October 31 - Praises & Prayer Requests

PRAISE REPORTS:

- Praise the Lord -  Christine's is recovering well from the operation for her knee  

- Praise the Lord - The surgery to remove the malignant brain tumor from Hazel's sister Miriam went extreemly well. Thank you for your prayers.

- Praise the Lord - The service this past  Sunday that included prayer for Michael, commiting him into the hands of our faithful God upon his departure for Australia was dynamic and included several visitors.

- Praise the Lord - Emma, a cousin of Michael, who was also prayed for on Sunday delivered a healthy baby boy, despite the doctor's concerns

- Praise the Lord - Rick has been approved to do assemblies at Broughshane Primary School!! 

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:

- Pray for Christine who will be returning surgery Monday the 6th of November to have the rest of the lump removed from behind her knee.

- Please pray for Miriam as she recovers from her surgery.  Pray that every trace of cancerous cells were removed and for the peace of the entire family.

- Pray for Micheal, Jan's son, who moved to Australia for a year this Monday. Pray for his protection as well as for his salvation. His heart is softening towards the Lord.  Also salvation for his girlfriend, Kara, who plans as well to follow him to Australia in January.

- Also pray for Jan, as she adjusts to Micheal moving away and having an 'empty nest'! 

- Praise the Lord! Bradley has gotten back into contact and wants to talk about returning to church. Pray that any shame or guilt will not prevent his return.

- Pray for Linsey. as she really wants to get back to church, too. Pray that the enemy doesn't dissuade her. Also pray for her close friend, Leanda to come along and not pull her away instead.

- Thank you for continuing to pray with us against depression and fear that grip a lot of lives (both of Christians and the unsaved) in this country.

Thank you for your faithful prayer support,

Blessings,

Rick and Cindy Johnston

October 11 Praises & Prayer Requests

PRAISE REPORTS:

- Praise the Lord - After many months of praying, Linsey has contacted us and will be joining our women's study!  This is a encouraging answer to prayer...thank you for your faithfulness on her behalf.

- Praise the Lord - we heard that Matt, who was shot in the shoulder at the Harvest concert in Las Vegas won't require a 2nd surgery and has been released from hospital and is back home!

- Praise the Lord - Benjamin has been blessed of the Lord this week. Keep praying! See below.

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:

- Pray with us for Benjamin in Scotland who is taking a 'career break' allowing him to visit Ballymena and see what the society is like as well as to seek the Lord for direction about serving Him in a more direct way. Pray especially that he will be hear from the Lord during the church retreat this weekend.

- Please also pray for the Lord to speak to all of us attending the church retreat. The theme is Prayer and Practising the Presence of the Lord. I greatly desire that each and every one of us will hear from the Lord in whatever manner He chooses to 'speak' to us. 

- Also keep praying for wee Jacob who is still in a battle over fear that affects him for school. We pray now that he will not be overwhelmed with anxiety. We also lift up his parents, Karen and Ric.

- Please pray for Joel, a young man from Northern Ireland who is in San Diego working with a church, but is struggling to get a religious worker visa from Homeland Security. Pray that he finds favour with the bureaucrats in the government.

- Pray for Jayne, the sister of a close friend here, and has suffered from psoriasis since the age of 12. Lately she it has throw her into a dark depression that is even affecting the whole family.

- Pray for Cheryl in California - the recovery from knee replacement surgery has caused tremendous pain and was set back by delayed delivery of therapy equipment. She says the pain from the knee has a life of its own! 

-Pray for Linsey who has decided she'll come back to women's group that she'll come back on Sunday's as well. We are also praying again for a healing for the psoriasis that has returned.

- Keep praying with us against depression and fear that grip a lot of lives (both of Christians and the unsaved) in this country.

Thank you for your faithful prayer support,

Blessings - Rick and Cindy Johnston

October 4 Praises & Prayer Requests

PRAISE REPORTS:

- Praise the Lord -  for a successful coffee morning fundraiser for UCB national Christian radio last Saturday.

- Praise the Lord - the first night of Women's Study for this year was excellent with great participation, openness and involvement from everyone.

- Praise the Lord - JoAnne has finally gotten a permanent, part time job! It's ideal for her.

