| Date
| Message
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| 06/09/2010
| Please be thinking and praying about who you might invite on the course, beginning with a Welcome Supper on Wednesday 22nd Sept. Invites are available at back of church today. A Church Team is beginning to form to run the 10 week course. We urgently need to find more team members to help with the set up, serving, food preparation and wash up (at about 8pm) If you are interested in helping in this valuable ministry, please contact Sylvia Yelland on 01372 807096, email: sylvie.yelland@ntlworld.com
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| 04/09/2008
| Message from Lynn Papworth
Dear All,
While we were in Kisumu, someone mentioned to Margaret that I was involved in the school uniform shop and may be able to get some boys trousers and shirts for the girls and the boys. Margaret had remembered this and had said in an email that she could carry a bag of uniforms/clothes back to Kenya on her flight. I have been able to collect only a few suitable second hand and discontinued stock in the short time between arriving home and Margaret’s visit, so I wondered if anyone else may have a few clothes items for school or everyday wear to go back to Kenya for the orphans. I am happy to collect them together and pack them. Please drop anything off at 40 Knoll Rd, you can leave bags in the porch if nobody is in.
With thanks
Lynn
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| 11/08/2008
| Message From Amanda 15/08/08 @ 16:07 GMT
This is an overdue final update as i was able to write it and send as an email from dares salaam. . however it didn't get through. . So briefly. .our last three days were spent seeing the equator which, thanks to our very own richard attenborough a k a jonathan papworth using two sawn off water bottles, some water from the southern hemisphere and a blade of grass from the northern hemisphere, were established is's location to be 2 metres from the large and imposing sign. All to do with which way the water swirls as you pour it into a container. We saw ancient rocks and act caves. Ate by the lake and had a more relaxed hour of farewell speeches over dinner and an exchange of gifts. Whilst most of the team travelled to nairobi i went with joshua to see the site where the IDP's were sheltered and based for. It was quiet and still as joshua explained more detail than i had known and then it was very still as we stood. I with my renewed thoughts- he with his memories. Later joshua came with the 9 of us who had to wait for the evening flight and we met up with the rest of the group who had experienced difficulties in transport food and busy markets. Not a good day for them. It was emily's birthday so we ended it with a party and an amazing chocolate cake in the shape of an African hut.our last day was spent with alot of fun in the game park with beautiful giraffe zebra antelope buffalo etc with Nick and jack there we could identify all the varieties we saw. We stopped to climb onto tree platforms to feed giraffe at a sanctuary. Really gorgeous to be kissed by them. Then a lovely relaxing lunch on lawns by a lake at the crocodile farm. We were glad this had turned into a good final day. Back at the hotel we read the last two chapters of the Dawn Treader . So poignent to read ASLAN's words to the children as he explains that in returning to their own country from his they will still meet him there. He says to them that 'YOU HAVE KNOWN ME A LIME A LITTLE HERE (in narnia.)SO YOU CAN KNOW ME BETTER THERE.'(England) what wisdom to help us return home. as we went to have our last meal together Kirsten Papworth turned up from Malawi and Tanzania on holiday in kenya and came to find her parents. Time for all to be reunited. Please pray for this wonderful team of people who must be exhausted after the huge commitment of love energy and skills and gifts they have given. The team work has been amazing. Pray for re entry. I am with friends in Tanzania where i relished the sound of a washing machine, soft towels, the swell of Persil, a soft bed. But i have got used to this in the space of 24 hours. So pray we won't forget and that the whole church family will be brought together to pursue this link. Thank you for reading and praying each day. GOD BLESS YOU. With love and thanks Amanda x
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| 11/08/2008
| Message From Kenya Team 11/08/08 @ 06:07 GMT
Sunday: we went off in groups of Four to different churches where the theme was either harvest or stewardship. Sue Anna Tim and Jack took part in the traditional auction of chickens that had been brought as harvest offerings. They won the bidding and gave their chicken to Moses who was there. Ed and Mel were given a chicken which they also passed on explaining they couldn't bring it back to Uk! All nine groups came good full of bubbling stories having good out with much anxiety or reserve. Jane and the Papworths arrived to find they were expected to take an hours youth service! JONATHAN PULLED OUT ALL THE STOPS And used the material we had used on the prodigal son. Ed spoke on faith and their team sang go peaceful . Pat David and Felicity gave testimonies at their church. Pat was due to preach but someone else had been invited to speak so she graciously stepped back. The Simon's were with the lovely arch deacon whose ministry has inspired me towards integration. Fiona spoke and then sang and shared. The Camps and Neebs shared in thier church what they had learnt and done here. Sue spoke in their church and the pastor said what she said ministered to him. Emily T spoke in our church and many came and said how much they liked what she said. Ant gave an excellent testimony. And both Emily's sang Faithful One . Sarah spoke on her family team and every one shared and sang. They had a good time. Greg Val Charlotte and Mile shared what they had been doing in a church like the Beasleys which was an hours drive and very rural. We all had good lunches and came back to mull it over swim and then debriefed in our teams with joshua and margaret. Who both were clear about the good impact and for the youth particularly the long term effects of these ministries. Please pray that the new found confidence of many on the team is applied and worked out in the home and Worship place in the months ahead. Today we do a bit of sight seeing. The bishop and other diocesan staff come with us. Pray this is a good day. And we leave Kisumu tomorrow with joy. Love amanda
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| 12/08/2008
| Message From Kenya Team 12/08/08 @ 07:23 GMT
From Jonathan Papworth in Kenya
This email comes from Faith, who was at the youth alpha conference, and was in the small group that Pat and I led.
Praise God Jonathan!
Am very happy this afternoon to pass my greetings in the name of God The father son and the holyspirit that i was really blessed with your teachings and now I face life differently compared to my angle of view and have realized that the lord loves me.I have been a born again christan for 6 years. And now proved the graces of God that is sufficient in me. I wish you were here for the next one month studying the word of God. Pray for me as am trusting God for strength and wisdom to start my business management course in October.
May the almighty God bless you and your family abundantly.
Thank you.
