Tuesday, December 13, 2016

December 13 Praises & Prayer Requests

Praise Reports:
- Praise the Lord - A major crusade is coming to Ireland next year with the first stop being Ballymena. We are able to be involved and part of the planning in the early stages of it. 
- Praise the Lord - The rest we received and loving hospitality from our friends the Macfarlane's refreshed us in body and soul

- Praise the Lord - I have been able to attend each inter-faith advent service that has met once a week in various churches in Ballymena and will be able to go to the final one this week with Cindy
- Praise the Lord - The church had a good time of bonding while we were together at a Christmas-themed afternoon tea at a local hotel

Please pray for the following with us:
Pray for several people who are struggling with serious bouts of depression.  
- Pray for the many people around us who are facing loneliness and depression at these holiday times. It can be a difficult time of the year
- Pray for our friend Stephen's Aunt Isabel who suffered a major stroke, she has limited movement on her left side. She has had the feeding tube removed now and been transferred to a rehabilitation hospital.
- Please pray for Leo's mom, who has dementia, for her salvation. Specifically pray that they can somehow share the gospel with her in a way that her mind can understand to accept the Lord.
- Pray for Ashley in California who is suffering with chronic back pain from two degenerative discs in her lower back.
- We are still waiting to receive our Permanent Residency documentation to come in the post - it will be so nice to have this in hand! 
- Pray that the holidays will afford open doors to witness the wonder of God our Saviour.
- Please pray for G, who is struggling with a confusion about her faith and is wondering where she should fellowship, is facing financial hardships and concerns for her children. 

Thank you for your faithful prayer support,
Blessings,
Rick and Cindy Johnston

Wednesday, December 7, 2016

December 7 Praises & Prayer Requests

Praise Reports:
- Praise the Lord - We had a great outing with the church into Belfast - and were able to meet up with Trisha and Denise from CC Dublin who have visited us before.
- Praise the Lord - We are currently having a wee break at our dear friends Stephen & Lorraine's home - The S&L Retreat!
- Praise the Lord - Heather is continuing to get better and be relieved from ME - thank the Lord Jesus!
- Praise the Lord - Linsey is finding it much easier with her children.

Please pray for the following with us:
Pray for several people who are struggling with serious cases of depression.  
- Pray for our friend Stephen's Aunt Isabel who suffered a major stroke, she has no movement on her left side, has a feeding tube and is on oxygen to help her breath. 
- Please pray for Leo's mom's salvation. Specifically pray that they can somehow share the gospel with her in a way her mind can understand/accept the Lord.
- Pray for Ashley in California who is suffering with chronic back pain from two degenerative discs in her lower back.
- We are still waiting for our receive our Permanent Residency documentation to come in the post - it will be so nice to have this in hand!
- Pray that the holidays will afford open doors to witness the wonder of God our Saviour.
- Please pray for Gail, who is struggling with a confusion about her faith and is wondering where she should fellowship, is facing financial hardships and concerns for her children. 
- Please continue praying that the unity of the body of Christ in Ballymena will continue to grow as we work together on outreach and other projects, breaking down denominational barriers.and living a witness of working together without walls. Exciting times!
 
Thank you for your faithful prayer support   God bless you,
Rick & Cindy Johnston

Wednesday, November 30, 2016

November 30 - Praises & Prayer Requests

Praise Reports:
- Praise the Lord -  Our wee Ruth has just gotten a new job which will allow her to attend Sunday services! She is also emerging from the mental and emotional weakness she was facing.
- Praise the Lord - The spiritual attack of apathy seems to be lessoning.
- Praise the Lord - Heather is being healed of M.E./chronic fatigue and the pain that was related to it.

 Please pray for the following with us:
- Pray for our friend Stephen's Aunt Isabel who suffered a major stroke a few days ago
- We are still waiting for our receive our Permanent Residency documentation to come in the post - it will be so nice to have this in hand!
- Pray that the holidays will afford open doors to witness the wonder of God our Saviour.
- Pray for Maggie's family as they need to decide on a care home for her mom to be placed in. She has Alheimer's and is living with the family at present. Please pray that all involved would have peace and no guilt with this very tough decision.
- Pray for the Lord to help Linsey deal with her two children. Her son, aged 9, has been particularly rebellious and it's been difficult for her to deal with lately.


- Please pray that the unity of the body of Christ in Ballymena will continue to grow as we work together on outreach and other projects, breaking down denominational barriers.and living a witness of working together without walls.
 
Thank you for your faithful prayer support   God bless you,
Rick & Cindy Johnston

Tuesday, November 22, 2016

November 22 Praises & Prayer Requests

Praise Reports:
- Praise the Lord -  The prison ministry that Rick was part of ended well with all the participants being touched deeply by the love of the Lord that was in evidence.
- Praise the Lord - We had a great birthday party surprize for Cindy. She was really blessed by it.
- Praise the Lord - The Healing on the Streets training and practice was super well attended and the Lord healed some folks in the town. Twelve different churches were involved!
- Praise the Lord - For Nigel who attended church this past Sunday. It happened to really hit home for a situation he is facing. He is close to accepting salvation.
 
