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Getting to Know Each Other

A few months ago Mr Collins told us that as Christians we need each other, and how much stronger our fellowship is if we communicate with each other.

He said that rather then coming to church each Sunday and often sitting in the same place and not saying a word to each other, we should try to get to know someone new each week and strengthen our fellowship.

However, it is often difficult even in church to approach someone we don’t know and introduce ourselves. We may be shy, or worried about the response we may get from the other person and we end up saying nothing.

However, it is true that with a close fellowship we are all much stronger with our faith and our relationship with God, and in our daily lives.

So, I thought I’d introduce myself and let you know how I came to know the Lord by writing an article for the church magazine. Maybe it will start a new feature and one of you will also write a piece about yourself.

My name is Gill, and I have been coming to Tottenham Baptist Church since May 2005. As you walk in to the church I usually sit in the middle part of the church, in second pew from the back on the right hand side.

I was born in Benfleet, in Essex in the early Sixties where I had a very happy childhood with two loving parents and an older brother.

I have been fortunate enough to know the Lord all my life and I was in the Girls Brigade from the age of six.

I attended Sunday School each week, and went to church parade with the Girls Brigade once a month. I stayed in the Girls Brigade until I was eleven.

Throughout my life I have always had a very close personal relationship with God, but I haven’t always gone to church.

As an adult I did attend Avenue Baptist Church in Westcliffe for a while, and I have also attended a church in New Malden. I found both of these churches to be spiritually uplifting but something always seemed to get in the way of me going to church.

Six years ago I went through several emotional life changing experiences that brought me to live in London.

Whilst living in London I have been to a number of churches but knew that they were not right for me and my spiritual growth with the Lord.

During the end of 2003 the Lord lead me to Highbury Baptist Church. I was very happy there but even so there were still things that were not quite right.

Miraculously, during 2005 I was on a bus on the way to see a friend and looked out the window to see Tottenham Baptist Church. The church had been virtually on my doorstep but I wasn’t led there until the Lord was ready.

Ever since that day I have been coming to the church each Sunday, and I feel very at peace in our church. I have a wonderfully close relationship with the Lord and I know that he is with me every second of my life and I know he always will be.

Tottenham Baptist Church is the kind of church and fellowship that I grew up with.

I now know that nothing will keep me away from going to church.

I hope that I can get to know more of you, and I hope that one of you will follow up my article with your story.

Gill Curran

[Thanks, Gill. Anyone else kindly carry the baton? – Ed.]

Volunteers are still being sought for Coffee Mornings every second and fourth Tuesdays of the month between 11am-1pm to entertain mainly retired folk. If you are looking for simple ways to contribute to our fellowship, but which show a big heart for the community, why not have a word with Gloria Bipta. Plans are simple, like reading through newspapers, reminiscing, talking about issues, armchair exercises, games and tea breaks. So, this new ministry isn’t starting until Valentine’s Day now, and only unless we have the numbers attending and helping out!

We may look forward, God willing, to the planned overhaul of our back hall in coming months with resurfaced walls, repaired foundations to a section of the floorboards, a partitioned Sunday School for our Juniors, as well as reconditioning of a room for use as a crèche. This follows the works last year to install a new kitchen, conveniences, plumbing and disabled access. May we make way for God to build His Kingdom among us foremost by His Spirit, “For no-one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.” (I Cor 3:11)

Congratulations to Mrs May Richards on her 75^th Birthday in late December! The Haringey Advertiser describes her Gospel Festival late last year as a ‘packed concert’ in aid of the sickle cell and thalassaemia paediatric unit at the North Middlesex University Hospital, and quotes Consultant Haematologist Dr Anne Yardumian’s praises: “We can’t thank May enough for her enthusiasm and support over the years. We hope to use this new money to further improve the hospital experience for these children.” Auntie May writes an open letter to our fellowship: “Just a note to thank you for your huge support of the Broadwater Farm Family Gospel Festival. Your involvement makes the event the success that it is and this is very much appreciated. I do hope that you are able to continue supporting the festival and its cause in the future. God bless.”

Mrs Shirley Peart kindly called sending us wishes for a blessed New Year from Jamaica. Many of us also saw Mr John Akerman late last year, as well as Rev Malcolm Patten, who took the opportunity of the Christmas Holidays to visit us. We’ll want to pray for Mr Harrison, Mrs Blossom Harrison’s spouse, who is poorly, as well as Mrs Dixon, recently admitted in a local hospital but progressing well.

Our Pastoral Care Team is available to help and any member of the Team would be glad to know of anyone in the fellowship who needs a visit or prayer or spiritual encouragement. They are:

Thornton & Leola Reid

Estela Goudge

Grace Tyzack

Joseph ‘Kobe’ Appiah Danquah

Clare Lee

Margaret McGlynn

Gloria Bipta

” ” ” ” ” ” ” ”

This magazine is your magazine! Help shape TBC whichever way the Lord leads you. Pass on any articles, prayers, poems, or news about new arrivals, graduations, anniversaries, and submit pictures also if you wish!