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| 10/08/2008
| Message From Kenya Team 10/08/08 @ 02:29 GMT
We have had our last day now with the Orphanage and the Youth conference. We were able to run the mini olympics at the orphanage and gave every bike a medal at the end. It was a good ending with real sadness at leaving these lovely children. They have brought such joy to us . MARGARET said in her speech that she has not seen them smile as much as she did during this part week. We met to pray in our small groups and in at least one of them we laid hands on each child and prayed for them. Please pray for the children as they return to their homes in their tribes and with relatives for the next months vacation time. Our Rally with the youth began with few so we started later than expected. However the numbers swelled during the morning. We explained Alpha and why we were there using personal accounts and testimonies from the team and the youth. We had a fab dance demonstration. Then we summarised the weeks teaching by using four of the 9 dramas we had done over the week. David gave A really helpful testimony of how he became a Christian. On Friday we had asked every one to think of one friend they may invite to Alpha when it is run in their church then they prayed for the person. One of the guys found Anna at the rally and introduced her to the friend they had prayed for the previous day! He had asked her to come and see and hear what we had done. We had some long speeches and presentations after lunch and then made our farewells. We all experienced real sadness saying good bye to our friends from our small groups. Our finale was to play a 5 aside football match against the youth. Jack Nick Ant David and Tim did a great job but lost on a penalty shoot out in true England style. It was a long day for us but was what the Kenyans wanted. I heard from a gentle And thoughtful young man that they really enjoyed our teaching style and use of drama. We have services to attend today sunday and i am very aware of how tired the team are. Please do pray for us all. A x
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| 09/08/2008
| Message From Kenya Team 09/08/08 @ 02:07 GMT
Friday: the orphanage team had a free morning as the children were cleaning and preparing to go home to tribes and relatives. Sarah Mel and Sheila came to youth conference. Everyone else had a much needed lie in. We had our last two sessions with them went so well. Good clear and well paced teaching by Pat Sue Jack and drama team. And good games and activities. Sensed God's word and authority as we all delivered. Small groups have drawn out the youth need to use their gifts in the church. We prayed with Lydia whose mother has thrown her out of the house . She is early twenty's and lives in a room and is very sad. Joshua out of his very meagre and erratic income paid some of her rent for her last month. And for Grace who cooks for us. .one of a cooking team of seven. She has witnessed and experienced her house burning around her in the violence earlier this year.she and her husband escaped because the bishop's car was nearby and bishop threw some coins in their attackers Faces. They escaped but she has witnessed much horror and suffered trauma as a result. Ed prayed with her. Everyone came for prayer at the end of the morning as we asked the holy spirit to fill us. Anna M played her flute beautifully as we prayed. . We have sung And been asked to sing paul Field's beautiful song 'go Peaceful' many times as a blessing over people. The words are so apt. The Spirit came in fullness and in peace.
'Go peaceful, in gentleness. Through the violence of these days. Give freely, show tenderness in all your ways.
God speed you, God lead you and keep you wrapped around his heart. May you be known by love'
We went off with the youth to the celebration day for widows in the sports ground. Margaret was running it. Widow group like the Mother's union from all around had gathered to sell their crafts and to celebrate. They danced and sang and won awards. You'll be pleased to know that Val Sue and I were each awarded a certificate for being moral economic and social leaders. We had a fashion show. Dysen Abi and Max stole the show but jane was am amazing model and Paul simon:) words fail me. You'll have to see the video. It was moving to see the joy this event brought them. Our youth which included sue and me took the bike taxis back to the hotel. Great fun. We drank tea by the pool and chatted over the day as the men and youth swam and dive bombed each other. Fiona and i mapped out what to speak on at the rally tomorrow. The team has become closer. .and is amazingly gifted. We are learning so much. Our small groups each evening are now going really well. I love mine. We eat a lot of chocolate. To hear for example Pat and Dysen sharing similar experiences across the generations is heart warming. My high light today? Watching and hearing Charlotte give testimony to God's miraculous work in Ben's life. BEN IF YOU ARE READING THIS THE IMPACT OF YOUR TESTIMONY WAS felt here in kenya. But the fav part of each day is sitting down to read any who want a bed time story. We have good from thee to nine rolling up as we ride the waves with Lucy Edmund Eustace in the Dawn Treader. We are at chapter nine. Pray for the last day at orphanage and with youth. There will be tears. We are tired but so glad we came. Sing Go Peaceful with us this week end. Love amanda x
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| 08/08/2008
| Message From Kenya Team 08/08/08 @ 03:21
THURSDAY: AT the orphanage today the sun shone and the children whose trust in us has grown did a very mini mini olympic of three legged races .we had planned much more but the afternoon session had been cancelled as the children needed to go back to school to receive their reports and end of year awards. So they were looking all morning for the time to go. They don't have watches so seemed not to realise when the afternoon began. They were worried they would miss it. They loved to dress in their uniforms and they have one big bag of shoes from which they extract a pair which will fit them. One young girl couldn't find a pair that fitted her so wore some that were far too big as they were the only pair left. Emily T did drama and short talk on the lost sheep. And the wonderful result of prayer love and time is that baby Kevin smiled for the very first time today! Thank God for all our younger team members working with the children. They are going to miss the work very much. The orphanard team spent the afternoon and alpha site. We had a great morning. SAT AND jonathan spoke with great clarity as did Paul and Nick. Lots of variety in the talks that held attention. All but one small group has really developed well. In mine we had blake to lay hands and pray for facinter to receive from God. When they laid hands on of they kept stroking my hair