Please pray for the following with us:
- Pray with us against the spiritual attack of depression and apathy that has hit a lot of our folks.
- We are still waiting for our receive our Permanent Residency documentation to come in the post - it will be so nice to have this in hand!
- Pray for Maggie's family as they need to decide on a care home for her mom who has Alzheimer's to be placed in. Please pray that all involved would have peace and no guilt with this very tough decision.
- Pray that Ruth will gain physical, mental and especially emotional strength. She is in a tough spot right now. We're also praying that she can get another job that will allow her Sunday's to be free to be able to attend fellowship.
- Pray for the Lord to help Linsey deal with her two children. Her son, aged 9, has been particularly rebellious and difficult for her to deal with at times lately.
- Please pray for Gail who is struggling with a crisis of faith, that she will re-dedicate her heart to the Lord.
- Jo Anne has has a pretty serious relapse of symptoms of MS. We are praying for her to be healed and gain strength and stamina for day-to-day life.
- Please pray that the unity of the body of Christ in Ballymena will continue to grow as we work together on outreach and other projects, breaking down denominational barriers.and living a witness "Without Walls".
Thank you for your faithful prayer support,
Blessings,
Rick and Cindy Johnston

Tuesday, October 18, 2016

October 18 Praises & Prayer Requests

Praise Reports:
- Praise the Lord -  Cindy and I are pretty much over the bad colds we have suffered under in the last week
- Praise the Lord -  Our witnessing outreach to People's Park was a real encouragement for those who participated - and there was a good turn-out from our people!
- Praise the Lord - Our friends from America, Linda and Kim had a wonderful visit with us in Northern Ireland. Our specific prayers for their trip were answered!
- Praise the Lord - The church retreat the prior weekend had a real sense of peace, restfulness and of the presence of the Lord.
- Praise the Lord - Del, the husband of Rick's aunt in Washington state has gone home to be with the Lord
- Praise the Lord! - Linsey's eczema is virtually totally healed - and without any medication!!   She has also been walking in greater freedom in Christ now.
- We've been blessed with a week of R&R at Rock House, a Christian guest home Oct 22 - 28!

 Please pray for the following with us:

- Pray with us against the spiritual attack of depression and apathy that has hit a lot of our folks.
- Pray that we get some much needed rest this coming week at the Rock House.
-We pray that the application for permanent residency will be accepted for by the UKVI without any questions or obstacles. We are still waiting for a response.
- Please pray with us for peace for Rick's Aunt Joani as she grieves the loss of Del and faces an uncertain financial future.
- Pray that Ruth will gain physical, mental and especially emotional strength. She is in a tough spot right now. We're also praying that she can get another job that will allow her Sunday's to be free to be able to attend fellowship.
- Pray for the Lord to help Linsey deal with her two children. Her son, aged 9, has been particularly rebellious and difficult for her to deal with at times lately.
- Please pray for Gail who is struggling with a crisis of faith, that she will re-dedicate her heart to the Lord.
- Pray for the operation this Thursday to remove the cataract from Sandra will be a complete success with no issues during the recovery period and that she will have a peace that passes understanding as she anticipates the surgery.
- Jo Anne has has a pretty serious relapse of symptoms of MS. We are praying for her to be healed and gain strength and stamina for day-to-day life.
- Please pray that the unity of the body of Christ in Ballymena will continue to be knit as we work together on outreach and other projects, breaking down denominational barriers.and living a witness "Without Walls".

Thank you for your faithful prayer support   God bless you,
Rick & Cindy Johnston

Wednesday, September 21, 2016

September 21 Praises & Prayer Requests

Praise Reports:
-Praise the Lord -  We have received all but one of the documents needed to submit the application for indefinite leave to remain which we should have tomorrow
- Praise the Lord - Although Beyond X-Factor was not highly attended this time, those who were there were deeply touched
- Praise the Lord - Sunday was a precious time and there was a good deal of ministering one to another incuding "Listening Ear" getting off to a good start
-Praise the Lord - Also out of discussions Sunday at church, we will begin street witnessing at a local park. Really pleasently surprised that the idea came from an unlikely source!
 Please pray for the following with us:
- Pray that our witness in People's Park this Saturday and next will be fruitful. We also pray for good weather - always a hit and miss thing here.
- Pray with us against the spiritual attack of depression and apathy that has hit a lot of our folks.
- We pray that as we apply for indefinite leave to remain our application for permanent residency will be accepted for by the UKVI without any questions or obstacles.
- Please pray with us for Christine who re-dislocated her knee last week.
- Pray that Ruth will gain physical, mental and especially emotional strength. She had another tough week this past week.
- Pray for traveling mercy as Linda and Kim leave this Sunday to come and visit us; they'll be here for our retreat which is such a blessing to us all.
- Pray for the Lord to help us in the plans we are making for the CBV retreat next month.
- Please pray that the breakfast for ministers sponsered by Without Walls Tuesday the 27th will be well attended by Ballymena pastors, ministers, reverends and priests (including myself!).
Thank you for your faithful prayer support   God bless you,
Rick & Cindy Johnston

Tuesday, September 13, 2016

September 13 Praises & Prayer Requests

Praise Reports:
-Praise the Lord -  We were blessed by the Lord during a one day Prayer Retreat for "Without Walls" praying for unity among the ministers in town.
- Praise the Lord - John, one of the youth, got accepted this week into a university in York England. He is looking forward to fellowshipping at Calvary Chapel York which will be mutually beneficial.
- Praise the Lord - Prayer for schools in Broughshane started back up this week.
- Praise the Lord - Ministering and building up one another began this week with "Listening Ear" initiated by a church member (the woman whose faith used to be shaky!).
-Praise the Lord - Linsey was back to work Monday after being off for almost a year for stress!!