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:

- Pray with us for Benjamin in Scotland who is getting a 'career break' which will allow him to visit Ballymena and see what the society is like as well as to seek the Lord for direction about serving Him in a more direct way. Praise the Lord, he will be here for the church retreat in October, now.

- Please also pray for the Lord to lead us in planning for the church retreat in two weeks

- Pray for Cheryl in California - the recovery from knee replacement surgery has caused tremendous pain and was set back by delayed delivery of therapy equipment. She says the pain from the knee has a life of its own! 

- Please pray for Joel, a young man from Northern Ireland who is in San Diego working with a church, but is struggling to get a religious worker visa from Homeland Security. Pray that his plight finds favour with the bureaucrats in the government.

- Pray for Jayne, the sister of a close friend here who has suffered from psoriasis since childhood. It has recently sunk her into a deep depression 

- Pray for Christi Z. who was at the concert in Las Vegas. She was unharmed and is giving God the credit and telling everyone that it was because people are praying for her. Pray that this will bring her back to an active walk with the Lord.

- Keep praying with us against depression and fear that grip a lot of lives (both of Christians and the unsaved) in this country.

Thank you for your faithful prayer support,

Blessings,

Rick and Cindy Johnston

September 26 Praises & Prayer Requests

PRAISE REPORTS:

- Praise the Lord - Wee Jacob has overcome the 'wobble' of fear that affected him for school. We pray now that he will grow to trust leaders more and overcome the fear of embarrassment

- Praise the Lord - John is settling into his course-work at university and enjoying living in York 

- Praise the Lord - Christine was out of hospital the next day. 

- Praise the Lord - The 'Without Walls' prayer retreat last Saturday was a fulfilling time in the Lord and was truly building bridges in the church community in Ballymena

- Praise the Lord: Gail is moving to England this weekend and was at church with us one last time. She is stronger in the Lord and is going in faith and trusting in the Lord

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:

- We are praying again for Linsey for healing for the psoriasis that has returned, but more importantly, for herself, that she would return to an active walk with the Lord.

- Pray with us for Benjamin in Scotland who is getting a 'career break' which will allow him to visit Ballymena and see what the society is like as well as to seek the Lord for direction about serving Him in a more direct way. Praise the Lord, he will be here for the church retreat in October, now.

- Please also pray for the Lord to lead us in planning for the church retreat in October

- Pray also for a successful coffee morning fundraiser for UCB national Christian radio this Saturday.

- Pray for Christine - for her blood iron levels to be elevated since they are too low. Her operation has been postponed because of this and she has been put back onto a waiting list for knee surgery.

- Keep praying with us against depression and fear that grip a lot of lives (both of Christians and the unsaved) in this country.

Thank you for your faithful prayer support,

Blessings,

Rick and Cindy Johnston

August 2017 Newsletter

September 12 - Praises & Prayer Requests

PRAISE REPORTS:

- Praise the Lord - The past week's Thrive visiting evening at Millbrae Fold was well received by the residents. They can't wait for us to come back..

- Praise the Lord - As the monthly Prayer of Blessing for Ballymena began again after a break for Summer, the turnout for it at All Saints Catholic church was quite large.

- Praise the Lord - John, in his return to York, has attended CC York and wants to take some of the Bible college classes on an audit basis.

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:

- We are praying again for Jacob as he has had a "wobble" this past week and his mum needied to return to the classroom to comfort him. 

- Pray also for Lois for the same thing as Jacob. We bind in Jesus' name this spirit of fear affecting these children

- Pray for our Joyful Heart Women's fellowship as we start our new study this Thursday.

- Pray also for Sam,13 I think, a young man in California, for healing from the extremely painful 'Red Skin Syndrone.'

- Pray that Rick will be able to get into the local primary school to do assemblies with the children

- Pray with us for the Lord to send or raise up help for us at church with worship and childrens/youth work

Thank you for your faithful prayer support,

Blessings,

Rick and Cindy Johnston

September 5 - Praises & Prayer Requests

PRAISE REPORTS:

- Praise the Lord - The procedure to replace the battery in Leslie's spinal chord pain relief thing went well. But she is in some of discomfort whilst she recuperates.

 

- Praise the Lord - Nigel was at church Sunday and is doing well, both in his job and his walk. He is seriously considering going to the midweek Bible study that will be in Galatians. Pray that he will.

