Words from members

 

 A Loving God

Interview with Ivy

 

Ivy never disputed the existence of God but it wasn’t until quite recently that she made a commitment to Him. 

At the age of eleven she became a Jehovah’s Witness and was baptised when she was twenty two but drifted from that faith as she began to question some of its beliefs.

In 1990 she came into contact with born again believers through a friend who took her to church.  Despite listening intently to the gospel she felt unwilling to commit herself to God.  The problems and hurts she had encountered down the years had left her feeling very confused.  In particular she mistrusted those in authority who had let her down and she was not prepared to open up her heart and share her anxieties only to be hurt again.

Ivy attended Elim in Glossop from time to time but still felt unable to trust God.   She saw him as a ‘Figure of Authority’ and her mistrust of authority generated anxious thoughts which caused past hurts to come flooding back.  She felt unloved and unworthy and not good enough to be a Christian.  She had not lived a spotless life and didn’t think that others would accept her as a Christian either.

However she continued to feel that something was missing in her life and contacted Mick and Gill Price, who invited her to the church house group.  Over the last year Ivy has experienced a gradual and wonderful change in her heart.  There came a point when she realised that God was not a tyrant but a God of love.  She said to herself, ‘I’m not going to hold back.  I’m going to trust Him’.  Over the past months she has felt her confidence growing slowly and has learned how to trust people again.  The welcome she has felt at church and in the house groups has helped her to mix socially and feel part of a family.

Now when the hurts come back she feels the presence of God and the encouragement of Christian brothers and sisters are there to support her.  In her own words, ‘I don’t feel desperate and alone anymore.  Life’s not hopeless’. 

The Bible has helped her to understand so many things too.  She can now see why we go through trials and knows that if we let God down there is forgiveness.  She is also more tolerant and forgiving to others.  When anxious thoughts or feelings return she remembers these Bible texts:

Be still and know that I am God   Psalm 46:10

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding    Proverbs 3:5 

Ivy feels that she has received so much since she came back to Elim both from God and his people.  She wants to give something back to God and hopes that her testimony will be a source of encouragement to others.  She says, ‘Now I don’t know how I managed without the Lord!’.

 

 

 

Daniel Price

Daniel is a trained PAIS worker and is based in Central Methodist Church in Glossop.  He works with 2 other PAIS workers, Tina and Dave, and as a team they are busy planning events such as scripture unions, lunch time clubs and assemblies in schools, and 3 shows to be performed at Christmas, Easter and summer. 

Daniel has also taken on the joint role of youth leader (with Nicola Cole) at Elim as he feels a burden for the youth in the locality. 

Testimony

 

I have been going to church all my life with my whole family.  We went to a church around the corner from our house although my uncle was a minister in the town.  When I got to the age of about ten, me and my cousin were sat in my room when he asked me if I wanted to give my life to Jesus. I said yes and at that moment we prayed and I gave my life to the Lord. 

A few years went past and I still hadn’t really experienced the presence of God and I never said anything to anyone as I thought I could just get on with it and it would happen but I never read my bible or prayed or anything else.  I got to the age of being able to drink and so I did the whole going out with friends and getting drunk and really began to wander away from God as I never saw him in my life.

I had heard a lot about a church in New Mills from one of my friends, Ben Fenton, and had wanted to go. I was eventually able to get there and I really enjoyed it and wanted to get there again. 

As soon as I got a driving licence I was attending in the evening service along with the morning at my church in Glossop.  I started going to the cell group there as well which was where I really started to grow and get a vision for the youth in the area.  I soon became one of the people who was helping out at the youth events but I still hadn’t really experienced the presence of God and the Holy Spirit.

Then I went to Momentum at Soul Survivor in 2005 and in one of the meetings it was said that if anyone wants to be prayed for then just to stand up and the guys around you will gather around and start to pray for you.  I had got to a stage where it was either I go for this with God full on or I was going to just leave it all and leave church.  As people started to pray for me I started to feel broken inside and I knew that God had heard my plea and was working in me. It was the most amazing feeling I have ever had.  I fell on my knees and prayed God would give me a fresh start, at the same point God had told Ben to pour his bottle of water over my head! Ben had argued with God for a minute or two.  Ben then gave into God and pulled my hood back and poured the water over my head, at the same point as I had prayed for the clean start.  This just broke me as I felt it, a cold feeling is all I can describe it as, going through my head.  At this point my life had changed beyond what I could imagine.