Jose Jurado Aranda. E-mail: tbceditor@hotmail.com

Prayer Calendar: Vacant

Meeting Nicodemuses Today: Neil Honor

Printer: Les Paskell/Junior Deane

Webmaster: Jim McGlynn

You can also read Focus online at: http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/voter/tbc.htm

Sunday Preachers to be announced

Women’s World Day of Prayer

The time has come round again for all women to unite in the Women’s World Day of Prayer (men are also welcome).

This year it is on 3^rd March and its theme is “Signs of the Times”. It is prepared by Christian women of South Africa, and the venue is St Marks Church, Tottenham High Road, in the afternoon at 2:30pm and evening at 7:30pm.

I do hope you can make it!

Yours in Christian faith,

Grace Tyzack

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Members Meeting – Tuesday 21^st March at 8 pm

You can help improve the way things are run by speaking out with your thoughts about our ministries and/or by offering to volunteer with what needs to be done, whether it be in ministries or to visit people who may appreciate a call. Every formal member of the fellowship is entitled to attend and to shape our fellowship with suggestions!

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Mum’s Special Day - Mothering Sunday

Whether it is taking mum out for dinner, handing her a flower or whatever you do on 26^th March, we’ll want to be sure to give special thanks for all she has done for us - cooking, cleaning, ironing, mending, and those words of comfort! Mothering Sunday Service at 11 am is always very well attended. Boys and girls, remember to come early and prepared for your BB and GB parade too!

Christians Together in Tottenham News & Events

Response from the Annual CTT Concert last November at the Community Church of God was excellent, including the appeal for Niger/Asian Earthquake/Christian Aid: £392 raised.

Women’s World Day of Prayer: 3^rd March. See also ‘Coming Events.’

Last year well over 5,000 separate Services were held in the United Kingdom. The words of this year’s theme, “Signs of the Times,” call us to be alert to conditions in today’s world, and to be aware that we are called to be agents of transformation and reconciliation.

The graphic was inspired by Luke 21 and Revelation 22 to portray the hope that we have in God and the signs of the times from an African perspective. The border has a clear African character and includes small three-legged pots, symbols of fellowship in South African communities. The image of leaves is the central focus; they are our hope for the healing of the nations and indicate the coming of a new season.

Youth Gospel Fest: Young people, get in touch with Janette if you would like to sing, dance, play music or help at your own concert! High Cross United Reform Church has been doing this Gospel Fest for 3 years and is opening it up to youth from throughout Tottenham. Says Janette: “Invite your friends – Christians and non-Christians alike – in a great act of witness!”

It’s all happening on Saturday 8^th April at High Cross URC, High Road Tottenham near Philip Lane. Doors open at 6 pm to start at 6:30pm prompt. Admission is free!

On the Move BBQ: Rev Francis Ackroyd of High Cross Church writes: “‘On the Move’ mobilises big teams of Christians from all denominations to take their faith out of church buildings to meet people in their community. This programme has been running for the last 4 years in Haringey, we have BBQs with good quality food, which takes place in 2‑4 central points spread across the Borough.” Suggested dates are Wednesday 5^th –Saturday 8^th July. To get involved or for more info please contact Mr Peter Adeniyi at Freedom’s Ark on Tel: (020) 8493 0050.

Haringey Christian Community Trust: CTT is seeking to inspire our churches in part by promoting the Haringey Christian Community Trust: its work is touching lives of individuals, groups and communities within Haringey as it aims to match dreams and visions to the people who can make them a reality – ordinary people who are open to God using them and the talents He has given them. It also provides funding and resources to help make them happen.

At a recent CTT meeting it was advanced that there are large areas in Haringey that remain unreached by God’s message e.g. Northumberland Park has the highest unemployment in London – over 60% long term unemployed. It was claimed that most churches consume 90% of their energy into themselves and give 10% to others, and that people need demonstrations of Christ’s love so, “We need to get people ‘switched on’ to what God made them for. God has put who and what He needs amongst us in Haringey – the Trust seeks to match them up and enable them to be used in God’s work and to His glory and the Trust wants to help release the dreams and visions of God’s people to touch the untouched.”

Projects so far include: Christian workers in schools via Enflame, which already works in 6 boroughs, Christian youth workers, Sports café, children’s work, prayer ideas, grant for the Broadwater Family Gospel Festival, marriage support, Network Haringey website and much more! The Trust published 40 Days of Prayer for Haringey and 40,000 copies were not enough.

Contact Janette and she will give you the details of Tim Rowe at the Trust, who may help to make your dream a reality!

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Tithes Thanks to You

Thanks to your support, the church has tithed 10% of its offering income to various Christian causes, as we do year on year, including donations to the Baptist Missionary Society and the Bible Society.