 Please pray for the following with us:- Pray for the Lord to bring more men to our wee church
- We also are asking the Lord to bring a healthy married couple or two to the fellowship as well. 
- Please pray that more women will sign up for the Joyful Heart book study. There are just 3 books left and we are believing the Lord for 25 women in all to participate or follow along in the book.
- We pray that the final documents needed for our application for permanent residency will be supplied quickly and efficiently and we will be accepted for permanent leave to remain by the UKVI without any questions or obstacles when we do apply.
- Please pray with us for a mighty move of God during "Beyond X Factor this Saturday.
- Please pray for Cindy's stepmom, Vernie. She is in stage 4 COPD and has gotten a chest infection that every antibiotic doctors have tried has not worked.
- Pray that Ruth will gain physical, mental and especially emotional strength. She had a tough week this past week.
- Pray for Linda and Kim as they are they continue preparing for their trip to visit us, they'll be here for our retreat which is such a blessing to us all. 
- Pray for the Lord to help us in the plans we are making for the CBV retreat next month.

Thank you for your faithful prayer support,
Rick and Cindy Johnston

Tuesday, September 6, 2016

September 6 Praises & Prayer Requests

Praise Reports:
-Praise the Lord -  Tim and Hazel had a beautiful wedding that both Cindy and I were able to attend.
- Praise the Lord - The first ladies studies of the Autumn were the same day as the wedding and the gals rose to the occasion to begin it and lead it without Cindy there.
- Praise the Lord - We had a great meal and time of fellowship with Jo Anne and saw that her anxiety is much less now.
- Praise the Lord - We had a God-ordained visit with one of our church members that really encouraged her in the Lord.
  
Please pray for the following with us:
- Pray for the Lord to bring more men to our wee church
- We also are asking the Lord to bring a healthy married couple or two to the fellowship as well. 
- Please pray that more women will sign up for the Joyful Heart book study. There are still 5 or 6 books available and we are believing the Lord for 25 women in all to participate or follow along in the book.
- We pray that the documents needed for our application for permanent residency will be supplied quickly and efficiently and we will be accepted without any questions or obstacles when we do apply.
- Please pray for Rick's uncle in America, Del, who had complications from extensive heart surgery. He is in rehab/nursing care in Seattle. He and my aunt are strong believers.
- Please pray with us for a woman in the fellowship who confided that her belief in God is waivering as she would like to see His supernatural touch.
- Pray that Ruth will gain physical, mental and especially emotional strength
- Pray for Linda and Kim as they are they continue preparing for their trip to visit us, they'll be here for our retreat which is such a blessing to us all.
- Pray for the Lord to help us in the plans we are making for the CBV retreat next month.
 
Thank you for your faithful prayer support   
God bless you,
Rick & Cindy Johnston

Tuesday, August 30, 2016

August 30 Praises & Prayer Requests

Praise Reports:
-Praise the Lord -  Ruth is healthy physically and restored emotionally and was able to come to church.
- Praise the Lord - Sandra has had significant improvement in her health, getting some of her voice back and was also able to come to church.
- Praise the Lord - Jo Anne has had her anxiety soothed and is much better now.
- Praise the Lord - Our friends from America's plans to visit us next month have come together nicely.

 Please pray for the following with us:
- Pray for the Lord to bring more men to our wee church
- We also are asking the Lord to bring a healthy married couple or two to the fellowship as well. 
- Pray for effective results from "Without Walls" which is building church unity in town through various churches working together on outreach and other projects, breaking down denominational barriers
- Still pray for the Lord to heal the chest illness that Sandra is suffering from, the doctors don't know what the cause is.
- Pray that the prayer initiatives starting up again for the Autumn time will bear much fruit 
- Please pray that more women will sign up for the Joyful Heart book study. There are still 7 or so books available as we are believing the Lord for 25 women in all to participate.
- We pray that the documents needed for our application for permanent residency will be supplied quickly and efficiently and we will be accepted without any questions or obstacles when we do apply.
- Pray for the Lord to bless Tim & Hazel as they are getting married September 1 and moving to Edinburgh, Scotland.
 
Thank you for your faithful prayer support   God bless you,
Rick & Cindy Johnston

Wednesday, August 24, 2016

August 24 Praises & Prayer Requests

Praise Reports:
-Praise the Lord -  We had an effective time of work at Creation Fest. The Lord reaped a harvest of souls saved and lives blessed through it.
- Praise the Lord - He has shown us that the season for working Creation Fest has come to a close. But, praise the Lord, He has raised up a team from the local area to replace us!
- Praise the Lord - Our Ruth was a real trooper at Creation Fest and the Lord blessed her with stamina and she made many new friends, also, Rick's heels weren't too painful
- Praise the Lord - For the deep rest, renewal and confidence that we got from the missions conference.
 Please pray for the following with us:
- Pray for the Lord to bring more men to our wee church
- We also are asking the Lord to bring a healthy married couple or two to the fellowship.
- Pray for our wee Ruth who suffered from a flu after Creation Fest causing her to be weakened physically and which also dampened her spirits.
- Pray for the Lord to heal the pain that Sandra is suffering from. She can barely speak right now due to the rawness in her throat and lungs, the doctors don't know what the cause is.
- Pray for Jo Anne that she will overcome the anxiety she's feeling right now.
- Please pray that more women will sign up for the Joyful Heart book study. There are still 7 or so books available as we are believing the Lord for 25 women in all to participate.
- We pray that the documents needed for our application for permanent residency will be supplied quickly and efficiently and we will be accepted without any questions or obstacles when we do apply.
- Pray for Tim & Hazel as they will be getting married September 1 and moving to Edinburgh, Scotland.
Thank you for your faithful prayer support   God bless you,
Rick & Cindy Johnston

Tuesday, August 2, 2016

July 2016 Newsletter



August 2 Praises & Prayer Requests

Praise Reports:
-Praise the Lord -  We had an amazing time of ministry as part of the prayer team for Spark, a youth outreach to the community, last week.
- Praise the Lord - He has given direction for Tim, a young man and leader in our church, who will be moving to Edinbourgh, Scotland in September after he gets married. We'll miss him tremendously.
- Praise the Lord - For the healing of Janna, aged 7, the wee grandaughter of Noleen, one of our members. She suffered a severe concussion on the first day of the family's holiday in Spain this past weekend. 
 