When I got back from soul survivor things just began to take off -plans got into action where I would become a youth leader at my church in Glossop and I was on the SNT team in New Mills (their youth event).  I also started to help out with the PAIS team in Glossop and then God planted the idea of being a full time youth worker in the town in my heart and it started to grow.  A job came up at another local church and it felt right for me to apply for it but I only ended up getting the advert for it after the closing date - I took this that God was saying not this one but there is one out there for you.  There had been talk at my church of having a PAIS worker for this coming year and everything fell into place.  I had the same confirmation from God on this one!

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Seek the Lord whilst he may be found

by Kay

 Kay grew up in Bombay where she attended an English speaking Catholic school.  The nuns were kind and she worked hard – she enjoyed the special festivals celebrated at school.   Her father ran a successful import/export business and when Kay was in her teens he decided to move the family to Earls Court, London to pursue his business from there.

 Kay’s first job was in Coltman’s Displays Ltd where she worked as a stenographer and later she became a secretary at Air India.  It was the family tradition for daughters to accept arranged marriages and Kay refused to be told who she should marry.  This decision alienated her from her family, and her father would not allow any contact with her.

 Now on her own, with a small income, she worked hard to bring up her daughter Isobel.  She remembers a time in the middle of winter when she had run out of coal for the fire and could not afford to buy any.  She asked her neighbour to phone the coal merchant and see if she could have 3 bags of coal and pay for them in instalments.  Thirty bags were delivered and she was told there was no charge!  At times when she reached rock bottom she always felt that God was taking care of her, providing for her in hard times and bringing people into her life that would encourage her.

 In 1976 she met Barry and in 1977 they were married.  Barry’s family became her family and having felt the loss of her own parents for so long she was grateful for the love they showed her.  When the couple settled on Dinting Road, Kay was befriended by a neighbour, Margaret, who invited her round for tea and home-made cakes.  Margaret shared her faith and love of God with Kay and invited her to Maranatha fellowship meetings at her home each month.  It was at one of these meetings that Kay felt the presence of God for the first time.  She became so overwhelmed by God’s love for her that she cried buckets full of tears.  When she opened her eyes she found the entire group around her praying for her.  Margaret’s husband remarked that Kay had used up a whole box of tissues.  This experience changed her life and she accepted the Lord as her Saviour and Friend.  She realised that she needed to attend a local church so that she could grow and be supported in her faith.  Her search for a spiritual home ended at Elim Church, Glossop.

 Kay visited her family in Bombay in the 1980’s – her mother had returned there after the death of her father.  Her 2 brothers asked what gave her the twinkle in her eye and she replied ‘I have become a Christian’.  Before she returned home her brothers too accepted Christ. 

Kay looks back and thanks God for the way he has kept her, provided her with a family, a good husband and a church where she feels at home.  She said ‘I don’t worry about the future; it’s all taken care of’. 

This scripture has been a great encouragement to her:–  

Psalm 34 v 4

I sought the Lord and he answered me, he delivered me from all my fears. 

Kay now works in the Cancer research shop and this is the outfit she will be wearing at the Victorian weekend.

 

 

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An afternoon with Marion - By Linda

Marion spent her childhood in Whitfield and was next to the youngest of 9 children.  Her older sisters took her to Sunday School at Chapel Parish Hall and she continued to attend there as she grew up.  She has happy memories of the potato pie suppers and concerts that she attended with her friends in the locality.  When the church closed she found it difficult to settle into another church and soon she moved house to Kershaw Street with her husband, Albert.

Marion marvels at the way in which God brought people into her life at times when she was in need of strength or support.  His timing was always perfect and His love was shown towards her through the Christians with whom she came into contact.  A neighbour – Jean, invited her 5 children to Elim Sunday School and after attending anniversaries and harvest festivals there till she felt at home.  After the loss of her mother, Pastor and Betty Hunter were a source of encouragement to the family.

