to symbolise their new life. There is some singing and dancing and sheer delight for all involved. Seeing how distressed these patients are, most of them never knew it could be remedied and when they see that a lot of other women are in the same position it must help with the emotional healing as they often feel so isolated.
Benin is the home of Voodoo and it is well practised here from what I believe. It has however been great to take these people in under our care and pray with them before commencing any surgery. Dr Gary Parker (resident surgeon) has lived on the ship for 22 years and it is most humbling watching the genuine compassion he has for his patients.
Dr James McDaniel (ortho surgeon) and I met for the first time on Tuesday and he is about 70 years old! He was so welcoming and pleased to have us, he is a very jolly, grandfather figure with such integrity and cares as much for his crew as he does his patients.
Had orientation on Monday by the OR staff which went well and then started on Tuesday morning in OR 5 which is eyes. The aim of the outreach here in Benin this year is to reach a target of 3000 cataract surgeries by the time they leave. The doctors, Dr Glenn Strauss and Dr Ralph Crew, both from Texas, have been getting through them like a steam train!
Yesterday I went into max facs [maxillo-facial surgery] which was amazing, we removed a massive mandibular tumour. They removed the entire jaw but left the condyles which the titanium plate attached to and proceeded to attach all the muscles around the plate to stabilise and ensure the tongue was secured otherwise it would slip back as there is nothing to hold it in place when the airway would become obstructed which is the biggest concern for these type of patients. This patient’s biggest concern was that she may not be able to afford the trip back down to Cotonou for follow-up and so will return to her home not knowing the possible complications. There are apparently many people running around north Benin with their titanium plates on show as the skin around the jaw has shrunk back to its original state and the plate has protruded through the skin. Although I hear it doesn’t bother many people, they even decorate the jaw with earrings and such like to make it pretty!! Infection must not exist in Benin!
Cataracts are also very prevalent; however, we see these patients when they already cannot see. A few of us got to see the post op eye patients yesterday after their surgery 24 hours earlier. When the patch is removed they have a sight test. It’s great to see these people reading a letter chart so easily whereas the day before they were almost blind. It really is amazing and just to be a part of that is such a privilege. The disturbing thing is that normally patients such as these have no access to medical care and go blind, so the family will disregard them and stop feeding them, hence death by starvation. It happens a lot here I am told. They are seen as a non-productive person in the family and so the family can’t afford to keep them. But praise Him as He has helped many families travel a long distance to get their loved ones to a doctor.
Also had the chance to go to the ward today where a VVF [vesicovaginal fistula] patient was being discharged. They are usually very emotional and joyous events. It’s a very common complaint here. Due to the lack of obstetric care, a lot of women during labour rupture the birth canal and the bladder, forming a fistula. From here, they have no control over their bladder causing incontinence. The consequences are complete eradication from society; it is very distressing and many women consider suicide as their only cure. These women range from 13 upwards. From childbearing age they get married off and pregnant resulting in a still-birth in most cases and this horrific ordeal afterwards. There was a documentary we watched which was really helpful. A lot of girls from age 2 have to carry large water vessels which means they have stunted growth and their pelvis does not grow so that in pregnancy the baby cannot fit through the pelvis causing this rupturing. It really does ruin lives, being completely extradited means they live on the streets and, due to the heat, they carry the smell of urine around with them. They cannot go out of their homes if they have this condition and again are seen as a non productive person in the family; it’s even portrayed as a curse in some places. One girl who had VVF had been seen by a doctor a long time ago. As he could not help her, he wrote a note and told her to carry it with her. On it, it said “Please cure this woman”. This lady in question had been waiting at the bus stop for 6 years to get enough money to see another doctor. You will be pleased to hear that she continues to improve now. One of the gynae docs headed up to north Benin a few days ago to find VVF patients and bring them to the ship. He successfully found 19 patients and brought them all down here to Cotonou last evening. They were meant to stay in a hotel close by; however, they were not allowed in as they ‘smelled’ and so Dr Hosea stayed in the van with all of the women overnight to ensure their safety and support. The humbleness of many of the people serving here is incredible, for what they could be getting in our western society, they have committed to living and working on a ship for in some cases as much as 22 years.
Watching the VVF ceremony was incredible; as a symbol of the new life they are about to begin there is a celebration. Members of the family come into the ward, along with all the nurses. There are speeches and thank yous and also the odd clinical bit of post op instruction which I will paraphrase for you (“Remember now, no mama papa business for at least six months”) to which everyone laughed. These women are so elated in such a huge shift in lifestyle and acceptance and they are sent out with a new set of clothes to symbolise their new life. There is some singing and dancing and sheer delight for all involved. Seeing how distressed these patients are, most of them never knew it could be remedied and when they see that a lot of other women are in the same position it must help with the emotional healing as they often feel so isolated.