as it feels so different. Pray today that all the groups open up and talk. Interesting to see how excited youth and children get to see themselves on digi camera. They do not have mirrors and recognise themselves by their clothes. They do not recognise their own faces. Pray they will know deeply that God knows them individually. Pray for their gifts to be recognised and used in the church. Last workshops and they went well. Jack who was still under the weather came back to watch the last of his sports workshop. IT did a great presentation by youth Some of Whom had never opened a computer before and after four sessions had made a slide-video sequence. Emily led another vibrantly rhythmic dance session and are making wound up a very successful four days. .pray for those who will take this on and use it to earn a living. Pray today for the Spirit to bless all of us with the fruit and gifts he has set this time aside for. PRAY FOR SUE'S BACK AND MY COLD AND FOR GOOD FUN AND abundant laughter. Jack and me. . PAT AND sue are speaking this a.m we are all going with the youth to the craft fair this afternoon. Thursday eve we all set off for Lake Victoria 10 minutes away to watch a cloudy sun set. .and we saw three hippos close by the shore in the water .every one very excited. Plenty of photos with a grey dot in the middle. . Was it really the loch ness monster?! With love amanda x
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| 07/08/2008
| Message From Kenya Team 07/08/08 @ 04:41
As the time unfolds here we have built up trust quickly with the orphanage children as we meet in small groups to pray together. They are usually told what to pray for but this week we have encouraged them to choose what to pray about. Sheila and Felicity talked about the Good Samaritan . The older children love the puppets the younger ones are still a bit weary. Images from today: Jane skipping Jonny skipping with even more energy. Sheila teaching little Stacey to meow like a cat. Football in the neighbour's garden.the perfection with which the children and teens colour pictures. The laughter of games . The shock and tears when one little one whose parents have died and told us she had lost her sister. Emily will be speaking and covering the story of the lost sheep. We pray the children will know Jesus is always looking for them.pray our prayers with them are effective. Especially for 15 month old Kevin who was abandoned in the violence. He hasn't spoken and responds very little The Youth Conference. Our small groups show youth at very different stages of spiritual growth. Many of them ask to talk and want pray for their difficult situations. They know they need to ask God. Their is a barrier that is hard. We encountered it in the prayer time asking the Holy Spirit to fill them. It is exactly the same as last time I was here. A mistrust of what God will do. Liz and Lucy from the Alpha office in Nairobi were with us and although around 15 or so youth came forward for prayer for filling we realised the need for soaking prayer and more intercession. One guy i spent a long time with was clearly opening up to the Spirit and being filled he needed time. Liz felt the same. We will be making time to pray over the next two days.the small groups are a great success and so are the workshops. Pray for our strength to be sustained.the whole team is jelling so well. One of team received gift of tongues as we prayed for the spirit to come at Alpha. Others are finding the Lord touching and dealing with their own issues. The team are challenged by having much wealth in the face of people here having so little. Our own small groups in the evening are a very good place to pray and talk their things through. Having a wide range in the groups is a blessing as we find we all struggle with the same issues. The love and trust that is built up is strong here. In my group we now have hot chocolate each evening and cookies and dried fruit organised by Emily and Abi. Each evening i read a chapter of the Dawn Treader to a bunch of teens. I have learnt alot about ships and navigation i had not realised i had missed! Pray now that the ground will be softened for the children and youth to receive the fullness of God's blessing today. We NEED your prayers to do the battle. Joshua is very tired. PRAY for him. Love amanda x x
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| 06/08/2008
| Message From Kenya Team 06/08/08 @ 02:41
So i need several hours to recount today. Let me instead paint a couple of pictures. Children at the orphanage who have nothing bringing plate loads of vegetables and lentils to each team member to eat. And in their small groups praying for other orphans who have nothing. Little ones experiencing hugs from our young teens and loving the contact. Our young teens coming back each day to the hotel getting into the pool and being amazed and concerned at what they are experiencing and yet still enjoying the laughter and antics of each other as they dive bomb and race and shout. Scene two at youth alpha. Liz Odera Kenya's Alpha co-ordinator, flew in from nairobi to be with us for two days . A great asset as she arrived in time to judge the best wrapped in loo roll Mummy competition. After two good sessions and lunch workshops began. I was in case making to see one and women in their 20's making the most exquisite designs using dried flowers from Dorking's gardens. .as i walked across to the other workshops there was loud laughter coming from dance. THERE WAS emily Goel with 24 youth aged 20-28 teaching them moves which they loved and did so well. AT THE SAME TIME i could hear worship songs from home sung beautifully from the church . Nick and Ant's- stand- in Jack-both 19 . .Ant was not well. .were teaching a very gifted came and had been very worried about it. I got to the door To see the came and Nick AND Jack and Fiona leading worship With actions. . 'god.sLOVE IS DEEPER THAN THE DEEPEST OCEAN. . AND their congregation was 400 children who had just turned up expecting a service. God was present as they sang. The guys stopped and all we could hear were there masses of voices picking up the song. It was an extraordinary moment. Nick was dazed at the end and said what had happened in that work shop was far more than he could ever have imagined or asked for. We are seeing some of the youth open up more and more. We need your prayers so much for our amazing team and for the youth many of whom have not had small group discussions before. Many of whom have not experienced God. We are teaching on the Holy Spirit. and ministering at the end of the day. Pray for the orphanage children to also enjoy the freedom to pray and talk about God. Last night we have Carlton and Sarah a surprise dinner for two to celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary except we were all there with them! We had fun. We are jelling as a church family here.thank you for being with us in prayer.