She recalls the time when she was low in spirit after a year spent nursing her sister and being unable to get to church.  The curate at St James advised her to return to Elim and she attended a ladies evening meeting, when Roy Castle’s wife was the guest speaker. This was a turning point for Marion and she felt the peace and joy come flooding back.  Life has not been all plain sailing – the loss of her dear daughter Margaret was particularly hard to bear and it was at this time she felt that it was only God’s abiding presence that brought her through.  Again Alistair Cole, along with other friends from church was there for her when she reached rock bottom and she was grateful of their support.   Marion has a wonderful peace and assurance about the future.  ‘I am going to a better place where I will be reunited with loved ones – what a faithful God we have!’

Marion has gone to be with the Lord since this interview was written

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Great Bible characters

Dawn – I am inspired by the great faith of Noah who created an ark in the desert!

Ida – Esther came from a despised nation and was chosen to be Queen because of her beauty and goodness. God used her gifts to free her people from tyranny.

Lesley – Hannah is a great character because having prayed for so long for a baby she gave the desire of her heart back to God.

Beatrice – Zacceus, I admire his determination to see Jesus.

Edith – Solomon, because he was so wise.

Nicola – The story of Lazarus tells how his 2 sisters gave up all hope of their brother being healed but Jesus still answered their prayer.  It reminds us that it is never too late for Jesus to meet our needs.

Jill – It amazes me to think how Job stood the test of faith against all the odds.  I wouldn’t like to be put to such a test.

Marie – David is an inspiration to all young people because with God on his side he was able to stand up to Goliath.

Linda – Naaman reminds me of the importance of never allowing pride to prevent me from listening to God and taking him at his word no matter how strange it seems. 

Marion – I love Ruth.  She was so kind and loving to her mother-in-law in refusing to leave Naomi and return to her own family after the death of her husband.  

 

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Spotlight on Helen

Age: 18

Favourite pass-times: Spending time with friends, shopping and watching films.

Favourite Actors: Sean Connery, Pierce Brosnan, Timothy Dalton, Jim Carey. The list goes on.....

Favourite football team: Liverpool 

Favourite T.V. Programmes: All the comedies.

Favourite animal: My cat, Lucy.

How would I like God to use me in the future?   Well I really have no idea what I want to do in the future, but I am not worried. I know He has a plan!!

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I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me

By Julie

From being as young as six I stammered very badly.  It was suggested by my primary school that my Mum take me to speech therapy lessons.  These did help eventually and I was able to put sentences together.  Growing older and moving from primary to high school I was left with a different problem.  Even though I did not stammer I was not comfortable when asked my name or when I was put on the spot.  With family and friends I could talk okay but being put under pressure to communicate I found daunting. 

When attending the youth meeting at church I made a mess of Bible reading – I opened my mouth and nothing would come out.  Part of the problem was the fear of ridicule that I had encountered in my younger days.

When leaving school I got a good job in an office but wasn’t able to progress up the career ladder.  I was uneasy operating the switchboard and refused to learn it.  This hindered me and eventually I was made redundant along with two others.  I just accepted I had a phobia fear that had developed due to my stammer.  I looked at others who were so confident at public speaking – it came so easy to them.  I suppose I accepted it was the way it had to be.

During my late teens we started an evangelistic programme at the church I attended.  We were to go out in two’s, onto the streets nearby, giving out 5 gospel tracts which addressed subjects: Salvation, Dying, Heaven, Hell, and How you could know where you were going after Death.

I really wanted to do this but was fearful.  My Pastor said to listen to the person I was paired with and if I felt confident to have a go myself.  After a few times of going out knocking on doors I began to gain confidence and realised it was beginning to get easier.  I hadn’t understood that as Christians we have the power of the Holy Spirit.  I was taking the first step and God was taking a lot more.  My desire to want to serve Him mixed with faith gave me healing and power.

I have since enjoyed the freedom of being able to converse and approach people I don’t even know and be free of hang-ups due to speech problems.  People today think that ‘positive thinking’ is a new teaching but it has been around for a long time.  The Bible is full of positive thinking - I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phil 4 v 13 .

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Pat’s a Ray of Sunshine

By Linda

Pat's love for children combined with her love for the Lord inspired her to reach children with the gospel after the Second World War and so, in 1945, Sunshine Club was formed. At first around 20 children who were members of the church met up each Monday evening from 6 – 7 pm in the minor hall and 2 teenage girls assisted Pat.  Soon the work mushroomed and more helpers joined the ranks until children from all over Glossop were attending – accompanied to and from the club by the helpers.  Later children from Gamesley, Old Glossop and Whitfield were collected in the church minibus too.  

