Calvary Chapel York
I have been serving in York (in the north of England) for just over three months and it has been a blessing to be here. The church is a wonderful mix of Bible college students, university students, and regular attendees. I've had some recent teaching opportunities at our men's breakfast and also for the Sunday evening service. I have also been able to lead worship a few times for student devotions and for the Sunday evening service.
CCY Bible College
I've been blessed this semester to be able to fill in for a number of classes in the Bible college including Galatians, Samuel, Matthew, and Acts. Between these, I nearly had a full teaching schedule. It looks like I will have my own class for the fall semester.
Prison Ministry
Since getting settled in in York, I've had the opportunity among other things to be involved in the prison ministry. Twice per month on Sundays we go into HMP Humber prison and have a service for the prisoners. I've had the opportunity to both lead worship and to teach in this ministry. We also have a time of fellowship at the end and pray with any of the prisoners who have needs.
Hull Outreach
For several years folks from Calvary Chapel York have been praying about the possibility of an outreach Bible study in the city of Hull, which is about an hour east of York. Hull has a population of about 250,000 and is the hometown of the abolitionist William Wilberforce. Hull has faced economic and social issues since the decline of the fishing industry in the 1970's. Pastor Dave and I went out there a few weeks ago and spent some time walking the streets and praying. We're praying for an open door to start a Bible study if the Lord wills.
Teach the Word Conference in Oxford
The Calvary Chapels in England recently gathered in Oxford for a one-day conference in the university town of Oxford. There were four teachings given by various Calvary Chapel pastors focused on Acts 2:42: "And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers". It was a great day of fellowship and a time of connection with others in the Calvary movement in England. While in Oxford, we were able to visit the pub (The Eagle and Child) where C.S. Lewis used to gather with J.R.R. Tolkien and others from the Oxford literary group the Inklings.
Calvary Chapel UK Pastors and Leaders Conference
Please be praying for the upcoming annual Calvary Chapel UK Pastors and Leaders conference (June 6-9); this is a wonderful time where folks from the various Calvary ministries across the UK come together for teachings, fellowship, and to be refreshed in the Lord. "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious oil upon the head, running down on the beard, the beard of Aaron, running down on the edge of his garments. It is like the dew of Hermon, descending upon the mountains of Zion; for there the Lord commanded the blessing— life forevermore" (Psalm 133:1-3).
Prayer Requests
Wisdom in buying a car, a man named Hussein whom I shared the gospel with on a recent trip to Hull, and also a homeless man named Leo. Additionally, the UK will be holding a referendum (vote) on June 23 on whether or not to remain in the European Union. As the outcome of the vote will have significant ramifications either way, pray for the Lord's will regarding this.
As always, thanks and God bless- Paul
