P E E B L E S B A P T IS T C H U R C H

We Care October 2013

People do not need to be gifted

or special to communicate the
love of GOD
 C
hildren are much in our minds at the moment
following on from Septembers brilliant KAOS
outing to Biggar, and as we prepare for an
infant dedication. In fact we seem to be swamped
with children at the moment! Well, ok, 12 maybe
doesnt quite qualify as swamping, but it is over a
1000% increase in what we had 2 years ago...
The final words of Jesus in the gospel of Matthew are
probably some of the most well-known within the
church. One question though is, how are they
permeating the life of our church?
In his book The church invisible Nick Page writes, We have to start with
the children. If you want to change the future you have to start with those
who are going to build the future. He doesnt suggest they are the future,
or the church of tomorrow, but rather that they are the ones who will
build what will come. How as a church are we helping our children and
young people to do just that?
Are we bold and daring enough to imagine a church where children,
young people and adults are integral to the life of a healthy church?
Where they are valued as individuals and disciples, loved and accepted
and encouraged to develop their faith and gifts? Where they are discipled
to engage their faith in every area of their lives?
If we are, then the adventure starts now. It actually started a long time

Ian
ago - Jesus actions, words and challenges being reminders to us all of the
call God sets before us as his children. With children and
young people leaving the church, and many of their peers
having no idea who Jesus is and the difference knowing
him can make, this is not something that can be put off till
tomorrow. Its time to do something, today.

If youd like to know more about what our friends in the other
Peebles churches are doing, you can find some of their own
magazines online:
Old Parish Church: topcopmag.wordpress.com
St Peters: www.stpeterspeebles.org.uk/netmagazine.php
St Josephs: www.stjosephschurch.org.uk/?Home%3A:Current_Newsletter
The St Andrews Leckie magazine isnt online yet, but theyre working on it...
By now you should be getting used to the regular articles in the magazine,
the notice board, the Prayer Diary, Getting to Know You, Kings Meadow
updates, Missionary and BMS updates, Book and/or Music reviews.
There are also the odd reports included that are supplied by people who
were involved with or attended a church or Christian event/meeting.
These stand-alone reports are great to receive, they add a bit of you to
the magazine and make it more personal.
I would love to receive more of these articles, for you to share your
thoughts, inspirations, experience, report of things you are involved in
with the church and with other Christian organisations and events. You
dont need to write anything lengthy or scholarly, just something friendly.
If you feel comfortable enough, it would be wonderful to make it more
personal and to share how you saw GOD at work at that event or if you felt
him saying something to you. Photos are also great, where possible! I
would really like to receive some book and music reviews as well: we
should be sharing with each other when we find good tools like this for
understanding GODs Word or aiding us in our worship to and relation-
ship with GOD.
The church magazine is also a good way to share news with the rest of the
church maybe about previous members who now live elsewhere, about
friends of the church, current members etc.
You dont need to feel pressured to write something every month, but I
know we all feel touched and inspired by events, readings, people, and it
would be encouraging for us all, and interesting, to share these times.
In anticipation
The Editor
 Open Doors
Sunday 20 October Tuesday 8 October
11 AM 10 AM

Guest Speaker: See Wilma Wintour

for details
Stephen Collins

Messy Church
Ladies Who Lunch
Saturday
Tuesday 8 October 26th October
at Teviot Water Gardens 3.30 - 5.30pm
Centre
Speak to Kim Strachan Victoria Park
for more information

m
Big Issue on Sun
d ay Vickys Tearoo
tober
27 October Sunday 13 Oc
6.30 8.30 PM 3 4 PM
Victoria Park Cen
tre
 The Baptist Assembly Singing Tog
ether
t
Thursday 31 October to Dovecot Cour
Saturday 2 November ctober
Tuesday 2 O
2 PM
Evenings and Saturday
afternoon are free entry!

Dovecot Court Service

Sunday Morning Wednesay

Prayer 23 October
10.30 am 3 PM
Weekly

ons?
E100: Any Questi
be confirmed.
Monthly Prayer Date for October to
s to Ian in
Meeting Send any question
Saturday 12th October advance, if possible
stchurch.org
Details to be confirmed pastor@peeblesbapti
Many congratulations to Dechlan Wilson who
came 12th in his category, and 76th in the world,
at the ITU World Triathlon Championships in
London in September. Jacqueline and Esther
were both there to cheer him on as he compet-
ed in his event, the Agegroup Aquathlon, com-
prising of a 1km swim and 5km run in and
around the Serpentine in Hyde Park.