Please pray for the following with us:

- Pray for Creation Fest: To overcome the inevitable glitches that will arise during the preparation of the event, for financial needs for the festival and the individuals coming and for a harvest of souls to be saved and/or encouraged in the Lord.
- We ask for prayer for the CreationFest campsite and office that we oversee for: ministry opportunities with the campers, unity within the Camping Team volunteers and safety, protection and health among the volunteers.
- Pray for our wee Ruth who will be accompaning us at CreatiionFest - she is anxious about being away from her husband for such a long time and being around so many people she does not know. Also, she's working in the kitchen, a very demanding job, and could use prayer for physical and emotional strengh. 
- Pray for the Lord to heal the pain that sometimes returns to Rick's heels. I don't want a problem at Creationfest like two years ago.
- Pray for safe and smooth connections for us as we leave Creation Fest for Austria travelling by train the whole way there and back.
- Please pray that more women will sign up for the Joyful Hearts book study. There are still 10 or so books available as we are believing the Lord for 25 women in all to participate.
- We pray that our application for permanent residency will be accepted without any questions or obstacles when we apply upon return home.
- Pray for Delvin in America who has terminal, inoperable throat cancer, but worse, is not saved.
- Pray also for Kieth, 35, in England, a brothert of our Jan's son-in-law who also has cancer and has no interest in the Lord at this time.

Thank you for your faithful prayer support   God bless you,
Rick & Cindy Johnston

Tuesday, July 26, 2016

July 26 Praises & Prayer Requests

Praise Reports:
-Praise the Lord -  The Lord has blessed the outings and gatherings last week.
- Praise the Lord - Heather's brother Geofery is out of hospital and has gained strength. We pray now he will respond to her invitation for him to attend church
- Praise the Lord - We are activly ministering to youth in the area as members of the prayer team for Spark - a week-long youth outreach to the community by about 250 teenagers 

 Please pray for the following with us:
- Pray for Spark this week - the weather has been horrible with constant rain. Also for the Lord to reach in to the young teens that are participating, many are not saved - and also for effective work for the gospel in the practical outreach to the townfolk they are doing.
- Please pray for the next step for us now that we've passed the Life in the UK test which is to apply for permanent residency after we return from CreationFest in August. We pray that our application will be accepted without any questions or obstacles.
- Pray for Creation Fest: To overcome the inevitable glitches that will arise during the preparation of the event, for financial needs for the festival and the individuals coming and for a harvest of souls to be saved and/or encouraged in the Lord.
- Pray for strength and stamina for Heather (and healing and salvation for her brother Geofery)
- Pray for Christine who was attacked in Belfast during celebrations on the 12th. Someone hit her on the back of the knee with a hammer. The knee cap was dislocated and there are several fractures. We pray for a smooth recovery as well as for her to rededicate to the Lord.
- Please pray for the Lord to deliver Linsey from the guilt of the past and the doubts of the present. Pray also for the Lord to heal Linsey's eczema
- Pray for the Lord to heal the pain that sometimes returnes to Rick's heels. I don't want a problem at Creationfest like two years ago.
Thank you for your faithful prayer support   God bless you,
Rick & Cindy Johnston

Tuesday, July 19, 2016

July 19 Praises & Prayer Requests

Praise Reports:
-Praise the Lord -  We have passed our "Life in the UK" tests with flying colours!! Your prayers were answered.
- Praise the Lord - The Lord has completely healed Cindy of the sciatica
- Praise the Lord - We had a good time of rest last week as we took time off during the local holiday week
 
Please pray for the following with us:
- Please pray for the next step for us now that the Life in the UK test has been passed which is to apply for permanent residency after we return from CreationFest in August. We pray that our application will be accepted without any questions or obstacles.
- Please pray for the Lord to deliver Linsey from the guilt of the past and the doubts of the present.
- Pray also for the Lord to heal Linsey's eczema
- Pray for strength and stamina for Heather (and healing and salvation for her brother Geoffery)
- Pray for Christine who was attacked in Belfast during celebrations on the 12th. Someone hit her on the back of the knee with a hammer. The knee cap was dislocated and there are several fractures. We pray for a smooth recovery as well as for her to rededicate to the Lord.
- Pray for Creation Fest: To overcome the inevitable glitches that will arise during the preparation of the event, for financial needs for the festival and the individuals coming and for a harvest of souls to be saved and/or encouraged in the Lord.
- Pray for our outings and gatherings this week to be a fruitful time of fellowship
- Keep praying for three of our young adults: B. who is struggling with her identity in Christ, K.who has turned away from the Lord and for R. who just needs to be saved! 
- Please pray for the Lord to open doors for contact with the other churches in Broughshane to have a work of unity, especially: 1) Regular meeting for unified prayer, and 2) A gospel outreach we can all be involved with.