The Secretary of the London Baptist Association, Paul Martin, writes back: “Thank you for your church’s recent contribution to Home Mission. Home Mission continues to support a wide range of ministries and mission initiatives both in London and across the country. We are regularly hearing stories of the way in which these ministries are helping to strengthen churches and to enable significant mission opportunities.”

Dr Nigel Wright, Principal of Spurgeon’s College, adds: “When I read the headlines from the daily newspapers predicting the demise of the church in the United Kingdom, I am reminded of the comment attributed to Mark Twain who, on reading his obituary said, ‘Rumours of my death have been greatly exaggerated.’ As I travel the length and breadth of this country I am, more often than not, encouraged by the health and vitality of the church in Great Britain. Your gift will help us train the next generation of leaders […].” – Ed.

“Thank you” to everyone who came out and supported us for our Christmas Fair; we raised £75.00. The company will be very busy in the coming weeks, and we are out and about quite a bit. Kelly will be attending a training course on the 3 5th February for her Advanced Young Leaders.

Then in March, on Saturday 4th, we are having an Easter fun day with competition for all sections of the company. The day will finish with a service led by David Binns.

On April 2nd we shall be attending the District Church Parade in Bush Hill Park, and our young leaders and officers will be promoted on this day. As well as carrying on with our usual badge work on a Thursday, we shall also be making things for the Easter Competition. If anyone would like to know a little more about GB, or can spare some time, you would always be welcome on a Thursday evening.

…Did you know the GB is now being advertised on Premier Christian Radio as from Monday, 23rd January?

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Money Matters

I would just like to remind those of our Fellowship who give to the church and also pay tax on any income they receive that we can, with just a small amount of effort, recover 28p for every £1 they give to the church.

All you have to do is sign a form with your name and address, which states that you would like the church to recover the tax paid on the amount you give – simple, and we will do the rest!

If you would like to know more or would like to see a form just ask me.

Les Paskell

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Sunday Morning Tea

Another year has gone by and here I am again to thank Veronica, who prepares the tea each Sunday morning and those ladies that help her.

Also I would like to thank the kind friends who donate tea, coffee, sugar and biscuits. I am still able to change ‘money off’ coupons for cash (if you can find them) but they are very few and far between now.

Friends from as far away as Frinton and Plymouth still send them to us when they can, for which we are very grateful and it is nice to hear from them and know that they still think of the church.

So for 2005 I was able to give £109 to the Treasurer.

Thank you. Val Paskell

BMS

Birthday

Scheme

FEBRUARY

MRS GRACE TYZACK 14th

MASTER MICHAEL GEORGE HATCHETT 17th

MRS VAL PASKELL 26th

MARCH

MRS EDNA BENTLEY 30th

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Help for Destitute Niger Rural Farmers

A BMS World Mission relief grant of £30,000 is helping rural farmers in the Azawak region of Niger, who are seeking to escape from starvation and destitution in one of the world's poorest countries. The Christian humanitarian organisation Jeunesse En Mission Entraide et Développement (JEMED) is administering the programme, which supplies herders with livestock. Over the past two years, the semi-nomadic herders have seen their traditional pastures wiped out by drought, locust storms, sandstorms and flash floods. Rocketing grain prices against falling livestock prices have significantly depleted animal stocks. JEMED is using the grant to supply a community of 80 families with animals, a cereal bank, an animal fodder bank and the equipping of a healthcare worker. A quarter of Niger's 12 million people remain in urgent need for food aid over the coming year, claimed the UN in December.

This latest BMS grant for famine relief in Niger follows one of £10,000 sent via SIM UK in July to support food aid distribution. Food packages were sent to some of the 100 local church congregations in various regions, whose members distributed the aid to local villages. Please pray for invigorated interest by governments throughout the world to provide needed relief funds.

* * *

Mission Growing into Ecuador, Peru, and Beyond

Two years after the new strategy for Latin America was launched, BMS is seeing fruit through mission developments in that part of the world. The first-ever BMS workers are now in Ecuador and Peru.

Following 37 years with BMS in Brazil, John and Norma Clark (right) are beginning work in partnership with the Baptist Convention of Ecuador in the coastal city of Guayaquil, further to their plans reported in the April/May 2005 Focus issue. The Clarks’ role in Ecuador is to co-ordinate the development of a nationwide mission leaders’ training programme. There are around 120 Baptist churches in the country. Another key task is helping other new BMS workers settle into life and work in Ecuador, including Pete and Vicki Butchers and their four children, Thomas, Charis, Alex and Zoë, who arrived in November to help with church work.

Margaret Swires, with over 20 years of experience in Brazil, relocated to Lima in November also, becoming the first-ever BMS mission worker in that country. Margaret says, “I hope to get involved on the social line, helping churches get involved in their communities, developing skills that are not yet being used, and showing that they are capable in Christ. Baptists in Lima have struggled for many years but they have a new vision and it’s an exciting time to be in on that vision with them.”