Thank you to everyone who saved Sainsbury

vouchers for Kingsland Primary School. They
were used to get baking equipment and
playground toys.

Jacqueline

PYT CHRISTMAS HAMPERS UPDATE:

Peeblesshire Youth Trust have been looking for
someone to co-ordinate their Christmas Hampers
food collection, which has been going on for the last
five years. We think we may now have found some-
one, which is great news - details to follow!

The Summer BBQs. . .

The Summer BBQs have come to an end, but we would like to thank
everyone who was involved in organising these and providing such tasty
delights for our stomachs I think we can be sure everyone went home
with full stomachs on the last Sunday of each summer month!
With one Sunday as an exception, the weather was beautifully sunny and
warm for us, everyone seemed to enjoy themselves young and old(er)
alike and the place was abuzz with chatter.
Thank you
Over the last ten or so years, the Baptist Assembly in Scotland has
changed beyond recognition. Ask people who last came 15 or 20 years ago
if they would like to attend, and often youll be met with a groan, a roll of
the eyes, and an if I must response. By contrast, delegates from the last
few years tend to leap at the chance to return, and according to the sur-
veys almost unanimously recommend Assembly to others. Those surveys
have shown a consistently improving trend over several years, in terms of
satisfaction with a range of difference aspects of Assembly.
That is deeply encouraging, not least because it reflects an ongoing desire
for members of our Baptist family to spend time together, enjoying the
privilege of worshipping freely together, and hearing stories of what God
has been doing in our lives.
This years theme Forging the Future - focuses on how we prepare
disciples for mission in 21st century Scotland. Our evening speakers
Adrian and Bridget Plass need little introduction, while in the morning
we look forward to hearing from home grown Bible Study leaders Gavin
Hunter (from Westray Baptist), Mat Wilson (from the BMS International
Mission College), and Judy White and John Greenshields (of our Union
staff). Worship will be led by David Currie from Dumfries Baptist.
Bill and Jennie Jacobs, Linda Bell, and Ian and Lindsey Gray will all be
going from Peebles Baptist, but Assembly is open to anyone, and the
evening sessions (from 7pm) and Saturday afternoon (from 2pm) is free!
You can find more information on the Assembly website:
www.baptistassemblyinscotland.org
 The next Messy Church will be
on Saturday 26th October, at
the usual time of 3.30-5.30pm
in the Victoria Park Centre.
Open to families of all primary
school children - come and
join in the fun, with crafts,
games, songs, a short talk and
a meal together.
Were always looking for people who would be willing to come and
help, especially with preparing and serving food and clearing up at the
end. If youre available, please see Ian.

The Foodbank will have a supermarket

collection at Sainsburys, on Saturday 26th
October. If youre shopping that day, please
add something extra to your trolley for the
foodbank - Sainsburys will then top up the
donations even more!

The new Priest at St Josephs Catholic Church

has arrived, Fr Wojciech Rybka SVD. Fr
Wojciech is a Polish missionary Priest, latter-
ly in Taiwan. He is coming to Scotland for
three years to study for a PhD at Edinburgh
University.
I know we hardly need to ask, but, please be
as welcoming as possible as he settles in to a
new church, town and country, especially as
he manages his time with his studies also.
We have enjoyed joining together with St Josephs for special services
with Peebles Churches Together, and look forward to this continuing
with Fr Wojciech Rybka.
Its that time of year again, time to fill our shoeboxes.

Every year, boxes of gifts are collected to send to children who other-
wise wouldnt get anything for Christmas. It can be quite fun to fill a
box, and exciting to think that such a simple thing could make a young
boy or girls face light up this Christmas. Please consider doing one of
these it doesnt need to be more expensive than you can afford, just
a little from us will mean a lot to them.

Lots of helpful advice and resources to order or download are availa-

ble on the Operation Christmas Child website (http://
www.operationchristmaschild.org.uk). You will find some helpful ad-
vice on the next page spread.
Giving a shoebox gift to a child in need is simple with Operation Christ-
mas Child.

You wrap and pack it

Take it to your nearest Drop Off Pointor, for us, Maragret
at church.
They check and send it
Their in-country partners deliver it to a child in need.
It starts in your hands and ends up in theirs.