Thank you for your faithful prayer support   God bless you,
Rick & Cindy Johnston

Wednesday, July 6, 2016

July 6 - Praises & Prayer Request

Praise Reports:
-Praise the Lord -  We had a great turnout and good response during the Independence Day barbecue.
- Praise the Lord - The woman's study ended and there has been great responses from every one who took part this year.
- Praise the Lord - Our schedule is allowing us some times of rest. The Lord has been showing us very strongly lately that we need to take time to stop and rest.
- Praise the Lord - For the pastor's conference in Costa Mesa we were able to watch as it was broadcasted on livestream
 Please pray for the following with us:
- Please pray for Cindy and me to retain the facts needed for taking the "Life in the UK" test on July 18th. We need to pass this difficult test in order to apply for permanent residency.
- Pray for the Lord to heal the severe pain in Cindy's back caused by sciatica.
- Keep praying for three of our young adults: B. who is struggling with her identity in Christ, K.who has turned away from the Lord and for R. who just needs to be saved! 
- Please pray for the Lord to open doors for contact with the other churches in Broughshane to have a work of unity, especially: 1) Regular meeting for unified prayer, and 2) A gospel outreach we can all be involved in.
- Continue to pray for Pastor Mike Hoile in Warrington England for the Lord to completely heal the disease in his liver.  
- We pray that the Lord would continue to reveal to us His plans for evangelism and outreach for the church to do.
Thank you for your faithful prayer support   God bless you,
Rick & Cindy Johnston

Tuesday, June 28, 2016

June 28 Praises & Prayer Requests

Praise Reports:
-Praise the Lord - Pastor Louie was blessed with some vacation time and is recuperating well from the blood clot in his leg.
- Praise the Lord - A time joining an evangelism and outreach team last Thursday was fruitful as two children gave their hearts to the Lord through the efforts of the video gaming bus outreach team
- Praise the Lord - Sandra has received relief from the pain of her medical condition and is able to stand and walk much easier at the moment
- Praise the Lord - for His direction and clarity of his will to end the youth group meetings for the time being, as the youth will be heading to Uni soon.
- Praise the Lord - At our last Beyond X Factor, a sister, Jenny, found freedom from bondages that were keeping her in fear.
- Praise the Lord - Ryan made it successfully back to Huntington Beach despite missing the first leg of his flights home from Kosovo.
 Please pray for the following with us:
- Please pray for Cindy and me to retain the facts we are studying for in preparation of taking the "Life in the UK" test on July 18th. We need to pass it to apply for permanent residency/citizenship.
- Pray that the Lord will grant peace to and lead the body of Christ into a deeper faith as we face the uncertain times immediately ahead because of the vote for the UK to exit the EU..
- Please pray for Mindy (who is in the USA and a believing family) for wisdom regarding treatment for bleeder on the brain/epilepsy that was just discovered. She is a young mum and her husband, Josh, is in the Army, stateside. 
- Keep praying for three of our young adults: B. who is struggling with her identity in Christ, K.who has turned away from the Lord and for R. who just needs to be saved! 
- Pray for the Lord to heal the pain that has returned in Rick's heels .
- Continue to pray for Pastor Mike Hoile in Warrington England for the Lord to completely heal the disease in his liver.  
- We pray that the Lord would continue to reveal to us His plans for evangelism and outreach for the church to do.
- We are praying now for helpers/leaders for ministry in the church such as youth and children workers and a worship leader. 
Thank you for your faithful prayer support   God bless you,
Rick & Cindy Johnston

Wednesday, June 15, 2016

June 15 Praises & Prayer Requests

Praise Reports:
-Praise the Lord - It was a wonderful Pastors & Leaders Conference in York England.  It was a time of refreshment, renewal and encouragement that we had prayed for! 
- Praise the Lord - Benjamin in Scotland really benefited from the time off he had taken to go to the Pastors & Leaders Conference. He needed the rest! Some doors were opened to minister to him.
- Praise the Lord - We have booked our "Life in the UK" test. The closest open date was the 18th of July.
- Praise the Lord - Meeting with a couple of ladies in the church this week who have a burden to evangelise
- Praise the Lord - Jonathan's mission trip to the Congo has gone extremely well.
- Praise the Lord - The blood clot in Pastor Louie's leg is healing properly and "now I am almost able to walk again on my own" he said in his newsletter. But, obviously, prayer is still needed. 
 Please pray for the following with us:
- Please pray for Cindy and me to retain the facts we are studying for in preparation of taking the "Life in the UK" test in July. We need to pass it to obtain permanent residency/citizenship.
- Pray that the Lord will move in the lives of the pastors and their families for the various needs that were expressed at the conference.
- Please pray for Ruth to receive the correct job that the Lord has for her.
- Pray for Pastor Mike Hoile in Warrington England that the Lord would completely heal the disease in his liver. 
- Pray for the Lord to heal the pain that has returned in Rick's heels .
- Continue to pray for Pastor Louie in California that the blood clot in his leg will dissolve safely and the swelling and pain will be completely eased. 
- We pray that the Lord will reveal to us His plans for evangelism and outreach for the church to do. 