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:

- Pray for Rick as he prepares this week, beginning to teach through Galatians mid week and continues in Hebrews on Sunday mornings.

- Pray for Cindy as she organises and prepares for the start of the Joyful Heart Women's Book study September 14, we  currently have 15 ladies signed up and room for 2 more.

- Pray as this Thursday Thrive will be going into Mill Brae Fold (retirnement home) for a time of fellowship and to do some crafts with the residents. Rick will be sharing a devotion.

- Pray for Heather, as her fatigue and aches from ME have been very bad recently. Pray with us for a complete healing!!

Thank you for your faithful prayer support,

Blessings,

Rick and Cindy Johnston

August 29 Praises & Prayer Requests

PRAISE REPORTS:

- Praise the Lord - There was a terrific outreach at Harrogate last week that Rick was able to assist with. Though Cindy was too sick to travel, Rick's being there was a great help for the Howards

 

- Praise the Lord - Two people were prayed for to receive Christ at the outreach and many lives were touched and blessed by it.
 

- Praise the Lord - Cindy has nearly completely recovered from the bad flu she caught at the end of the missions conference in Austria

 

- Praise the Lord - William has been fairly well freed up from downward thoughts this past week

 

 NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:

 

- Pray for Rick as he prepares for the coming season of teaching

 

- Pray for Cindy as she organises upcoming events and meetings

 

-Pray for John as he returns to York for university. We pray that he will commit to following the Lord and choose to regularly attend nearby CC York, as well as commit to do his course-work.

 

- Pray for Darrell, who is being oppressed and brought low by the enemy - that he would be freed up and surrender his life to Jesus.

 

- Pray for Christine - for her blood iron levels to elvate since they are too low. Her operation has been postponed because of this and she has been put back onto a waiting list for knee surgery.

 

- Pray for William - to continue to be relieved from thoughts which lead him into depression and confusion about his workplace.

Thank you for your faithful prayer support,

Blessings,

Rick and Cindy Johnston

August 22 Praises & Prayer Requests

PRAISE REPORTS:
 

- Praising the Lord - We had an amazing time at the missions conference in Austria last week.  We are so blessed, encouraged and excited by the great teaching, fellowship and really enjoyed the warm weather!

- Praise the Lord - Church service the last two Sundays have gone well, Praise the Lord for our faithful friends, Stephen and Lorraine and our wee body at CBV.
- Praise the Lord - Bradley allowed Rick to visit him and pray with him.

- Praise the Lord - William's work situation has improved greatly!

  

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:

- Pray for Rick as he is in Harrogate, England working with Pastor Mike Howard at CC Harrogate for a one day outreach, 'Day of Hope' being held this Friday, 25 August.

 - Pray for Cindy, she was due to travel to Harrogate with Rick, but due to getting the flu upon arriving back from Austria isn't able to travel.

- Pray for Darren, who is being oppressed by the enemy - that he would be freed up and surrender to Jesus.

- Pray for Christine - due to her iron levels being too low still, her operation has been postponed again and she has been put back onto a waiting list for her knee surgery.

- Pray for Willam - to be releieved from thoughts which lead him into depression

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

August 8 - Praises & Prayer Requests

PRAISE REPORTS:

- Praising the Lord - We had a great time of rest and relaxation last week. Thank you for praying for us!

- Praise the Lord - Christine's surgery for her knee has been scheduled for next week

- Praise the Lord - Duncan in Scotland has succumed to his illness, his suffering is over. No word of his eternal destiny.

 NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:

 

- Pray for our dear friend Stephen, as he'll be taking the meeting at CBV this coming Sunday for Rick.  Pray that he and his wife, Lorraine, are blessed as they come to minister to our wee flock.

- Pray that Bradley, who is being lured back to his old life, will return to a desire to follow Jesus. Linsey as well. It is a real battle for their souls!

- Pray for Creation Fest in Cornwall, England this week. We pray now for great fruit in the lives of non-believers and believers alike as the gospel is proclaimed and the word of God is taught.

- Pray that the surgery for Christine's knee, rescheduled for next week. We pray for her that the anemia issue with her blood will be overcome so the surgery can occur and that there will be a successful operation.