Love AMAMDA
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| 05/08/2008
| Message From Kenya Team 05/08/08 @ 03:15
We have had a very good day indeed although sadly Heather and Mel were unwell and it was best they remained asleep. Mel is much better and H. Is improving. Almost every one made it to morning prayer and we used the verses some of our prayer partners had sent' Isaiah 35:1-4 Is 55:1-2 PHIL 4:4-9. So encouraging to receive words like this. Holiday club team enjoyed being able to begin the task. Started at Margaret's empowerment centre for young girls to learn crafts. They all had morning devotions there. The drive to orphanage was bumpy in the jeep but that made it more exciting. Pippa led the theme-creation and the children loved their finger puppets. Games was in the garden of an older woman who had given land to Margaret for the orphanage. The morning was 4 hours long and needs to be broken up more on tuesday. The youth conference was great. BISHOP came and spoke for longer than I had realised he would . .so Charlotte's peg game really broke the ice before they settled down to Talk by amanda and charlotte. The hilarious sketch on the prodigal went well. Kimberly spoke on Jesus next with Ant and in between the small groups for most were really good. There are about 65 who have arrived so far so groups of 6 or 7. They talked about their families. Very few have both parents still. Some have polygymous fathers. They are aged 15-31. And are mostly christians.knew bible well but need encouragement in applying the word. Their answer to one of the questions. . what question would you ask Jesus. . is 'why am I so poor?'i was so moved to see our team really engaging with there youth sitting together under African trees in their shade from the warm sun. And them seeing the workshops being so well run in the afternoon. Sally's card making was well attended Pat could see who was going to make a living out of this. IT course had more takers than planned for and a wide range of ability so jonathan took a few off for an advanced lesson. Drama was excellent with Paul . Sport was dirty and dusty and great. For some reason jack nick and ant did not find it too onerous to play football for an hour! Greg and the fence team got nearly a third of it done. NICK and emily led us in beautiful prayerful worship at the end. What gifts they have. Got back to find excited holiday club team members in the pool. The lads joined them as other little groups of team mendcess gathered for planning time with their sodas. Pray for all small groups to develop well and pray for finnoa Nick and Jack as they speak about jesus and pray. Psalm 84:5-7. Came for today from a prayer partner. Bless you a x
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| 01/08/2008
| Message From Kenya Team 03/08/08 @ 20:48
Sunday: some of us were up at 4.45 to get ready for the day ahead. 8 of us made it at various points to meet to pray at 6 am before breakfast and left for cathedral at 6.45 where 29 of us joined a packed youth service. We joined in with the youth choir we had rehearsed with yesterday . . A truly wonderful experience. Then we sang three songs. . And Dysen Sue Ed Jonny gave testimonies brilliantly. Sarah spoke bout the holiday club and Max spoke about youth alpha. After a sermon i have the two Emily's and Pippa harmonised 'light of the world 'so powerfully that the worship leaders of the cathedral were touched. There was a beautiful stillmess as they did this. Later they said how they knew God was empowering their voices and they knew they were simply praying in song and that God was the one ministering to those listening. The service ran on by an hour And there was little time before the next. We shared less extensively at the next. A lot of hymns and music presentations from different Youth choirs the provost led. He is a gentle soul i met four years ago and i was sorry that he was not preaching. All in all we sat in church from 07.00-13.00 as the heat increased. We were equally warmly greeted at the end outside. We all stood in line to shake hands with the whole congregation. Lunch with local people was very good and we all had different experiences from riding the local bus to taking taxi bikes or going by foot. Some of us were served food by the family and left to eat it. . This is common esp with poorer families. There are many tales to tell. Pat Emily and i saw the bishop's dvd of the troubles last january. It was harrowing .much of the damage is now repaired, there is more to do. We all feel tired after a long morning. But enjoyed many aspects and had time to share with one another as we ate outside by the pool this eve. Our small groups are proving a good place to reflect and pray. Pray for strength, unity and release of God's power as we begin tomorrow.Ax
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| 01/08/2008
| Message From Kenya Team 02/08/08 @ 21:21
We have had a very good day. . Although some of us are a bit under the weather. The team found visiting the orphanage very moving. . To see that the children have nothing other than one bag of clothes and possessions. We have brought so much with them that that team are now deciding how to distribute it all sensitively. The children sang and prayed for us. We spent a couple of hours at the agricultural show which was excellent and have a clear insight into the rural economy. The other Joshua the diocesan secretary took us round and i was impressed the diocese are helping families make a living from sellling goats milk by cross breeding families poor goats with a pedigree one so eventually producing quality milk. We had BBQ lunch by the pool and lots went for a dip. Hope to bring the children to the pool in the week. Choir practice was fab. Am amazing guy who led us and got us all to sing in harmonies in Swahili. We all loved it. Supper was an hour earlier So evening meetings worked much better. . Had team meetings . . We have been allocated huge room to use so holiday club could spread out all their stuff. Supper was good and i enjoyed a short time of sharing with the small group leaders as emily T and Pippa set up the other end of the soon for a partice of Might Prayer. This was the highlight for us seeing the younger teens lead in worship. EMILY WROTE AND LED THE SERVICE. Max and nick played. . Emily gAbi and Dysen sang and Pippa lead us in confession. So good to see their confidence growing. Three of them have offered to sing tomorrow am and they are beautiful. We had good small group time. Lots of differences to take in. Pray for those who feel their faith is weak to be made stronger. Pray for Joshua and margaret as they are very busy with us.prayer for god's plans to be fulfilled. Up at 5.15 am as am at early service at 7 am to preach. Most of the team are coming which is great. WE go to lunch with local families. Love a x x
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| 01/08/2008
| Message From Kenya Team 01/08/08 @ 20:47
Day one 's workshops. A blessing. Saw round cathedral compound and prayed for by one of the clergy. Came back to hotel for greetings by the bishop. He spoke movingly of how Kisumu means a place of joy. . And of having your fill. This so matched what we said at church of going with empty hands so we can receive from the people of Kisumu. Every one is so so tired but i think in very good spirits. There is a great rapport with our Kisumu friends and great comraderie on the team. Pray for good adjustment and good use of our preparation time. . .bless you. Amanda x
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| 01/08/2008
| Message From Kenya Team 01/08/08 @ 20:00
