Volume 2

Issue 4

Washington Church of Christ

September - October News

Home

Education

On the 5^th of September all of our kids began school.  For Jonathan this year marks a huge change.  He has basically finished his High School education and has now embarked upon a stage that is in between High School and University here.  He now only has 4 classes that will last over the next 2 years.  He is taking Geography, Chemistry, English and Art.

            A month later I began a class in Advanced Aramaic.  We will be translating early Aramaic translations of Numbers 22-24 (the story of Balaam).  I also will begin writing, what will become the first chapter of my Thesis.

            On the 27^th of October I had the privilege of attending a lecture by the Dead Sea Scroll scholar, Stephen Pfann.  The latest edition of the Dead Sea Scroll materials has just been published with him acting as editor.  He came to Durham from Jerusalem, where he has lived and worked for the past 18 years.  Some of you may have seen him in programs on the Scrolls on the Discovery Channel.

Blockade

            We had a new twist during the second week of September with protestors blocking the oil refineries and depots.  The country was brought to an almost complete standstill, as ambulance, fire services and the police were finding it difficult to function because of the lack of fuel.  Numerous hospitals had to cancel surgeries because the staff could not get into work.

            All the petrol garages in our area were out of fuel.  Fortunately through conservation we had enough fuel to continue through the week of the most serious disruption.  The blockades were started to protest the fact that fuel is now at about $4.70 per gallon.  Most of this price is tax and the protestors want the government to cut the tax on fuel.

Fishing Trip

            On the 14^th of October 11, people from the church here went on a fishing trip aboard a boat called the Thresher.  It was an 8-hour trip that turned out to be far too much for some.  More than 50% of our crew fell ill due to the dreaded seasickness.  The others said that this was helpful in attracting the fish to the boat.  We had a very successful trip catching more than 30 fish, an octopus and a squid.  The main thing is that we were able to meet some new people and get to know one another better.

Baptism

            On the 15^th of October we were blessed to be able to witness the baptism of Neville Irving into the Lord’s body.  Neville lives in Newcastle and began coming after being invited by Joseph Hannan.  He then was brought much closer through the efforts of all those who helped with Holiday Bible School this summer.  Neville has 2 young children who really enjoyed that time.

Other News

            On the 20^th of September we had a new group begin using our building: a group that investigates genealogies.  It makes one more group with people getting to know a little bit about the church.

            On the 23^rd of September Samantha Pipe, daughter of Doug and Vivian Pipe was married in a ceremony that took place near Leicester.  I had the privilege of taking part in the wedding ceremony.

            We would like to thank you all for your continued support.  Your prayers and financial gifts keep us going and allow the Lord to reach people here in Great Britain. 

The Thomas Family

Home   Top