- Pray for us this next week as we travel to the Castle in Austria for the missions conference that we will not only be refeshed and encouraged, but prepared for what may lie ahead.

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

August 1 Praises & Prayer Requests

PRAISE REPORTS:

- Praising the Lord - for the Christian youth of Ballymena who were involved with Spark this past week. we were very impressed by the openness, honesty and desire for seeing Jesus touch the lives of the community through themselves

- Praise the Lord - Leslie is completely healed from from her illnesses from Haiti.

- Praise the Lord - Don's delicate neck surgery was successful.

- Praise the Lord - Gail has gotten a job in England where she will be moving back to at the end of September

-Praise the Lord - After 33 radiation treatments for breast cancer, Cheryl's been given the 'all clear'!!

 

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:

- Pray that the surgery for Christine's knee will be able to be rescheduled soon. There was some sort of issue with her bloods.  She is understandably nervous about it and we pray for peace in her mind and a 100% successful operation when it occurs.

- Pray that Leslie, when she has surgery at the end of the month to replace the battery in her spinal cord stimulator. 

- Pray for us to make good use of this week of rest.

- Pray for Creation Fest in Cornwall, England which begins next week. We pray now for a smooth and safe set-up and for great fruit for non-believers and believers alike to come next week as the gospel is proclaimed and the word of God is taught.

-  Pray for us to be able to start a new Bible study for the new believers going over the basics. Pray that those who are curious about Christianity would also attend.

Thank you for your faithful prayer support  

God bless you,
Rick & Cindy Johnston

July 26 Praises & Prayer Requests

PRAISE REPORTS:

- Praise the Lord - Cindy and I had an nice time away last week

- Praise the Lord - We are blessed this week to be part of the prayer team for Spark - an area-wide youth outreach

- Praise the Lord - It was an annointed worship service last Sunday as the Holy Spirit did indeed empower and guide the day

- Praise the Lord, William had a great week at work returning after the holiday.

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:

- Pray for Christine who was attacked by a hammer to the back of her knee a year ago. She was scheduled for another corrective surgery this week, but it was cancelled at the last minute. She is understandably nervous about it and we pray for peace in her mind and a 100% successful operation when it occurs.

- Pray for Don who was in a car accident caused by his having a heart attack and blacking out.  He requires delicate neck surgery and heart surgery. Pray for all his medical needs, but most importantly for his salvation.

- Pray for the Spark outreach into town that the Lord would "spark" a deeper walk  with Him in the youth's lives and that long-lasting fruit would remain in the town from their efforts this week

-  Pray for us as we plan to start a new Bible study for the new believers going over the basics. Pray that those who are curious about Christianity would also attend.

- Pray for us as we have been given a another break away next week, that we would be totally refreshed and come back raring to go!!

- Pray for Bradley, that the Lord will protect him from the influences of this world, especially that the enemy would be kept at bay and he would overcome feelings of shame and disgrace.

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

July 11 Praises & Prayer Requests

PRAISE REPORTS:

- Praise the Lord - CBV blessed Bradley with his own bible this Sunday.  He is doing well, and is growing in his faith.

- Praise the Lord - We enjoyed a good morning at a 4th of July breakfast at Mooreland Close.  Praise the Lord for continued open doors to minister there.
- Praise the Lord - Joyful Heart Women's ministry hosted a DVD & Dessert fellowship.  The ladies, who are on break for summer enjoyed a great evening together!

-Praise the Lord - Bradley's relationship with his mum is being restored!!  She's 'over the moon' that he's born again! Thank you Jesus!!

- Praise the Lord - Rick was blessed with a ocean fishing trip.  It was great fellowship and a good catch!!

- Praise the Lord - Heather obeyed the Lord in a major decision in her life, and the Lord has blessed her abundantly for it! Her ME has calmed down signaficantly!  Jesus is so faithful!!

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:

- Pray for Bradley, that the Lord will protect him from the influences of this world, especially that the enemy would be kept at bay.

-  Pray for us as we plan to start a new Bible study for the new believers going over the basics. Pray that those who are curious about Christianity would also attend.

- Pray for us, along with Jan, as we are going away next week (M-F) for a time of R&R. That we'll come home refreshed and well rested!