Thank you for your faithful prayer support,
Blessings,
Rick and Cindy Johnston

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

May 31 Praises & Prayer Requests

Praise Reports:
-Praise the Lord - Rick's message at the evening service at St Patricks Church of Ireland was very, very well received!
- Praise the Lord - We had a visit from Jessie Quintana, the missions coordinator from our sending church that greatly encouraged us as well as the body here
- Praise the Lord - Many folks turned out for the meet and greet barbeque for Jessie Sunday afternoon. And we had just enough food!
- Praise the Lord - Gail has received a job offer for a full time position and Jo Anne as well has accepted a good job offer.
- Praise the Lord - Many of the physical illnesses that hit those around us have been healed
- Praise the Lord - Trisha was greatly encouraged as she shared her testimony last night at Refuge Recovery group,
 
Please pray for the following with us:
- Please pray for Cindy and me to retain the facts we are studying for in preparation of taking the "Life in the UK" test. We need to pass it to obtain permanent residency/citizenship.
- Pray that the 2 week mission trip to Uganda and Congo that Jonathan leaves for on the 1st of June will be fruitful and they they will be kept safe from harm and sickness
- Please pray for Ruth to receive the correct job that the Lord has for her.
- Pray for the Lord to touch the body and heart of our friend Benjamin in Scotland. He was going to go to the conference in York, but illness has prevented him from going and then the devil was putting him in condemnation for not going.
- Pray for Pastor Louie in California that the blood clot in his leg will disolve safely so the swelling and pain may be eased.
- We pray that the Pastor and Leaders Conference in York next week will be a time of refreshment, renual, encouragement and will reveal open doors the Lord might have for us.

Thank you for your faithful prayer support   God bless you,
Rick & Cindy Johnston

Tuesday, May 24, 2016

May 24 Praises & Prayer Requests

Praise Reports:
- Praise the Lord - Our first two weeks of meeting in Broughshane House have gone very well. There is a great bit of enthusiasm and encouragement among the folk.
- Praise the Lord - Our niece Katie's visit was a lot of fun and she got to see true Christianity in action.
- Praise the Lord - Rick's message at an evening service at St Patrick's Church of Ireland went over very well. I received a ton of positive feedback.
- Praise the Lord - The last Scripture Union message has been given and all the children received the message eagerly, it seems.
- Praise the Lord - Bill in California, who had the stroke, is about back to normal.
 
Please pray for the following with us:

- Please pray for Cindy and me to retain the facts we are studying for in preparation of taking the "Life in the UK" test. We need to pass it to obtain permanent residency/citizenship.
- Pray that the spiritual attacks that have come in the form of physical infirmities will be overcome by God's healing power. (For greater is He who is in us than he that is in the world)
- Please pray for Jo Anne, Ruth and Gail to receive the correct jobs that the Lord has in store for them.
- Pray that the Lord will keep us in good physical, emotional and mental health. (He has been answering this prayer - so keep up the good work!!)
- Keep praying for the salvation of Leanda and Nigel and now Adrian. 
- Pray for wisdom for Benjamin, a man in the north of Scotland who is seeking the Lord how he may be used by Him for Christian service, perhaps in Ballymena
 
Thank you for your faithful prayer support   
God bless you,
Rick & Cindy Johnston

Thursday, May 5, 2016

May 5 Praises & Prayer Requests

Praise Reports:
- Praise the Lord: - This will be the last Sunday morning meeting in the home as new facilities has been agreed upon. 
- Praise the Lord - Jan has returned to work, she's doing so much better - She thanks you all for your prayers.
- Praise the Lord - Bill in California has seen great improvement in his thought process! Keep praying for him, though.
- Praise the Lord - Sheila, who had that bad fall has died, but she has gone home to be with the Lord forever. 

Please pray for the following with us:
- Pray for CBV as we begin meeting in Broughshane House. That there will be a smooth transition and no glitches with electronics - sound, video etc. 
- Please pray for Cindy and me to retain the facts we are studying for in preparation of taking the "Life in the UK" test. We need to pass it to obtain permanent residency/citizenship.
- Pray that our niece Katie, who will be staying with us for two weeks this month and arriving next week, will have an open heart for the Lord. She has accepted the Lord, but is not walking with Him.
- Keep praying for Bill, our friend and brother in California who was in extreme mental confusion and suffering delusions apparently from the result of a minor stroke.
- Pray that the Lord will keep us in good physical, emotional and mental health.
- Rick will be teaching on "Walking in Faith" at an evening service at St. Patrick's Church of Ireland (Anglican) in Ballymena, Sunday 22 May.   Pray the Lord will speak powerfully to the hearts of those in attendance.

Thank you for your faithful prayer support   God bless you,
Rick & Cindy Johnston

Wednesday, April 20, 2016

April 20 Praises & Prayer Requests

Praise Reports:
- Praise the Lord: - The women's Tres Dias weekend bore great fruit in the lives of the participants. Two of the10 women guests were from CBV,

- Praise the Lord - Jan was strengthened and had good physical stamina during the Tres Dias weekend as she was part of the team serving (so were Cindy and Jo Anne).

- Praise the Lord - Cindy was selected to be the leader of the next women's Tres Dias in 2017 

- Praise the Lord - For a good visit from Denise and Trish from CC Dublin last week. They have such servant's hearts!

Please pray for the following with us:
- Pray for fruit to be developed in the two ladies from CBV that were guests at the women's "Tres Dias" weekend retreat last weekend that the Lord will deepen the relationship with Him and work His will in their lives.

- Please pray for us to retain the facts we are studying for in preparation of taking the "Life in the UK" test we need to pass to obtain permanent residency/citizenship.

- Pray that the Lord will continue to lead us to His will for just the right facilities for meeting Sunday mornings.

- Pray for K, one of our youth who has just dropped out of school and is aimless in life practically and especially spiritually

- Pray for B, another of our youth, who is struggling with some things of late.

- Please pray for Jo Anne to have successful job interview tomorrow and the same for Ruth next week.

- Pray for Courtney and Melanie two young ladies who will be going to the Philippines for 2 months from May 1st as missionaries.

- Pray for Sheila, who had an accident falling down a flight of stairs and has taken a turn for the worse and is near death. Pray also for her son, a friend and brother in the Lord, Ian.
 