Later this year, following training in the UK, Helen and Simon Wheeler and their family are also expected to go to Peru. They will be living around Cuzco in the south, focusing on church planting and pre-school education programmes.

Prayer points: -

· For John and Norma Clark’s work with the Baptist Convention of Ecuador in Guayaquil, that leaders’ training programme be very effective, and for Pete and Vicki Butchers’ church work.

· For Margaret as she develops her social work and encourages Peruvian Baptists. Also for the Wheeler family training at IMC.

Seeking the Answers – Part IX

A second set of phrases found in the Bible: -

Sour grapes

Meaning: Acting meanly after a disappointment.

Origin: In Aesop’s fable 'The Fox and the Grapes', the fox isn't able to reach the grapes and declares them to be sour – “the grapes are probably sour anyway!”

Ezekiel 18 v 2: “The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge.”

As old as Methuselah

Meaning: Very old.

Origin: Methuselah was a Hebrew patriarch who was supposed to have lived for 969 years.

Genesis 5:25: “And Methuselah lived an hundred eighty and seven years, and begat Lamech:”

Genesis 5:26 “And Methuselah lived after he begat Lamech seven hundred eighty and two years, and begat sons and daughters:”

Genesis 5:27 “And all the days of Methuselah were nine hundred sixty and nine years: and he died.”

The writing’s on the wall

Meaning: An unavoidable disaster is foretold.

Origin: Daniel 5.5: “In the same hour came forth fingers of a man's hand, and wrote over against the candlestick upon the plaster of the wall of the king's palace: and the king saw the part of the hand that wrote.”

All things to all men

Meaning: Trying to fit in with everyone.

Origin: From the Bible – Corinthians 9:22: “To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.”

As old as the hills

Meaning: Exceedingly old.

Origin: From the Bible – Job 15:7: “Art thou the first man that was born? or wast thou made before the hills?”

By Allan Bennett

I Hope this Secret Will Find a Place in Your Heart

One day, one friend asked another,

"How is it that you are always so happy?

You have so much energy, and you never seem to get down."

With her eyes smiling, she said,

"I know the Secret!"

"What secret is that?"

To which she replied,

"I'll tell you all about it,

but you have to promise to

share the Secret with others."

"The Secret is this:

I have learned there is little I can do

In my life that will make me truly happy. ..

I must depend on God to make

Me happy and to meet my needs.

When a need arises in my life,

I have to trust God to supply

according to His riches.

I have learned most of the time

I don't need half of what I think I do.

He has never let me down.

Since I learned that 'Secret,' I am happy."

Now you know it too!

We can't depend on people to make us happy.

Only GOD in His infinite wisdom can do that.

Trust HIM!

And now I pass the Secret on to you!

You have to tell someone the Secret, too!

That GOD in His wisdom will take care of YOU!

But it's not really a secret.…

We just have to believe it and do it...

Really trust God!

Submitted by Norma Smith

“T

hank you” and “Well done!” to all of the children and young people who took part in our Nativity Service on 18^th December. There was a bit of everything – drama, singing and dance – and it was good to see our youngsters worship God and spread His good news in a variety of ways.

The Youth presented a sketch based on the weather forecast that was both amusing yet reflective, encouraging us to think about all the unnecessary worry, spending and greed that takes place in the name of Christ! A very special “thank you” to JONATHAN, TONY and AMBEKISE for being prepared to take other people’s parts at the last minute when others could not attend rehearsals or the actual service. They were willing (after some arm twisting!) to do almost anything. What stars!

“Chapel Pebbles” – a reduced version! – performed a wonderful dance entitled “Miracles” and sang an original version of “O Little Town of Bethlehem.”

The Sunday School presented part of the Nativity story entitled “The Grumpy Shepherd,” which showed the difference the presence of Jesus can make in a person’s life. They, also, sang a lively and joyful rendition of “Mary and Joseph” – a Christmas song set to the tune of “Rocking Around the Christmas Tree.” Added to this, they read prayers that they had written and illustrated.

Our annual B.M.S. appeal – “Para Los Niños” (“For the Children”) – focused on the need for pre-school education for the poorest and most disadvantaged children in Ecuador and Angola. By helping to provide this crucial support, we are enabling children to overcome the inherent barriers which poverty brings and are giving them a way to rise up out of this financial trap and make better futures for themselves and their families. Thanks to your generosity, we were able to send £375.14 for this worthy cause.

Thank you to all of you who helped during our practices both on Sundays and in the week – including the parents and carers who brought their children along to midweek rehearsals. Finally, I must end with a special note of thanks to Ann Tarrier who, at very short notice, made new costumes for many of our shepherds and angels. Your efforts and the final results were very much appreciated!

Janette Whitehead

The Butterfly

Sparkling as it is, the jewel of the day,

Like a palette of shimmering clams,

Spotted and streaked…

Showing off its beauty in its graceful flight

It is a slender thing, never disturbing the atmosphere.

