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Focus

Tottenham Baptist Church Magazine

June/July 2005

Dear Friends,

I wonder if you ever say, "Tottenham Baptist Church is MY Church"? Maybe it is not YOUR Church, but only the church where you attend, not where you belong. In which case I imagine you find it difficult to see the church as a family. A family is where you belong.

The Christian life is about belonging. As Norman Clayton wrote, " Now I belong to Jesus, Jesus belongs to me...." But Jesus talks about "My Church." To belong to Jesus is to belong to His Church. Being a member of a church, or a family, gives privileges and responsibilities, but the important thing is we know where we stand when we are a member.

Let me be practical for a moment. We have about 50 people on our church role that are committed members of the family. But we are now having around 100 people attending morning worship. That means there are about 50 people who are either committed to Jesus, but not committed to his church, or they attend the church while yet have made no commitment to Jesus.

When it comes to calling a minister, he or she will look at the congregation and say to themselves, I can be sure of only about half the people here. Indeed if only about half the church attends a church meeting, the call will come from only a quarter of the Sunday congregation. That is not a very healthy state to be in.

If I were the Pastor of the church there would be some important questions I would be asking a lot of people. I am not the Pastor, but at least I can ask the questions here! Where do you stand with regard to Jesus? Where do you stand with regard to His church?

Many thanks for all that you are doing in this important time in the church's history. I believe there are exciting times ahead. Keep on praying.

In Christian love,

Roger

On April 3rd, we had the dedication of Paul Peter Junior Powell, the baby of Paul and Sandra Powell. Let's keep praying for their growth in Christ! On the same day, we received Miss Effie Mydell into the worship group for the regular Sunday Service line-up - she had participated on Good Friday also. Appreciation of both former and new music group members has been expressed by many, including Les Paskell: "We were very sorry to see Jaap and Louise van der Weerd leave the music group and they are missed but we are fortunate indeed to have Effie join the group. She has added another dimension with her violin playing and we trust that she will stay long and enjoy contributing to the music for our services."

Please also bear Mrs Ivy Legore and her family in your prayers as she recently lost a younger brother to a murder in her native country, as well as the brother's son, likewise murdered months before. It's good to hear your bright outlook all the same, Ivy, that your brother is safe in the Lord's arms now. Ivy continued working in the Lord's vineyard in her role as a Sunday School teacher moments after learning of her brother's murder. What a sign of appreciation of the Lord!

Please pray for the recovery of Miss Vi Maddison following an eye operation, rescheduled for 24th May; for Mrs Kathleen Hatchett's foot operation; Mrs Hazel Whitehead, still recovering from a very painful shoulder operation; for Mrs Pamela Thorpe, recently hospitalised; for continuing good health for others who have had a health issue in the past year, including Rev Roger Collins ; and for successful exams for all students, who will be taking them from now until the end of term. Your prayers will surely be appreciated!

We celebrated the birthday of Mandela Baily on Sunday May 8th in advance of his actual birthday on May 11th - and, as we usually do on the 11th birthday, gave him his very own copy of the Good News Holy Bible! Well done for coming to Sunday School regularly, Mandela!

A big, big "Thank you" to all who have come forward to help each other by putting your names down for the new cleaning rota! We are going to get a better taste of what it is like to serve one another as we begin this work... Hopefully, many more will be joining to make this an even lighter load, helping to meet Galatians 6:2: "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ." Many thanks also to Miss Vi Maddison , who had been doing these duties for many years!

If you would like to receive sign language training to improve facilities for the disabled in TBC, please have a word with Miss Janette Whitehead : she is investigating training opportunities in this field to add to other facilities for the disabled, which include forthcoming disability access and toilet, large print church magazine and loop system. Let's try to help Janette as she has added yet another task into her busy diary for the Lord: she has now become the secretary of the Christians Together in Tottenham council as no one else would volunteer to do the task of taking minutes and distributing them. Hurray for Janette! This work she is doing is in addition to her being our Sunday School Leader and one of its teachers, BMS Young Persons Representative, Coordinator of our Child Advocates, Music Leader of The Chapel Pebbles, and Leader of the Persecuted Church Prayer and Action meetings. We can be inspired by what God is doing in her life also, and attempt to start matching her dedication!

Please bear Steve Cook in your prayers also and his plans to hopefully set up new Saturday Youth Group evenings once a month starting in the Fall. It would make good use of our improved facilities, but we must have some 4 or 5 strong volunteers, so let's ask the Lord of the Harvest to send the workers (Luke 10:2). Are you young in spirit? You would be most welcome to offer your spare time! Steve has led a youth group before and is currently one of our Boys Brigade officers.

Please also pray for friends of TBC who are planning a move or have recently moved, including Effie and father Joe Mydell; and Kobe, Cecilia and Josephine Appiah. In other fields, Steve Turner and his Tottenham Churches Football Team are also to be remembered in prayer: "It was a challenging season for the Tottenham Church Football Club in a different league," says Steve, "but ended on a good note because we won the League Shield tournament at the end of the season - although we came in bottom of the league!?" Excellent work with the tournament, Steve - you've keeping up a great spirit also!