Benin is the home of Voodoo and it is well practised here from what I believe. It has however been great to take these people in under our care and pray with them before commencing any surgery. Dr Gary Parker (resident surgeon) has lived on the ship for 22 years and it is most humbling watching the genuine compassion he has for his patients.
Dr James McDaniel (ortho surgeon) and I met for the first time on Tuesday and he is about 70 years old! He was so welcoming and pleased to have us, he is a very jolly, grandfather figure with such integrity and cares as much for his crew as he does his patients.
I have found only one fellow county person since being here, a girl from County Down, however I’ve got Weegies here too! So I get the best of both worlds! It’s good to have them as the rest of the crew are from all over the world, mostly Canada, America and of course Texans! I am hoping not to embarrass myself by mimicking them but you know, for me it's really hard to do that!!
It is hard to communicate with the patients as it always is in the operating theatre; however I have adopted a patient and I get to befriend them visiting them during their whole stay on board. The resources we have are excellent under the circumstances. It really is a community on board with events happening every evening but with so many people it’s difficult to get to know people properly as there is a core of long term servers and then short term and then me in the middle who is neither a short term or a long term server. I am still ready for this challenge though and I believe it’s just a great place for me to be right now... and I’m ready to jump into all aspects of ship life. Been practising my French too ... not bad! can get my way around hold a small conversation, chuffed with that for now. It really does come flooding back when you are in the environment. Still got a long way to go but time is something I do have.
It is hard to communicate with the patients as it always is in the operating theatre; however I have adopted a patient and I get to befriend them visiting them during their whole stay on board. The resources we have are excellent under the circumstances. It really is a community on board with events happening every evening but with so many people it’s difficult to get to know people properly as there is a core of long term servers and then short term and then me in the middle who is neither a short term or a long term server. I am still ready for this challenge though and I believe it’s just a great place for me to be right now... and I’m ready to jump into all aspects of ship life. Been practising my French too ... not bad! can get my way around hold a small conversation, chuffed with that for now. It really does come flooding back when you are in the environment. Still got a long way to go but time is something I do have.
Just taking one day at a time absorbing as much as I can, recognising that none of us here is perfect, but it’s great knowing that God will use me here, flaws and all. I’m praying I get everything out of this trip He wants to show me. As my first week is almost over and I’m a little more familiar with my surroundings I can begin to get into a proper routine I hope. Yesterday evening after dinner I headed up to deck 7, I took Big Chris Tomlin with me and book in tow in 30 degree heat. It will always be one of those memories I will retain. I came across a verse today which penetrated deep. To those who know me well you’ll know how much this would mean (yes you know who you are ;) -- Philippians 4 : 5.
God uses this ship purposefully and to see the remarkable differences it can have on broken hearts and lives it’s almost overwhelming. I think I should stop now. I went to the main city market today which was such an experience. We had people following us everywhere, I would say it was very polite of them to walk us round however I think they did have ulterior motives, not to rob us but hoping we would give some cash their direction. Going to a stilt village tomorrow which is an entire village sitting on top of the ocean, having to go by boat. Living quarters for a lot of people is a tin hut on the beach or a shack for want of a better word but that’s exactly what it is.
One final thought ... as I boarded the plane, a gentleman sat beside and we chatted for 3-4 hours; what was so exciting is that he is a public health official for U.S.A.I.D. He was on his way there to discuss the mortality rates in infants up to 5 years. The aim is to research this and put systems and support networks in place to eradicate this problem as much as possible. It gave me a lot of insight and it was thoroughly interesting ... so I have made contact now with someone who said he would be willing to help if I got involved in such a career! Amazing!
I could even say more however I can save that for now. I trust this email finds everyone well and the next instalment next month I will cut shorter I promise!
I would appreciate prayer for physical endurance, that I would be bold enough to take on new challenges without fear of negative outcomes and finally keeping me safe in the operating room with the risk of injury from instruments and the subsequent rate of HIV/AIDS present.
Ciao for now! Pamela
Thursday, 15 January 2009
Welcome to Bristo Baptist Church!
pictured: our ministry interns, Tanya & David
Tanya Alexeeva arrived in Edinburgh in the late evening of Saturday 10th January and spent her first Sunday in Bristo the following day. Tanya is from Voronezh in southern Russia. Her father is the pastor of the church in Voronezh from which Tima Cheprasov and Yulia Cheprasova joined us two years ago. Tanya has never been to Scotland before and while she is here she will spend part of her time learning English at the Arch language school in our church buildings. Tanya, may you be blessed richly while you are at Bristo!
FROM THE EDITOR
It took me days to get going on this editorial. Why? I procrastinated.