See below for how to do a shoebox in 5 simple steps:

1. Find an empty shoebox

The shoebox should ideally be medium size, 30 x 18 x 13 cm. Wrap the lid
and the box separately in wrapping paper (before going on to insert your
gifts).

2. Decide if your gift is for a girl or a boy

You can download girl/boy stickers from the website, and tick the appro-
priate age box on the sticker (24, 59 or 1014). This sticker goes on
the top right corner of the lid.

3. Fill your box with new gifts

Please check against the list opposite for dos and donts. All gifts should
be new and there should be something from each category included.

4. Make your donation

A minimum 3.00 'shipping' donation per shoebox is suggested - which
helps ensure your shoebox gets to where it needs to go. They encourage
donations to be made online if possible - so that they can tell you where
your shoebox went.

5. Drop off your shoebox

Ensure your shoebox is secured with a rubber band around the outside.
Then bring your shoebox to church and hand it to Margaret by 3 No-
vember.
Yes Please! Wed love you to choose from each of these 4 cat-
egories:

Toys: bear, soft toy, tennis ball, finger puppet, jigsaw, yo-yo, building
blocks, small musical instrument. trucks and cars. dolls, clip on ear-
rings, etc.

Educational supplies: felt pens, pens, pencils, pencil sharpener, eras-

er, colouring book, notepad, picture or puzzle book, chalk, pencil
case, stickers, etc.

Hygeine items: toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, comb, hair clips,

bar of soap, flannel, etc.

Other items: sweets (sell-by date to be at least March of the following

year), gloves, scarf, sunglasses, cap, hat, bangles, necklaces etc.

No Thanks! Please note the items we do not wish to be included in the

shoeboxes:

No Food particularly chocolate (non-chocolate sweets are allowed)

No medicine or vitamins of any kind
No war related items toy guns, play soldiers or knives of any kind
No clothing other than listed above
No fragile items e.g. glass containers, mirrors
No liquids including blow bubbles, shampoo, bubble bath, toiletry
sets or aerosols
No dangerous items sharp objects, scissors or razors
No books with many words
Nothing of a political nature
No hand-made stuffed toys without a CE mark. For knitted items that
we can accept, please visit ww.operationchristmaschild.org.uk/
landing.asp
Getting to Know
You

Linda Bell

I originally come from west Lothian - a wee hamlet called Threemi-

letown, where my mum still lives. There were no other kids there so
my 'social life' was in the next village of Ecclesmachan, where I also
went to Sunday school and church in the parish church. Both my par-
ents were Christians so I grew up knowing about Jesus and believed in
God as Creator and Jesus his son as naturally as breathing. I remem-
ber though, when I first understood that I could have a personal rela-
tionship with Jesus, that He had died to save ME. All I had to do was
say sorry for all I had done to let Him down, and ask him to take me
forward. I had Just been to a Saturday night meeting at Carrubbers
Close with my dad, I don't remember the meeting, but I can still pic-
ture sitting in the car before we went back into the house and my Dad
telling me about being 'saved' ,in my language. I really MET Jesus
then.

Maybe a couple of years later we started attending Broxburn Baptist

Church for evening services and it was there that I felt drawn to be
baptised - same time as my Mum and Dad actually. They continued
membership in our local church but I felt my place was in Broxburn. I
was at high school there, those were good days - wider horizons - first
major crush etc etc etc.

I knew that I wanted to be a Social worker by the time I left school but
having started school at 4 years old I was still too young to be accepted
at Moray house, so I had, what would now be described as a gap year. I
worked in Bangour Village Psychiatric Hospital. I think I did a lot of
growing up then, in more ways than one.

I wasn't Miss Goody Two Shoes through my teens and early twenties
( haven't been since come to think of it), but I never really doubted my
relationship with Jesus, and I believe keeping attending church and
mixing with Christians kept my faith alive and kept me from straying
too far.

College was mostly a good, but really stretching experience and I en-
countered areas of life, on placement, I still had not come across yet.

I qualified in 1975 at the age of 21 and was set loose on the good peo-
ple of Midlothian. My home church became Dalkeith Baptist Church,
where I first encountered a certain WW (Wilma Wintour), though she
was SO much older than me then (not so much now?). I had a good
peer group there and also felt very supported by folks of older genera-
tions. I lived in Penicuik for ten years.

