Dear Friends and Family,

Greetings and blessings! As you know I am currently in my first year studying at Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry. This has been the most amazing and life changing season of my life. Experiencing the goodness of God in all areas has brought so much transformation, and is empowering me to walk in my identity and destiny in Him. All of this has been possible because of your love and generosity.
I want to say a massive THANK YOU to every single one of you for all your prayers and financial support. You have helped to make my dream a reality!

As part of my year at Bethel every student is given the opportunity to serve on a short-term missions trip.

I was handpicked out of 120 people to be on a team of 24 to go out to Mozambique working with IRIS Ministries. It has always been one of my dreams to go out there and to be a part of the work that Heidi and Roland Baker started over 17 years ago. Since 1995 the ministry has exploded, and today over 10000 children are fed each day by Iris Ministries.
I will be going from March 15^th-March 30^th  2013, and am honoured to be a part of this team.
 
Heidi Baker says, “ Love must look like something.”

This trip is about becoming a tangible expression of the love of the Father to the people of this nation. We will bring transformation to a nation, one child at a time. We will stay at the Pemba base, home to the children rescued from the streets. We will feed, hug and hold the children, love the widows, travel to the bush, invest in local Pastors and encourage and lift up the local missionaries.

In total I need to raise $3,500 (£2200) to be a part of the mission.
I have already paid my deposit of $350.
By January 22^nd I need to have paid another $1650
By February 26^th the last $1500

I know that it is not possible for me to do this on my own. This is definitely one of those moments where I can hear God saying “Trust In Me”.

 ….see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have  enough room for it.  Mal. 3:10

I love this verse because it speaks of God’s amazing goodness,of which I have already experienced so much !!

It is this testimony of His goodness that I stand on now. Believing that anything is possible with God!

I would be so honoured and grateful if you would be willing to sow both prayerfully and financially into this trip to see the nation of Mozambique continue to be transformed for His glory. Trip donations can be made online by following the links at https://missiontrips.ibethel.org/ to donate to my mission, type in Matthew Bain
For those in Immanuel Community you can donate through Pete Taylor. (Gift Aid available)
Or you can give directly into my UK bank account:-

 M W Bain: (sortcode) 20-72-91    (a/c) 73601501    

PLEASE PRAY for:-  1. Grace, protection and health for the whole team as we travel

2. The people of Mozambique to experience God’s tangible love

3. God to do amazing things!

Abigail and Mary were helping in a Children’s Home for girls in Guduvanchery, run by the Indian Gospel Mission, from July 10th to 28th.

 Thank you so much to all those who have prayed, given and supported mum and I on our recent trip to South India. I hope you enjoy this Feedback!

SERVING   “Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give His life a ransom for many” Mt. 20:28

One of the main things mum and I learnt on our trip to India was how to serve others. It is always a challenge to really love the one in front of you and especially so when you are hot and tired and in a different climate, not always understanding what is happening or how you can help!

We were so thankful to God that when we arrived at Chennai Airport there were, with Pastor Joe, two other volunteers already working at the Children’s Home- Jenny and Claire, students from Northern Ireland.

They had been there for one and a half weeks and we were able to learn such a lot, from them, about how we could help the children with their daily routine. This made things a lot easier for us!

DAILY ROUTINE:- We joined the girls in the Church Building at 6am each morning, for early morning Prayers, a Psalm and a Chapter of Proverbs (if we managed to wake up in time!).

We then helped to wash the younger girls with jugs of water and soap, outside, by the sink in the courtyard. This meant that we got nearly as wet as them! We also helped them to dress and do their hair – applying coconut oil, combing out tangles and putting in bunches or plaits. We played hand clapping games with them during this time, and then we helped with their homework before they had breakfast.

Helping with their English schoolwork was a challenge, as the exercises in their books were not well fitted to their ages, and there were often quite difficult words to understand! We did our best and drew lots of pictures and mimed actions etc! One day one of the girls asked me to draw my favourite dress so I ended up drawing my dress for her,  soon all the girls wanted one of the drawings and I ended up spending all my time drawing for the girls. They were so happy just having a drawing of their own it struck me how grateful they were just for a drawing

After helping to serve Breakfast, usually some form of pancakes (dosas) and stew, we had our own breakfast and then helped to walk the children to school. The route was through the back streets with open sewers by the side of the path, cows being herded by us, stray dogs wandering around and many older ladies or men watching us from their doorways, with delight and interest because of our white faces!