What’s that got to do with breaking free? Well, procrastination is just one of many things that can act like chains or shackles and bind a person, as though they were in prison.
When Christians talk of being set free they often mean from addiction to drugs or alcohol. But many other things can bind us from whose power we need to be liberated. Fears of many kinds. Anxiety. Compulsive shopping (a shopaholic pensioner died this month, literally buried alive under a pile of new suitcases in a house completely full of items she’d bought, many unopened). Lying. Perfectionism (another of my failings). Eating disorders. Unforgiveness. A sense of being unworthy. The list goes on.
Jesus is the Liberator. He comes to set you free. Let him into your life. Let his Holy Spirit work deeply in you until you break free from every yoke. Once I got going I wrote this in less than ten minutes! Give thanks to the Lord.
Robert Mill
What’s that got to do with breaking free? Well, procrastination is just one of many things that can act like chains or shackles and bind a person, as though they were in prison.
When Christians talk of being set free they often mean from addiction to drugs or alcohol. But many other things can bind us from whose power we need to be liberated. Fears of many kinds. Anxiety. Compulsive shopping (a shopaholic pensioner died this month, literally buried alive under a pile of new suitcases in a house completely full of items she’d bought, many unopened). Lying. Perfectionism (another of my failings). Eating disorders. Unforgiveness. A sense of being unworthy. The list goes on.
Jesus is the Liberator. He comes to set you free. Let him into your life. Let his Holy Spirit work deeply in you until you break free from every yoke. Once I got going I wrote this in less than ten minutes! Give thanks to the Lord.
Robert Mill
FROM THE PASTOR
Dear Family,
Back to normal in a New Year? I hope not! God wonderfully gives us fresh challenges to creatively develop as those called to reflect and express God’s presence and purpose to those around us. Life constantly changes, the culture and context in which we live and work taking on new forms and expressions, good and bad.
Our job is to demonstrate the liberating power of the Gospel to enable people to break out from the things that hold us back. To move forward, ever anticipating the fullness of the Kingdom of God finding expression upon the earth.
In this coming year, there are areas to clearly develop in our congregation. As we look to enlist and draw people into our journey in following Christ, we have to make sure that we are not simply inviting them into a ghetto of religiosity, new or old. What matters is the presence of the DNA of Christ’s life and ministry. Lives that are intent on purposefully participating in Him.
There are three practical areas which I believe need to be intentionally developed in our lives as witnesses to Christ. We will be focusing on these and implementing ministries to express them:
1. good news for the poor
2. healing and deliverance
3. peace making
This is a clear path for us to follow. Let us pray for wisdom in discerning how to walk it. It is an exciting journey for us to embark on together.
In His love,
Jim
TESTIMONY
I would like to share a simple testimony how I became a Christian … First, I would like to tell you one of my favourite verses:
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil, for you are with me” Psalm 23 : 4
This verse has given me great strength and courage to be able to gain my life back and I am free from worries since November 27 2005, the day I became a born-again Christian at ACBC (Arlington Chinese Baptist Church), Texas.
Before October of 2004 I thought I was the happiest and luckiest woman in the whole world. My life was perfect, fascinating … (now that I realize after reading Ecclesiastes chapter 1: 1-2 --- “ pleasures of meaningless, chasing after wind…” I didn’t know what poverty was nor would I care about ‘love yourself, love your neighbours’ ... well my good life ended on 13th October 2004.
Everything was taken away from me - I lost my highly paid job. I became very ill and suffered from serious depression and anxiety and I was suicidal - then I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis … then, worse came in January 2005. We had to relocate to Texas, the worst state in US that we never wanted to go to and it’s a bible belt - too holy to us - not for us – we had always hated Texas but we had no choice. We managed to live there for 3 and a half years. I am excited to count down the time that I am going home next week and I can’t wait to see my home ACBC (Arlington Chinese Baptist Church) where God’s brought me to -- It’s all mighty God’s plan to bring me there to get to know Him and Jesus, our saviour, who has taught me love and caring, forgiving, faith, humility, obedience and much more … Since my husband Charles had tried everything to treat my depression and anxiety but did not seem to help. One day, in March 2005 after our second month in Texas I asked him if it’s OK for me to go to church, it might help … he agreed but he told me seriously that if I became a Christian it would cause us a divorce. In April I found ACBC; since then I participated in every Sunday school and service and church activities, fellowship… I had doubt and curiosity about finding God and what Jesus did for us… it took me a long time to know very little, still I don’t know much but I am willing to learn … more.