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

June 2017 Newsletter

July 4 - Praises & Prayer Requests

PRAISE REPORTS:

- Praise the Lord - For the salvation of Bradley! I prayed with him Sunday to receive the Lord
- Praise the the Lord - The Independance Day BBQ was a good day. About 40 people came and were well fed by our American stle BBQ and all heard a wee talk on freedom - in Christ! 

- Praise the Lord - The intensity of the spiritual attacks have eased and we have had some good night's rest. But you can still pray for us to endure and overcome the enemy's attack.

- Praise the Lord - William had his best day ever at work last Thursday after some intensive prayer after Bible study Wednesday night

- Praise the Lord - Leslie's missions trip to Haiti was intense but successful. However, now the she has returned to the US, she has gotten sick (see below)

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:

-  Pray for Bradley, Harry and Nigel that they will have stong walks in the Lord and steady growth in Him 

- Pray that the freedom we have in Christ will lead some who feel that they are defeated to become courageous warriors in the Spirit.

- Pray that Leslie, who has some "medical issues" upon her return from Haiti and that the anti-biotics will be doing their job.

- Pray for Aidan as he is released from prison this week. The Lord has moved mightily in his life whilst he was in, but now we pray (and he wants to) that he will continue on the path of righteousness and not return to the influences of friends who led him astray. Same thing also for Bradley (that he won't be tempted to return.

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

June 28 Praises & Prayer Requests

PRAISE REPORTS:

- Praise the Lord - For the miraculous recovery of Bradley. He was released from hospital on Monday - just 2 weeks after a nearly fatal accidental drug overdose

- Praise the Lord - Rick's visit to Maghaberry prison (maybe the last chance to see Aidan) went well. Small number of guys, but quality time of fellowship and encouragement

- Praise the Lord - Jo Anne's job has been retained until September!

- Praise the Lord - We all had great fellowship on a church outing to a restaurant in Belfast last Saturday. It was good craic!!

- Praise the Lord - More men are coming to the church!

- Praise the Lord - Zoe, is doing amazing! She's at home as she didn't need to go to a rehabilitation center!  She even has her old witty humor back!!

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:

- Pray that the "4th of July"  BBQ Outreach - being held this Saturday, July 1st, will touch many folks and they may be ministered to by the "freedom" we have in Christ.

- Pray for Bradley, who is only 19 will fully turn to the Lord. He is acknowledging that it was God that healed him! He, too, is coming to the BBQ. Oh that he will find true freedom in Christ.

- Pray for Linsey, who will be attending the Independence Day BBQ with her 2 kids. We pray that it will spark a desire to return to fellowship. Her friend whom we have been praying for, will also be coming!

- Pray for us as we have encountered an increase in attacks of spiritual warfare. Nightime has been a little challenging lately, but the Lord is faithful as we put on an armour of light!

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

June 20 Praises & Prayer Requests

PRAISE REPORTS:

- Praise the Lord - For the open door Thrive received at Mill Brae Fold, a retirement home in Broughshane. We visited with 13 residents, many more than we expected and they were all very pleased for our visit and we intend to go again. 

- Praise the Lord - William was greatly encouraged by a message sent to him by a member of our care team

- Praise the Lord - Maggie's mum, Pearl, is settling in well in the care home and showing steady improvement!

-Praise the Lord - Digging Deeper, a monthly study on spiritual warfare, prompted great discussion and involvement.  

-Praise the Lord - Cindy & Rick were leaders of last week's Healing On The Streets (HOTS) Saturday, we thank the Lord for testimonies of and opportunities for prayers for healing. 

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:

- Please pray for William in his work situation, since returning after long sick leave, he finds it difficult to fit in. He feels confused if he has made the right decision to go back. 

- Keep praying for a good friend of ours, Zoe, who is recovering from surgery in which her colon was nicked.  She now requires a colostomy bag and will need specialised nursing care indefinitely.  

- Pray for Rick's monthly ministry visit to Maghaberry Prison this Friday that the guys will be open to hearing from the Lord (it will probably be the last chance to see Aidan)

- Pray that the "4th of July"  BBQ Outreach - being held on July 1st, will reach many folks so that they may be ministered to.

