When the church at Edlesborough first sponsored an Effective Evangelism Conference in 2014, as far as we were concerned it was a one-off event. We thought churches in our area would benefit from practical instruction about the effective use of door to door work, open-air preaching, evangelistic small groups and weeks of evangelism in local church ministry. That was it.
This past year alone, six men – Alireza, Saeed, Hitoshi, Shirwan, Paiwast and Ibraheem – from Muslim backgrounds attended Grace Baptist Church, Wood Green for the first time. That’s not all. This was the first time any of these men had attended a church period.
“Are you one of those narrow-minded Grace Baptists that thinks only Grace Baptists will be in heaven?” “No,” I replied, “I don’t even think all the Grace Baptists will make it!” They laughed which was a good thing. It was, after all, only a joke.
Grace Baptist Partnership didn’t set out to have an annual conference. However, it happened. Here’s how. Before the Partnership was formed I used to teach one Saturday a month in London and another Saturday a month in Leicester. Each year we would have one day where the two groups met together either in London or in Leicester.
“I am presently on the Scotland tour, but have been floored by a very sore throat that leaves me now unable to speak. Organisers up here have taken matters out of my hands and called off the final meetings of the tour.” That’s how it started.
For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and Hierapolis. I’m certain there was enough gospel work to keep Epaphras busy in Colossae. However, he extended himself to work hard for other churches in the Lycus River Valley as well.
Plans for the future were a bit tentative. I intend to pass through Macedonia, and perhaps I will stay with you or even spend the winter … I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits. Paul’s words to the Corinthians were not exactly brimming with Apostolic certainty.
We are privileged to have become involved in multiple new planting and replanting situations this year. Hopefully, in the coming months we will be able to update you on the work in Lea, Leagrave, Logie Green, Ryarsh and Walthamstow. This month, however, we want to invite you to pray for the replanting of the Baptist church in Beech Hill in Berkshire. On Saturday, 8th October 2016 we are inviting interested friends to join us for a day of instruction and witness in the village. I will give two talks on evangelism in a village context beginning at 11am. Following lunch we will go door to door in the village to share the gospel and to invite villagers to attend the Sunday afternoon meetings beginning on Sunday, 9th October. Please pray for the work in Beech Hill which is under the oversight of the church at Southall. If you are able to come along on the 8th of October do let us know.
We are pleased to announce the forthcoming amalgamation of Grace Baptist Partnership and Grace Baptist Partnership Scotland. Barry King will serve as General Secretary and Ali McLachlan will serve as Associate General Secretary. The amalgamation will be formalised at the Grace Baptist Partnership annual conference 24 – 26 August 2016 at Swanwick, Derbyshire.
Wherever I am, whomever I’m with, I make sure the subject of church planting comes up. Like the time I first met Adam Laughton on a short-term teaching trip to Nigeria. I peppered him with questions. Who understands church planting in Britain? Who do I need to meet? Who would share my aspirations to see as many churches as possible planted in our country? It was there in Nigeria that I first heard the name, Ali McLachlan.