Day two group two travelling out had a long and slow time in immigration but Noah was there to hold up their connecting flight and they arrived in Kisumu only half an hour late. Great to see them all come through. Some of the girls putting on their skirts as they walked across the tarmac. Eyes were amazed at just how much luggage could be stashed on toe of a jeep and at seeing barbers shaving men just sitting under trees. There was a sense from rubble and dust and ranging farm animals that this is a shanty town. .which Kisumu is not. So immediatly there was cultural adjustment going on. We all had breakfast then every one rested. Jack nick Ant and Anna B took the plutie and swam soon to be joined by 20 excited 8 year old school kids. Lunch was am hour late which put us back quite a bit. And the cool held up up by another 45 minutes. So we had a long afternoon. We had great time visiting the new school and huge new church for youth conference. Great facilities for ever Y one 's workshops. A blessing say sound cathedral compound and prayed for one of the clergy. Came back to inter for greetings by the bishop. He spoke movingly of how Kisumu means a place of joy. . And of having your fill. This so matched what we said at church of going with empty hands so we can receive from the people of Kisumu. Every one is so so three but i think in very good spirits. There is a great rapport with our Kisumu friends and great comrader ie on the team. Pray for good adjustment and good use of our preparation time. . .bless you. Amanda x
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| 31/07/2008
| Message From Kenya Team 31/07/08 @ 21:47
Karibu! Welcome. Nine of us were the advance party and landed at Nairobi with what seemed to be the absence of almost all our luggage! Lots of prayer requests and it all appeared later somewhere else in the airport. We were met by NOAH the bishops cousin. We had a ten hour stop over and spent at a very smart hotel and for most on a short trip to see the orphaned elephants at the sheldrake centre. .they were gorgeous. 15 baby ele 's and two amazing meals later we took off in thick cloud for Kisumu. A big welcome party of the bishop the diocesan staff and other clergy were waiting for us with big hugs and greetings. The hotel is swaller than i thought and will give up a few problems re finding the right space to meet in. However very clean and new bathrooms. We are tired but very glad to be here. BISHOP SPOKE OF THE SUPPORT ST PAUL AND OTHER CHURCHES HAVE THEM THISYEAR. :) didn't mean caps!. Rest of team land at 8.50 in the morning. It will be good to all be together. Thank you.A X
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| 24/06/2008
| SMS message from Amanda in Zambia 6:52pm 24/06/2008
Need prayer. Major travel difficulties. . Van not road worthy. 8 of us need to get to Malawi. Love a Thank you so much for praying today. Van broke down a couple of times on the road from Petauke to Chipata. We sent texts to intercessors and we got going although losing alot of oil. At one break down point the President of Zambia drove past! None of us BRITS noticed! Had lunch in C. And then the real complecations set in about how to get the team plus charles wife and two kids to malawi since the van was no good. Took the bishops 5 seater and crammed a ton of luggage onto roof and put three in the luggage hold. Got over the border and them on joy fuel light found the garages were out of diesel. We pray ed and made it to another town to find a tanker filling the pumps. We were second in line. Why worry? FAR MORE THAN WE ASKED OR HOPED for was waiting for us. Guest house full here so staying in a motel with all 8 of us like one big family. I have just killed 4 cockroaches! And there are more hiding! It has been so good to be able to talk to you and ask you to pray. God bless love a x
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| 24/06/2008
| SMS message from Amanda in Zambia 7:20am 24/06/2008
We are on the road and have thus begun a 48 hour journey home. We drive all day today to Malawi and then fly first thing from there tomorrow to Kenya then UK. We had a good end to conference yesterday. So much changed after Sunday's prayer . Many people have come to sit quietly in the presence of God to find rest for their souls. I have learnt much and i think enjoyed being in the very rural area of MFUWE most. Great peace and gentleness there as well as having to keep a look out for stray elephants. . Beats sheep in Northumberland! I have enjoyed being part of this team very much and shall miss the companionship and care being with people in daily living brings. I am ready for a hot shower and a cup of English tea! Pray for the priests and lay leaders as through this course they develop their spiritual lives and those of their communities. pray for us as we say good bye to dear Charles and Amorim as they leave us tonight in Malawi and go onto Mozambique. God bless you. Love a x x
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| 22/06/2008
| SMS message from Amanda in Zambia 8:05am 23/06/2008
Just wanted to tell you that the moon is upside down in Zambia. .that the southern cross is the formation just above us as we leave the church each evening and that i had my first hot wash yesterday. Washing in only cold water in a cool climate takes some nerve. We have had some adventures on this mission not least that as we introduced ourselves at the end of the service yesterday a scary looking escaped prisoner charged up the aisle and tried to hide by the altar then tried to climb out of the window . He was apprehended by the boys brigade officers and taken back to the police hunting him! We then carried on introducing our selves! Pray for us today as we speak teach and pray to be on our guard and full of joy. With love a x
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| 22/06/2008
| Re SMS messages from Amanda in Zambia.
Dear all, sorry that some messages appear disjointed but each messagr is recieved in various parts and not always in the correct order or at the same time!. I hope that they are of suffiecient clarity to understand (work out)
SMS adminisitrtator Grant. Thanks you so much for your prayer for Amanda.
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| 22/06/2008
| SMS messages from Amanda in Zambia 22/06/08 @ 11.45am GMT
We are in PETAUKE and half way through our last conference. The team spirit is good. We are all so different and complement each other well. We have decided Charles. . The youngest brother of the bishop who lives in Mozambique and is translating for Amorin. Is really an angel. He always turns up when there is something complicated to sort out and does it. He helps everyone. A very bright guy who is doing post grad studies to work in peace and reconciliation movement. Amorin is an immensely gifted speaker and trainer in his diocese in Moz. He is Methodist but works across both denom. He has implemented this course in Moz. He gets everyone laughing and has a beautiful gift of story telling. Alison had the vision and wrote this course 6 years ago. She has astute clarity of thought and athor....
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| 22/06/2008
| SMS messages from Amanda in Zambia 22/06/08 @ 11.44am GMT
Authority. She is good fun and keeps everyone in order. Nigel is a doctor+priest has just finished as head of bristol A and E. .yes that's Holby City and he did advise the BBC when it began. He is a constant encourager and always kind. Please pray for them all. How we finish and then leave what is becoming a close knit team is important. We have need much prayer as in traveling much went wrong that was beyond our strength to put right. Here in a town that is a thorough fare for traders from Moz to Zambia and has a number of mosques there is a heaviness that demands prayer. Psalms 46, 149:6 have encouraged us. We prayed at length last night expecting the Lord to break through today. Amorin is speaking right now on the Holy Spirit and we will minister thged us. We prayed at length last night expecting the Lord to break through today. Amorin is speaking right now on the Holy Spirit and we will minister thates. I need good sleep as am a bit under the weather. Much love to you amanda x x
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| 21/06/2008
| SMS messages from Amanda in Zambia 20/06/08 @ 6.30am GMT
Arrived at 9.30 last night. Had been to fab hand reserve in early morning and seen lions elephants giraffe crocs hippos .just beautiful. Them back to church in the bush for breakfast-sweet potatoe and tea-prayed for some people and set off for 6 hour journey. Broke down twice on dirt roads . Rescued a man lying out in the road. And them changed vehicles in Chipata .had tea as we waited for the second one to be mended. Net charles family at this point. Gorgeous little any who ran at of to give me a big hug. Arrived here in PETAUKE to find on accomodation. However all was put right and although i have on water i had a bed. Looking forward to toda. Please pray we are on our guard and discerning of local need. Thank you love amanda x
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| 20/06/2008