At the end of the School Day we went to pick up the girls. The other schoolchildren were all very excited when they saw us and wanted to shake our hands and kept asking our names, as they do not see Westerners very often! We felt like Celebrities! After School was playtime before Homework, then Prayers and Bible Reading (a chapter from the Gospels) and finally Supper/Main Meal at about 8pm.

All the time we were helping with the children we were under the supervision of one of the “Aunties” (Indian ladies) who lived and worked at the Home.

The major lesson we learnt from the children is that you can be happy in life

even if you only have a few dresses and one, or both, of your parents are in Heaven with Jesus! Only occasionally did we see one of the girls looking sad. Mum writes:- “Jesus seemed to be saying “Look at these girls, they are so happy despite their circumstances, you can live this way Mary! This is why I came, that you can enjoy abundant life as my child! Learn from them, become like them, rediscover the world as a child and so enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Mt 18v3)

Highlights with the children included playing with the play parachute we gave them,  which was just the right size for the space they have in the courtyard in front of the Home; also going to the Zoo in Chennai on our last day with the girls and boys from both Children’s Homes.

CHURCH OUTREACH We had the privilege, during our last week, of being involved in the IGM Church outreach to two remote villages in the hills about 3 hours drive from Chennai. IGM have a Feeding Programme to help poor families,

and part of the Outreach was to take bags of rice and loaves of bread for needy families in the area. One afternoon was spent helping to fill, weigh, seal and pack the 3kg bags of rice, ready for the Outreach.

We four were also asked to prepare 3 Drama skits to help to show the gospel to the people. This was fun, and Mum was Jesus in all three!

The journey was very bumpy, long and tiring, with a short stop at a Leprosy Village on the way, where we prayed and gave out some of the rice. But the most amazing moment came in the evening when we set up a spotlight and screen and showed a short version of the Jesus film in the Tamil language to the 100 or so adults and children in the village. As we sat there watching the movie showing Jesus teaching the crowds in Galilee and then looked at the people sitting on the ground around us- there seemed to be very little difference! It was an amazing moment! They really enjoyed the movie- there were gasps of amazement at the miraculous catch of fish!! And when Jesus hung dying on the cross, the lady next to Mum was weeping openly! A group of about 30 people made a decision to accept Jesus and came forward for prayer from the local church pastor. It was an unforgettable moment!

A SPECIAL REST DAY On one of our Rest Days we went Sight-seeing to Mamalapurram Beach.

It was such a fun day involving seeing Hindu carvings, climbing on rocks, a monkey snatching my Fanta drink, a lovely time paddling in the Indian Ocean and culminating in a brief visit to the Boy’s Children’s Home in Pandur where we visited the grave of Jacob Williams. He was the Founder of IGM and father of Pastor Joe and brother, Pastor Jabez. He died suddenly in April of this year. Mum writes:- “There was an amazing tangible presence of the Holy Spirit at the graveside. Pastor Joe also asked me to say a few words to the boys, so I spoke about the fact that I did not have a father or mother now, like many of them -BUT we were all  brothers and sisters because we do  have a Big Daddy in heaven who loves us completely! We finished by praying the Our Father together. ”

PERSONAL GROWTH Abigail writes “ While I was in India I felt God talking to me about joy. These girls and boys had come from poor back rounds and had lost loved ones yet every morning they woke up with a smile on their face and had such energy and joy. That impacted me greatly as I thought about how I am in tough times and I felt God talking to me about the joy of the Lord being my strength and that these kids had that joy. I also felt God was talking to me about just loving on people and just spending time with people. Over my time in India I felt God giving me a real heart for these girls and felt God say just play with them, serve them, bless them and love them and He would do the rest.”

• Please pray that the lessons that Mum and I learnt in India will stay with us and be imprinted deeper on our hearts.
• Please continue to pray for IGM, the children, the Outreaches, the Feeding Programme etc. One particular need is for a larger facility- they are looking at a building but need some permission from authorities and more finance before they can proceed.

