Sorry for the long gap since our last newsletter. I had started writing ages ago but it all got pushed back with so many different things happening. We are still very much alive and active and have not done a disappearing act! 

After 16 months of being without our own home, we finally moved on January 15th this year. It had been a long tiresome journey yet we had received so much strength from the Lord and great encouragement from Him, His people and His word along the way. We count it a joy that the Lord found us worthy to go along the route we have.  Lots of lessons have been learnt and many, many blessings received and we have grown much. 

When we arrived at the house to unload, I was so over whelmed at the goodness of Father God. I stood looking out over the back garden and fields beyond and just cried! I had not fully understood the emotional impact and challenge of the past months and the journey we had been on. 

In the last news update I recounted the provision of Father God over the past 30 years in Ministry. We were now experiencing more! We had little furniture: a bed, writing desk and dining table but we were given a leather 3 piece suit which reclined. Bed room furniture, bunk beds (for the grand children to stay) a double bed for the spare room, fridge and washing machine etc. There is so much we could tell re Fathers provision in putting our home together even down to a 6 place setting dinner set, cutlery, kettle, iron, bedding etc. etc Each item having a story behind it. Then Christine was given an old car, essential as we live in a village, and then she was given a newer car so we were able to give the other one away to bless a young leaner driver. That makes it 10 cars given us in 30 years of ministry. Father God is so good and faithful. 

Moving on, we felt at home immediately and enjoy the views, the wild life and just the whole environment of Gamston village, just outside Retford. Settling into the Church where I am ‘Half Time’ (the other half will be itinerating.) has been good. The people have been so warm and welcoming. The last 6 weeks I have been out and about at weekends fulfilling long standing arrangements. These have been preaching in Nottingham, Coventry and teaching a group of Methodist preachers a weekend on preaching.

I did have a Baptism by fire as not long after arriving, Steve Williams the Senior Pastor had to have 6 weeks off due to a serious back operation. This threw me into the thick of things quickly but it was good as it gave me an opportunity to get to know the people. In fact I have been pretty much full time since arriving. 

Areas of ministry are building up, children’s work and school visits are all enjoyable. It’s also good to be back into regular ministry. Christine has also been involved , leading and organising  a ladies days, organising a line dancing taster evening for the ladies that they could being their friends to, doing some of the preaching, helping voluntary in the church office and generally keeping me in order. 

We have been doing a number of studies together for the church. Hearing Gods voice has been very encouraging as many have come to realise that they can hear God speaking to them. 

It was also good earlier in the year to get reacquainted with the Fellowship of Christian Magicians of which I was once president. I was asked to do couple of lectures during which I used my testimony of the Canadian experience and the goodness of Father God in tough times using magic tricks/visual aids!
 

In July I returned to Kankakee near Chicago, USA. This was for the IFest conference held by One Way Street which is primary for creative ministries mainly for puppet teams and ventriloquists. I took on the role of the conference Chaplin and took the daily devotions,  did some lectures on visual aids and had some question and answer sessions on the Christian Walk.
 

Along with Simon Hawthorn, I visited our projects in India earlier this year. In Gannavaran where we have an orphanage and school, we were encouraged that over the past 10 years 1500 pure orphans ( lost both parents) part orphan ( left with one parent) have been educated. Some have gone onto further education even becoming medics and engineers.

I would normally be looking at going at this time of year but decided to put a trip on hold until next year. 

A few years hours away in Machilthatipatmam, a leper and untouchables (Dalit) village on the bay of Bengal is where we built a house and Church for the leader, his wife and child. (The money was raised by the Open Door Christian Fellowship in Rochdale.) We now have confirmation from the Government that we can buy land and build a school for the Dalit children. The whole project will probably cost in the region of £30,000.
 

To raise funds for these projects and the abandoned child rescue homes in Mumbai we now import Indian Candles and other products. 

The Candles are NO ordinary candles! The clay pots are made in the slums of Mumbai by a Dalit potter. These are then filled with scented bees wax (from the tribal peoples) and a wick, packed, boxed and shipped here. The clay pots are what the Dalit people would drink from and then are smashed as they are classed as untouchables! In fact animals are classed as more valuable than these poor people. 

All the monies raised from candles that are sold goes to help these people though our projects. You can see and read more at www.lifeassociation.org.uk and www.dalit.co.uk 

If you would like a visit to your Church or school, let me know. I, Simon or Julia would come with a display, samples and a very interesting and informative talk on the work in India amongst the Dalit peoples. 

Some months ago we were informed by our friends in Orai in U.P, the Daniels that a baby boy had been dumped in plastic bag in the gutter outside the school! The baby had been bitten by ants, and was covered in blood, the baby was premature. The Daniels have adopted him and named him Moses. He has been in hospital but is now doing well in a loving home. The Daniels were one of my first contacts in India during my first visit well over 25 years ago.
 
 

Our youngest son Jonathan is getting married in December to Rachael who is from Coventry. Rachael is a worship leader at the AOG church. I have ministered there regularly for over 20 yrs. 
I have to admit I acted as matchmaker for them connecting them up via face book! 

Finally 

Do visit our website where now there are messages you can listen to. We also have a link site for those interested in visual aids and tricks. www.missionmagic.co.uk 

Do please continue to uphold us in your prayers especially for safely on all overseas trips and the Lord’s continual provision to meet the financial needs.

Thank you all for your prayers and your financial support it is very much appreciated. I know so many have been hit with the recession but it is good to know we have a God who is a provider and Heaven is not hit with recession! 

Every blessing 

Paul and Christine