Children would miss their tea rather than be late for the club and the threat of not being allowed to attend the following week would be enough to calm the spirits of any child found misbehaving.  Wet weather did not dampen their enthusiasm and towels were kept in readiness to dry faces and hair on arrival.  At the Club children would love to sing action choruses and often pretended to be on a desert island singing around a campfire.  Visits to the park were a favourite in Summer and folk in the park would gather to listen to the stories with the children. Parties were a regular feature and Pat remembers one young lad asking if he could take a piece of cake home for his mum.  Later in his exuberance he jumped up and sat back down on his wrapped cake – another piece was dutifully wrapped up for his mum.

Some helpers came straight from work, escorted children to the club, helped in the club, escorted the children home and then returned to the church to clean the kitchen, church and toilets before going home – often as late as 10 pm. 

When asked what Pat thought were the main ingredients for the success of the club, she answered that all were treated alike.  The ragged clothed children sat with the smartly dressed, all were shown love, respect and a good example.  The rules were strict but administered with love.  During its 30 years many children confided in Aunty Pat, sharing with her their family problems, fears and worries – never would Pat betray a confidence even to the Pastor.  Sunshine Club changed its name to Sunshine Corner at one point and all sang the chorus:

            Sunshine Corner, Oh its jolly fine

It’s for children under 99

All are welcome, seats are given free

Glossop Sunshine Corner is the place for me!  

This chorus has even been sung in the Friendship Pub when fellow middle-aged members of the club were reunited!  Mark Mallard - church member aged 90 never failed to attend the club saying that he qualified as he was under 99!  Pat says she wouldn’t have had the heart to turn him away even if he had been 100.

Pat still has members of Sunshine Corner call to her in the High Street - often with children of their own, and they reflect on the happy times spent on Mondays 6 – 7 pm at Elim.  Who knows the far-reaching effects the club has had on the residents of Glossop over the years.  We shall find out in Glory!

Note - since writing this article Pat has gone to be with the Lord

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God in His Wisdom

(donated by Ida)

 I asked God for strength – that I might achieve;

I was made me weak – that I might learn to humbly obey

I asked for health – that I might do great things;

I was given infirmity – that I might do better things.

I asked for riches – that I might be happy;

I was given poverty – that I might be wise.

I asked for power – that I might have the praise of men;

I was given weakness – that I might feel the need for God.

I asked for all things – that I might enjoy life;

I was given life – that I might enjoy all things.

I got nothing that I asked for, but everything I had hoped for.

Almost, despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered. 

I am, among all men, most richly blessed!


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The Awesome Wonder of Jesus

By Alan

Two hymns which cause me to wonder at the awesomeness of Jesus - When I Survey the Wondrous Cross on which the Prince of Glory Died, and Great is Thy Faithfulness especially the words Blessings all mine with 10,000 besides.  How fortunate we, as believers, can receive endless blessings from Jesus.

 

I am also blessed daily when I see Jesus in other Christians.  As we read about the works of Jesus in the living word of God, His love, gentleness, compassion, humility transform us through His holy spirit.  Not that we would boast about ourselves as we are the first to realise that this is the miracle work of Jesus in us.

The Word says we should let our light shine; we should be imitators of Jesus.  The Lord has given each believer a responsibility, which is to show the incomparable qualities of Jesus to everyone we meet by the way we conduct our lives.  We should be being transformed daily (some of us need more transforming than others – me, particularly) but we are all getting there with the help of Jesus.  May we all be a great blessing to others - and to Jesus too!

Note - since writing this article Alan has gone to be with the Lord

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Interview with Jim

By Linda

Tell us about your childhood experiences

I went to Sunday School at Christchurch in Tintwistle and I continued to attend the church until I was 18 years old.  They had a gymnasium and I loved sport.  I attended the youth meetings too – we had to contribute a halfpenny for the gas lighting or we weren’t allowed in.  I especially remember my Sunday School teacher – Frank Cartwright.  He was only young and he bought the lads in our group a New Testament for Christmas - he had very little money so how he afforded to do this I don’t know.  I still treasure this gift.  Later, throughout my life, whenever I was in a tricky spot I would recall things I heard at this church and they would be a comfort to me.

