Epistle from England

. . . A report from ministries challenging a post- Christian nation with the claims of Christ.
Vol.9
ERDINGTON REPORT

No. 4

(Birmingham)

And how does the church fit in? Surely the fellow ship of believers is God's only appointed means for
Roger & Michille Edrington spreading the gospel. Evangelism that does not stem out of the church in maturity will always be incomplete-it will lack the balance of the whole Body of Christ. Evangelism that does not move its
converts back into the church does not fulfill the whole mission which Jesus inaugurates.

And there are those sticky questions about the

audience, communication, distortion (which every one does, whether or not they admit it), signs,
cross-cultural mission, and much more.

So my students

from England,

Scotland,

Zimbabwe, Malasia, and Ireland {moving to Nepal)

were asked many questions. But then I believe that

if we ask the right questions, God will provide the

wisdom. ROGER

JESUS CHRIST IS BORN

\1tal Lessons
In my view, teaching those with the gift of evan gelism to ask the right questions about evangelism itself is the most important thing I can do in a course on evangelism. And that's what I attempted to do when I led an eleven week course at Springdale Col lege, our year-old center for academic study and spiritual preparation. Often evangelists begin by asking, "How can I reach this people?" This focuses immediately on
methods. We Americans often then immerse our

KING FOR EVER

selves in the latest evangelistic technology or newest how-to-do-it technique which "works". How unfamiliar this would be to the early churchnot only because they had little technology. They were first saturated with a Man and a message. We quickly assume that the Man is not only known but
experienced. However, the hard facts show that the message which is often preached is neither Personal
nor biblical.

And there are motives to sort out. Evangelism without God's heart in it can hardly be called evan
gelism at all.

ENJOY JESUS' BIRTHDAY

i-f
HINCKLEY REPORT

(Leicestershire)

Tony & Angela Calvert

Justin & Gillian

TWO YEARS LATER

Two years ago this month Barbara Bunce became a Christian. 1 reported her baptism in the Epistle
with these words: "After Barbara's life was
THREE YEAR-OLD THEOLOGY

shattered when her husband left her, Angie was able to tell her about Jesus' specialty: putting pieces

together again. Barbara still feels the pain of her marital problems. But now there is hope and rest,
even in the pain."

Barbara's estranged husband eventually sued for divorce. Just two weeks ago it became final. Barbara certainly feels the tragedy of her broken marriage

Our oldest child (Justin) is three years old. Like most three year-olds his ability to grasp complicated concepts is constantly developing. He amazes us at times with the things he is able to understand. But recently he ran into an idea he couldn't quite handle. His mother had just mentioned that Jesus was our friend. The conversation developed:
Justin: "Where is he?"

even yet. But what a different person she is from the one Angie and I met all those months agol For at least a year after the separation, she was on the verge of physical and emotional breakdown. In the
first few months of her Christian life we were con

Angie: (Somewhat at a loss) "He's up in heaven with

God."

stantly worried about how her sickness and instability were affecting her spiritual life. The pres sure of raising her children on her own, the abuse
she received from her husband, and the pain of her

Justin: (After a thoughtful pause) "Is he in our sky?" Angie: "Er... well, yes."
Justin: "But where is he?"

Angie: (Almost desperately) "Well, he is with God,

but he is in us, too."

own guilt and insecurity nearly brought her to

emotional, physical, and spiritual collapse. But God demonstrated his faithfulness. He is

finishing what he started with Barbara. We don't

have to worry so much about her now; she's not per fect, but she is coping tor should I say conquering?).
Her faith and the support of the Church have been the means to healing and stability.

Justin's response to that was just thoughtful silence. Then the subject changed. But it was not forgotteni The next day a little girl from across the road was over to play with Justin. His mother heard
him ask his little friend:

"Does Jesus live in your tummy, too?"

A long way to come in two years. How much further will she go in the next two? How much fur
ther will you go?
TONY

The theology of "Christ In us" was a bit too muchbut who can fault such evangelistic zeal?
TONY

MERRY CHRISTMAS

TUNBRIDGE WELLS REPORT

(Kent)

WHERE HAVE ALL THE TREES COME FROM?