In Jesus wonderful love,

Abigail and Maryl XXX

Abigail and Mary were helping in a Children’s Home for girls in Guduvanchery, run by the Indian Gospel Mission, from July 10th to 28th.

Three super girls!!

 Thank you so much to all those who have prayed, given and supported Abigail and I on our recent trip to South India. I hope you enjoy this Feedback!

SERVING   “Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give His life a ransom for many” Mt. 20:28

One of the main things Abigail and I learnt on our trip to India was how to serve others. It is always a challenge to really love the one in front of you and especially so when you are hot and tired and in a different climate, not always understanding what is happening or how you can help!

We were so thankful to God that when we arrived at Chennai Airport there were, with Pastor Joe, two other volunteers already working at the Children’s Home- Jenny and Claire, students from Northern Ireland.

And then we were Four!

They had been there for one and a half weeks and we were able to learn such a lot, from them, about how we could help the children with their daily routine. This made things a lot easier for us!

DAILY ROUTINE:- We joined the girls in the Church Building at 6am each morning, for early morning Prayers, a Psalm and a Chapter of Proverbs (if we managed to wake up in time!).

The Bathroom!

We then helped to wash the younger girls with jugs of water and soap, outside, by the sink in the courtyard. This meant that we got nearly as wet as them! We also helped them to dress and do their hair – applying coconut oil, combing out tangles and putting in bunches or plaits. We played hand clapping games with them during this time, and then we helped with their homework before they had breakfast.

Helping with their English schoolwork was a challenge, as the exercises in their books were not well fitted to their ages, and there were often quite difficult words to understand! We did our best and drew lots of pictures and mimed actions etc! One day one of the girls asked me to draw her face, I did so and then had several others wanting me to draw them! I rediscovered an artistic gifting that had been dormant for a long time! All the time I drew, I prayed that God would help me to make them look beautiful and, thankfully, He did, and they went away pleased with their portraits!

After helping to serve Breakfast, usually some form of pancakes (dosas) and stew, we had our own breakfast and then helped to walk the children to school. The route was through the back streets with open sewers by the side of the path, cows being herded by us, stray dogs wandering around and many older ladies or men watching us from their doorways, with delight and interest because of our white faces!

Coming Home from school

At the end of the School Day we went to pick up the girls. The other schoolchildren were all very excited when they saw us and wanted to shake our hands and kept asking our names, as they do not see Westerners very often! We felt like Celebrities! After School was playtime before Homework, then Prayers and Bible Reading (a chapter from the Gospels) and finally Supper/Main Meal at about 8pm.

All the time we were helping with the children we were under the supervision of one of the “Aunties” (Indian ladies) who lived and worked at the Home.

The major lesson we learnt from the children is that you can be happy in life

Sooooo Happy!!

even if you only have a few dresses and one, or both, of your parents are in Heaven with Jesus! Only occasionally would you see one of the girls looking sad. Jesus seemed to be saying “Look at these girls, they are so happy despite their circumstances, you can live this way Mary! This is why I came, that you can enjoy abundant life as my child! Learn from them, become like them, rediscover the world as a child and so enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Mt 18v3)

Highlights with the children included playing with the play parachute we gave them,  which was just the right size for the space they have in the courtyard in front of the Home; also going to the Zoo in Chennai on our last day with the girls and boys from both Children’s Homes.

CHURCH OUTREACH We had the privilege, during our last week, of being involved in the IGM Church outreach to two remote villages in the hills about 3 hours drive from Chennai. IGM have a Feeding Programme to help poor families,

Abigail packing bags of rice

and part of the Outreach was to take bags of rice and loaves of bread for needy families in the area. One afternoon was spent helping to fill, weigh, seal and pack the 3kg bags of rice, ready for the Outreach.

We four were also asked to prepare 3 Drama skits to help to show the gospel to the people. This was fun, and I got to play Jesus in all three!

The journey was very bumpy, long and tiring, with a short stop at a Leprosy Village on the way, where we prayed and gave out some of the rice. But the most amazing moment came in the evening when we set up a spotlight and screen and showed a short version of the Jesus film in the Tamil language to the 100 or so adults and children in the village. As I sat there watching the movie showing Jesus teaching the crowds in Galilee and then looked at the people sitting on the ground around me- there seemed to be very little difference! It was an amazing moment! They really enjoyed the movie- there were gasps of amazement at the miraculous catch of fish!! And when Jesus hung dying on the cross, the lady next to me was weeping openly! A group of about 30 people made a decision to accept Jesus and came forward for prayer from the local church pastor. It was an unforgettable moment!