We can celebrate the offer of help by Mrs Estella Goudge as she has become our newest Pastoral Care Group member. Many will surely thank God for your dedication, Estella, as you offer a listening ear to people in any trouble in our congregation and a welcoming hand to newcomers! The Pastoral Care Team prays, visits, encourages and does what it can for anyone in our fellowship who may need it. Care for the congregation is shared by different Care Team members but anyone on the Team would be happy to help. Just call!

Thornton & Leola Reid
Estella 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
Printer: Les Paskell
Webmaster: Jim McGlynn

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

A Prayer Calendar is Yours to Build!

Here's a simple work a Christian could do? You have the opportunity to be a leader in prayer for Tottenham Baptist Church! Do you felt led by God to spend a while writing down a simple theme of prayer for each day for members of the congregation to use in their devotionals?

Just have a word with any deacon, any member of the Pastoral Care Group, our moderator or the editor of this magazine. This work is a new opportunity that has come up!

No matter how unskilled you may consider yourself, any Christian member of the congregation is very welcome to come forward! It's a matter of writing down themes for each Focus issue, two months at a time. You don't need to type it - you can even dictate each item to the editor!

Building Work: Finishing Touches

The building refurbishment is nearing completion and we have paid our second stage payment. When it is finished, the hall will need to be decorated, some loose plaster will have to be renewed and parts of the floor strengthened. In addition all the other rooms will need cleaning and painting. We are looking for volunteers to help with this - listen out for dates!!

The Church is very grateful for contributions that have come in from many ex members and some who had been in the organisations and wished to show their thanks for the good times, friends and the things they were taught at the Church.

Les Paskell

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Prayers for Youth Work

People who have a heart for our children and youth are welcome to drop in for the monthly prayers, now held on the second Sundays of the month at 10:15am, except in November, currently in the main Sunday School Room.

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Church Meeting - Tuesday July 19th

The Lord Jesus took people who were knowledgeable at casting nets - besides others - to cast nets for the Eternal Kingdom! What are you knowledgeable at? Even if you simply know a little how to serve at home, you are most needed to serve! Members of the church, offer your services during this meeting, which starts at 8pm, or come to pray and contribute your opinions. It's great to see so many of us at this busy meeting!



Christians Together in Tottenham Events

CTT Meeting : Monday 13th June, 7:45pm at West Green Baptist Church, 182/184 West Green Road, Tottenham N15. There will be prayers from 7:30pm for the CTT meeting. All are welcome to attend as Christ's body is built up! To make sure people attend joint events and services, it has been argued in the last meeting that members need to ask themselves questions such as "What excites people?", "Have we got boring?" and "How can we bring people together?"

CTT Open Air Service : Sunday 17th July, 4pm at High Cross United Reform Church, High Road Tottenham near Philip Lane. Invited for the afternoon will be Freedom's  Ark Praise Team, People's Christian Fellowship's choir, The Chapel Stones and "Vessel of Praise" dance group. Speaker: Pr Mascall from the Community Church of God. Do come and worship God in Tottenham together with others!

Choir practices : A mass choir made up of Tottenham church singers is being set up for the Christians Together in Tottenham Annual Gospel Concert in early October and the Broadwater Farm Gospel Festival, for starters. Ladies, gentlemen and teenagers, if you have any thought to make use of your voice for the Lord's service in this way, please keep posted for details! The choir will possibly start practice in early July and will eventually be supported by the Chapel Stones. The choir is being organised by Sean Davis, based at The Community Church of God.

Peace Week : Sunday 11th-18th September. The CTT council has proposed prayers at various points in the borough, including crime hot spots. "Let's put FAITH back in Peace Week"!
The CTT Council urges churches that we use our regular weekly prayer meetings as our time to pray specifically for peace and Peace Week, and that we participate wherever possible in each other's weekly prayer meetings, if at least in spirit. You can soon stay posted about future Peace Week events through the Peace Alliance: www.peacealliance.org.uk.

Sunday Preachers
5th June - am: Rev Purkiss	3rd July - am & pm: Rev Roger Collins
- pm: Rev Roger Collins	10th July Rev Roger Collins
12th June Rev Roger Collins	17th July To be arranged
19th June Miss Arnieszka Laska	24th July To be arranged
26th June To be arranged	31st July Rev Purkiss

A 'Welcome!' for Newcomers
 in Their Language

If you speak a second language, bring your skills to fruition by offering to have your name on a list of people who speak other languages, such as those from Nigeria, Ghana, France, Zambia? We are preparing a sign in our church lobby greeting newcomers in your language! The sign will also invite them to approach you so as to make newcomers feel at home and reassure them that someone has other common bonds in culture also!

That way, we can have our love grow stronger! Have a word with our Pastoral Care Group (names near the front of the magazine or on the photo board in the lobby) and write down the expression "Welcome! Do you speak (your language here)? Please ask for .....!" in your language, followed by your name.

Any of us who only speak English are very encouraged to make excellent use of hospitality skills by alternatively becoming members of the Pastoral Care Group! There's always need and you would become part of our dedicated welcome group, visit the sick with them, offer prayers in common to make sure no one is left out, and write and make sure new members are being looked after? Let's keep striving to make TBC as warm as it can be to this hungry and needy world!