<L<ri to hKhU

In physical appearance, Tunbridge Wells is very

different from St. Ann's, a section of Nottingham.

Linda Nordhielm Curt Nordhielm

Donetta Nordhielm Gail Burns

You could take all of Tunbridge Wells and put it in St. Ann's quite easily. Tunbridge Wells is quieter, cleaner, more prosperous-and has treesl There are very few minoity racesin fact, other than some
Londoners who came to our Anniversary, I have seen no more than a handful-a marked difference

Rita Ide

^"^^rother aspects are about the same when comparing Tunbridge Wells and St. Ann's however: approxi
people the opportunity to have life in all its fullness.
A HOPEFUL START

mate population of 30,000 and apathy. Again, we must strive tocut throgh the apathy with the Gospel to give

GAIL

Iwould not have thought there could be too many differences in local Churches of Chnst. But we have found
many little changes in Tunbridge Welts.

Gail and I have now become members of the church meeting in Tunbridge Wells. (Curt, Linda and Donnetta

ing them come tothefront andthenbefore the whole congregation receive them into fellowship. But, when Gail
and I were welcomed, the President (worship leader) came down to where we were seated and welcomed us. In essence, the 'church' came to us and made us feel welcomed and wanted. One of the first activities in which we became involved was the Church Anniversary. We went to all the homes of church members and contacts, introducing ourselves and reminding them of the Anniversary ser
vices, as well as distributing leaflets in the area.

have had to remain in Nottingham to sell their house.) Many churches in Britainwelcome new members by hav

We had two responses to the leaflet distribution (a big difference from St. Ann's.) And the welcome the church gave them made them feel very welcomed. Just these little things can made a big difference and a favorable impression. One of the visitors was from another town, but visiting a friend. The other is from the
area and knows one of the church members, Cynthia. Gail and Cynthia plan to visit her. Thus beains a new ministry. Pray with us that God be glorified in this place.
RITA

comethe recession. We are also looking Into the possibility of renting our house, so that we might be able to rent one inTunbridgeWells. Your prayersfor wisdom would be greatly appreciated. CURT

The selling ofour house is notgoing very well. Because of the recession and high Interest rates houses are not selling. In the meantime we continue to minister here (St. Ann's) and continue to ask the Father to over

TO FRIENDS & SUPPORTERS OF THE COVENTRY CHURCH

It has been more than two years since Steve and LeeTate returned to the States. Rick and Joy Blazek came to the work in Coventry in January, 1980 and returned to the USA last month. Helen Cranfield, who also worked for one year with the church, is now studying at the University of Birmingham. She married Phil Walker, a member of the Coventry church, in March 1981. Debbie Harris, one of the original Coventry team, had twins In 1981. They are great! The church has greatly stabilized. Both Phil Walker and Nick Long are full-time students preparing for ministry at Springdale College in Birmingham. Both Richard Harris and David Arrowsmith were ordained as elders and are functioning in co-operation with long-time elder, Douglas Withnall. As Rick and Joy leave, the Coventry church will continue while paying for part-time ministry from a keen ministry student at Springdale College, Bob Sievwright (who is Scottish).

So it looks as though the American leadership phase of the Coventrychurch is drawing to a close-although Debbie Harris continues as an active member of the church. The church is extremely grateful for all assistance
thus far and covets your continued prayer support.
RICK L. BLAZEK

WEST BROMWICH REPORT (West Midlands)

Pete & Jan Bowen and Gareth
LEARNING TO TRUST

New church situations provide plenty of oppor tunity for growth in trusting God. For instance, one has to accept that not all things are going to be sorted out and in place. There is constant need for adaptation. Of course, there is a sense in which this is true for every church, new or established, if it is
to move on with God. But this is probably more so
with a new work.

When we are in this kind of unsettled situation, we are forced to find our security in God rather than finding

false security in the things we do and in the order around us. Though many of the things we do are designed to help us draw close to God, how often it is that we hide from God in those things and fail to really find our life in
Him.