- Pray for the healing of a young man, Sam aged 12, in California from the extremely painful "Red Skin Syndrome" and TSA hyper-reaction from steroid medication. As well, his father (a dear friend of ours) Bruce who became very ill from going to the hospital.

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

May 2017 Newsletter

June 12 Praises & Prayer Requests

PRAISE REPORTS:

- Praise the Lord - Pamela's Dad Nick that we've been praying for is doing great!  His last test shows that he is in complete remission!

- Praise the Lord - our final lesson for 'It's Your Move' we're doing at Broughshane Primary for the P7 students went very well and we've heard great feed back from some parents.

- Praise the Lord - on June 2, CBV hosted the monthly Prayer of Blessing, with one of the highest attendances yet!  The Lord is truly drawing the Body of Christ together here...please keep praying!

-Praise the Lord - Martin shared his testimony at THRIVE.  We were all encouraged to hear how the Lord has delivered him from alcoholism and lots of trouble as a youth to now ministering in a local church. 

-Praise the Lord - Heather, Jan, and us attended the annual UK Pastor's/Leader's conference in York last week. We were all encouraged in the Lord and enjoyed a wonderful time of fellowship.

- Praise the Lord - we had more men than women last Sunday!!

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:

- Please pray that attendance at our fortnightly THRIVE evenings would increase.  This is a great time to be encouraged in the Lord.

- Pray for the Rozek's & Kottman's both families are being called back to the States from serving 10+ years in England. Pray that both of these families, especially their children, to readjust to life in America smoothly.

- Please pray for a good friend of ours, Zoe, who is recovering from surgery in which her colon was nicked.  She now requires a colostomy bag and will need specialized nursing care indefinitely. 

- Please pray for W. that he would realize how precious he is to the Lord. That the major discouragement he falls under will be lifted!

- Pray that L. will reconnect with CBV.
-Pray as we are in the planning of a July 4th BBQ Outreach- being held on July 1st, that many will come and be ministered to.

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

May 30 Praises & Prayer Requests

PRAISE REPORTS:

- Praise the Lord - Tests have shown that cancer has not return to Debbie's esophagus! 

- Praise the Lord - The Ireland 4 Jesus crusade has gone well, it's been a very lively time!! Different that what we're used to, but the Lord has used it to draw the Body of Christ closer together!

- Praise the Lord - The I4J team from America has been an encouragement to us!

- Praise the Lord - we had 30 ushers/counsellors trained for the crusade!

-Praise the Lord - Christine has requested to meet with us this Saturday to discuss some issues that she is struggling with and are keeping her from rededicating her life to Jesus...pray she's set free this Saturday!!

- Praise the Lord - More men are attending CBV on a regular basis!!

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:

- Pray for Leslie from Refuge along with a short term team who will be doing a medical mission to Haiti beginning June 16th.  It will not only be HOT but VERY emotional as they see many kiddos.

- Please pray for our final lesson for 'It's Your Move' we're doing at Broughshane Primary for the P7 students this Thursday.

-Please pray this Friday as CBV will host the monthly Prayer of Blessing where folks from many different churches come to pray for our town.  This is the first time we've hosted this event, so we're very excited to have the opportunity to bless those who come along.

- Next week, Mon - Fri we'll be attending the annual Pastors and Leaders conference in York, England hosted by CC York. Jan, Heather, Cindy and Rick will be attending the conference this year.  Pray that all of our hearts are open to hear from the Lord!

- This Thursday evening at Thrive, Martin Delaney will be sharing his testimony as we look at Improving ourselves, the  'I' of THRIVE.  Pray that many come to be encouraged by his testimony of deliverance from alcohol to Jesus. 

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

May 22 Praises & Prayer Requests

PRAISE REPORTS:

- Praise the Lord - We enjoyed a beautiful day off at Mount Stewart, a manor home which has amazing gardens.  The rain held off until we got into the car to leave then it began to rain hard!!

- Praise the Lord - The Pastor's Wives fellowship met for the second time. The Lord is binding our hearts together and greatly encouraging us.

- Praise the Lord - More men have signed up to Usher at the Ireland 4 Jesus crusade.

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:

- Please pray for Heather, she has ME and a side effect is fibromyalgia which has flared up big time. She doesn't miss any gatherings, and over the last week she's had to rest and stay home.  