A SPECIAL REST DAY On one of our Rest Days we went Sight-seeing to Mamalapurram Beach.

Look at the cheeky monkey!

It was such a fun day involving seeing Hindu carvings, climbing on rocks, a monkey snatching Abigail’s Fanta drink, a lovely time paddling in the Indian Ocean and culminating in a brief visit to the Boy’s Children’s Home in Pandur where we visited the grave of Jacob Williams. He was the Founder of IGM and father of Pastor Joe and brother, Pastor Jabez. He died suddenly in April of this year. There was an amazing tangible presence of the Holy Spirit at the graveside. I was so moved that, when I asked if I could pray, I felt almost as if this man had been my father and I genuinely felt a longing to meet him in heaven! Pastor Joe also asked me to say a few words to the boys, so I spoke about the fact that I did not have a father or mother now, like many of them -BUT we were all  brothers and sisters because we do  have a Big Daddy in heaven who loves us completely! We finished by praying the Our Father together.

PERSONAL GROWTH Some of my time in India I struggled with accepting myself and with feelings of fear and inadequacy. God reminded me of this scripture;- Mt 5 v 16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” A while ago God gave me a picture, where I was hiding behind His back peeping out, but I so wanted to see His face that I came out of hiding and when I did, He held me up high so everyone around could see me and He laughed and laughed with joy!!! Father showed me that in order to shine, I cannot hide myself! I have to be willing to let my life be on display. John Wesley said “Catch on fire and others will love to come watch you burn.”

• Please pray that the lessons that Abigail and I learnt in India will stay with us and be imprinted deeper on our hearts.
• Please continue to pray for IGM, the children, the Outreaches, the Feeding Programme etc. One particular need is for a larger facility- they are looking at a building but need some permission from authorities and more finance before they can proceed.

In Jesus wonderful love,

Mary and Abigail XXX

Team Photo in front of Fountains, Tirana

Bob and Mary, together with a friend Frances, have just returned from a Welcome Network mission trip to Albania.

We spent 10 days in Albania being based in Fushe-Kruje, but also visiting and ministering in other towns and villages.

Our main contact was a tall Norwegian called Dag who has been living and preaching the gospel in Albania for over 12 years.

Most of our time was spent with Dag and the members of his church “Bashkesia e Jezusit” in Fushe- Kruje.

On three days we were given the privilege of also teaching English in a small Language school run by a Christian called Berti in the nearby town of Kruje. We used material we had developed for our previous mission to Tahiti, focusing on Vision and using Life , Character and Friendship Topics to explore something about the nature of God and His plan for our lives. We taught small groups of 4 to 11 pupils ranging in age from 7yrs to late twenties, at Elementary, Pre -Intermediate and Upper Intermediate levels.

Bob with Upper Intermediate Students

Kruje is a towm where the majority of people are of a Muslim background. It was exciting to relate with the children and young people in the language school, and at the end of our time we all felt that we had got to know them and had been able to share something of the love of Jesus as well as praying with each group when we said Goodbye.

In prayer for Albania, before we arrived, Bob had a vision of a large Fountain-( in fact the Emperor’s Fountain at Chatsworth House, Derbyshire!!) There was a flow of water coming straight down some wide steps into the fountain, and then the water was shooting upwards into the sky to a very great height. This was an encouragement to the believers that there would be a greater capacity and flow of God’s Presence in us and through us expressing hope,  forgiveness and healing.

Prophetic paintings

Children painting Prophetic pictures

Bob and Mary both felt they had come with a “Fathering” anointing- we enjoyed meeting so many young mums with their babies!! We led a Marriage and Parenting Seminar on Sunday evening, and contributed both Saturdays in the Children’s Bible Club. We were also able to minister and pray for several couples and families over the week. We were all privileged to pray for and receive prophetic words for individuals during our time, and received back in abundance in the loving care and spiritual input from the co-workers in Bashkesia e Jezusit.

