Good News Baptist Church

You have probably gathered that today is catch up day! On the way to see Mark's family, we stopped in Newtonards to visit the Cullens and their church. Here are some photographs from that time!

Bradfield family

Several weeks ago we were down visiting Mark's family. Here are some photos from that time. Last week Trevor and his family were up. I thought I had some photos from that visit, but I guess I didn't actually take them! Enjoy. You'll see that Ben was the most willing to have his picture taken!

Mark and his dad

Ben and Connor

Ben

Beth and Charlotte

Charlotte and Lynn

Beth and Ben

Ben

Uncle Mark and Ben (Now you know why the nieces and nephews are so happy to see him coming!)

Mothering Sunday

Sunday, March 22, was Mother's Day here in the United Kingdom. It has been a while since we had a church dinner, so we thought this would be a good day to do so, and Mark suggested the men do the serving and cleaning up. The children were drafted into service, as well! When the Sunday school children heard what was planned, they wanted their moms to come, so it took on the proportions of a Christmas dinner!

The children sang two songs with Chloe, Courtney, and Toni singing trio on one of the verses. Nathan, Jade, and Frank read several Bible passages about mothers. All did an excellent job.

It took me half way through the meal to relax and enjoy it - I'm usually the one overseeing the meal, with the excellent help of one of the other church ladies. The men had a great time, but I don't think we women have to worry about losing our jobs! We heard quite a few comments about Father's Day! (which we women think is every church dinner!)

In all fairness to the men, several of the men are always quick to help if needed, and Billy can always be counted on to clear tables after the meal. We are truly blessed with our Bethel family.

Here are some photos from the big day.

Update on Alice

Thank you for praying for Alice. Sadly, the surgery was as hard on her as we had feared. She had quite a rough weekend. She is doing a bit better and is eating some. When we visited her today Mark fed her half a plate of her dinner and half a bowl of rice pudding. The nurses were very pleased with that. She doesn't usually eat that much. Her kidneys were not doing well, but their function is improving. We have been praying for the Lord's will.

Successful Surgery

Thanks for your prayers. We went to see Alice last night. The surgery went well and she was looking as good as I've ever seen her. We pray that she will recover and be able to return home.

Please Pray for Alice

Yesterday Alice, 95, fell and broke her hip. She is not only a neighbor, but before age stopped her, a faithful attender at Bethel Baptist Church. Last night her nephew rang Mark to tell us that in the afternoon she had fallen. We got to the hospital just after nine, and thankfully, they still see the value of allowing pastors to visit their flock, and allowed us in. Alice will be having surgery today, and all prayers would be appreciated.

At Long Last!

Hello! No, I did not lose my camera or forget my blog sign in details. We have just been busy. Have you ever noticed that sometimes it is so easy to blog, and at other times it seems so much work? Well, I hope that I am back into blogging form and that I will keep you a bit more updated.

The Saturday before last we did outreach in the town. We now have two megaphones. It is sad how many people think that they are ok or think that we are preaching a load of rubbish and are 'narrow minded biggots.' It is so sad to know that one day they will realise that they were wrong, but it will be too late.

Last Saturday we had our monthy kids' club. The numbers were down a bit, but the ten that were there had a wonderful time. Paul and Rachel Leigh stopped in around lunch time, and Rachel enjoyed lunch and playing with a beach ball. She was none too happy when her dad took her home for a nap!

On Sunday there was a wonderful spirit in the church, both in the morning and evening service. My Sunday school class can have anywhere from six to twelve students. I have faithfully prepared for the largest number, but over the last couple of months the most we have had is nine, so this past Sunday I prepared only for the nine, and guess how many came? ELEVEN! We should never give up!

Mark and Monica

Bethel Baptist thinks that Rachel Leigh is about the cutest thing!

Mark and Rachel Leigh


Some of our Sunday night group staying near the heater!

Joshua, Nathan, and Chloe putting off playing long enough to pose for me.

Bro. Paul and Leonard

Yes, I know that she is in a good number of the pictures. Can you blame me?!

I'll leave this picture to your own interpretation!

Esther and Ethel

Bro. Billy and Bro. Neill

One last chance to see Rachel Leigh, sitting with her mom.