- Please pray for the It's Your Move lesson we will be taking into Broughshane Primary for the P7 students Tues is lesson 2. A week from Thurs will be the final lesson.

- Pray for the Ushers training for the Ireland 4 Jesus crusade this Tuesday evening to go well and be well attended.

- Pray continue to pray for success for Rick as I take on the leadership role over  the ushers and counsellors for the Ireland 4 Jesus crusade which begins Sunday, Monday & Tuesday evenings

-Please pray for CBV as we will host the monthly Prayer of Blessing where folks from many different churches come to pray for our town.  This is the first time we've hosted this event, so we're very excited to have the opportunity to bless those who come along.

-Please pray for Vi, a dear friends mum who is getting more frail in her health.  

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

April 2017 Newsletter

May 15 Praises & Prayer Requests

PRAISE REPORTS:

- Praise the Lord - Nigel gave his heart to Jesus yesterday at church!!!

- Praise the Lord - Erin's shoulder is healed up well, she's been able to return to playing hockey!

- Praise the Lord - Darla's  tinnitus is easing a bit...please keep praying.

- Praise the Lord - The first It's Your Move lesson went very well! Lots of fun!

- Praise the Lord - The Thrive group will be going into Mill Brae Retirement home to do a time of worship and devotion!!

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:

- Pray that more men sign up for the training session scheduled - May 23, we have plenty of women signed up.

- Please pray for the P7 students & teachers from Broughshane Primary School who are on a school trip this week to Scotland.

- Pray continue to pray for success for Rick as I take on the leadership role over  the stewards (ushers) and counsellors for the Ireland 4 Jesus crusade at the end of the month. 

- Pray for Linsey, she is keeping on contact with Cindy, and is desiring to return to fellowship...pray the enemy is held at bay and LInsey responds to the ministry of the Holy Spirit

- Please pray for H & D, that they would be will to allow the Lord to restore their marriage to His design.

-Pray for Thrive, that this ministry to reach out to hurting people, the Lord is certainly using this outreach to draw hurting people that wouldn't normally come to church. (Together, Healing, Restoring, Improving, Visiting & Encouraging).

- Please pray for these who are seeking employment:

- John for a temporary summer job

- Gail her job will end in June and needs a new perm position 

- Jo Anne who needs a perm part time position close to home (she suffers with MS)

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

May 9 Praises & Prayer Requests

PRAISE REPORTS:
- Praise the Lord - Christine, Harry's fiance' came to Thrive last Thursday and came back again Sunday and asked for prayer...she's very close to re-dedicating her life to Jesus

-Praise the Lord - Trisha (Daniel's fiance') shared her testimony at Refuge Long Beach' Recovery Group and had a great effect on one of the women attending.  Trisha is now part of the leadership team at Refuge Recovery at our home church, CCHB!!  The Lord is so faithful!!!

- Praise the Lord - We took the evening service at Mooreland Close for Sunday night and it was well received. New opportunities are opening back up again there.

- Praise the Lord - The 'Thrive' meeting this last week had a powerful move of God as we experienced a move of healing, the "H" of thrive.

- Praise the Lord - The first "It's Your Move" Bible lesson for the students moving on to secondary school (USA equivalent is combined middle and high school) that was scheduled to begin last week will actually start this Thursday. We were able to briefly visit the class and introduce ourselves.

- Praise the Lord - Granny Pearl, 91, who is a bit brighter and not so depressed.  She has actually been sitting with the other residents in the common room for her afternoon tea!!

- Praise the Lord, I feel that spiritual attack of depression, discouragement and apathy is lifting.

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:

- Please pray for the "It's Your Move" lessons we are taking into the P-7 class at Broughshane Primary school over the next few weeks. The lessons turn their anxious thoughts from worrying of the unknown future to realising that God is with them no matter where they go. We pray that the students will be settled and receive the love and encouragement, as well as practical helps that the lessons and resources given to them provide.

- Pray for success for Rick as I take on the leadership role over  the stewards (ushers) and counselors for the Ireland 4 Jesus crusade at the end of the month. - There are two training sessions scheduled - May 11 & May 23
- Pray also for Christine for the hurts from the past that are keeping her from accepting Christ

- For our dear friend Cheryl in California who is undergoing radiation therapy for breast cancer

- Sandra is still affected by deep grief. We pray she experiences the intimate comfort of God and knows for herself the Lord's sympathy and understanding for us.