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Reach out and Touch your Baptist World!

London Baptist Association United Service, Sunday 3 July 6:30pm: Rev David Coffey, General Secretary of the Baptist Union of Great Britain (BUCG) will be preaching. Rev Coffey has also been nominated as President of the Baptist World Alliance for 2005-2010; confirmation of the appointment will take place at the World Congress. Various members of TBC are planning to attend this service organised by the London Baptist Association. Join us! Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church, 235 Shaftesbury Ave WC2H.

Baptist World Congress, 27-31 July: Over 12,000 delegates are expected at the five-yearly Baptist World Congress, taking place at the National Indoor Arena and International Convention Centre, Birmingham. "We are very excited about hosting this event that unites Baptists from around the world, especially in the centenary year of the Baptist World Alliance," says David Coffey, General Secretary of the BUCG. "We have the opportunity to meet fellow believers who are following Jesus Christ at great personal cost to their own lives. Meeting them will not only be an inspiration but will also have the power to shape the life of our churches. That is why I urge Baptists in the UK not to miss out on this historic event." For more information go to www.bwacongress2005.org.uk or contact Chris Hall on Tel: 01235 517756, email media@bwacongress2005.org.uk.

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Neatly Said...

Always do the best you can, where you are
with what you have now.

Kind words are short to speak
but their echoes are endless.

Greatness is discovered
In goodness, humility, service and character.

Our favourite attitude
Should be gratitude.

Submitted by Bro. Junior Deane

Weekly Offering Envelopes

Many members and those that attend our Services use our weekly offering envelopes. If you would like a set for 2005 please see me or ask a deacon.
They are a good reminder if you are away and wish to contribute each week, it means you can put your gift away until the next time you attend; it also means your gift is private.
The other reason is if you pay tax and wish to 'Gift Aid' your gift this is a way it can be recorded. Please ask me about it.

Les Paskell

You can choose which songs
to worship the Lily of the Valley

You can paint our Sundays with your own favourite choruses and hymns right here at Tottenham Baptist Church. Come along before Sunday morning worship services and - unless the worship group is still practising some numbers!? - the worship group will encourage people in the pews about 15 mins before the service to suggest their preferred songs or hymns from our Mission Praise hymn book. Whenever Rev Roger Collins, our moderator, is scheduled to lead service, why not suggest a number in advance for the service also?

Don't be shy! Just say out the name or number of the song, or try singing it out to cue the group! And if you are shy, just approach any member of the music group at any time before the service with your requests.

Let's share together whichever way the Spirit leads you in worship!

Thank you to everybody who supported our Sunday School Anniversary on 22nd May by attending the service, the prayer meeting or by praying for us at home before and after the event. Your encouraging words and affirmation meant a lot. We give God thanks and praise for His wonderful love and faithfulness during the past 174 years.

Our theme was "Our Bodies" and we looked at different parts of the body: hands, ears, eyes, feet, mouth, heart - and even the stomach! - and how God used them in the Bible, and how we can use our bodies, today, to serve God and each other.

The children and young people really entered into the spirit of the service by joining in the games and questions, acting out impromptu scenes from the Bible, by praying and, of course, by singing. "Well done" and "Thank you" to all the youngsters who came and watched and/or who took part - you were great! Special congratulations to the Chapel Pebbles for performing their dance routine so well - all their own work! (Sorry, Sara, I'll make sure I check the dates with Captain [GB] next time!!)

May I take this opportunity to thank the Sunday School leaders - Ivy, Kath, Leola and Les - for all of their efforts, commitment and support throughout the year and for serving our Lord and our youngsters so faithfully. Thanks, also, to Lena who continues to support us through prayer, encouragement and just by being there. May, too, has shown extra special support for the Chapel Pebbles, the Sunday School, Youth Group and myself. We appreciate your care and interest.

Please remember to uphold us - and the Brigades - in prayer so that we can discern God's will as to how we can best show the young people in our care the love, power and truth of Jesus Christ.

With love and thanks,
Janette Whitehead

BMS Birthday Scheme

JUNE MRS A HATCHETT MR L PASKELL MR J HATCHETT MRS S HATCHETT MR J JURADO ARANDA MRS L REID MISS L STARLING MISS K HATCHETT JULY MRS H WHITEHEAD

3rd 4th 10th 12th 13th 17th 23rd 29th 29th

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BMS backs 'Make Poverty History'

BMS World Mission has joined the fast-growing Make Poverty History campaign lending its support to the initiative, which is calling on world leaders to bring fast and effective change in the areas of trade justice, debt and aid.

Make Poverty History is a unique UK alliance of over 300 charities, campaigns, trade unions, faith groups and celebrities all united by a common belief that 2005 offers an unprecedented opportunity for global change. BMS is working on promoting the campaign in collaboration with the Baptist Unions of Great Britain, Scotland and Wales. David Hart, BMS Mission Education Co-ordinator, says there are two key reasons why BMS is a member of Make Poverty History. He says, "Firstly, it represents a natural outflowing of BMS' work around the world where we seek to have a positive effect on the lives of thousands of people through our mission workers and partners.