In November, I was ready for baptism on Thanksgiving Day because I found that it’s significant and it’s my favourite festival. I was so worried and scared that I might have to choose either Jesus Christ or my husband, it became a serious issue . I thought about that since God is full of kindness and love He definitely wouldn’t separate a couple? how am I going to resolve this issue -- oh God for the first time, my first prayer for help “God help me and teach me and give me courage to tell Charles”. Surprisingly just a minute before I was ready to tell Charles, my fear was gone - I said, “honey, I have something to announce - I am going to get baptized this Thursday on Thanksgiving day and you are invited to come to the ceremony”. Guess what Charles said to me? “Oh ya you are, umhhh congratulations, but I don’t go to church, well I could do a splash over your head in the shower room at home for you … hahaha!” That was the response from my husband …
I am so grateful that God’s with me. Often I know that and I can feel it and its blessing and nothing is greater than that ever since I have begun my Christian life - the greatest gift is given to me “ joy and peace at heart”. I have learned a lot God’s word by participating in Bible study, fellowship, prayer meetings, knowing that one of our big assignments is to serve and spread God’s word and do what the words say. I am willing to do what the words say and give help to the needy with all my heart, my soul and strength. I have learned that “giving is better than receiving” in that I have received a lot already.
Christina Nicoll
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil, for you are with me” Psalm 23 : 4
This verse has given me great strength and courage to be able to gain my life back and I am free from worries since November 27 2005, the day I became a born-again Christian at ACBC (Arlington Chinese Baptist Church), Texas.
Before October of 2004 I thought I was the happiest and luckiest woman in the whole world. My life was perfect, fascinating … (now that I realize after reading Ecclesiastes chapter 1: 1-2 --- “ pleasures of meaningless, chasing after wind…” I didn’t know what poverty was nor would I care about ‘love yourself, love your neighbours’ ... well my good life ended on 13th October 2004.
Everything was taken away from me - I lost my highly paid job. I became very ill and suffered from serious depression and anxiety and I was suicidal - then I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis … then, worse came in January 2005. We had to relocate to Texas, the worst state in US that we never wanted to go to and it’s a bible belt - too holy to us - not for us – we had always hated Texas but we had no choice. We managed to live there for 3 and a half years. I am excited to count down the time that I am going home next week and I can’t wait to see my home ACBC (Arlington Chinese Baptist Church) where God’s brought me to -- It’s all mighty God’s plan to bring me there to get to know Him and Jesus, our saviour, who has taught me love and caring, forgiving, faith, humility, obedience and much more … Since my husband Charles had tried everything to treat my depression and anxiety but did not seem to help. One day, in March 2005 after our second month in Texas I asked him if it’s OK for me to go to church, it might help … he agreed but he told me seriously that if I became a Christian it would cause us a divorce. In April I found ACBC; since then I participated in every Sunday school and service and church activities, fellowship… I had doubt and curiosity about finding God and what Jesus did for us… it took me a long time to know very little, still I don’t know much but I am willing to learn … more.
In November, I was ready for baptism on Thanksgiving Day because I found that it’s significant and it’s my favourite festival. I was so worried and scared that I might have to choose either Jesus Christ or my husband, it became a serious issue . I thought about that since God is full of kindness and love He definitely wouldn’t separate a couple? how am I going to resolve this issue -- oh God for the first time, my first prayer for help “God help me and teach me and give me courage to tell Charles”. Surprisingly just a minute before I was ready to tell Charles, my fear was gone - I said, “honey, I have something to announce - I am going to get baptized this Thursday on Thanksgiving day and you are invited to come to the ceremony”. Guess what Charles said to me? “Oh ya you are, umhhh congratulations, but I don’t go to church, well I could do a splash over your head in the shower room at home for you … hahaha!” That was the response from my husband …
I am so grateful that God’s with me. Often I know that and I can feel it and its blessing and nothing is greater than that ever since I have begun my Christian life - the greatest gift is given to me “ joy and peace at heart”. I have learned a lot God’s word by participating in Bible study, fellowship, prayer meetings, knowing that one of our big assignments is to serve and spread God’s word and do what the words say. I am willing to do what the words say and give help to the needy with all my heart, my soul and strength. I have learned that “giving is better than receiving” in that I have received a lot already.
Christina Nicoll
TREASURER’S REPORT
A few new year numbers just to give you an idea of what this year’s church finances look like as we enter the final quarter of the year ...
Income wise we’re doing very well. This year we’d very much like to continue our support of both Bethany and the BMS by sending a meaningful gift of money. If you’d like to contribute to either the Bethany or the BMS then please could you place a marked donation into the offering.
