Having neglected this blog for a while, here is a quick update on my situation…
In April, I received a call to serve God in a new church in Gosport, Hampshire, called Alverstoke Evangelical Church. After 25 years serving full time at Lansdowne Evangelical Free Church, in south London, this was a huge step to take. Yet, the Lord’s leading was clear. It started with a growing sense of being unsettled in south London. I pushed various doors, looked at churches that were seeking a new pastor, talked to other gospel ministers, and then began applying to churches. Many came back “no”. A few showed some interest, two in particular. One of those was Alverstoke Evangelical Church. At each step our sense of calling there grew, and that was confirmed by the church there just before Easter.
There have been many challenges along the way, not least the deep sadness at leaving behind a church family in south London, where I have been a member since 1991. They have released us with sorrow, but with their blessing. May God build the church in south London – it’s his church, not mine. We are praying for new pastor soon.
Another challenge has been the many (and ongoing) hold-ups with actually moving house. So, while I started on 1 November, I am partly living in London and partly in Gosport. Margaret joins me in Gosport when possible, but it is a challenge being apart, and we are longing to be living together alongside God’s people there.
The new church has been very kind to us and we are so grateful to God for their warm welcome and love. It is privilege to serve them.
If you’re in Gosport, why not come and join us on a Sunday, we meet on Sunday mornings at 10:15am and evenings at 6:30pm (5:30pm on the 4th Sunday) at Alverstoke Junior School, PO12 2JS.
The best is yet to come 