"Secondly, it stands in the tradition of BMS being involved in campaigns, and providing a voice for the voiceless. We need to take action to tackle the root causes of the issues that people face worldwide. It's essential that we express as Christians our love and concern, but we must also seek to address the issues which could have a very strategic effect in getting people out of poverty."

This year is particularly important as the UK chairs the G8 meeting and takes on the six-month presidency of the European Union. David urges BMS supporters, "We're calling on individuals and churches to write to their MP or Tony Blair to make their voices heard, and tell them that it's unacceptable that every single day, 30,000 children are dying as a result of extreme poverty. You can also wear white bands as a symbol of your support."

In July, eight world leaders will have it in their power to create the changes, which will make poverty history. But they will only use that power if enough people tell them to. David asks supporters, "Please pray for the issues concerned with Make Poverty History and for the G8 leaders. Nearer the time of the summit, we'll have downloadable resources on the BMS website which you can use in your church, so look out for those." For more information, see www.makepovertyhistory.org.

Trinidad urged to try Jesus

The Trinidad Action Team 2004/05, made up of Lara Bundock, Rosie Capewell, Alice Perrin & Jane Ulanowski write about their Action Team experience in Carnival:

"There is so much to describe in carnival: the reverberating music, the elaborate costumes worn by all, the dancing, the competing artists and more, but what needs to be picked out from this whole celebration is the Christian attitude. It is very straightforward; they don't agree with it. When we first arrived in Trinidad we were very excited about seeing carnival only to be told that Christians don't participate and we were effectively banned from it. However, for the last four years, St John's, our home church in Trinidad, had initiated the only Christian outreach during carnival.

It involves a huge banner proclaiming the phrase 'Tired?, Hungry?, Thirsty? Try Jesus', volunteers handing out flyers, chatting to people and praying, a video playing Christian material, chilled water for the thirsty masquerader and chairs for 'liming'. These two days really blessed us all as well as the church members who participated. The night before we started the eight or so of us who were to evangelise gathered at church for a prayer evening and sleepover in order to prepare for the event the next day. As well as lots of funny games and vast quantities of KFC, we had a really good prayer session, involving a lot of spontaneous singing and a couple of people received visions, which we felt really empowered us.

The programme commenced with a variety of interesting characters many adorned in mud and smelling of beer. We were amazed at how many people were willing to come and discuss Christianity with us regardless of their personal views. The number of people who changed the way they walked, stopped and stared or came and chatted to us simply because of the banner was incredible. Probably the highlight for the group as a whole was talking to four young men who had chanced upon our street while running away from a fight in the centre of town. None of them were Christians but it turned out, as was the case with many people that we met over the two days, that they did have a fundamental belief in God, but were lacking conviction, direction, commitment and most of all heart knowledge.

We chatted to them for a while and then showed them a video, which was based around four young men like themselves and their discovery of faith through traumatic circumstances. The message really seemed to speak to them all. It transpired that they were living in the ghettos of Port of Spain and were involved in a number of illegal activities in order to earn money. We really enjoyed seeing all the masqueraders - but felt more satisfied that we had been a part of the only Christian outreach in the middle of such a confusion of colour and beliefs.

In their prayer letter for March 2005, they relate: "We totally loved the Youth for Christ march, where basically all the Christian youth in Trinidad marched around Port of Spain to loud gospel music fi nishing with a massive concert at the Savannah. Thousands of people were involved and it was amazing to be part of it all, praising God in the middle of the capital, as well as being a really good chance to get closer to the Princes Town youth and we were all really blessed with this event."

SHOULDN'T I HAVE THOUGHT TWICE? - PART I

"Thank God for church ladies with typewriters. These sentences actually appeared in church bulletins or were announced in church services:"

Ladies, don't forget the rummage sale. It's a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Don't forget your husbands.

The peacemaking meeting scheduled for today has been cancelled due to a conflict.

Don't let worry kill you off - let the Church help.

Miss Charlene Mason sang "I will not pass this way again," giving obvious pleasure to the congregation.

The Fasting & Prayer Conference includes meals.

Next Thursday there will be tryouts for the choir. They need all the help they can get. Barbara remains in the hospital and needs blood donors for more transfusions. She is also having trouble sleeping and requests tapes of Pastor Jack's sermons.

Submitted by Anne Tarrier - from her daughter Jane Bisset in Toronto, Canada

Seeking the Answers - Part V

If someone behaves slightly oddly, why do we call them doolally?

The correct full expression is "Doolally tap."

Near the end of the nineteenth century, the British army had a military sanatorium at Deolali, about 100 miles north-east of Bombay. One of its functions was to act as a transit camp for soldiers who had finished their tours of duty, and were waiting for a troop ship to take them back to Britain. Ships only left Bombay between November and March, so a soldier ending his tour outside those dates might have a long wait for transport.

Frank Richards, author of the Billy Bunter books, who knew the camp well, wrote in Old Soldier Sahib in 1936: "The well-known saying among soldiers when speaking of a man who does queer things, "Oh, he's got the Doo-lally tap," originated, I think, in the peculiar way men behaved owing to the boredom of that camp." To say someone was doolally tap meant he was mad, or at least very eccentric. The first bit is obviously the result of the standard British soldier's way of hacking foreign-sounding names into something that sounded English. The second part is from a Persian or Urdu word: tap, a malarial fever (ultimately from Sanskrit tapa, heat or torment). So the whole expression might be loosely translated as "camp fever".