General Income
Source Budget Year to date
Church Offerings etc. 50000 40789
Tax Refund 7400 9856
From Fair (in lieu of rent) 2400 1800
From Fair (bills) 1200 1164
Use of Halls 10000 3700
Total 71000 57309
Special Offerings Income
LOM - winter kitchen 4500 4285
BMS 500 0
Bethany 500 65
General Mission 0 40
Total 6000 4390
Expenditure wise, with the exception of the building repairs and refurbishment, everything is under budget. Using the small hall for the morning services reduces our gas bill by almost 50% which has been very good news. Repairs and refurbishments this year again have been expensive, with additional repairs to the manse roof and a collapsed plaster ceiling, and plenty of work done on the church building, including the unexpected (and essential because that Sunday morning was absolutely freezing!) boiler repairs. It’s likely that we’ll overspend on the general account this year, but only due to the building work. Next year there are no forecast large scale works, so we should be able to top up our funds again.
Expenditure
Income wise we’re doing very well. This year we’d very much like to continue our support of both Bethany and the BMS by sending a meaningful gift of money. If you’d like to contribute to either the Bethany or the BMS then please could you place a marked donation into the offering.
General Income
Source Budget Year to date
Church Offerings etc. 50000 40789
Tax Refund 7400 9856
From Fair (in lieu of rent) 2400 1800
From Fair (bills) 1200 1164
Use of Halls 10000 3700
Total 71000 57309
Special Offerings Income
LOM - winter kitchen 4500 4285
BMS 500 0
Bethany 500 65
General Mission 0 40
Total 6000 4390
Expenditure wise, with the exception of the building repairs and refurbishment, everything is under budget. Using the small hall for the morning services reduces our gas bill by almost 50% which has been very good news. Repairs and refurbishments this year again have been expensive, with additional repairs to the manse roof and a collapsed plaster ceiling, and plenty of work done on the church building, including the unexpected (and essential because that Sunday morning was absolutely freezing!) boiler repairs. It’s likely that we’ll overspend on the general account this year, but only due to the building work. Next year there are no forecast large scale works, so we should be able to top up our funds again.
Expenditure
Item Budget Actual to date
Employment 30975 23417
Supply 300 50
Energy 9000 5044
Insurance 3250 2964
Refurbishment 1500 6277
Furniture & Equipment 500 688
Garden 300 0
Repairs 14000 14810
Tuning 150 65
Council Tax 2600 2323
Phone 1265 1044
Office 300 25
Subscriptions 3000 3039
Children &Y P 800 107
Outreach/Publicity 300 66
Literature & Copyright 138 121
Care Van 200 203
Fellowship 300 0
Sundries 1500 1445
Fees 350 400
Total 70728 62088
Supply 300 50
Energy 9000 5044
Insurance 3250 2964
Refurbishment 1500 6277
Furniture & Equipment 500 688
Garden 300 0
Repairs 14000 14810
Tuning 150 65
Council Tax 2600 2323
Phone 1265 1044
Office 300 25
Subscriptions 3000 3039
Children &Y P 800 107
Outreach/Publicity 300 66
Literature & Copyright 138 121
Care Van 200 203
Fellowship 300 0
Sundries 1500 1445
Fees 350 400
Total 70728 62088
Wishing you all the best for the New Year,
Paul Watson
THE CALL TO PURSUE SOCIAL JUSTICE — AN INVITATION
The very thing!!
Whether this meant the poor members of the church community in Jerusalem or any poor they were to come into contact with, the challenge is the same. The early believers were challenged to live out being good news to the poor according to Jesus’ teaching. (Luke 4:16-19). At Bristo we have felt consistently challenged to put this into effect and are looking to explore further ways of putting Jesus’ teaching into practise.
An Invitation
Recently some of our members have gone out on the street in the city centre to offer friendship, advice and support to homeless people. This has resulted in sharing coffees and food, being able to offer basic clothing and advice and shared busking to earn money to get a roof for the night… as well as friendship - itself perhaps one of the most vital aspects to getting through difficult times. We see multiple routes forward, whether that is the sharing of meals at the church base or provision of basic clothing needs in cold weather.
We are just setting off, however, and would like to invite any other of our members who are interested in pursuing this route or in developing others - participation in the ECM basics bank for example - to join us in wrestling with issues of social justice and love expressed in action. Other possibilities exist, such as volunteering at hostels and we are keen to discuss what we can best do together as community. Please do not be put off by what sound like scary ventures!! We can offer basic training on a number of related issues including mental health and drugs awareness so will be able to equip ourselves as we move forward.
Please contact me if you are interested: davidpurves@gmail.com
David Purves (intern)
All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do. - Galatians 2:10
This verse presents us with quite a challenge. Paul has just been recognised by some of the other apostles as commissioned to take the gospel to the Gentiles. Instead of giving him detailed doctrinal instruction and a pre-packaged programme of how to evangelise, they seem to put trust in Christ’s ability to lead him forward, and offer him this simple request … continue to remember the poor.