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

May 1 Praises & Prayer Requests

PRAISE REPORTS:

- Praise the Lord - Harry accepted Jesus as his Lord and Saviour at church Sunday morning!!!
- Praise the Lord - Leslie had the cyst removed 5 weeks ago. The Dr. said it was a deep one but that he got it all. There was no hidden Cancer in the deep tissues either. Waiting for some of the swelling to go down & she'll be good.

- Praise the Lord - Jacob's week at school went great!

- Praise the Lord - Cindy was able to organize a meeting with a few pastor's wives this week to have a time of fellowship and prayer with one another. It was a great time of encouragement - so we've arranged to meet monthly for now.  The Lord is so good!

- Praise the Lord - After 7 1/2 years The Lord is closing the door. of ministering once a month at Mooreland Close, a retirement community   BUT GOD... is opening a new door at a retirement community here in our village, 'Mill Brae Fold' - pray for guidance and wisdom

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS:

- Pray for D, a worship leader with severe tinnitus in both of her ears.  It is causing her a lot of discomfort and has kept her from being able to lead worship. 

- Pray for Pam who suffers from fibromyalgia and this has kept her from being able to  participate in many things. Also, her husband Rob is now dealing with back and neck issues. Both need healing!

- Pray for Gail, she has some major decisions to make, she is seeking the Lord, which is great! She needs to return fully to her first love and put Jesus as the center of all, praise the Lord she's heading that direction.  
-Pray as a new door is opening at Mill Brae Fold, that CBV will embrace this as 'their' ministry - as a church family, not something for just one or two people.  It'll be a blessing to see the church 'doing' what they're 'learning'.

- For our dear friend Cheryl in California who is undergoing radiation therapy for breast cancer

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

April 24 - Praises & Prayer Requests

Praise Reports:

- Praise the Lord - Jacob, the 8 year old, is doing GREAT in school! For the last two weeks of school he hasn't needed his mum in the class with him. His parents wanted to thank each of you for your faithful prayers!

- Praise the Lord - The doctors have determined that Rhonda's eye problems are caused by 'silent migraines' 

 

- Praise the Lord - For an amazing Easter Sunday - We attended a sunrise service at the foot of Slemish mountain, met back at church to have breakfast together, and had a very inspirational Easter service. 

- Praise the Lord - Pastor Mike in Warrington is doing quite a bit better and has much more energy. But we don't want to stop praying for complete healing.

Please pray for the following with us:

- Jacob's mum asks for prayer that when he returns to school this week after the Easter break, that he will not fall back into the habit of fear as before.

- Pray for our friend Rhonda, a believer, that the Lord will heal her from the silent migraines which come from stress and have been causing the temporary blindness. Rhonda trusts the Lord, and most likely needs to change her activities to lessen the amount of stress she's under. 

- Keep praying for Mike 1) his body is attacking the liver with an auto-immune deficiency and 2) blood vessels in the esophagus are exposed and thinned and any rupture would be extremely serious.

- The church has expanded a ministry started by Heather called "Thrive" which reaches out to people who are lonely, hurting and facing dependencies and other needs. Please pray that people will find freedom and strength through what the Lord can do through it so they will 'thrive' in their faith! 

- Pray for us to have wisdom regarding the amount of projects and outreaches the church is involved with. We just came through a very busy few weeks and realise we might be overdoing it. We don't want any of our folk to burn out (or us either).

- Continue to pray for Linsey's daughter E (12) who broke her shoulder

- Pray with us for the Lord to comfort and strengthen Sandra who has lost an emotionally close member of her household this past week

- Pray for fruit from the Ireland 4 Jesus crusade that will be coming through Ballymena the last week of May. That we will as a church prepare for new converts to come to CBV and the members will accept and actively help disciple them. 

- Pray for restoration to full health for Daniel, 2 & a half years old and salvation for Duncan, both in Scotland 

- Pray for success for Rick as I take on the leadership role over stewards (ushers) and counselors for the Ireland 4 Jesus crusade.

Thank you for your faithful prayer support,

Blessings,

Rick and Cindy Johnston