When we pass responsibility, why is it known as "Passing the Buck"?

This is from the card game poker. A 'buck' was a marker that indicated whose turn it was to deal. "Passing the buck" moved the deal onto the next player. Silver dollars were later used as markers and this may have been the origin of the use of the word 'buck' as a slang term for a dollar. Now, a question asked by my son: -

Who was the 'Lone Ranger'?

The first episode of the TV series, shown on September 15, 1949, told the story of how the Lone Ranger got his name and his mission in life. He had been one of a posse of six Texas Rangers tracking a gang of desperadoes. The Rangers were lured into an ambush in a canyon, and five of them were slaughtered. The sixth, (real name John Reid, played originally by Clayton Moore and later by John Hart), was left for dead. But Reid managed to crawl to safety near a water hole where he was

found and nursed back to health by a friendly Indian named Tonto (Jay Silverheels). Reid had once helped Tonto and the Indian now vowed to stay with him as the "lone" surviving Ranger sought to avenge the deaths of his comrades. Tonto always referred to the Lone Ranger as'Kemo Sabe'. This means 'Trusty Scout'. Avenge they did, cornering the outlaw Butch Cavendish in a dramatic battle.

Reid buried his past at the graves of the five dead Rangers, put on a mask, and set out with Tonto to avenge wrongs throughout the Old West.

The very famous signature tune was part of the overture to "William Tell" by Rossini (1829)

Allan Bennett

GB Camp Weekend

On Friday 20th May, three Juniors, three Seniors, Margaret McGlynn, Janet Jenkins and myself set off for a weekend camp at Gilwell Park. We were joined by the 1st Enfield and 1st Ponders

End companies. The weekend was packed with games and activities, which included canoeing, archery, crate-stacking, a treasurer hunt, a chase trail and songs around the campfire (although we did have to sing a few scout songs!?)

The girls from all three companies mixed well and new friends were made. The canoeing will be most remembered by Sara and myself, as Sara managed to capsize her canoe and fall in! She did get out and straight back into the boat, but we were still drying her out on Sunday. The weekend passed all too soon, but the girls did want to know when they could do it again! Belinda Plunkett Captain

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Meeting Nicodemuses today

Drug addicts, homeless people, and many other kinds of people with problems have met their Saviour in spirit in bountiful numbers through churches like the Brooklyn Tabernacle. Jim Cymbala started up the church which grew from dilapidated halls to accommodate 1,600 people, and which planted numerous churches elsewhere.

In his book, Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire - What Happens When God's Spirit Invades the Hearts of His People, he writes: "People pay attention when they see that God actually changes persons and sets them free ? I shall never forget Easter Sunday 1992 - the day that Roberta Langella gave her dramatic testimony [caught in drugs, a derelict life, HIV, then turning around to encounter the Saviour]. At the evening meeting I sat down on the edge of the platform, exhausted, as others continued to pray with those who had responded to Christ ?I was just starting to unwind when I looked up to see this man, with shabby clothing and matted hair, standing in the center aisle about four rows back and waiting for permission to approach me. I nodded and gave him a weak little wave of my hand. Look at how this Easter Sunday is going to end, I thought to myself. He's going to hit me up for money ? When he came close, I saw that his two front teeth were missing. But more striking was his odor - the mixture of alcohol, sweat, urine, and garbage took my breath away. I have been around many street people, but this was the strongest stench I have ever encountered?

"'I asked his name.
'David,' he said softly.
'How long have you been homeless, David?'
'Six years.'
'Where did you sleep last night?'
'In an abandoned truck.'"

"I had heard enough and wanted to get this over quickly. I reached for the money clip in my back pocket. At that moment David put his finger in front of my face and said, "No you don't understand - I don't want your money. I'm going to die out there. I want the Jesus that red-haired girl talked about." I hesitated, then closed my eyes. God, forgive me, I begged. I felt soiled and cheap? David sensed the change in me ? Holding him close, I talked to him about Jesus' love.

"David surrendered to the Christ he heard about that night. We got him into a hospital detoxification unit for a week. We got his teeth fixed. He joined the Prayer Band right away. He spent the next Thanksgiving Day in our home. We invited him back for Christmas as well ? Today David heads up the maintenance department at the church, overseeing ten other employees. He is now married and a

father ? As Christians reach out to touch everyone, including the unlovely who are now everywhere in our society, God touches them, too - and revolutionizes their lives."

Let's help each other to witness about the Lord and encourage each other by writing about any mission inspirations or thoughts. Please write or tell your witness stories or thoughts on evangelism to the Focus editor.

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For really young ones - Good friends: David and Jonathan

You might know the story of David and Goliath: how David was a boy and defeated a giant over nine feet tall called Goliath. Well, life wasn't always easy for David even though he could defeat a giant! A long time ago, King Saul, the King of Israel in David's time, had been disobeying God because he didn't fight the enemy the way God wanted him to. So God decided that David would become their king instead. Here's the story of how a good friend called Jonathan helped David!