Whether this meant the poor members of the church community in Jerusalem or any poor they were to come into contact with, the challenge is the same. The early believers were challenged to live out being good news to the poor according to Jesus’ teaching. (Luke 4:16-19). At Bristo we have felt consistently challenged to put this into effect and are looking to explore further ways of putting Jesus’ teaching into practise.
An Invitation
Recently some of our members have gone out on the street in the city centre to offer friendship, advice and support to homeless people. This has resulted in sharing coffees and food, being able to offer basic clothing and advice and shared busking to earn money to get a roof for the night… as well as friendship - itself perhaps one of the most vital aspects to getting through difficult times. We see multiple routes forward, whether that is the sharing of meals at the church base or provision of basic clothing needs in cold weather.
We are just setting off, however, and would like to invite any other of our members who are interested in pursuing this route or in developing others - participation in the ECM basics bank for example - to join us in wrestling with issues of social justice and love expressed in action. Other possibilities exist, such as volunteering at hostels and we are keen to discuss what we can best do together as community. Please do not be put off by what sound like scary ventures!! We can offer basic training on a number of related issues including mental health and drugs awareness so will be able to equip ourselves as we move forward.
Please contact me if you are interested: davidpurves@gmail.com
David Purves (intern)
EVANGELICAL ALLIANCE IDEA MAGAZINE
The latest issue (Jan/Feb 2009) of IDEA is available by the notice board. Of particular relevance to us, given the increasingly international makeup of our fellowship, is the article Who is your neighbour? (pp. 21-24) which focuses on the experience of some Alliance members as they seek to help immigrants and asylum seekers. The Alliance is also looking for personal stories, ideas on how we can help the newcomers and resources which may help them. Information is available from their Don’t be a Stranger website (www.nostrangers.org.uk ).
Christine Lumsden
Christine Lumsden
Angel Encounters by Cindy Mackenzie (Ambassador Publications ISBN 978-1-84030-201-1 £6.99, available from Wesley Owen)
This little book, less than ninety pages, tells the personal stories of people who have been helped by angels in dangerous situations, while others have experienced angelic visitations as they were dying. The angels come in many guises, for example, a lorry driver or a council workman, but those whose stories Cindy tells, including her own, are convinced that angels were sent by God in times of crisis or great need. The circumstances of the encounters confirm this interpretation. Every person whose experience she relates is a friend or relative. Cindy lets each tell of the encounter simply in his or her own words so we have the immediacy of personal contact which authenticates their testimony.
Cindy and her husband, Colin, are well known to Scottish Baptists through their charity SAM Chernobyl Relief (formerly Servants Aloft Ministries) and she has also visited Croatia many times. The experiences of those caught up in that country’s civil wars are the most frightening, as one might expect, but throughout the book God’s loving, protective care for His children is evident.
While Angel Encounters reminds us how God can break in to our every day lives in unexpected ways, the book can also be used to encourage those who are seeking the Lord or facing difficult situations.
Christine Lumsden
This little book, less than ninety pages, tells the personal stories of people who have been helped by angels in dangerous situations, while others have experienced angelic visitations as they were dying. The angels come in many guises, for example, a lorry driver or a council workman, but those whose stories Cindy tells, including her own, are convinced that angels were sent by God in times of crisis or great need. The circumstances of the encounters confirm this interpretation. Every person whose experience she relates is a friend or relative. Cindy lets each tell of the encounter simply in his or her own words so we have the immediacy of personal contact which authenticates their testimony.
Cindy and her husband, Colin, are well known to Scottish Baptists through their charity SAM Chernobyl Relief (formerly Servants Aloft Ministries) and she has also visited Croatia many times. The experiences of those caught up in that country’s civil wars are the most frightening, as one might expect, but throughout the book God’s loving, protective care for His children is evident.
While Angel Encounters reminds us how God can break in to our every day lives in unexpected ways, the book can also be used to encourage those who are seeking the Lord or facing difficult situations.
Christine Lumsden
MAGAZINE COPY DATES 2009
Here are the proposed copy dates for the Magazine for 2009. Please put them in your diary now although be aware that they may occasionally have to be changed at short notice.
March / April issue: 22 February
May / June issue: 26 April
July / August issue: 28 June
September / October issue: 30 August
November / December issue: 25 October
January / February 2010 27 December
I welcome copy from anyone and everyone in the fellowship. The Magazine is part of the ministry of the church and aims to reflect its life and the lives of those who are part of the fellowship. Therefore, if you run an activity, or a cell group, then it would be good to have a report on it from time to time in the Magazine. If you are creative, I welcome poems or meditations. In the current issue we have both of those plus a book review and a testimony. That is good and how I would like to see the Magazine being used. Therefore please consider this invitation carefully. As we journey with God together, developing our relationship with Him, it would be great if people would share their experiences via the Magazine. Thank you.