| SMS messages from Amanda in Zambia 20/06/08 @ 16:15pm GMT
Deut 33:25-27a. . Isaiah 50:4 and psalm91 were sent to up this a.m. As the cup broke down for the first time. Had two break downs them stopped when we found a guy laid out in the middle of the dirt road. Nigel was head of A and E so checked him over . He had come off his bike and was drunk . It is 5 so . And nearly dark. We are half way now and changing vehicles. The one we are switching too is being mended too. So we are drinking tea and waiting. Once we get going it will be another three hours but in the dark. Please pray vehicle 2 fixed and we get going quickly and arrive safely. We are all in good form if a little come shaken and weary. Next road is tarmac so will be smoother. We start at 8.30 tomorrow. Love amanda x x
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| 20/06/2008
| SMS messages from Amanda in Zambia 20/06/08 @ 12:58pm GMT
The cup has broken down twice. We are on dirt roads and 5 hours from destination. We start conf tomorrow. We need some angels to help us Get there. We are in the middle of nowhere.Thank you love a x
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| 19/06/2008
| SMS messages from Amanda in Zambia 19/06/08 @ 8.43pm GMT
BISHOP William arrived for closing ceremony . .and we had the presentations in the dark with 2 candles. .funny as they can't see each other in the dark Bishop was looking for Amorin who was sitting very near him. He called out and A said I am here. Bish laughed and said you are a black man in a black shirt so i can't find you. We ate the last goat today. It was slaughtered during my talk. Which explained the real reason why six men left as i spoke on the cost of becoming a disciple! Alison and i found them skinning the goat. Elephants came close to our camp as we left but i missed them. We have some time off tomorrow. As we are next to the richest game reserve in Zambia we are there for 4hours from 6 am Friday at a cost of $70 for ten of us! We get missionary rates and our brothers get local rates.so excited! Then we have a 6 hour journey to Petauke and begin last conference Sat.team working well. Pray for time for up to rest. For all who had prayerfor those attending next con. Thank you for prayers again. Had my prayer time with the monkeys and baboons at six this a.m. As they swung through the trees competing with each other. Nigel and Alison went off bird watching and meet some hippos in a large lily pool whilst Amorin did a bit of my washing along with his to prove African guys can wash clothes. We had a very good morning with praise prayer worship and word. Some great testimonies .iris is a different woman both healed, set free and full of joy.others testified to their healing. And so many came today for prayer for healing and deliverance. So many that four of us kept going for another two hours this afternoon. Our seminars were fruitful and deeply moving as my group sang gently and prayed silently and waited on God for his gifts to be given. We were sitting under a tree and the stillmess in the dusty air was invigorating as we waited. Such poor lives which are marked with prayer and now they are seeing that they are able to receive from God themselves. Conference. We are growing into a strong team. Please ask the Lord to keep up in His ways and to continue to respond and to care for each other.. And that we will see our elephants tomorrow!. God is doing a great thing here and this is a course that is so well suited to the needs of the people in this diocese. Much love amanda x
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| 18/06/2008
| SMS messages from Amanda in Zambia 18/06/08 @ 9.30pm GMT
We have finished second day of this second conference in MFUWE . Some cloud today which made the day much easier. We came with three goats and now we have one left. Two skins hang in the trees to dry and we are served boiled goat and intestines. The chickens have pretty much disappeared too. I did a short talk and Amorine did another amazing talk on the holy Spirit. Charles translated from portuguese to Chechewe. In our seminars i realised how different life is out here in the bush. Most of the day is spent finding food and preparing it. All work is seasonal. At the moment it is grass cutting. Meals are the same amazing cabbage with sesema . .ugali to those in uganda or Tz. We had good group discussions but need much more time to gently explain that this course is about making and caring for disciples. .not just learning the bible. We have prayed for some very sick people and had some deliverance ministry. In particular please pray for Iris. Amorin and i found her pretty much Unconscious . She had received prayer a little earlier and it had started a process which required further deliverance. She was able to go home and will come again tomorrow to talk with up. Pray for Goffrey. Had a stroke and asked up to pray. There is likely to be more of this ministry tomorrow as so many asked today. Alison did a very clear talk on repentance and filling with Holy spirit. Pray this sinks in deeply. Last day of conf. Thursday. I am speaking on expectations. Please continue to pray about my head aches. Alison took Nigel and me bird watching in one of the breaks. I saw a gorgeous lilac breasted roller. No elephants seen last night,only their dung was found. Thank you for praying. You make all the difference. Psalm92. Love Manda x
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| 17/06/2008
| SMS messages from Amanda in Zambia 17/06/08 @ 7.55pm GMT
It is much hotter in this valley of MFEWA. So we are more tired. We have had a good opening day. Two of the sessions in groups of 25 helped us to guage best forms of communication. It is at a slower pace here. The church is a brick building in the bush and surrounded by mud huts way down the dirt tracks.The main thoroughfare for the elephants is right beside the church . People wanted to leave promptly because of the animals at dusk, which is Around 5.30. the food for about65 people is cooked on five wood fires. They are beautifully laid out and look like gas hobs on the ground about 6 feet apart. They were cooking goat and chicken and yes you guessed it there were less chickens in the church building today and one less goat. . We say his coat had been hung neatly on a branch to dry! The three main parish priests . . One has 32 congregations and lay leaders. . Disappeared for some of the most important talk. They had been held up in a car break down. Please pray they are with us For the whole day Wed. I am giving opening talk tomorrow. Amorine will speak on Holy Spirit. People have already asked for healing and deliverance tomorrow. Please pray for those ministry times. And pray for Jonothan the arch deacon and the one in charge of implementing this course as he is under great pressure organising all there courses and is away from his children who are missing him. And he has an exam paper to write on Monday. Bless you and much love amanda x
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| 16/06/2008
| SMS messages from Amanda in Zambia 16/06/08 @ 8.20pm GMT
Screaming kids. But it's not . Its loads of blue monkeys scampering around outside. Had supper at the attrag where we will have conference. . No power its is set off the road in the trees. Has no real light even in the day . Great food cooked on open fires under trees and 50 lay leaders sleeping on rushmats under the trees. We sat under the full moon and discussed the programme. Prayed for Amorine-team member- who is missing his 4 kids and wife. Then sat on floor of church with two candles and ate supper from the pans. We ate one of the chickens! In a dark corner of the church came some strange bleat. .a goat!S o this is village life- Kids and monkeys running around up and the most kind hearts in basic conditions. i have a power socket in my room so i can dry hair charge phone camera- What a diff one power socket makes. Prayer: for God's power. Stamina it's hotter here. Home is being missed, the daysare longer but rewarding. Pray for leaders who have sacrificed to come. Love a x
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| 16/06/2008
| SMS message from Amanda in Zambia 16/06/08 @ 8.10pm GMT