David was just a shepherd boy who played harp for King Saul. One day, David's dad told David to go with food to help feed the army of the king. That day, David wondered how could anyone oppose the armies of the living God! So he slew the giant Goliath with a slingshot and five smooth stones. And from that very day, King Saul kept David with him? Now King Saul had a son called Jonathan. Jonathan took to David so much as a friend that he gave him the robe he was wearing, his tunic, his sword, and his belt - he gave them all to David!

But when King Saul, David, and the rest of their army returned from winning the battle against the Philistine, women came out from all over Israel to celebrate with music and dancing, singing:

"Saul has slain his thousands,
and David his tens of thousands"

Of course, it wasn't quite true, but King Saul did another mistake and took it the heart! He got jealous about David. King Saul was afraid of David because he had worked out that God was siding with David, instead of him. So King Saul decided to send him away by making David commander of a thousand of his soldiers, and David was victorious in his military campaigns!

One day, David came to Jonathan and asked why King Saul was trying to kill him. Jonathan knew that Saul was jealous of David but he never thought that he would try to kill him. He tried to assure David that Saul would never kill him. He told him that he would know if Saul had ordered men to find him and kill him.

David told Jonathan that he knew of Saul's evil schemes. Jonathan could not understand why Saul would do this. David knew a way to see for sure if King Saul meant good or harm to him. He told Jonathan that the king had invited him to a banquet at the palace. He told Jonathan that if he did not show up for the banquet and the king became very angry, then he surely wanted David killed.

Jonathan worked out a way to tell David how his father reacted to the news. He would shoot arrows into the field where David was hiding. If things were unsafe, he would give a secret password sign. They also told each other that they would always take care of each other's families.  

Sure enough, that night at the banquet, King Saul asked about David. Jonathan told him that he was not coming. King Saul was furious! Saul got angry and told him that as long as David was alive, he would never become king. Then Saul ordered that David be captured and killed. Jonathan asked why David must be killed. At that, Saul grabbed a spear and threw it at his son, Jonathan. It missed Jonathan. With that, he knew that Saul would try to kill David.

Jonathan and David were best friends. When we saw his father's anger, he was so upset that he did not eat for the whole day. The next morning, Jonathan went to the field where David was hiding. As he was shooting arrows, he said the password that told David that he was in danger of being killed. 

After his servant left, David came out of hiding. Jonathan ran to him and hugged him. They both cried together because they knew that they would never see each other again. Jonathan told David to go in peace. He made a promise that they would be friends forever and he would always take care of his family just as David promised he would take care of Jonathan's family. Jonathan and David are good examples of how friends treat each other. They should love each other and care about their needs. They should encourage them and help them in tough times. It's a good example to us of how friends should be. Jonathan

could have been upset that David would be king instead of him. After all, he was the next in line. However, God had anointed David to be king and Jonathan knew that he must follow God. Jonathan loved David and was happy for him to be the next king.

Friends are happy when others succeed. They are not jealous or envious. They care and love at all times. Jesus wants to be our Best Friend too. He loves us so much that he died for us on the cross. You see, because we have done wrong, we must take the consequence of our wrongs. Jesus loved us so much that He took our punishment for us when He died on the cross. He did it for us! If we believe in Him and ask Him to come into our life and be our best friend, He will clean out all our wrongs and make us like new! Adapted from www.missionarlington.org.

Roll Up, Roll Up!

On Easter Monday, Stephen Cook and myself took a couple of Sunday School children to the circus at Alexandra Palace. As we had very few children, we took the car and gained enough extra time to visit the fair as well! We had a fun time and we all enjoyed the various acts, each of us having different favourites. The children were very well behaved but I'm not so sure about Stephen!! Actually, the only problem he had was trying to distinguish between the male and female artists!! However, he did receive a severe warning from myself when he considered the possibility of volunteering my services on the trapeze!!

Joking aside, we had a lovely day and were blessed with wonderful weather, happy fellowship and journeying mercies, praise God. "Thank you" to Stephen for his warm generosity and for obtaining the discounted tickets. Your kindness was much appreciated! Janette

Bible Society News

Reaching Out In Lungga and Beyond

The latest Scripture Language Report published by the United Bible Societies reveals that the Bible in its entirety has now been translated into 422 languages, an increase of eight languages over the past year. A part of the Bible is now available in over 2,377 languages helping to make the Bible heard across the world.

The task is far from complete since in total there are approximately 6,500 languages spoken around the world. However, each new portion of the Bible that is translated enables more people to hear God's word spoken to them in an engaging and meaningful way in their very own heart language.

In Ranonga, a small, remote island in the Solomon Islands, the New Testament is now available for the first time in Lungga, the local language. The publication of the Lungga New Testament followed more than 20 years of fundraising efforts by the local people. When the finished copies first went on sale there was great joy and long queues of people waited keenly to obtain their very own copy. A local pastor said, "Today God has arrived in Ranonga. He has arrived in our own culture and is speaking to us in our own language. This is indeed a great day for our people."

Frøydis Nordbustad, a Norwegian translator and missionary, came out of retirement to spend thirteen years working on the translation of the Old Testament into Iraqw, the language of half a million people in the Mbulu district of Tanzania. Here there were also great scenes of celebration and more than a thousand people attended a special dedication service in July. After a lifetime struggling to understand the Swahili Bible, one elderly lady exclaimed, "Is Christianity really for the Iraqw people? I thought it was only for those who spoke Swahili!"