Thank you for your faithful prayer support   God bless you,
Rick & Cindy Johnston

Wednesday, March 30, 2016

March 30 Praises & Prayer Requests

Praise Reports:

- Praise the Lord: - Linsey received the Lord into her heart last Thursday night!

- Praise the Lord - The Lord's hand of blessing was indeed on all of the Easter weekend events.

- Praise the Lord - The Sunday morning Easter service was very well attended and the powerful and meaningful message was well received. 

- Praise the Lord - Jan's recovery is going extremely well.

- Praise the Lord - Some of the church had a great day out with a walk in a forest on "Better Saturday." Joining us was a friend, Nigel, who needs prayer for salvation. 

Please pray for the following with us:

- Pray for Bill, our friend and brother in California who suffered another minor stroke but had some major mental confusion following it.

- Please remember another friend and brother in California, Rex, who lost his job this week. He has been suffering from effects of clinical depression, too.

- Pray that the Lord will lead us to the facilities for meeting Sunday mornings, or even throughout the week, that are according to His will.

- Pray that the Lord will continue to inspire the plans for the church to do during the year that they may keep us at His purposes.

- Please pray for Ruth to be successful in her application for a new job and for Jo Anne to get a replacement job quickly.

- Pray for the women's "Tres Dias" weekend retreat coming up in April that the Lord will deepen the relationship with Him for all those who will be attending 

- Pray for Jan, who is recovering from major surgery


Thank you for your faithful prayer support   
God bless you,
Rick & Cindy Johnston

Wednesday, March 23, 2016

March 23 Praises & Prayer Requests

Praise Reports:
- Praise the Lord: - The 'Amazing Jesus' lessons we brought into the school went quite well
- Praise the Lord - For Rick's involvement with the minister's fraternal in town that is getting our church involved with community projects
- Praise the Lord - The Sunday night service at Mooreland Close was very well received with the folks there not wanting to leave but remaining until quite late in fellowship together and singing hymns.
- Praise the Lord - The Tres Dias men's weekend went extremely well with good spiritual fruit in all the men's lives.
- Praise the Lord - The members of the church are encouraging us to look for facilities to meet Sunday mornings outside the home!
- Praise the Lord - Sheila has escaped death and is in a nursing home recovering from her devastating accident when she fell down a flight of stairs.
 Please pray for the following with us:
- Pray for the Lord to bless the Easter events this weekend
- Pray that the Lord will lead us to the facilities for meeting Sunday mornings, or even throughout the week, that are according to His will.
- Pray that the Lord will continue to inspire the plans for the church to do during the year that they may keep us at His purposes.
- Please pray for Ruth to be successful in her application for a new job and for Jo Anne to get a replacement job quickly.
- Pray for the women's "Tres Dias" weekend retreat coming up in April that the Lord will deepen the relationship with Him for all those who will be attending
- Pray for Jan, who is recovering from major surgery

Thank you for your faithful prayer support   God bless you,
Rick & Cindy Johnston

Wednesday, March 2, 2016

March 2 - Prasies & Prayer Requests

Praise Reports:
- Praise the Lord: - The 'Amazing Jesus' lessons we are bringing into the school are going quite well
- Praise the Lord - That there is such openness to be able to bring the Christian message into schools
- Praise the Lord - We are in the ground floor of a move of God in this town called 'Without Walls' which seeks to see the various churches in town working together for the benefit of all the people.
- Praise the Lord - We spent a day with Jo Anne and she is doing well
- Praise the Lord - He has made his direction clear for Jan to take on a foster-type arrangement with a young lady of 18 (she is a Christian). We pray that the Lord will give Jan wisdom and the strength to be able to set and keep boundaries for her.

Please pray for the following with us:
- Pray for the Lord to move in the service I am going to do at Mooreland Close this Sunday evening
- Pray for the last week of the "Amazing Jesus" lesson that we are giving in the local primary school's classrooms. Please pray for the children to be open to the message of "Jesus, who is God's Son."
- Pray for wisdom for Benjamin, a man in the north of Scotland who is seeking the Lord how he may be used by Him for Christian service, perhaps in Ballymena.
- Pray that the Lord will continue to inspire the plans for the church to do during the year that they may keep us at His purposes
- Pray for the "Tres Dias" weekend retreats that are coming up (first for men in March, then a few weeks later for women) for the Lord to deepen the relationship with Him for all those who will be attending
- Pray for Sheila, a brother's mum who took a horrible tumble down a flight of stairs. She has several broken bones, a loss of liver function and possibly pneumonia in the chest.
 
Thank you for your faithful prayer support   God bless you,
Rick & Cindy Johnston

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

February 24 Praises & Prayer Requests

Praise Reports:
- Praise the Lord: - Several of us were able to visit with Noel one last time before he returned to Australia last Thursday.
- Praise the Lord - The service for Sandra at the crematorium in Dublin went well. Noel was Touched in his heart for the godly send-off.
- Praise the Lord - Alison, the new manager at Mooreland Close, has asked us to do the first Sunday evening service she is starting up again there.
- Praise the Lord - He has made his direction clearer for Gary and Carli B. , who will be going to Galway in the Republic of Ireland next year.
- Praise the Lord - Jo Anne has had the drooping facial muscles is completely clear and it was confirmed that it wasn't a stoke, just effects from the MS.
- Praise the Lord - Our first weeks lessons in the primary school began and went well, despite some computer glitches 