Up until now, it has not been possible for us to share the Lord's Supper regularly as a church. We hold our meetings on Sunday evenings in a building belonging to another church. The majority of those who come to our meeting are not Christians. For this and other reasons, it was felt that this particular time was not the most
appropriate for breaking bread together.

But due to a change of circumstances in the home of one of our members, we have now been able to begin meeting there on Sunday mornings to have the Lord's Supper. At present there are only five or six of us gather ing, but we are confident that this group will grow as God adds to His church.
PETE
PLEASE PRAY FOR

A BUILDING: Though we have our home meetings and appreciate being able to use an Anglican church building, we would be better able to reach out from a place of our own.
NEW VENTURES WE HOPE TO BEGIN SOON:

1) Door-to-door calling in the area where we meet.

2) A home Bible study with some teenagers.

3) Classes for some children and adults who attend our meetings regularly, but need some clear teaching on
commitment and baptism.

EPISTLE FROM ENGLAND Northwest Christian Church

TUNBRiDGE WEIXS MINISTRY

Non Profit Org.

1700 Anthony Drive Champaign, IL 61820

U.S.A.

c/oGardn Coitagc,
Stone Street

U.S. Posuge
PAID Penalt No. 286

Tunbridge Well*. Kent TN12QT England

HINCKLEY MINISTRY

ChMpaIgn, 111.

1 Cheather Strrel

Hinckley, Leiceatenhire LE 10 OAH England

ERDINGTON MINISTRY

144 Gravelly Lane

Birmingham 823 6LT England

WEST BROMWICH MINISTRY '

1*1 ZOHiS

... 1 So 10" 3

" :D rv i.

-.s 3 JQ

250fordRoad
AMERICAN CORRESPONDENTS

Tim & Nancy Barber

603 Caalleton

Weat Bromwich. Wett Midlands B70 8PE

England

Ljlt.Oliai B0'< 177

iCIiip k,0 ."i t

p "1 i -rt i-'? Q 1

Champaign. IL 61820
U.S.A.

i:i

46049

Epistle from England

. . . A report from ministries challenging a post- Christian nation with the claims of Christ.
ERDINGTON REPORT

(Birmingham)

Roger & Michiile Edrington

COME AND SEE

Even in England's coldest and snowiest weather in 100 years, 300-400 people
turned up in front of the life-size stable next to our church building. An annual
event now, our COMMUNITY CAROL

God's Family
Contacted by the West Bromwich Church through her sister through a friend, she ended up in Erdington wanting
to follow Jesus! MICHELLE WILKES, just turned fourteen, willingly worked through

FESTIVAL brought together a few Christ ians and many non-Christians to watch the

familiar characters of the nativity come alive. Our live donkey tethered in the
stable makes It seem more real.

Yet It was not just the familiar story, but a personal challenge brought through song and drama and mime which dared people
to consider the reality and relevance of a
grown-up Christ for their own lives. He Is

a fifteen-lesson study course to clarify her beliefs and then, was baptied into Jesus.
A number of our young people who have no Christian encouragement at home have
not carried on in their commitment to

the Man who changed the course of our

lives as a church, and we wanted to share

that fact with our community. The event was extended by a number of interest centers inside the church building,
where people could watch the drama group, look at an audio-visual on Israel, enjoy the sketchboard, browse at the dis plays and bookstall, or just chat and let

Jesus. "Mush", as Michelle is affection ately known here, is as eager to grow as she is to giggle, which makes a lovely
combination. Even after a two-mile hike

through the snow to get to our meetings, she is usually the first one to arrive. Because she has little family at home, her new Christian family is vitally significant. Perhaps you will pray for us brothers and sisters to learn to be a helpful and loving family.

frozen toes thaw out. For a society that

expects nothing for nothing, hot soup, jacket potatoes, and free books for the children made it a real gift to the
community. BUT MOST OF ALL, WE
HOPE THEY REMEMBER HIM...