Across the world the work of Bible Society enables more people to share this amazing experience through its immense translation efforts, so that people can experience God speaking in their own tongue.

'Leftovers' from Down Under Move Hearts Behind Bars in Zambia

When the Bible Society in Australia launched the selection called Brekky at the Lake, nobody would have believed that, one day, this publication would be distributed to prisoners in a country as distant as Zambia. What began as a request from one prisoner has now turned into ministry to several thousand. Pastor Kwacha Mvula, Co-ordinator of Prison Fellowship Zambia, remembers clearly the pain he felt when, after preaching to a group of condemned prisoners, one of them asked if he could have the Bible to read on his own. Aware that there were other prisoners who wanted to read the same Bible, Pastor Mvula reluctantly had to turn down the request. However, he assured the prisoner that he would return "some time later" with a Bible for him. But deep in his heart he knew that he had no spare Bibles - not a single one - to give to him.

The day came, though, when he was forced to take action. He was on a visit to a prison in Lusaka when a prisoner who had come across a copy of Brekky at the Lake asked him to write to the address on it so that "maybe" they could send them some copies to "keep them busy". He quickly wrote to the Bible Society in Australia, which, despite the stock having run out, reprinted some more specially for the prisoners.

Jorge Rodrigues, Director of the Bible Society in Australia's National Scriptures Division, picks up the story: "In August 2002 we assisted Tychious Christian Material Outreach, a small Christian ministry which sends second-hand books to developing nations. Our assistance was in the form of arranging for the shipping of their books from our warehouse in Ingleburn, Sydney. At the time of the despatch we had some Selections left over which our warehouse supervisor threw onto the pallet that was being sent to Evangelic Fellowship of Zambia. These Selections included Brekky at the Lake, which was a children's Selection from Easter a few years back."

"To our surprise, in July 2004 we received a letter from Prison Fellowship Zambia requesting more of these Selections, as they had proved popular with inmates in three Zambia jails where Prison Fellowship ministers. We corresponded with the General Secretary of the Bible Society of Zambia and on his advice we gave 5,000 additional copies of Brekky at the Lake to Prison Fellowship. We reprinted these specially; the printing and shipping costs were a grant from the National Scriptures Division of the Bible Society in Australia.”

When Pastor Mvula (pictured left) finally received copies of Brekky at the Lake , Bibles and other literature via Jane Kapembwa of the Bible Society of Zambia (right) he could not hide his excitement: the literature was to be shared among the more than 6,000 prisoners to which the Prison Fellowship ministers and he knew that, because they have little else to take up their time, prisoners spend many hours reading and, if they have access to a Bible, they can read it from cover to cover within three months. After they have done so, many show clear signs of being reformed. He also knew that if prisoners continue to receive pastoral care after their release, 30 per cent of them continue to practise Christianity. Looking on (centre) was Apostle Kampeshi, trustee of Prison Fellowship Zambia.

With 75 per cent of prisoners able to read independently, the new stocks will allow more of them to find hope and consolation in reading God's Word, to lead better lives and even to preach the Word when they finish serving their terms.

Prayer Calendar for June 2005

Turn to me and be saved,

all you ends of the earth;

for I am God, and there is no other.

Isaiah 45:22

Pray for or about:

Wednesday 1st For people with mental health challenges, may the Lord appease and heal them

Thursday 2nd For any needs of the Christian Jewish Association and Jews for Jesus

Friday 3rd Support for Ivy Legore and family, recently bereaved

Saturday 4th Thanks and blessings for all our new church cleaners joining in to help

Sunday 5th That God gently turn all who have pent-up anger and hate into energy

to build the Kingdom of the Lamb of God by discovering His warmth and love

Monday 6th For the newly elected: that they may be lead in God's way

Tuesday 7th Support and direction for Norma Smith and for whom the Lord would have join

her helping on the new kitchen cleaners team

Wednesday 8th For inspiration and boldness in outreaches by churches in the UK and 
                                                         worldwide, that people give their testimony effectively to a dying and lost world

Thursday 9th Direction and wisdom for the Duke of Edinburgh, on his birthday tomorrow

Friday 10th For fun and growth for those directly involved in International Girls Brigade Day,

and for guidance at the National Executive Trustee Board GB meeting tomorrow

Saturday 11th Thanks and protection for Her Majesty the Queen on Her official birthday

Sunday 12th That the Lord will bless you and others today in worship

Monday 13th To support the spiritual growth of all recent members of our congregation -

may we embrace them deeply as our brothers and sisters

Tuesday 14th For strength and encouragement of those known to TBC with disabilities

Wednesday 15th May all of us continue to mature in our faith as we grow into Christ, our head

Thursday 16th Thanks for Val Paskell, Veronica Mitchell and all on the refreshments ministry

Friday 17th That all people of Tottenham shall appreciate leading peaceful lives

Saturday 18th For Janette's meetings for the persecuted with prayers and action

Sunday 19th May we always receive the lonely, the homeless, the hapless, the hungry and

the needy well, and strive to satisfy their needs

Monday 20th May the Lord's churches be provided with enough musicians, that many more

be moved to worship in the glory of God and serve Him

Tuesday 21st Concentrated studies and clear minds for all students through exam season