Robert Mill, Editor
March / April issue: 22 February
May / June issue: 26 April
July / August issue: 28 June
September / October issue: 30 August
November / December issue: 25 October
January / February 2010 27 December
I welcome copy from anyone and everyone in the fellowship. The Magazine is part of the ministry of the church and aims to reflect its life and the lives of those who are part of the fellowship. Therefore, if you run an activity, or a cell group, then it would be good to have a report on it from time to time in the Magazine. If you are creative, I welcome poems or meditations. In the current issue we have both of those plus a book review and a testimony. That is good and how I would like to see the Magazine being used. Therefore please consider this invitation carefully. As we journey with God together, developing our relationship with Him, it would be great if people would share their experiences via the Magazine. Thank you.
Robert Mill, Editor
REST IN THE LORD
Psalm 37: 5, 7 Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him and He shall bring it to pass. Rest in the Lord (Be still before the Lord) and wait patiently for Him.
King David wrote this as a teaching psalm to remind the people of Israel what their faith was all about, to trust in the Lord and to enjoy Him. If we do this, God will give us what we need most of all, Himself. Every, day amidst his travails in the jungles of Africa, David Livingstone, the great nineteenth-century missionary explorer committed himself to God through this psalm, seeking His strength to carry on. It is only as we are still and quiet before God that we can hear His voice as He reaches out to us.
But the psalmist’s knowledge of God was only partial. The full revelation was given in Jesus Christ. He invites us to come to Him for rest.
Matthew 11: 28-29 Come to Me all you who labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart and you will find rest for your souls.
Jesus does not extend this invitation to the strong, but to the weary and burdened. He calls them to Himself. The “yoke” of Jesus, in contrast to the burden of the law made by the scribes and Pharisees, is “easy” because in Him we have true rest for the soul. Jesus took the burden of our sin on the Cross and did what the law could not do, offer us forgiveness when we come to Him in repentance. Through His death and resurrection He invites us to a new life where we find rest for our souls.
Christine Lumsden
King David wrote this as a teaching psalm to remind the people of Israel what their faith was all about, to trust in the Lord and to enjoy Him. If we do this, God will give us what we need most of all, Himself. Every, day amidst his travails in the jungles of Africa, David Livingstone, the great nineteenth-century missionary explorer committed himself to God through this psalm, seeking His strength to carry on. It is only as we are still and quiet before God that we can hear His voice as He reaches out to us.
But the psalmist’s knowledge of God was only partial. The full revelation was given in Jesus Christ. He invites us to come to Him for rest.
Matthew 11: 28-29 Come to Me all you who labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart and you will find rest for your souls.
Jesus does not extend this invitation to the strong, but to the weary and burdened. He calls them to Himself. The “yoke” of Jesus, in contrast to the burden of the law made by the scribes and Pharisees, is “easy” because in Him we have true rest for the soul. Jesus took the burden of our sin on the Cross and did what the law could not do, offer us forgiveness when we come to Him in repentance. Through His death and resurrection He invites us to a new life where we find rest for our souls.
Christine Lumsden
Happy Times - a poem
Eating, shopping, drinking, relaxing, socialising
Happy times?
Cooking, shopping, cleaning, entertaining, clearing up
Happy times?
Back to work, catching up, deadlines looming, clothes don’t fit
Happy times?
But Jesus came to set us free
Though situations may not change
Inside, we change
When Jesus lives in our hearts
In the midst of all that life brings
We have hope, faith and love
Bringing inner peace
HAPPY TIMES INDEED!
Andrea Mill
Happy times?
Cooking, shopping, cleaning, entertaining, clearing up
Happy times?
Back to work, catching up, deadlines looming, clothes don’t fit
Happy times?
But Jesus came to set us free
Though situations may not change
Inside, we change
When Jesus lives in our hearts
In the midst of all that life brings
We have hope, faith and love
Bringing inner peace
HAPPY TIMES INDEED!
Andrea Mill
Saturday, 22 November 2008
Editorial - pre Christmas edition 2008
For some weeks now, our pastor has been encouraging us to read our Bibles as “the diary of the confessing community”. The early Christian church, as described in Acts chapters 2 and 4, was not only a confessing community but a living community in all senses of that phrase. From chapter 2 we read that the Christians were all together (v. 44), had everything in common (v. 44), gave to anyone as they had need (v. 45), met together (v. 46), and ate together with sincere hearts (v. 46). The fruit of all this community style living was that everyone was filled with awe (v. 43a), many wonders and miraculous signs were done (v. 43b), they enjoyed the favour of all the people (that’s Christians and unbelievers alike!) and the LORD added to their number daily those who were being saved. Need I say more? Let’s start ‘living community’ and wait and see what God will do among us!