What a day. We left our lodgings two hours later than planned and set off in a small bus at 2pm for msoro conference. We had three hour on a dirt road through rural and scrub land lots of mud huts and hairy pigs everywhere. Mountains in the near distance and nearly dried up rivers. The track narrowed with 3 meters high swamp grass either side. . Half expected Livingstone to emerge from it! We picked up people along the way on their way to the conference.stopped at the poorest village in this area. It had a central pump and a maize store made from rushes on pedastol to protect from rats. A church with no furniture but all the readings for last sunday from the lectionary on a chalk board.how unifying that felt top me. IN the end we 14 ADULTS TWO BABIES our bags a bag of cement a bag of maize and two live chickens on a 18 seater we got to village and are staying in rooms near the church .very basic but clean and just fine. They are in a compound like little chalets. One each. Outside aNo power to re charge so way not be able to send msg next three daws elephants around outside compound last night. V noisey. Monkeys wolf of up at four am. All ages and sizes running on roofs. But slept well. At church now . Pray we relate well to people in Mfuwe and that we have insight and strength. Myheadaches are a problem. Love to you. Roman 5:5Amanda x
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| 15/06/2008
| SMS messages from Amanda in Zambia 15/06/08 @ 9.55pm GMT
Thank you for prayers re finance. .wonderfully resolved as diocese had decided to cover costs. Had great meal with bishop archdeacons and the two parish priests this eve. They have a very close relationship and clearly all work well together. Much laughter all evening. A great blessing. Three to four hour journey on dirt roads leaving at midday. Great sense that we have been graciously freed of burden of accomodation etc and so can focus completely on the next two conferences. Love a x
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| 15/06/2008
| SMS messages from Amanda in Zambia 15/06/08 @ 6.37pm GMT
We have had a very good day. Last night was bad for three of us. I had very nasty dreams and woke rigid. Slept again woke again at 4. Nigel also had a bad night. Please pray for protection as we move on from Chipata to near Msoro. I have had headaches all day . Teching went well and our groups have beenvery successful. People really get the hang of the call to make disciples using this course and teaching method. The part of the diocese we have been infor this first course have devised their strategy for this region. And Alison who wrote the course is helping the three clergy overseeing the region to fine tune it. We have built some good relationship in the three days in Chipata. We did some deliverance ministry this a.m. and prayer for healing. Amorin our Mozambique clergy team member is a massive asset. There is complete stillness when he speaks, he is very funny. We sat behind the choir this a.m. And their singing was exquisite.i was streaming tears. I am slowly turning a dust
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| 15/06/2008
| SMS messages from Amanda in Zambia 15/06/08 @ 6.33pm GMT
Dust red colour! Shower was got last night for the first time and it is cold at night. Pray for our team to be careful to see stumbling blocks. In my case the headaches and might mares maid today very difficult. But a a couple of friendi have prayed in Uk and this eve i feel the best ever. Pray for clergy Dennis and George as they over see the setting up of courses now. Pray for our team to rest and travel well. Leaving this lovely hill side. We are at 3000 feet and will be descending to warmer climate in a bad mosquito region. We need prayer for right accomodation as we can't afford what we have been given so far for next two conferences. Thank you praying this is what makes all the difference. Do send any words etc. Love amanda x
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| 14/06/2008
| SMS messages from Amanda in Zambia 14/06/08 @ 5.33pm GMT
Thank you for praying. We had alot of debate over the teaching about the holy spirit, mostly around the difference between the Spirit in old testament and in the New. And between evil spirits and the Holy Spirit. We had good prayer in small groups and then this eve, again in the dark, many came for prayer. None of the groups i worked with have ever learnt in this way and they are doing so well. I had two sessions outside today and we had the world anda whole school of primary kids with balloons on their heads walk by. Another choir practice and a drum practice to contend with. My translater had a louder voice than I did so that was a great help. I had a bad head this morning and a plague of ants to contend with, it was good to be able to ask a few friends to pray by text. Thank you. Plans have changed tomorrow. I speak on the sower and four soils first thing for1 hour and half then we have church them we carry on with the rest of the conference finishing at 5.love a
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| 14/06/2008
| SMS messages from Amanda in Zambia 13/06/08 @ 1.22pm GMT
We have had a very good morning session. We are in a church where the windows are broke and the flooring has been better, sitting on benches that are rickerty . The men and women sat seperately for the most part around the edge of the building. Alison gave an excellent talk and we have had fun teaching groups of around 25 each .we are on a red dirt road surrounde by forested hills and communication masts. There are bikes kicking up red dust running downthis hill and children of all sizes walking home carrying their loads on theis heads and calling mug 'how are you -i'm fine' one them has am old barbie doll. It is cloudy and 'cold ' i am wearing a fleece and two tee shirts. We are teaching again in a few minutes. Pray that we each hit the right pitch inour groups and them as we have ministry after are sensitive to the spirit. I am speaking on psalm one first thing tomorrow. The bishop is very well organised and this course is going to take off. Love a. psalm 55
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| 12/06/2008
| SMS from Amanda in Zambia 12/06/08 @ 16:20pm GMT
Arrived at guest house. . Bishop met us at airport in malawi and drove up over the border. We have had an amazing journey. It is a soft climate in the hills around Chipata and a beautiful light. Bishop and Mary his wife gave us tea and home made cakes . Wonderful. We are so well cared for. It is winter here according to the air kenya staff who told of it is very cold. . So whilst we are in short sleeves and sandals the bishop and family are in woollen sweaters! Conference one begins tomorrow many delegates who are church leaders have never had any training for ministry. This is a serious tool they are taking up and it will be good to learn together. A parish will have one priest and many many churches led by lay leaders. In all this diocese has two million church members so the impact this material will have as the Spirit takes it and empowers lives through his teaching of it will be great. Pray for us and especially Alison as she kicks off the whole conference. Love a x
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| 12/06/2008
| SMS messages from Amanda on route to Zambia 12/06/08 @ 8.00am GMT
In plane and about to take off. Every thing going very smoothly indeed. Love amanda x
We are still en route but have landed at Lousaka before going on to Lelongwe. Wonderful views over Kilimanjaro . .AFRICA IS SUCH A vast land. For the most part we say huge valleys and dry arid tracts of land givin way to lakes that are receding. Them some agriculture. . Beautiful circles of crops some of ygias are bright green. Very moving to realise that below up were i hundreds of people who have in the last six years done the Rooted in Jesus course we are about to teach and seen their lives change. What a privilege to come and meet more of the people who live in the vast emptiness and who want to know more and share what they will learn. GOD BLESS. AMANDA
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| 10/07/2007
| Hello could someone please help, I am trying to obtain information about a relative who died in 1987 aged 15 Elizabeth Helen. Any information would be most welcome. My email address is helen.doyle@ntlworld.com
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| 31/03/2007
| Hey all at st pauls, i am looking forward to joining your parish your church looks amazing!!!
