News
from England
Washington, England
September - October 1998
Flying Air France
On the 1st of September we left the United States for Great Britain. Our flight arrived 8
hours late in Newcastle upon Tyne due to difficulties with Air France. Unfortunately we
also arrived with none of our luggage, except for our carry-on luggage. It was almost 3
weeks later
when we finally were able to be reunited with the last piece of our missing luggage. Not
having our luggage made it somewhat difficult for the children when they started back to
school.
University Begins
On the 8th of October Rodney began studies at the University of
Durham. He only has one class this year, a course in Aramaic readings.
Along with this he is to do research for a short dissertation due in June.
Women's Shelter
As many of you may know, Michele has been on the board of trustees
for a Women's Refuge Organization for several years now. It is a group
that house women who are fleeing from domestic violence. When she was first approached by
this staunchly feminist group, it was as the token
Christian for the board. She has worked over the years to change their
minds, to overcome the anti-Christian attitude that so many here possess.
The church in Washington has been able to lend help and support to the
organisation on several occasions. The women's group consists of 7 houses with the ability
to house 83 women and children. There is also an after care program that is, at present,
caring for 205 women and children. When Michele returned from the States in September, the
Trustees asked her to take the position of Interim Chairperson. She was very surprised by
this; everyone on the Board of Trustees knows that she is a Christian, and that she will
conduct matters in a Christian manner. The Lord continues to open doors for His message.
Proctor and Gamble
During the summer a new family moved to the Northeast from the
Cincinnati area of the United States. They are a strong Christian family
and have brought much needed musical talent to the church. They have begun working with
several of our people to help them in singing four part harmony. This will in time be a
real blessing to our worship times
together. Bob and Donna Welch, and 3 children, are scheduled to be in
England for 3 years in their capacity with Proctor and Gamble. This has
already proven to be a tremendous blessing to the church here.
18 to 30s Retreat
On the 23rd of October a group from the Washington Church of Christ
went to a retreat in the wilds of Northumberland. This is the first time
that such an event has been planned and sponsored by the church here. It was filled to
capacity with over 40 people from churches all over Britain. Everyone had a great time and
the people from Washington all came home very tired and yet greatly refreshed and excited
about Jesus Christ.
Baptism
On the 25th of October Roger Jackson, a student from Northumbria
University in Newcastle was baptised into Jesus Christ. Roger is
originally from Northampton and recently began studying here in the
Northeast at Northumbria University.
Church Party
On the 31st of October Amanda Pollock and Elizabeth Harms planned a
party at the church building. About 35 people were expected on the night, but to our great
surprise and delight about 70 people came. A great night was had by all in the group which
was made up of more than 30 visitors.
Lady's Evening
On the 5th of October, six Ladies from the Washington Church
attended an evening conference in Sunderland on issues facing women today. The evening was
presented by the organization Care for the Family. The British equivalent to the American
organization Focus on the Family. This was the first time that this organization had held
anything in the North-east of England. It was wonderful to spend time with over 200 women
from the Washington/Sunderland area who are deeply concerned about the family. The evening
was spent listening to a panel of women discussing the issues that we all face as wives,
mothers, daughters, and friends.
Frankie Richardson
Frankie from Chikasha, Oklahoma, was an AIM student here in
Washington. She came to England in May of 1997. Unfortunately she heard in August that her
father was seriously ill. She flew home shortly before our arrival back in the U. K.. Her
father was diagnosed as having a very serious form of cancer and after a brief illness he
passed away on the 29th of October. Our hearts go out to Frankie and all of the Richardson
family.
Steve Marchant
Many of the people, who have visited the Church in Washington, will
be familiar with Steve. He has just been diagnosed with a severe form of
cancer. It was originally diagnosed in February, but further tests were
scheduled and it was not until October that a final diagnosis was made, and by then the
cancer had become a great deal worse. As of the 1st of
November treatment has still not begun. Due to the delay there is some
doubt about the effectiveness of any treatment. Your prayers would be
greatly appreciated. Steve's wife, Vera, is also undergoing treatment for
cancer at this time and her treatment appears to be progressing well.
Rain
During the time we spent in Texas everyone was wanting it to rain.
Since we have arrived back in England it has rained almost continually.
This has caused wide-spread flooding in parts of the United Kingdom, but in our area there
have been no deaths or serious injuries because of flooding, although there have been a
few close calls. Other parts of the country have not been as fortunate in this regard and
there have been several fatalities. We ask for your continued prayers for those who have
lost loved ones.
Thank You
Everyone here in Washington is extremely grateful for the money
that has been sent to England for the purchase of the building here. It is
such a great encouragement to all in the church. At present the local
authority still has us on hold. We think we have moved closer to a final
decision, but at present things are still very far from clear. It has now
been more than 3 years since they told us a decision would be made in a
matter of a few weeks.
It is with sincere gratitude that Michele and I express our thanks
for your support of the work here in England and for the tremendous support that you gave
our family this summer during our time in Texas. We love you all very much and fell very
privileged to be allowed to serve in England.
The Thomas Family
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