LED BY THE HEART OF GOD

THIS IS WESTHOUGHTON PENTECOSTAL CHURCH,  situated on the Bolton Road, Westhoughton, Near to Bolton in Lancashire, England.   It has a congregation of approximately 200.
I first visited this Church in 1968, when on my initial way to Kenya;  a young man of 28.  AT that time it was not where it is now, and was not such a fine building;  as I remember it was rather like a big timber construction, comprising one large room and a few others adjoining it.   It  reminded me then of an old farm barn...........BUT I was received so warmly and lovingly as if I was part of their family of believers;  a home from home.

Left to Right - Margaret and Martin Speed, and Me and Esther

AND, since then,  for most of that time,  Martin and Margaret Speed have pastored the Church.    And in recent years we have been able to see then here in Kenya on brief visits for Jesus, that also took them to Uganda.    THIS year they have been able to be with us longer, and it has been so good to get to know them better and we hope it was also a blessing for then to get to know us too.  Martin is soon to retire from the Pastorate there in Westhoughton - at least he is thinking about it.
They have now left us for Uganda where Martin will also be ministering.

They brought us a Gift this time, very unexpectedly, and it was an answer to prayer.
We have not had so much cash to play with; enough, that is, to pay ALL the College and University Fees that were being waited for.    We had done well, but we still had been unable to enable three of our students to return to their College/Universities - when the Gift was put in my hands I KNEW immediately what it was for - and indeed all three have now been fully financed for this last semester of the year - and a little more to help two others.      How Wonderful God is.   Of course we have shared this with them both - and THEN discovered that these funds came through the effort of one of their sons who had taken part in a sponsored climb up Mount Kilimanjaro,  giving his part of the product to the Church to be sent to us!!!     Well some time must have elapsed between Benjamin Speed planning himself to climb a mountain, and then deciding to give his hard effort away to help us - but it arrived in time to save and encourage the faith of many  -  AND to become part of the provision of their Education, and Hope for the Future.      God IS Good - He is FULL of Goodness.

Christmas Cactus ( Schlumbergere) Origin Brazil

Esther has grown a number of these plants, all different.  Some as above and others varying shades of red, to mauve - and even some white to peachy..   Very beautiful when in flower.  But the one above has different leaves to the rest, and in searching the Web today I was unable to find one of a matching kind.     Truly colourful and when fully blossomed are a BLAZE of light and joy.
So much beauty in the world.   So much ugliness.


To conclude for today, here is a hymn I have not often heard sung, but which expresses a desire that might change the world if more of us could feel the desire it embodies and strive toward it.

I want, dear Lord, a heart that's true, and clean;

A sunlit heart, with not a cloud between.

A heart like Thine; a heart divine; 

A heart as white as snow;

On me, dear Lord, a heart like this bestow

I want, dear Lord, a love that feel for all,

a deep strong love that answers every call.

A love like Thine, a love divine,

A love for high and low,

On me, dear Lord, a love this this bestow.

I want, dear Lord, a soul on fire for Thee;

A soul baptized with heavenly energy.

A willing mind, a ready  hand

To do whate'er I know

To spread Thy light wherever I may go.

Watching SKY newscasts every few days it feels as if love for each other and our human kind, is fast being eroded, and animosity, doubt, fear, and hatred mixed only with lust more and more blinding out the true Care and Charity of GOD for everyone of us.       So easy to take sides, and be the judge, but we need to do what God is busy doing, and spend time forgiving, and for reaching out in our hearts to each other, and for all those who live on this once beautiful and unspoilt sphere amidst the stars of heaven.         We are encouraged to disparage everyone - to uncover every sin and defect, and discredit ever praiseworthy, creditable and charitable facet of each others life and personality.  Thus is our world increasingly the victim of violence, civil and national unrest, and disunity.    We find a lack of peace and hope of tranquil existence  daily thrust upon us all - young and old.   What will soon be left to live for, to hope in, or to rely upon.      Where will our son, daughters, and our grand children stand, still able to admire the beauty of the Earth and Heaven,  or believe in Humanity of Man made in the Likeness of God?   THIS is the TIME to gather in the harvest.   THIS is the time, to FORCE those lost and away in unbelieve, INTO the Kingdom - BEFORE the Day Comes and we have to answer for keeping silent, and refusing to reach out with our lives in the Name of Christ, to snach, even the loved ones in our own families, as we seek those beyond, yet still within our reach.

Esther, Daryl and I do greet you all in the Name of the King for whom we wait expectantly.   We have all been down with with colds, but now recovered from the, and facing the close of the School Term; the last of the year, and the advent of the Long Holiday.        We shall keep in touch as we may, and will be always in prayer for you all, as we know you will be also continuing to pray for us.   You letter are always welcome and we shall be always glad to reply.    God Bless and keep you SAFE in in your right minds, till He Comes.

        John,  Esther,  and Daryl