What next?

In 1946 I joined the forces – the Marine Corps, and during these 5 years I travelled all over the world.  Each Sunday we would sing and march on Church Parade.  We were often invited to the Salvation Army meetings and if we sang well enough we were given cocoa, jam and bread for supper.

And when you returned home?

I married my Irene in 1954 at the Registrar Office at the bottom of Ellison Street.  Instead of confetti we had snow – it was 18th December!  We lived in Padfield and attended the Padfield Wesleyan Chapel. 

When did you make a decision to follow Christ?

Irene became a Christian in 1980 at Carmel Church in Hadfield.  She would witness to me – I went to 2 Billy Graham Crusades with her but my conversion was a gradual thing. I remember enjoying listening to the preaching of George M Fuller on Radio Luxembourg in his programme – Heavenly Sunshine too but it was not until 1986 that I gave my heart to the Lord under the ministry of John Hollick at Elim. 

How does being a Christian affect your everyday life?

One of the things that caused me to believe in God was the awesomeness of creation.  The universe and the vastness of space fascinate me – all placed perfectly so that the sun does not shrivel us with its heat nor cause us to freeze.  This is the work of a master craftsman – not just an accident.  If God can control the universe why should I worry about anything!

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Have Faith - By Dawn

I was given this verse when I was baptised and am reminded of it over and over again – he is the faithful God.

Just over 2 years ago in November 2000 I had a liver biopsy which was a very painful experience and left me feeling no better.  2 weeks later I was rushed into hospital with a gall bladder infection and despite being very ill, with the power of prayer I was allowed home for Christmas.  He is the faithful God.  

In July 2001 I was admitted to hospital for 4 weeks with pancreatitis.  During this stay I was critically ill which must have been very worrying for Alan, Kate, Mark and my Mum as the illness had become life threatening.  I thank God for answering prayer and bringing me through this.  He is the faithful God.

In December 2001 I had my gall bladed removed.  Again my faith was tested and by now I felt very low and asked God “Why?”  but I was home for Christmas and felt free of pain.  He is the faithful God.

At the beginning of 2002 I prayed for a good year health wise.  I was fine until 16 August, when visiting my in-laws in Norfolk I had a mini stroke.  It was so frightening and such a shock.  It took my speech and left a weakness down my left side and face. With a lot of prayer and exercise and speech therapy I thank God that I have no permanent brain damage.  I thank my family and friends for their prayers and support but the Glory must go to God.  Without Him I would not be here.  He is the faithful God.

Whatever your need – God can meet it.  All you need is a mustard seed of faith and God will do the rest!

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God is doing a New Thing

On visiting Edith to collect the following contribution for Focus she shared with me a revelation she had received from God in February.  This is the account as she told it to me. 

One Sunday morning I was reading my Bible and these words from Isaiah 43 v 18-19 had a profound effect on me, they leapt out from the page so that I couldn’t ignore them.

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.  See I am doing a new thing!  Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?  I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.”

I felt a bubbling up of excitement in my heart and couldn’t wait to share this with someone.  I set off for church early to tell Pastor and as he read and reread the words he too felt that this was a timely word from God for our assembly.  Praise God – He is doing a new thing!  

May He make us all into instruments!

by Edith

One day as I was doing my dusting I looked again at the prayer written on glass which I was holding in my hand.  I read and reread the prayer and especially Lord make me an instrument of your peace.  I thought of myself – an instrument in the hand of God being used daily.  I was so blessed as I thought of being used by Him.  May He make us all into instruments!  The Lord bless you as you read this prayer  

A Simple Prayer - by  St Francis

Lord make me an instrument of your peace

Where there is hatred … let me sow love

Where there is injury … let me sow pardon

Where there is doubt … let me sow faith

Where there is despair … let me sow hope

Where there is darkness … let me sow light

Where there is sadness … let me sow joy

 

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek …

to be consoled … as to console

to be understood … as to understand

to be loved … as to love

For ….

