Tuesday 6 September 2011

A year in ministry

You have already noticed from images in this letter that our theme is water, waves, ships and sailing... Well, just to be clear neither Vidas or me can sail, but I think the image of being on a big Ship with God is the best way to describe a year in ministry. Let us remind you what happened during the year of 2010-2011. 
  1. We have been set of for the ministry in September, 2010. 
  2. What is our ministry about? I am sure you know it, but....we are in Gloucester with the European Christian Mission working amongst the Polish community and other Eastern and Central Europeans, but also amongst the locals. Sharing God’s love with everyone who is thirsty...
  3. Our crew had grown after we approached St. James church, Brunswick Baptist Church and Pulawska church in Poland. Rita visited Pulawska church in April for two weeks, where she helped them with the Labyrinth outreach. But we cannot stop here, we are looking for more churches to join the crew. Please, tell your church about us!!!
  4. We hosted two Polish nights! 
  5. We had over 50 dinners! We have been blessed to meet people from various backgrounds and faiths. Sharing a meal with people that we knew or did not know was the most exciting adventure (more for Rita than Vidas). It is a good test of faith when someone says, ‘do you really believe in God? Why? Look, the world is a mess, where is your God?’ 
  6. From April, 2011 Rita began her Polish language studies. Ok, I am not brilliant, but I will get there!  
  7. We made friends with 4 Polish families. God has been taking Rita into a very strange waters and she met the most extraordinary people, who are open to hear God’s Word.
    8. We visited number of churches. Cambray Baptist church invited us to their prayer evening and we are looking forward to making friends with them. 
    9.We have enjoyed ECM retreat in May. We learnt more about God’s marvelous work across Europe and been encouraged by other ECM missionaries. 
    10. Rita preached, spoke at conferences and was invited to be one of the speakers at the World Evangelical Alliance Mission Commission consultation in November in Germany.
    11. We had visitors from Poland. Kinga is praying for her future ministry and it seems she would like to join us!!! However, this is more her will at the moment, please pray that she would receive an answer from God.
    12. We led people to the Lord. The best feeling ever!!! 
    13. We moved house, which was a true provision from God.
    14. Finally, You have joined us on the ship, helped us to raise our sails and trust in God that wherever He will take us we will have assurance of Him being the Wind, the Anchor and the Captain of the Ship. Thank you for being the best crew ever!

    The wind is strong...
    Every morning we have to raise our sails of faith and ask God for direction. By now, we know that we have enrolled into a ministry that perhaps we will not see many people joining the Ship of God.  We all would like to see people coming to God, but we should not forget that God has its own timing. What we really ought to do is not aimlessly drift with the world, or row our ship without a compass to give a direction. The results can be very disappointing: ‘Drifting will take you wherever the current of the world goes. Rowing - that is, trying to make progress by your flesh—is just as perilous, because you don’t know what the destination is or how to get there, so any rowing effort will be in vain. If you don’t let God chart your course, you can end up rowing in circles or into dangerous waters’ (Robin’s blog, www.heartofwisdom.com).  The world has drifted away from God so far that it hurts to look at it. We are the crew of God ready to take people on board and direct their paths towards the Captain.

    A year passed by and we can say that God took us through mild storms. We have seen Him in peoples lives and we were able to show people that He is the Captain of their lives. 
    Of course, we drifted away, but we got back to our compass and looked for the wind to take us back on the track. We see the land of God searching for hope and love, but we are still not able to drop the anchor for several reasons: first of all we need to raise support, secondly we need people to join us in prayer for us and with us and also be part of us not only in word, but in deed too. Come on, let God surprise you, let Him raise your sails!

       
    Financial Support!!!!!!
    When are we going to drop the anchor and start our ministry in full capacity? Our dear fellow sailors without you we are not able to reach the land! The anchor is still very high up and is not even touching waves.... Now, how much do we still need? We still short about £600! You might think is a lot, but what if you give us £10 per month? Will you help us to reach the shore for people are waiting to hear the Message?  If yes, please join us on the ship that is sailing towards the people in need of God’s Word, love, grace and without your support they will never hear the Good News. 

    Pray with us:

    There are several things that we would like you to pray for:
    1. pray for our financial support. Please, join us with little as £10 per month!
    2. pray for our new neighbours and us settling into new home.
    3. pray for Rita preparing for the November consultation, which is a quite challenge for her.
    4. pray for developing friendships with the Polish families. 
    5. pray for Rita’s attempt to learn Polish, which is very rusty.
    6. pray for Rugile. She is in Y5 and looking forward to a new adventure. Pray for her friendship with Maria, a Polish girl that they have been friends since reception. 
    7. pray for Vidas work, as he is the main supporter of this ministry and we need him to be healthy and happy. 

    Thank you very much for being part of us and taking time to read our newsletters, pray for us and encourage us. Please, do not be shy to join our crew by giving and releasing us to full time ministry.
    May God bless you!
     In the land of England (original text: Zebulum and of Naphtali), beside the sea, beyond the Severn River (the Jordan River) - in Gloucester (Galilee) where so many nations (Gentiles) live - the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light. And for those who lived in the land where the death casts its shadow, a light has shined (Matthew 4:15-16).
    for Sailing with the Rimkai family

    67 Deans Way
    Gloucester
    GL1 2QA, UK
    Mobile: Vidas 07896300189



    ECm Britain, 50 Billing Road, Northampton, NN1 5DB, www.ecmbritain.org

    Enhanced by Zemanta
    Posted by at

    No comments:

    Post a Comment

    Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)