Wednesday 22nd That all members of our congregation and all Christians throughout the lands

be filled with the Holy Spirit

Thursday 23rd Thanks for the efforts of our Building Committee

Friday 24th That all Boys Brigades may enjoy and seek wholesome fun and learning

Saturday 25th Pray for support of all destitute Christians struggling to survive in conflict and

depressed areas of the world

Sunday 26th That budding ministers not be intimidated in lands where the Word is scarce

Monday 27th May people remember those in prison or custody throughout the world, and

ensure they are not neglected or ill treated

Tuesday 28th May we fulfil all of the Lord's expectations in our own lives and not offend Him

Wednesday 29th For anyone known to TBC who for any reason has not been attending - may we

pray and reach out for them and may they be open to the Lord's Spirit

Thursday 30th Support and encouragement for all missionaries, including John & Maria Dyer,

our Link Missionaries in Brazil, and son João in the UK

Within your temple, O God,

we meditate on your unfailing love.

Like your name, O God,

your praise reaches to the ends of the earth;

your right hand is filled with righteousness.

Psalm 48:9-10

Prayer Calendar for July 2005

Sing to the LORD, all the earth;

proclaim his salvation day after day.

Declare his glory among the nations

His marvellous deeds among all peoples.

1 Chronicles 16:23-24

Pray for or about:

Friday 1st Ongoing healing and sustenance of all with difficult health conditions

Saturday 2nd For achievements of all at Girls Brigade London North District Sports Day

Sunday 3rd Celebrate Jesus' goodness this evening at His table, giving thanks for His life

Monday 4th For warmth and godly direction of children who do not see or know either parent

Tuesday 5th Thanks and support of our deacons each day as they meet tonight

Wednesday 6th May Christians worldwide who believe they lack aptitudes recognise that

the Lord has equipped everyone

Thursday 7th For the welfare of persecuted Christians worldwide such as Fozia Zafar,

Honey and Faisal in Pakistan

Friday 8th May needy widows and senior members worldwide be provided for

Saturday 9th Meeting the needs of the millions orphaned by AIDS throughout the world

and for those young and old who struggle to raise them

Sunday 10th May churches throughout the world be bursting with new members

Monday 11th Support for our choir, its leaders and the Tottenham Mass Choir being gathered

Tuesday 12th For children being driven to Southend by taxi drivers: may it be a great memory

Wednesday 13th For each member of our Pastoral Care Team as each delivers spiritual help

Thursday 14th For all GB & BB officers retiring this July

Friday 15th For justice to be upheld worldwide and protection for police officers and military

personnel as they seek to keep the peace

Saturday 16th For the London City Mission and all ministries worldwide, that they and each of

us be most effective in sharing the good news

Sunday 17th For needs of our congregation at the Lord's Table in the morning, and for

the fellowship with neighbouring Christians at the evening CTT Open Air Service

Monday 18th Thanks for all unsung volunteers quietly doing difficult or painstaking work -

may the oil of the Holy Spirit be poured on them

Tuesday 19th That we may appreciate Tottenham's spiritual needs well during tonight's

Church Meeting, being bold to speak and obey Christ's direction

Wednesday 20th May our spirits be open to the best use of our spiritual gifts and our

overhauled facilities in the Master's service

Thursday 21st For all recently bereaved in the church, that they may know and sense that

Christ is holding them in His prayers

Friday 22nd For a safe and rewarding summer for all

Saturday 23rd For healing within families where needed: may all understand, respect and

appreciate each other, being touched by the Lord's anointing

Sunday 24th Thanks for the care and preparations given by our Sunday School teachers

Monday 25th For protection of all labourers worldwide - may they not be exploited and may

they seek the Lord's comfort and strength under duress

Tuesday 26th For the Master and the Holy Spirit to provide for and guide all Bible translators

as they consider their ways

Wednesday 27th For the rush of the Holy Spirit to sweep through lands as the Baptist World

Congress meets - that as many as possible be brought into the Kingdom

Thursday 28th For each and every vacant post to be filled in every church everywhere

Friday 29th Any GB and BB Companies going to camp this Summer

Saturday 30th Pray for new conviction of the families of all people who have forsaken

their former faiths because they have recognised Jesus as the Way

But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you,

he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies

by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

Romans 8:11

'Coming events' Building Work clipart from:

office.microsoft.com

'Coming Events' Prayers for Youth Work clipart from:

www.hasslefreeclipart.com

'Christians Together in Tottenham Events' family with church & choir clipart from:

office.microsoft.com

'A 'Welcome' for Newcomers in Their Language' clipart from:

office.microsoft.com

'Reach out and Touth your Baptist World!' clipart from:

office.microsoft.com

'Body Talk' clipart from:

office.microsoft.com

'Baptist Missionary Society News' photo credits:

BMS World Mission

'Seeking the Answers - Part V' soldier clipart from:

www.100000freecliparts.com

'Seeking the Answers - Part V' coin & lone ranger clipart from:

office.microsoft.com