Robert Mill
FROM THE PASTOR
Dear Family in Christ,
By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another (John 13.35).
Living Community is at the heart of church, for us. A huge challenge. Yet there’s something that changes us for the better, when we try and live as community. We were created by God as social creatures. We are meant to have others to relate to. It’s part of what makes us human.
And it was into community that Jesus called people. Not just to be individual followers. But to be people who are shaped and changed by contact and even conflict with those around us. Learning to forgive. To be reconciled. The deeper dimensions of love. Following Him into the community of people. And drawing others into the heart of a group where Jesus is the centre.
When we try and live community, in this way, not only are we challenged and changed as individuals, but we become part of something dynamic. We start to see that church is not simply an organisation, but a living organism. There is beauty to be seen and enjoyed when we work at it. A beauty that draws those seeking our Lord.
Keep at it.
Your brother in Christ,
Jim
LOM mission trip 2008
This year a team of 7 went to Lom - Jim, Jennifer, David Purves; Maureen Johnston, Jeanette Lumsden, Janis White and Curt Harrier.
BULGARIA MISSION TRIP (cont.)
On the Saturday the team visited the village church in Mominbrod, where Maureen and Jennifer shared, while on the Sunday Janis, Jeanette and Curt shared during the morning service, while Curt and David led a youth event in the afternoon. It is always a joy and privilege to go to the church in Lom — this is the sixth year of sending teams to Lom from Bristo.
BULGARIA MISSION TRIP (cont.)
One of the highlights of this year’s trip was on the Wednesday afternoon, 22nd October, when the small hall in Lom Baptist Church was temporarily turned into a beauty salon. About 30 ladies from the church squeezed into the hall to receive a little pampering from Janis, Jeanette, Jennifer and Maureen, who offered the opportunity for a haircut, foot or hand treatments or a chance to try flower arranging. After a cup of tea and some Scottish delicacies, the Lom ladies were given little cards with pictures & bible verses about beauty. After small group discussion they shared what they thought the implications were for their everyday lives. They focused on the need to develop inner beauty by walking closely with God and bringing beauty into the lives of others by caring for them in practical ways, putting the needs of others before our own and sharing the good news about the beautiful things Jesus has done for us in bringing us salvation. At the end of the meeting, the ladies were encouraged to take the flower arrangements they had made and other little presents to people who needed to know about the beauty of Jesus. One lady pointed out that they should not give them to friends as the Bible encourages us to love our “enemies” and several ladies described later how they had given the gifts to people they found it difficult to like or to sick people and had had opportunities to talk about God's love to these people.
BULGARIA MISSION cont.
Some prayer points emerging from the trip:
1. Pray that the church in Lom can have a greater missionary spirit as the members often feel that they are paralysed by their own worries about their families, the struggles of daily life & concerns about the future and this distracts them from praying for and witnessing to others.
2. Pray for the new home groups which have started recently and which are attended by a number of people who are not Christians but interested in finding out more. Pray too for George and Natalia who would like to start a home group and have several friends who want to come. So far it has been hard to find a good time to meet as George is the director of a school and often works until 2 or 3 a.m. doing administration for the school. They would also like to involve their children in the group.
3. Pray for Nikolai and Ani whose youngest granddaughter was born recently with spina bifida - the next few weeks are critical.
4. Pray for Violeta (a little blind girl) Nikolai ( a 10 year old boy, recently diagnosed with diabetes) , Pavel, Marieta, Jordan, Ani, Kamelia, Anka, Goritsa and her aunt, all of whom have health problems.
5. Pray for the people who use the soup kitchen which starts this month and for the ladies who work in it (Gina, Ivanka, Lydia and others)
6. Pray for the young people who attended the youth meetings while the Bristo team were in Lom - some for the first time and others who hadn't been for a long time. Pray for wisdom, strength, health and energy for Steffi, a young mother who leads the group and who is studying for a masters degree while teaching English and also caring for her little boy.
7. Pray for Mimi, who teaches Sunday school and is currently expecting her second child.
8. Pray for Elizabet, one of the deacons, whose husband died 3 weeks ago.
9. Give thanks for the recovery of Dr Fillipova from serious ill health and pray for continued strength and health for her as she serves many in the community.
Jennifer Purves, Janis White, Jeanette Lumsden, Robert Mill
BIRTH
Congratulations to Daniela Benjamin and Jason on the birth of their daughter Johanna on 15 October in Inverness, a brother for Lennox. Johanna was blessed at our morning service on Sunday 2nd November.
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