Michelle & Roger

HINCKLEY REPORT

(Leicestershire)

CHANGES...

We face them daily. We find some excit ing, some a bother, and some are very
frightening.
Janet Baines

I've been through many changes in my life and work, my latest being a move from the team ministry to my new job with the Christian Renewal Trust. The Trust is

made up of Christians who wish to help out

NOTHING TO DO BUT LISTEN

College, the churches' new "Bible Coll ege". The Trust are also opening into the
which I work.

new and struggling churches. They have been the motivation behind Springdale

field of publishing. That's the area in

It's a brand new job with all the hitches

He was invitied at the last minute by his

"mates" to come to camp. Camping in Wales-mountains, seashores, nice beach, etc. is what JAMES WILSON, 16. thought.

When he got to Wales, it was rather a different picture. He hadn't realized that
there would be so much teaching. In his own words, he "began to listen because

printing course, and loved it thoroughly. I enjoy the little bit of printing I do although
we still send the big jobs out to pro fessionals. One of my main tasks is to set

of a new job. I've been on a three day

there was nothing else to do." As he listened, something stirred inside him.
James knew that he had found something.

up and lay out the monthly Christian Fellowship magazine. This is a magazine

gether as a movement. {Sample copies on

request!) Since I am still living In the same situation as when I belonged to the team

which links the Churches of Christ to

Since camp he has made a careful search

and realized that he needed to obey and commit his life to the Lord. On the first

Sunday of the year, James was baptized

into Jesus.

ministry and am part of the same church, my new job brings out an interesting con

Let me add that this was the third time

fusion. I want to be as involved as In the

we had arranged for his baptism. The first

time the extreme cold burst some of our radiators and we had no water, the second time we couldn't get the water even

past, but am not able to because of being

at work!

peace in the midst of chaos. I have my encouragement. There is also my link with my family who care, and although wishing
me home with them, encourage and sup

God has always brought a stability and

slightly warm because our heater shorted

friends here which present an immediate

out and it was nearly freezing outside! However, we were finally able to witness

James* baptism and hear the testimony of

God leading him to that moment on our third try! PRAISE GOD!
Janet Baines

support,
prayer.

makes this new venture possible through

port me in my work. My home church also encouragement, and much

^ , ..

My need of people Is fully realized. I

never am alone-I have so many who are

behind me. God has blessed me through

THE CALVERTS are on furlough in the
U.S.A. until mid-April.

the changes and though I know I only see a small part of His work, I am aware of His
presence! Janet Baines

TUNBRIDGE WELLS REPORT (Kent)

A REFRESHING CHANGE
(Left to niiKo

Rita and I have now been living in

Tunbridge Wells for 3 months and are ad justing to the differences vi/e're finding
between here and St. Ann's. Accents are

Linda Nordhielm Curt Nordhielm Donetta Nordhielm

;^5Rita Ide
' *

Gail Burns

different,

as

are

some

word

usages,

parental attitudes toward children and

standards of behavior. It came as a great

shock when we saw parents bring their children to Sunday School and then get them afterwards; a shock, too, when I asked the children to sit down-and they did! All of this may seem minor, but it

prospect of doing that gives me a great peace and joy in working for our God in
Britain. Gall

really changes the whole tenor of how one approaches the children, parents, and
those whom we contact.

However, we have the gracious and understanding support of the church people. They are allowing us time to change and adjust and become a part of the community-aibeit with much laughter
when Rita or I throw a clanger! Our work here is a bit halting though,
because Curt and Linda are not here as

A TIME TO BE CHANGED

"Be Thankful in all Circumstances."

