January Newsletter

Do You Trust Me?

When life seemed to be crashing down last year – after we’d received double doses of bad news, first the loss of the church we were serving at then the devastating news of the death of our son, we had to confront our faith in the Lord. He was leading us to continue serving Him here, to step out in faith and walk with Him, but the foundations of our life were being shaken.

Crying out in prayer, we were seeking assurance and stability from the one source where it is possible – God. Then I heard it. A voice as equal in my heart as it was in my mind, speaking gently, softly to me, “Do you trust me?”

That ‘still, small voice’ might as well have been a shout with a megaphone to my spirit and we were both confronted to our core belief. Do we really, truly trust God with all our being? There is no question that He is worthy of our trust, as Psalm 111: 17 says, “The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy.” There is no doubt that we can trust God, the question is, do we?

Well, we came to a spiritual crossroads and determined in our hearts to trust him. Instead of looking at the circumstances, we chose to look at the maker or the allower of them.   

We’re in a similar place once again.

           Circumstances look difficult right now. The UK government is clamping down on immigration and targeting Christian ministries and our sponsors lost their license. Now we need to apply for another visa. Meanwhile, for the first time since we have been in Northern Ireland, our monthly financial giving has begun to come up short.

                But “God is faithful and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability…” 1Corinthians 10:13 says. Yes, we will trust the Lord to keep us here, provide for us and fill us with peace during the process. We have both come to the place where we can honestly confess, “Yes, I do trust you Lord.”

Jan, Margaret and us on Christmas Eve, this was Margaret's first selfie, she got a real kick!

Celebrate Recovery Christmas Dinner - was hosted for 50 people

Chefs Cindy and Ruth

Cindy, Ric and Grace at Celebrate Recovery - Always up to something!!!

Show time!!

Rachel with Oscar & Beth with Animal

Rick and Robbie hanging out with a very excited Crocus Youth

Puppet dress rehearsal -

Puppet selfie!!

John with Annabell, "E" with Kathryn

Please be praying for these upcoming events:

February 7 – Baking Day: Good bye Jamie Olivier – Hello Ruth Houston!  CBV’s own vegan/vegetarian baker extraordinaire is going to share her amazing secrets and talents with our ladies and friends as an opportunity for us to reach out and have some good fun and yummy treats all at the same time. 

February 21 – Youth outing: We’ll be taking the train to Belfast and going out to lunch and spending the day together

Please be praying for these weekly or bi-weekly gatherings:

Tuesday – Celebrate Recovery – we are currently helping lead a weekly group of folks wanting to get help dealing with hurts, habits or hang ups.

Wednesday – Home Bible Study - Pastor Rick currently going through the Book of Acts (meets bi-weekly)

Thursday – Women’s Bible Study – the ladies gather in the morning or evenings going through Kay Smith’s book, Pleasing God (meets bi-weekly)

Thursday – Life’s Healing Choices – An in depth 8 session small group Bible study Rick is leading for people attending Celebrate Recovery, for those dealing with hurts, habits or hang ups (meets bi-weekly)

Friday – Youth Group – gathering to help the youth grow deeper in their relationships with Jesus. (Meets bi-weekly)