It is in giving that we receive

It is in pardoning that we are pardoned

It is in dying that we are born to eternal life

 

Note - since writing this article Edith has gone to be with the Lord

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Joan and Michael's Story

  Joan Salt was born and raised in Manchester where she was taken to the Church of England Sunday School.  At the age of 12 her parents joined the Methodist Church and it was here that she first started to hear about a God in heaven who loved her from Sunday School teacher – Miss Ralph.  At the age of 15 Joan and her family moved to Hadfield.  Miss Ralph kept in touch and often wrote to Joan – her letters always included a reminder that she was praying for her. Joan married Fred and the couple settled in Hadfield.  They did not attend a church but Joan often went past the Assemblies of God Church where she could see that the congregation really enjoyed their salvation and wished she could share their experience.

Michael was born in 1967 and was diagnosed at birth with a mild form of spina bifida.  His feet turned inwards preventing him from walking properly and made it necessary for him to wear special boots.  Michael underwent several operations on his feet and spine but at the age of 7 was referred to a specialist - Mr Weeble at Manchester Hospital.  From here he was referred to another specialist in Leeds to undergo more surgery.  Mr Weeble had carried out tests, which confirmed that the muscles in Michael’s legs were wasting away and would eventually result in him being confined to a wheelchair.  Surgery was necessary to slow down this wasting process.  At this point Joan heard that Trevor Dearing (an evangelist with a healing ministry) was holding a healing meeting at the local Assemblies of God Church.

She and Michael attended the meeting and Michael was taken to the front of the church for prayer.  As soon as Trevor touched his legs Michael remembers feeling warmth radiating through his legs accompanied by a feeling he describes as electricity.  Both Joan and Michael were affected deeply by the reality of God’s presence in this meeting and made a commitment to serve God from this time on.

Michael said ‘I’m better Mum’ – he had no doubt that something wonderful had happened but Joan didn’t know what to think.  Michael and Joan went to the hospital at Leeds where Michael underwent more tests and was prepared for surgery.  His legs were marked with pen to pinpoint the lines for incision.  At the last minute Joan was summoned to meet the surgeon who said ‘Take him home I can’t find anything wrong with him!’  The new test results had proven clear!

Mr Weeble was confounded when he compared these results with those from the tests he had taken and could not explain why they differed.  Of course Joan had an explanation – she made sure that everyone in the hospital was aware of it!  She remembers telling everyone she met that God had healed her son.

To this day Michael has not had any recurrence of his illness and praises God for his healing.  Joan and Michael’s experiences with God did not cease at this point, this was just the beginning of a new life.  They profess that God has been, and still is, the rock on which they build their lives. 

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Casting all your care on Him for He careth for you - by June

1 Peter 5 v 7

 

The Lord gave me this precious text seventeen years ago when my mother died – it was written on one of the cards I received and it has blessed me so much over the years.

Later the Lord showed me a picture of a small child on tiptoes handing over a large brown paper parcel.  Kind loving hands took it from her – this is how I see my cares.  It is easy to give them but so hard not to take them back as I have done so many times.  We all have cares; they worry, frighten and torment us taking our peace.  The Greek word for ‘cast’ means ‘throw it away’; so old pain, old scars, old heartache GIVE THEM ALL TO JESUS.

We are all heirs of the promise – He careth for You.  He is able, He is willing, He is waiting for all your CARES!

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Psalm 3 v 3  But you are a shield around me, O Lord

I coloured this picture because I like high up things and the girl and lady look like me and my mum.  My mum protects me like Jesus does.

Bethany

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                                     I love the Old Hymns - by Beatrice  Text Box:

Though many of them are three hundred or more years old, we still enjoy singing them.  

Hymns with a message born from personal experiences, hymns of inspiration, hymns of joy and thanksgiving, many as popular today as when they were written:

And now we have a new concept of hymns and songs.  For the past thirty or more years we have enjoyed the lovely songs of people like Bill Gaither in country and western style and in recent years Graham Kendrick and Chris Bowater songs.  All these people have composed some wonderful songs.  But what will be the ‘Songs of Praise’ in another thirty or forty years – should the Lord tarry?

I feel sure that Guide me O Thou Great Jehovah, And Can it Be, What a Friend we have in Jesus and more from that era will still be in the Top Ten popular hymns.  What do you think???

Yes I love the old hymns!

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