Dhurata, her mother Junia and special baby Amelia

We visited several homes in Ferras, a country village area where Frances, Mary and Bob were all able to give specific words and prophetic gifts to the families. It was a very special time with the highlight of hearing Fatmir’s amazing testimony of how he changed from a very violent man who wanted to kill Christians to the strong caring Christian leader he is today.

Generally we felt that God had used usin a small way  to minister acceptance and love to a nation that has experienced a lot of rejection, poverty and abuse. We particularly felt that the Albanian women were all in need of really knowing the Father’s Love and a lot of hugs!!!

Lots of hugs!!!!!

Please pray for Albania- for the families, the marriages, for employment for the many out of work, for the Love of the Father to reach many and for righteousness in the government.

asia worship

Please pray for

• The success of the trip in furthering God’s purposes
• Good relationships with local believers – we keep peaceful, flexible and enjoy the food.
• My health and that of the pastor friend going with me.
• Accommodation needs – some nights not covered yet
• The remaining finance needs –  £800 is still needed to cover the trip. Please consider giving a gift towards helping these hidden believers get this leadership training.
• Mary and the family while I am away – an encouraging text or call to them would be great

Just to say on another note that we have had some great meetings with non-Christians on one of the London campuses (UEL) just before the end of term and will be taking a number to events over Easter.  We are hoping for similar success at Royal Holloway – please pray for greater opportunities to connect there.

Much love in the mighty and amazing name of Jesus our personal friend

Bob  x

Gifts designated Asia trip paid directly to the Welcome Network account, HSBC bank, sortcode 40-16-11, account number is 22141965, or cheques payable to Welcome Network at the above address.

Emma and Mary enjoying Nepal!

Mary spent two weeks in Nepal from October22nd to November 5th. It was a busy time and quite strenuous but at the same time really amazing!!!

She was part of a small team led by Colin Barnes, a leader at River Church, Maidenhead. It was the first time Mary had been to anywhere so remote and also the longest time she had been away from the family ever!! Here are some of her reflections on the trip:-

Kathmandu is incredibly noisy!!! There are horns beeping, crowds of people, narrow streets, loads of dust and rubbish lying around, little shops with corrugated iron shutters selling all sorts of things; fruit and vegetables, sweets and coca cola, metal idols, spare tyres, bamboo furniture, colourful saris, wonderful paintings etc.  You can meet beggars in the more touristy areas. There are loads of Hindu shrines and temples, some very elaborate, others just a stone on the road that someone has picked out as being special and has dabbed with red dye and sprinkled with flowers and rice as an offering. You can see ladies carrying plates covered with a cloth, which are gifts that they are taking to place on the shrines.(usually in the morning or evening). Stray dogs are everywhere (over 200,000 in the city alone) and usually look very thin and undernourished. They often cower away when you walk past as they are used to having stones thrown at them.

In the morning you see lots of school children in their uniforms all looking very smart! School runs from 10am to 4pm approx.  They are given a cooked meal at lunch-time. Motorbikes are everywhere as it is the quickest way to travel in the narrow streets. Even the taxis are so small you have to really squeeze to fit three people on the back seat!! You have to be alert all the time you are walking along the streets to allow the motorbikes to pass, and to avoid the dogs and bumping into other people!!! The main road is still being built and very wide in comparison to the other streets. However there do not appear to be any traffic rules and no proper pedestrian crossings so it is extremely chaotic and also so dusty you have to have windows nearly closed and hold a cloth over your nose!!

Despite all this the Nepalese people are absolutely charming! They are so hospitable , caring and friendly. We were looked after like kings at the Christian Guest House with Milan and Shusma and their wonderful team.

We ministered in Jiri (in the foothills of the Himalayas), and in the small village of Toolapatel as well as in Kathmandu. The main event was the Women’s Conference in Jiri where there were about 100 ladies of all ages. Each member of the team brought some teaching on the overall theme of”" Our identity in Christ”.  My topic was on our Value as women, and I used the story of the woman who broke the jar of perfume over Jesus’ feet. Over the two days we were able to encourage the women in their personal relationship with God as their Father, in their value and importance in leadership in the church and to step out, filled with the Holy Spirit, in their giftings, particularly in Prophecy.