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| 13/09/2006
| Hello all!!! Thought i'd say a big Hello to everyone from Ibiza! Missing you all loads, and every sunday wish i was there worshiping with you all. I'm hoping to be back beginning of November, so look out for me!! Lots of Love Alanna xxxxxxx
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| 11/05/2006
| Hello!
I Like your website very much like i like your fab church!!!
xxxxxxxxx
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| 11/10/2005
| Lovely church and extremely impressive A/V department ;-)
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| 22/05/2005
| I was very blessed having attended Life through the Spirit day on Saturday 14 May.I believe I may have been the only non member of the Church, but was made to feel like "one of the family" Thanks to Amanada and Jeff for leading the day and for those that inspired me. Thanks also for the wonderful lunch and fellowship time. Looking forward to attending St Pauls again soon. Andrew Dixson-Smith. a.dixsonsmith@btopenworld.com
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| 10/05/2005
| Hi Everyone this is Libby Coombs in Colorado I am showing my class the sites around Dorking and all the great food. My e-mail address is Heavenlychic2455@aol.com. Please tell Ali Studley and family I say hello!!
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| 15/04/2005
| today i visited st.paila church with my school it was a very friendly community and i would love to visit again
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| 21/07/2004
| I am going to be setting up a fostering agency in the Surrey area and would really love to hear from people who think they would be able to provide a loving and caring hom for a foster child. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact, Gina LLoyd on 07714 827 883. Many Thanks.
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| 15/07/2004
| Found you thru Christian Herald site. Great site - you deserve your award and I know you are giving the glory to God. Christine, Toronto West Community Church (www.twccyouth.com)
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| 27/02/2004
| Grant
I usually use the site to listen to sermons I have missed , which is a FANTASTIC service, but today I spent more time browsing the whole site. It really contains a wealth of info and help. THANKS so much for all you do on this site. Simon G
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| 14/02/2004
| Congrad, on the EIG. thanks for a clean sharp look at what a web page can be.
Rev. N. J. Sorrell
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| 25/01/2004
| Richard EYRE gave an interesting talk to a good Meenmeet arttendance. Therewas at least one person there from the following Churches:- St Martin's, St Georges, Ashstead, Newdigate and the Free Church near Falkland Road.There were also a good number from St Paul's. Thanks for all those who worked to make this a good meeting. PJP
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| 16/01/2004
| Lovely site. Really fresh and vibrant. God bless, Bradley Mason (www.community-church.org.uk)
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| 14/01/2004
| I had a great visit over Christmas to St.Paul's. Catching up with friends and events. Thanks again. Lynette Cheesman
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| 05/10/2003
| Fab site. A pleasure to see the work of the Holy Spirit on-line.
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| 01/09/2003
| A very special thankyou to everyone at St. Paul's who made the CELT Summer School a possiblity for the Polish group. With all our love, in Jesus and for His Kingdom, Dale ><>
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| 30/03/2003
| What an impressive site! Congratulations on winning the EIG competition; well deserved, I'd say. Our church of St John the Evangelist is at Upper Norwood, (Crystal Palace), and is in the Anglo-Catholic tradition. I am Church treasurer of a Grade II* listed building with an inspiring interior in Victoian gothic, but expensive to maintain. My wife and I have looked at your very thoughtful and 'outgoing site and have to admit it has such vitality compared with our own, which is well designed, (by David West, a tenor in our choir), but rather staid by comparison.
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| 12/03/2003
| Thanks so much for your great site. Here at the moment in snowy Canada it is good to hear all the Spring news from St Pauls. Love to all in Jesus name Lynette
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| 03/11/2002
| Ben Cullis now in Bosnia - thank you so much for all the support i have received from St. Pauls contact me at beninbosnia@hotmail.com for a prayer update.
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| 17/10/2002
| From Down Under Down Under..Marvellous site. Full of all things necessary for outreach on the Internet. Praise the Lord.
Robert Legg, Rector, Anglican Parish of Kingston, Tasmania, Australia.
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| 13/10/2002
| To Grant
HUGE... Thank you for all the great work you do on the Web for us God Bless
Simon Gardner
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| 10/10/2002
| Well done - what a great site!
There's a lot we could learn.
Anne Adams
www.poulnerchapel.org.uk
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| 09/10/2002
| From one of the 600 also-rans: Well done and keep up the good work with the website - you give us something to aspire to! Chris Cunliffe (WebMaster) www.AdelStJohnChurch.org.uk
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| 05/10/2002
| From St Pol de Leon Church, Paul, Penzance, Cornwall. www.paulchurch.co.uk Congratulations on your winning entry from our parish here in west Cornwall.
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| 05/10/2002
| Congratulations on winnning First Prize in the Best Church Websites Competition, execllent site - from the 2nd prize winner - John Bruce (Webmaster) St Mary & St Nicolas, Spalding.
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| 05/10/2002
| Congratulations on your website - gets the gospel message across and deserves to have won the Ecclesiastical competition. Well done!!
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| 14/08/2002
| Spectrum singers in epsom are looking for
new voices, if you are interested, please see our
website: www.spectrum.coles.btinternet.co.uk
or ring ciara evans on: ( 07939 372261 )
or on: 0208 393 6355.
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| 10/08/2002
| Have to congratulate you on the quality of the website. First class. God Bless. Fr. S
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| 06/03/2002
| Message for a Pastor in Korea who wrote the message on 04/08/2001. My name is Yuko and I also studied at the Elim Bible College 16 years ago. I clearly remember sharing a time with a group of Korean pastors there!! Please visit
http://www.regents-english.org.uk/english.htm
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| 08/02/2002
| Ben Cullis in Sheffield - so encouraging to see all that God is doing, keep up the great work.
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