Tunbridge Wells. I keep asking mysejf

How difficult 1was finding that in my life when I seriously desired to be down in

yet. We are preparing ground and relaying our impressions to them so they know what is taking place and what we are doing,
which at the moment is a lot of calling,

why our house will not sell or why it

doesn't seem possible to rent but answers were {and are) not forthcoming. So, I asked myself why would Paul want me to be thankful for not being able to move to Tunbridge Wells. The answer to

Sunday School, a weekly children's club, two fortnightly Bible study/fellowship groups and, for Rita, redecorating the
Sunday School room which has not been done for nearly a decade. Some work in reconciliaiton and healing of damaged

this question came a bit faster than the answers to the other questions. Not to be
thankful means I am coveting something

else. Or, to be more exact, not to be thank

feelings will take time and Curt's ministry

In that area is vital, so we must wait and

cultivate good relationships between them

and us until the time Curt and Linda are

ful for not selling the house meant that I had made Tunbridge Wells and the work a god and in making it a god, I had failed to
thank the true God for the situation I was

able to move. (Anybody out there with an extra $40,000 they would like to invest in good old British real estate?) I like Tunbridge Wells. I like its small
town-ness and all the trees. I like the

in. I was desiring what I thought would be

a better situation.

Though I still desire to be in Tunbridge

Wells, I don't believe it is a god anymore. I

am trying to learn to be thankful for

remaining in St. Ann's and In doing so, allowing God to work through me.
Curt

atmosphere and air of serenity that is

somewhat present, though I do realize that the majority of the people need to come
face-to-face with the Saviour~and the

^^ICH REPORT
...-.rf^idlands)
Pete & Jan Bowen and Gareth

Christian Fellowship Magazine

Those who would like to subscribe to

the magazine to keep in touch with events In Great Britain please contact:
Mrs. Sheila Newton Rt.SBox 632

Johnson City, Tenn. 37601

m-.A . iL

Cost, including postage, $12.00

FIRMNESS & FEELING

Grandmother is a Christian, a lady who dearly loves the Lord. Mother is a Christian too. The eldest two of the three children have also given their lives to the Lord.

But this is a family torn with heartaches. Father was injured in an accident a number of years ago. He has serious brain damage and is permanently in the hospital, unable to recognize any one. Only a miracle (which God can certainly do) can change things for him. Mother tried hard for many years to be true to God and her husband. But there were many things she did not understand-there was much pain. Moving to a new location placed the family in a rather isolated position. Mother had brothers nearby who might have given some help (though they are not Christians), but it was another man who helped her to find her way around and get settled. A couple of years ago, Mother started living with this man with whom, over a
period of years, a relationship had developed. Mother is not happy in her situation. Her problems and sins are surfacing in physical ailments.

She has drifted from God, yet still wants Him and has not entirely let go. The man she lives with seems to have little interest in the Lord. The children, while continuing in their walk with Christ (with much help from Grandmother), are obviously deeply troubled by what is going on. Grand mother weeps to God for her family. The solution to the problem may seem easy and straight forward, but when the deep hurts and feelings of those involved are understood, the decisions are hard to make. Things need to change but inevitably there will be pain. We know that God's heart is full of compassion for this family. He wants al! concerned to share in His life. The church needs to be the expression of God's concern and care. There is need to be careful not to be too soft where firmness is needed, but equally not to be hard and unfeeling where understanding and sensitivity are needed. Much prayer is needed in this delicate situation that God's love, guidance, and power might be evident to all.
Pete EPISTLE FROM ENGLAND Northwest Christian Church

TUNBRIDGE WELLS MINISTRY

Non Profit Ors.

1700 Anthony Drive Champaign, IL 61820

U.S.A.

c/oCsrden Cottage,
Surne Sirtet

U.S. Postage
PAID

Tunbridge Wcllt. Kent TNI 2QT England

HINCKLEY MINISTRY

Remit No. 286

Chaapalgn. 111.

1 Chnther Street

Hinckley. Liceter*hir* LE 10 OAH England

ERDINGTON MINISTRY

M4 Gravelly Lane Birmingham 823 6LT England

WEST BROMWICH MINISTRY

AMERICAN CORRESPONDENTS

25 Osford Road Wet Btomwich,

Weal Midlandi BTO 8PB

Horizons Missions

2rViC-:3

'i330C

Tin & Nancy Barber

603 Ctttleton

Research Dept.
Box 177

England

Champiign. IL 61620
U.S.A.

Kempton, IN

4t>049