Possessing a tongue like a tiny straw,

Which makes no sound when drinking,

Something we are yet to master.

As the sun smiles down on the world,

The butterfly is like a motionless queen,

Resting as quiet as a mouse in the sun,

Hiding by blending into its surroundings…

By dark, when the moon is full and bright,

It is a ghostly figure of the night.

Beating its wings ever so softly,

It is a speck of the moonlight.

The butterfly is a most wondrous creature,

One that many admire,

Like a sparkle sent from the sun,

It glitters and shines, and dazzles us all.

Gloria Bipta

For really young ones – Stephen Loving God with all his Heart

Have you ever heard the story of the first man to die because he believed in Christ? That was Stephen, and that kind of person is called a ‘martyr.’ Stephen was a man full of God's grace and power, and he performed amazing miracles and signs among the people. The story is in the Bible under the Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 6 verses 8-15 and Chapter 7:

O

ne day, some people started to oppose Stephen, but they weren’t able to stand against the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke. They tried to get others to accuse him of having said bad things about God and about Moses, who had taught God’s law. Of course, Stephen hadn’t done such a thing, but he was brought to the Sanhedrin, the Jewish court, to stand trial for that.

Stephen told the story of their nation Israel, and was true to the Bible. He ended by telling them:

“’You stubborn people! You are heathen at heart (which means an unbeliever or faithless) and deaf to the truth. Must you forever resist the Holy Spirit? But your ancestors did, and so do you! Name one prophet your ancestors didn't persecute! They even killed the ones who predicted the coming of the Righteous One--the Messiah whom you betrayed and murdered. You deliberately disobeyed God's law, though you received it from the hands of angels.’”

The Sanhedrin became furious and gnashed their teeth…

“But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed steadily upward into heaven and saw the glory of God, and he saw Jesus standing in the place of honour at God's right hand. And he told them, ‘Look, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing in the place of honour at God's right hand!’”

At that, the people in the Sanhedrin put their hands to their ears, yelled at the top of their voices, rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and started to stone him. As they began to stone him, Stephen prayed: “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” He fell to his knees and shouted, “Lord, don't charge them with this sin!” Even though these people were killing him for warning them about their unbelieving hearts, he didn’t want God to hold his stoning against them.

The Bible shows how pleased God is when Christians tell the truth about Him and warn others about their unbelief: God’s glory and Jesus himself even appeared to Stephen as he did this. Do we ask God not to hold other people’s wrongs against them? We should pray that he may pardon our enemies. Jesus himself also prayed that about the people who were killing him on the cross (it’s written in Luke Chapter 23 verse 34).

We can be like Stephen also, telling people about Jesus and His Kingdom, and asking God to forgive people who wronged us, no matter what the cost, as we grow up, and as grown-ups. The Bible teaches us to “be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” (Matthew Chapter 10 verse 16)!

Jesus and __ __ __’s Glory in Heaven appeared to Stephen.

We should ask God to forgive people their __ __ __ __ against us.

Stephen loved God so much that he __ __ __ __ others about Jesus.

Some people sneered at Stephen even though the Bible says that he was full of God’s __ __ __ __ __ .

Stephen kept God’s message even as it __ __ __ __ him his life.

Did you get many? You can read the solutions over the next page …but no peeking!

For 11 year olds and up – Charlotte Elliot (1789 - 1871)

Charlotte Elliott was born in Clapham, London in 1789. She was a member of the National Church, as were many notable statesmen of their time. However, the ministry of the 'vicar' John Venns, failed to reach her heart and it was not until the age of 33 that she came to know the Saviour personally.

A distinguished guest named Dr. Henri A. Cesar Malan came to stay at Grove House, the family home in Clapham. One day he asked Charlotte “Are you a Christian?” to which she answered, “Mind your own business” and left the room.

She pondered on this question and two weeks later she apologised for here rudeness and confessed, “I should like to come to Christ but I do not know how.”

Dr Kalan replied “Come just as you are” and so Charlotte came to know Christ as Saviour.

Twelve years later she wrote the hymn 'Just as I am.' She was alone in the house at Brighton that she shared with her brother and was feeling downcast, full of doubts and fears.

As the words of Dr. Kalan came back to her, she again experienced the peace in her heart she had felt 12 years before and reaching for her pen, she put into verse what had been her own experience.

By the time of her death in 1871, Charlotte had collected 1000 letters from others telling of the spiritual help they had gained through the words of her well-loved hymn.

Just as I am without one plea But that Thy blood was shed for me, And that Thou bidd’st me come to Thee, O Lamb of God, I come! I come!

Just as I am, Thy love unknown Hath broken every barrier down; Now, to be Thine, yea Thine alone, O Lamb of God, I come! I come!

From The Church at Gun Hill website www.gunhill.org.uk

Called to Learn Full-Time Before Serving?

Are you out of school now, or just about, and wondering where God is calling you? Could it be to become a pastor, a chaplain, or a missionary?… Pray to seek direction, and ask a career counsellor or one of our leaders!

