Paul's Update from England

Hull Update: Bible Study

The Lord has opened the door to begin a weekly Bible study in the city of Hull at the Victoria Dock Village Hall beginning July 20.  Lord willing I will be teaching through the Gospel of John.  Hull’s proper name is Kingston upon Hull but these days it is referred to simply as Hull.  It is the hometown of the abolitionist William Wilberforce and also the place where Hudson Taylor studied medicine in preparation for missionary work in China.  Hull is a city with a population of around 250,000 and is situated about an hour east of York on the Humber River which flows into the North Sea.  It has faced significant economic and social issues since the decline of the fishing industry in the 1970's.  About ten years ago it was ranked the worst place to live in the UK by a particular group of researchers, although not all would agree with this conclusion.  The city has received the designation “UK City of Culture” for the year 2017 and is currently getting a makeover in preparation for the forthcoming festivities.  Folks from Calvary Chapel York have been praying for several years for an outreach Bible study to begin in Hull and the Lord seems to be putting things together for this particular season.  I have been going there regularly for the last 3 or 4 months to simply walk and pray and the Lord has brought some people across my path and provided a meeting location.  Prayers are greatly appreciated as this is a step of faith.

Queen’s Gardens, Hull City Centre

Prison Ministry

Calvary Chapel York has an active 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 give the message in this ministry.  We also have a time of fellowship at the end and pray with any of the prisoners who have needs.  The Humber prison is not far from Hull and a number of the prisoners are from Hull so it is interesting to be able to connect with them before they are released.

Coffee Shop

CC York operates a popular coffee shop (Gatehouse Coffee) right on the ancient city wall at Walmgate.  I have been volunteering in this ministry and getting up to speed on the espresso machine.  The coffee shop is frequented by church members and university students who study nearby as well as the general public.

Calvary Chapel UK Pastors and Leaders Conference

CC York hosted a conference in early June for those involved in ministry in various Calvary Chapels throughout the UK.  It was a wonderful time of fellowship and renewed vision in the Lord.  The theme of the conference was “Spring Up, O Well” (Numbers 21:17) with the teachings pointing to our need and desire for a fresh work of the Holy Spirit to spring up in our own lives and in the ministries that we serve in.

“Spring up, O well!  All of you sing to it—the well the leaders sank, dug by the nation’s nobles, by the lawgiver, with their staves” (Num. 21:17-18)

Brexit Vote

As you are likely aware, the United Kingdom has voted to leave the European Union.  No one is sure of what will ultimately happen at this point, but the Lord is in control and it presents yet another opportunity to trust in Him.  I will not be directly affected since I am a British citizen living in the UK.  It is interesting that the Lord moved me here from Austria ahead of the vote; British citizens will likely face greater difficulties living in EU countries once the terms of the withdrawal have been negotiated.

Prayer Requests

Spiritual warfare particularly in relation to the Hull Bible study; that the Lord would both send in the right people to assist and also draw people from Hull to the study; the ability to effectively and simply communicate the message of the Gospel by the power of the Holy Spirit.

As always, thank you for your prayers and interest.

God bless-

Paul