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Grace Extends in Cumbria

Grace Extends in Cumbria

Cumbria is one of England’s most beautiful counties. Here is an update of one way in which grace is extending in this spiritually needy place.

I’ve been called to task a time or two for referring to Cumbria as one of England’s ‘dark corners.’ The term, however, much less the assessment, didn’t originate with me. Credit the Puritans and early Particular Baptists with that. I don’t make the news, as the saying goes, I simply report it.

Why would they refer to Cumbria – and other similar places – with such words? It was a region of their country ‘not yet blossoming with Gospel assemblies.’ That was enough to move them to prayer and to motivate them to take practical steps to remedy the situation.

These years later, the situation may have improved in places – Ulverston and Workington among Grace Baptist churches, come to mind – but by and large the overall assessment remains accurate.

I have correspondence in my files from people in the county who struggle to find a place where the word is preached in truth and the fellowship is warm and welcoming. I have heard – as I’m sure you have – of people in the county having to drive miles and miles to find such a church.

Beginning next month, Grace Baptist Partnership will come alongside the Grace Baptist Church in Workington to offer three training days for those in the churches who desire to be more effective in Bible study, teaching, and evangelism.
Please pray that these training days will be a means of encouraging a new generation of gospel workers to bring the light to what remains – in many respects – a dark corner.

“For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.” 2 Corinthians 4:15