Jesus taught us: “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few” (Matthew 9:37), and Paul asked: “… how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” (Rom 10:14). Search your heart and if you want to explore this possibility, there are various schools you could contact with a view to possibly studying with them, including Spurgeon’s College, All Nation’s College, London School of Theology, Oak Hill College, and many others…

The minister was preoccupied with thoughts of how he was going to ask the congregation to come up with more money than they were expecting for repairs to the church building.

Therefore, he was annoyed to find that the regular organist was sick and a substitute had been brought in at the last minute. The substitute wanted to know what to play.

"Here's a copy of the service," he said impatiently. "But you'll have to think of something to play after I make the announcement about the finances."

During the service, the minister paused and said, "Brothers and Sisters, we are in great difficulty; the roof repairs cost twice as much as we expected, and we need £4,000 more. Any of you who can pledge £100 or more, please stand up."

At that moment, the substitute organist played the National Anthem...

...and that is how the substitute organist became the permanent organist!

Submitted by Allan Bennett

Answers to ‘Fill in the Blanks’:

Jesus and God’s Glory in Heaven appeared to Stephen.

We should ask God to forgive people their sins against us.

Stephen loved God so much that he told others about Jesus.

Some people sneered at Stephen even though the Bible says that he was full of God’s grace.

Stephen kept God’s message even as it cost him his life.

No End To Poverty As Rich Countries
Refuse To Deliver Trade Justice

Such is the heading MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY and the Trade Justice Movement used – two organisations which the Baptist Union of Great Britain is a member of – for their statement about the ministerial meeting of the World Trade Organisation in Hong Kong last December. It has been said, “If you want peace, fight for justice.” The plight of many farmers in developing countries was featured in the Feb/March 2005 issue of Focus, including the case of Kofi Eliasa of Ghana, who was no longer able to make a living growing tomatoes because European tomatoes, highly subsidised by the EU, were being imported and undercutting him. Here is an abridged version of the statement they issued:

“Rich countries had the capability to correct some of the gross imbalances in world trade at a strategically important moment. But the potential for justice for the world's poorest people was squandered.

The intransigence of rich countries means the agreement reached is far from just for the poor of the world. The positions taken by the major developed countries in Hong Kong favoured the rich over the interests of the world's poor.

Outrageously, the developed countries, particularly the European Union (EU) and the United States (US), tried to use the WTO meeting to aggressively push forward their agenda to open the markets in developing countries for the interests of their corporations. This shameful abuse of power showed no respect for poor countries' right to decide their own trade policies to help lift millions of people out of poverty and stop environmental damage.

Rich countries did not end the dumping of their agricultural products in developing countries. The EU and US have retained domestic agricultural subsidies that damage poor and vulnerable farmers in developing countries. Until the dumping of all subsidised crops and products on to poor countries' markets is ended, small-scale farmers face worsening poverty.

Despite standing together, the demands and concerns of developing countries have been repeatedly sidelined. In Hong Kong, strong-arm tactics and pressures were used to obtain agreement to the market-opening proposals of the developed countries. The conduct of the EU negotiators was in such direct contrast to their stated commitment to development that the Global Call to Action Against Poverty (of which MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY is the UK arm) demanded Europe's trade commissioner Peter Mandelson remove the white band he wore in Hong Kong.

EU decision-makers have been quick to echo the words of trade justice campaigners when responding to the demands of the general public in 2005 but they have not changed their policies and practices.

The responsibility for the WTO failing to deliver trade justice in Hong Kong rests with rich countries. In Hong Kong, rich country governments did not show willingness to deliver trade justice. They have to take responsibility for the fact that the WTO, once again, failed to make the necessary changes to the unequal world trading system. In 2005 G8 and other rich country leaders made several statements of principle against forced liberalisation and economic policy conditions attached to aid and debt relief. For developing countries to be able to protect and cultivate their economies, these words needed to be turned into action in Hong Kong.

The continuation of injustices in trade will perpetuate poverty for generations. The progress in 2005 through increased aid and cancellation of some debt will not make poverty history without trade justice being delivered and no longer delayed.”

Taking action
Of course, prayer is one of the most fearsome weapons we can use in this fight for justice. The Trade Justice Movement website (www.tjm.org.uk) proposes, among other actions: (1) Asking your MP to support trade justice; (2) Writing to Alan Johnson, Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, and asking him to make sure that European trade negotiations protect the poor; (3) E-mailing Peter Mandelson, EU Commissioner for Trade asking him “to review his priorities in European trade policy so it represents the interests of all European citizens and the global environment rather than putting so much emphasis on the interests of big business.”

We might note what the Lord Mayor of Dublin, John Philpot Curran, declared at his inaugural address (1770): “The condition upon which God hath given liberty to man is eternal vigilance.”