Please pray for the following with us:
- Pray for Bill K. in California who has a serious kidney ailment. He is a great source of encouragement to many missionaries around the world.
- Pray for Noel and his sister Barbara for salvation and that he will not be so overwhelmed with grief that he would forget the seeds of the gospel that were planted.
- Pray for the next two weeks of "Amazing Jesus" lessons that we are giving in the local primary school classrooms. Please pray for the children to be open to the message of "Jesus, who is God's Son."
- Pray for wisdom for us to deal in a godly manner towards some men who have inquired about coming to Ballymena to serve the Lord with us.
- Pray for a planning session for the year that we will be having Thursday. That the Lord will inspire our plans to keep us at His purposes
- Pray for the "Tres Dias" weekend retreats that are coming up (first for men in March, then a few weeks later for women) for the Lord to deepen the relationship with Him for all those who will be attending

Thank you for your faithful prayer support   God bless you,
Rick & Cindy Johnston

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

February 10 - Praises & Prayer Requests

Praise Reports:
- Praise the Lord: - Sandra, the woman from Australia who had been in intensive care in Ireland has passed into eternity.
- Praise the Lord - Noel has asked me to do the service for her at the crematorium in Dublin.
- Praise the Lord - Alison, the new manager at Mooreland Close, has asked us to do the first Sunday evening service she is starting up again there.
- Praise the Lord - He has made his direction clearer for Gary and Carli Betts, who will be going to Galway in the Republic of Ireland next year.
- Praise the Lord - Jo Anne has had the drooping facial muscles completely clear and confirmed that it wasn't a stoke, just effects from the MS.

Please pray for the following with us:
- Pray that in the service for Sandra tomorrow the Lord will move to open hearts and minds to Him.
- Pray for Noel for salvation and his sister Barbara who is with him right now
- Pray for Juliette in Guatemala: she has a big exam this Friday in her medical studies and for "a few big things this weekend."
- Pray for wisdom for us to deal in a godly manner towards some men who have inquired about coming to Ballymena to serve the Lord with us.
- Pray for the "Tres Dias" weekend retreats that are coming up (first for men then a few weeks later for women) for the Lord to deepen the relationship with Him for all those who will be attending
- Beginning February 22nd & 23rd, we will be taking "Amazing Jesus" lessons into the local primary school classroom for three weeks. Please pray for the children to be open to the message of "Jesus, who is God's Son."

Thank you for your faithful prayer support   
God bless you,
Rick & Cindy Johnston

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

Febuary 3 Praises & Prayer Requests

Praise Reports:
- Praise the Lord: - the new manager of Mooreland Close, Alison, IS a godly person   that we will keep our good and active relationship with the Close.
- Praise the Lord - Alison is keen to have us continue working with Mooreland Close, and to expand it!
- Praise the Lord - Our friend Debbie is doing wonderful in her recovery, and has been declared cancer free!!
- Praise the Lord - Noel happily accepted a Bible that was given to him from our church, and planned to read it right away.
- Praise the Lord - Although Jeff's tumor was not benign, it was the same type of cancer as before, so there was no harmful changes to the type of cancer.  
 
Thank you for praying for the following with us:
- Please continue your prayers for Sandra, who has been in intensive care in a hospital in Ireland since the end of September 2015. This week she was transferred to Galway, Ireland to have a procedure done this morning to remove plaque/clots built up in her right lung.  Pray that the doctors will determine the cause of the bleeding which almost took her life twice.
- Also pray that the Lord will heal her with damaged kidneys &  the other things necessary for her to be able to be airlifted back to Australia.
- Continue praying for Noel, her partner that opportunities will continue to share the gospel as a friendship relationship built. Noel told us yesterday that he has been praying to the Lord for His help!
- Pray for Noel and Sandra for salvation.
- Pray for Jo Anne who was rushed to emergency last night with numbness and drooping in her face muscles. Two and a half hours later she was released when most of the symptoms subsided
- Beginning February 22nd & 23rd, we will be taking "Amazing Jesus" lessons into the local primary school classroom for three weeks. Please pray for the children to be open to the message of "Jesus, who is God's Son."

Thank you for your faithful prayer support   God bless you,
Rick & Cindy Johnston

Thursday, January 28, 2016

January 28 Praises & Prayer Requests

Praise Reports:
- Praise the Lord: - A close bond of friendship has developed miraculously quickly between Noel, the Australian man stuck in the hospital in Letterkenny, and Cindy and I.
- Praise the Lord - The Lord certainly blessed the All-Ireland conference. There was much unity and bonds built between the churches and individually we were encouraged, strengthened and challenged.
- Praise the Lord - Our friend Debbie came through her major surgery well.
- Praise the Lord - Another friend in California, Chuck, came through his surgical procedure to freeze cancer off his kidney with flying colours
- Praise the Lord - A third friend and brother, who lives in Texas has successfully undergone surgery to remove a brain tumour. We pray it is benign.  

Thank you for praying for the following with us:
- Urgent prayer is needed for Sandra, who has been in intensive care in a hospital in Ireland for almost 4 months, that the cause of her recent severe bleeding from her tracheostomy would be discovered and healed.  
- Also pray that the Lord will heal her with damaged kidneys &  the other things necessary for her to be able to be airlifted back to Australia.
- Pray that as we travel on a weekly basis to visit with Noel, her partner that opportunities will continue to open to share the gospel as a friendship relationship is built.
- Pray for Noel and Sandra for salvation.
- Pray for wee Harry, a one year old who is being tested for diabetes. Oh we pray that the tests will reveal that he doesn't have it.
- Also pray for the recovery from major surgeries for Debbie and Jeff, both in America.
- Keep praying for the salvation of Leanda and Linsey from the women's study. (Linsey is close!)

Thank you for your faithful prayer support   God bless you,
Rick & Cindy Johnston