We prayed individually for every lady and many were healed(over 60 put up their hands) and filled with the Spirit, several falling to the floor and speaking in tongues!! It was an amazing time! One small girl (two years old) had been in a coma for days and would not open her eyes. We prayed for her on the first day of the conference, Colin had a picture of something bound tightly around her head, and we rebuked the Enemy.The next day she was perfectly well, awake and smiling!!! We found out that her name means “Glory”!!

Other highlights included ministering to the Students at the River of Life Bible Training Centre, where Rob, Emma and myself were able to give out prophetic personal words of encouragement to each student, as well as showing and leading them in small groups to begin to reach out for words for one another. It was a very encouraging time. Please continue to pray for these future Church Pastors and Evangelists.

Personally I was challenged in my relationship with God as Father and in growing in grace and love for the people around me. The Nepalese people show great warmth and care for one another. I enjoyed my time with them as well as appreciating the truly majestic awe inspiring scenery around the Himalayas!!!

Milan and Shusma Adhiari and daughter Amisu -Leaders in Aanandit Church

On October 22nd (unfortunately Bob’s Birthday!), Mary will be travelling to Nepal to go on mission for two weeks with 6 others from River Church in West London.

Nepal is a small, but beautiful country between India and Tibet. The people are of many different tribes, and mainly Hindu in belief although where we are going, in the North, Buddhism is a significant influence.

We will be visiting Aanandit Church, which has several congregations in Kathmandu, the Capital. Three of us will be speaking at their main meeting on Saturday(including Mary). We will also be involved in ministry to the Youth in the afternoon.

Later in the  week we will all be teaching at a major Women’s Cnference in Jiri ( 7 hours bus ride from Kathmandu).Mary will be teaching on the Value and significance of Women, also sharing about God’s desire for Intimacy with each one of us. Our desire is to see women released into the full potential of all that God has for them. We will endeavour to pray for each person present (upwards of 300!!), so we will need much prayer support!!

We will also be encouraging and teaching at The River of Life Bible Training Centre, and visiting an Orphanage.

Please consider supporting us in prayer as there is a lot of fear and oppression from evil spirits. Also if you can give towards the cost of the mission and particularly to meet the large costs of the Conference that would be amazing!!

We are hoping to bring a gift of £1000 between us.

You can give using the Paypal link or directly into the Welcome Network Bank Account.(See the Giving section of the web-site) Please mark “For Nepal”.

Mary is very excited about this trip as she received a word about God sending her to the Himalayas last year! She feels that everything that has been going on in her own life has been a preparation to bring a message of hope to the women of Nepal.

“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news….” Isaiah 52:7

Some of the Big Year Missions team

During this year Bob and Mary have been part of a leadership training course called The Big Year based at River Church, Maidenhead in the UK. The Big Year team went on mission in May 2009 to Albania to bring encouragement and prophetic ministry, most of all to serve God’s people in what is happening in this small nation by the Adriatic Sea.

The mission was a great opportunity to reach out with God’s love and healing power.  Some examples involving us personally included praying for a pastor in Tirana  (long standing stomach sickness) and an elderly man in Durres (tonitis). Both conditions went immediately. Youth With a Mission were having a special conference bringing together current and former workers and we were able as a team to provide some seminars and also practical help.

Mary enjoyed being part of a moving drama which we put on in several locations including a prison high up on the hills above Krujes. Our thanks to Diana Chapman, John Richards and Vicky Earll who shouldered most of the organisational responsibility for the mission on this occasion.

Welcome Network are considering an Engish language mission offering the Vision course in Kruje next Summer.  If you would like to be a part of this let us know.

The Albanian pastor with his family who was healed of a longstanding stomach illness

Bob and Mary with the man healed of Tonitis and his family

Flag of French Polynesia

This was our first mission trip with Welcome Network.  We used material we had got to together called the Vision course which offered English language learning at three levels while exploring important life themes such as our vision and being world changers. Edualdo and Aline Cicero from Vision of the Harvest organised school bases for us on two of the thousands of scattered islands of French Polynesia – Tahiti and Moorea.   It was a great opportunity to pioneer the course material and relate with local islanders. It also inspired us, as a team, to build bridges with people from other cultures back in our home locations. 

 

Papeete – basket of water