Jose Jurado Aranda

Meeting Nicodemuses today

“Mercy Triumphs Over Judgment” - James 2:13

I spent most of the 80s working on a farm which belonged to the church that I attended at that time. One of my responsibilities was running the breeding programme for the pig unit.

I had been studying Bede's Ecclesiastical History of Great Britain, which was written by a Saxon monk and scholar known as the Venerable Bede. It tells the history of Christianity in these islands up till his time and was written in the Saxon tongue. I had a translated copy. Because of this, I decided to call all of my breeding boars after Saxon kings: Otto, Pendra and Oswald particularly come to mind. Boars are as intelligent as dogs, and respond to their names. One of my co-workers refused to call him Oswald as he thought it sounded ‘gay’ and called him ‘Ozzie’, after Ozzie Osbourne, and maybe Oswald didn’t like his name either because he grew up to be a very large and aggressive boar. He stayed around at least a year longer than he should have, because we couldn’t get him in the lorry to send to market. At this point he was too large for breeding.

One day, he attacked me. He pinned me in the corner of his pen, and tried to gore me with his tusks, which were large and very sharp. I used some very rude Saxon words, which the Venerable Bede wouldn’t have liked. I fought him off with my steel toecaps, fist and a handy piece of wood, and had a very narrow escape, only suffering cuts and bruises. I arranged a special trip to Melton Mowbray Pork Pies two days later for Oswald in a special van.

One of my assistants, Simon, asked me afterwards if my last words on Earth had been swearwords would I have gone to Hell.

I said “No” because that temporary outburst didn’t take away my salvation. My standing was still secure. The blood of Jesus shed on the cross saves me, not my good works. Just as well. My lapses can’t take away my salvation. But it’s not wise to take advantage of God’s good nature.

The Venerable Bede in his book talks about Christian mystics who stood in the sea up to their necks in very cold water in order to punish their wicked bodies for thinking naughty thoughts and having naughty urges. Some of them lived on tiny islands in the sea in very primitive conditions thinking that if they made their lives miserable they would get closer to God. I admire their zeal, but think them mistaken. You can’t buy God’s mercy. You must just accept it. Ephesians 2, vs 8,9 say: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God. Not the result of works, so that no one may boast.”

Romans 5 v 8 says: “But God proves His love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us.” Jesus died for people living in sin. Not for people trying to be good.

Our pride makes us try to prove to God that we are good, really. But we all have to be humble. Be honest, and accept that salvation is totally God’s gift to us.

Trying to prove ourselves to God and trying to buy God’s free gift reminds me of that terrible incident in Judges 11:29-40 when Jephthah made a foolish vow to God.

The Ammonites were oppressing Israel and God raised Jephthah to lead Israel to victory over them. Instead of just thanking God for the victory, he said, “God, if you give me this victory, I will sacrifice to you the first thing that leaves my house on my return.” His daughter was the first thing to leave his house. So he sacrificed her.

God didn’t want a sacrifice. He gave the victory to Israel through Jephthah because he loved Israel and Jephthah. Jephthah was too proud to accept a gift and tried to buy it. We need to accept God’s gift of love and salvation and blessing. And stop trying to buy them.

Let’s encourage each other to witness and share the Good News of the Lord! You are welcome to tell Neil Honor or the editor your witness stories or thoughts!

The Hand of God

A

nd I said:-

“What is the Hand of God, and how can I reach unto it in the darkness?”

He who was with me at first made no answer. The night folded itself round me and the sky was wide and solitary.

Then he said:

“The Kingdom of God is within you.”

At these words I wondered, for they were familiar to my ears but strange to my understanding. And he continued.

“God is not apart from His Kingdom, neither is His hand separated from His Being.

In the giving of man for his fellows the Hand of God closes upon the hand of man and the way of their feet is one.

This is the beginning of that adventure in which darkness and light are unimportant.”

By Minnie Louise Harkins

Submitted by Kathleen Hatchett

[Kath points out that this excerpt, along with Grace’s submission last issue by Poetess Haskins, is another passage quoted by H M King George VI in an Empire broadcast at the outbreak of World War II – Ed.]

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Bible Society News

Print shop celebrates past achievements and looks to the future

“To ease another’s heartache is to forget one’s own.”

– Our Daily Bread

The largest production centre for Scriptures in Latin America reached two important landmarks in its history last September. As well as celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Bible Society of Brazil’s Bible print shop in São Paulo (pictured right with its General Manager, Célio Emerique) also reached total output of 50 million Bibles and New Testaments.

Back in the early 1990s, the Bible Society realised that, while demand for Bibles was growing rapidly, importing more and more Bibles was not the best solution, as imported Bibles were too expensive for many ordinary people. Its response was an ambitious one: investing in its own production facility. Although this required considerable initial investment, it would bring long-term benefits in the form of lower costs, higher quality and the ability to respond more readily to the particular needs of the local market.

When the print shop opened in 1995, it was anticipated that it would produce 2.5 million Bibles and New Testaments a year in its first five years of operation. It soon exceeded this target though, and by 1998 had produced 10 million copies. Output continued to soar, reaching seven million in 2004 alone. At the same time, it proved possible to develop innovative formats and bindings.

In 1997, the print shop began accepting orders from other countries. Since then, it has exported more than 12.2 million Bibles and New Testaments and has now become one of the largest Scripture production centres in the world, supplying more than 80 countries and territories and producing Bibles in more than 10 different languages. Its success has allowed it to devote some capacity to products which do not have a very large circulation but which are nevertheless extremely significant for spreading God’s Word, such as the Braille Bible and Bibles in indigenous languages.

“Without the print shop, the cost of the Bible in this country would be much higher, the choice of Bibles would be much less and the print and binding quality would be much lower,” says Executive Director the Rev Luiz Antonio Giraldi, who was behind the decision to establish the facility. “Its introduction allowed the Bible Society to quadruple the distribution of Bibles to the Brazilian people, supplying the Brazilian market properly, and still carrying out the important mission of taking the Bible to other parts of the world.”

Mr Giraldi emphasised that it is important to look to the future and to constantly invest, expand and make quality improvements. With output now at more than 700,000 copies a month, the print shop is set to become an increasingly significant player on the international market.

Acknowledgements:
‘Coming Events‘ ‘Women's World Day of Prayer' globe clipart from:
www.timshen.truepath.com

‘Coming Events’ ‘Mum's Special Day' woman and child clipart from:
Microsoft Worksuite 2001 Picture It! Publishing 2001 Setup, Designs & Art disc

'Christians Together in Tottenham News & Events' 'Women's Day of Prayer' motif clipart from:
www.wwdp-natcomm.org

'Christians Together in Tottenham News & Events'  'Youth Gospel Fest' singer clipart from:
’75,000 Clip Art Images’ CD-ROM by Focus Multimedia

'Christians Together in Tottenham News & Events'  'On the Move' BBQ clipart from:
Microsoft Worksuite 2001 Picture It! Publishing 2001 Setup, Designs & Art disc

'Christians Together in Tottenham News & Events'  'Haringey Christian Community Trust' basketball clipart from:
’75,000 Clip Art Images’ CD-ROM by Focus Multimedia

'Tithes Thanks to You' flower clipart from:
www.designedtoat.com

‘Money Matters’ hand and pen clipart from:
Microsoft WorksSuite 2001 Microsoft Works Clipart disc

‘Sunday Morning Tea' clipart from:
Microsoft WorksSuite 2001 Microsoft Works Clipart disc

‘Baptist Missionary Society News’ The Clarks photo credit:
BMS World Mission

‘Seeking the Answers’ grapes clipart from:
Microsoft WorksSuite 2001 disc

‘Seeking the Answers’ old man clipart from:
www.100000freecliparts.com

‘Seeking the Answers’ writing on wall clipart from:
www.hasslefreeclipart.com

‘Seeking the Answers’ hills clipart from:
www.clip-art-gallery.com

‘I Hope this Secret Will Find a Place in Your Heart' smiley and duck clipart from:
office.microsoft.com

‘I Hope this Secret Will Find a Place in Your Heart' women friends clipart from:
office.microsoft.com

‘Sunday School & Youth Nativitiy Service' weatherman clipart from:
office.microsoft.com

‘Sunday School & Youth Nativitiy Service' nativity clipart from:
members.tripod.com/~jagnow/galerias/gallery_clipart.htm

‘The Butterfly' butterflies clipart from:
www.designedtoat.com

‘The Butterfly' moon clipart from:
www.awesomeclipartforeducators.com

‘Specially for Young People’ God on throne clipart from:
clipart.christiansunite.com

‘Specially for Young People’ Stephen stoned clipart adapted from:
www3.calvarychapel.com

‘Specially for Young People’ Charlotte Elliott clipart from:
www.gunhill.org.uk

'Called to Learn Full-Time Before Serving?' Bible clipart from:
clipart.christiansunite.com

‘The Substitute Organist' organ clipart from:
office.microsoft.com

‘No End to Poverty As Rich Countries Refuse to Deliver Trade Justice' MakePovertyHistory banner clipart from:
www.makepovertyhistory.org

‘No End to Poverty As Rich Countries Refuse to Deliver Trade Justice' Trade Justic Movement banner adapted from:
www.tjm.org.uk

‘‘No End to Poverty As Rich Countries Refuse to Deliver Trade Justice' clock photo credit:
www.makepovertyhistory.org

'The Hand of God' decoration clipart from:
 Microsoft WorksSuite 2001 Microsoft Picture It! Publishing 2001 Setup, Designs and Art disc

‘Bible Society’ Walk for Célio Emerique and printer photo credit:
BS Brazil, from www.biblesociety.org


We have tried not to infringe any copyright and to acknowledge any known authorship.  If there are any errors or omissions please notify the editor.