My job went through various incarnations and for a long time my spe-
cialism was Learning Disability. The last ten or so years of my career
was spent in Scottish Borders Social work where I worked with people
with disabilities, and with older people, many of whom had demen-
tia. I have taken early retirement but despite all the politics , ever in-
creasing admin etc. social work was the only job for me.

I dont know where to start re hobbies lacemaking, patchwork, sew-

ing, stained glass, various things involving the hands + a wee bit of an
artistic bent, photography, reading- mainly crime fiction, gardening
and am now hoping to learn how to grow food.

I moved to live in Eddleston in 1985 to share a home with my best

friend. I believe Gods hand was, and is, in that, and he also took us to
visit Peebles Baptist church as part of the process, then a tiny wee
bendy building, but filled with good folk. This church is my home and
the people who are part of it are family to me. Its amazing how God
bonds people together who might not cross paths outside church. I
used to observe people in church leadership and feel thankful some-
body else was doing it, but Gods sense of humour has put me in that
place, for now at least. Most of the time my roles with kids and teen-
agers, have been a blast. Twenty years ago I could never have envis-
aged being so involved in catering and now in a church community
garden! All that time spent with the likes of Alan Titchmarsh and Ja-
mie Oliver was not just self indulgence after all! God is also allowing
me to use things I enjoy in Vickys Tearoom and now in 'singing for
the brain opportunities. I moan and grumble and feel out of my
depth/sad, happy, exhausted, exhilarated, and I let the Lord and other
people down; but what a great God - forgiveness, fresh starts, new op-
portunities and blessings - blessings way more than I could ever
count.

Linda
Kings Meadow Update
At the Church Members meeting on Wednesday
25th September, the meeting viewed a slide show
of facts and photos of the work completed on the
Kings Meadow between January and September
2013.
There have been many highlights including the
growing of a good crop of tatties, lots of involve-
ment of people from within the church and from
friends, family and other people from the area,
and some great examples of Gods generosity to
us, and of our needs being met which have been
an encouragement to everyone.
The planning group is currently made up of Rab,
Bill, Linda, Lindsey and Ian, but we would wel-
come others to join if they are interested in sup-
porting the garden. Plans are currently being
drawn up for the development of the garden site
to include the 5 large raised beds that were recent-
ly donated. The success of the last of our church
BBQs which was held on the garden indicated that
the future development
of the site with seats and
benches and a bbq area
would give us potential
events to be held there including social gather-
ings, mission and outreach.
The church meeting voted to go ahead with the
garden development, so please keep praying,
baking scones for the work parties or getting
your wellies out, as there will be loads happen-
ing over the autumn months.
Prayer Points
Thank and praise God for who He is, The True and Living God.
Pray for the new Priest in residence for St Josephs who has just ar-
rived - Fr Wojciech Rybka SVD. He is Polish and has just come from
Korea, and is studying for his PHD at Edinburgh University.
Urgent prayer request from Slavic Gospel Association for Pastor
David Godfrey, after becoming increasingly ill he has been diag-
nosed with a large tumour on his brain. He is currently in Weston-
super-Mare Hospital to ascertain whether treatment is possible,
pray too for his wife.
Please pray along with this Pastor in Syria (Open Doors) :
That the cup of war be taken away from our Country Syria. That
the Lord may send the power of His Holy Spirit on His Church that
it may reach out to the suffering souls who- harassed and helpless-
are like sheep without a shepherd, that He makes us to speak with
great boldness and that many wonders and signs be performed,
souls return to Christ, and there be singing and praises. That the
Lord send more help: that the house of the Lord may have food to
satisfy the need of the internally displaced; that there be support for
the wounded and the sick who need medication, and healing; that
He may send those who can help us build a centre for children af-
fected by the war - especially those children who are now disabled
and have special needs.
Pray for the Baptist Assembly Thursday 31st October-Saturday 2nd
November and for our delegates Bill and Jennie Jacobs, Linda Bell,
and Ian and Lindsey Gray.
Please pray for our friends Jean and John Leask, from Shetland,
who are both in hospital at the moment.

Psalm 5 1, 2, 3
Give ear to my words, o, Lord consider my meditation,
Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King and my God: for unto thee
will I pray.
My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, o Lord; in the morning will I
direct my prayer unto Thee, and will look up.
On a mission to share Jesus
with one of the most un-
reached people groups in the
world, Ben Francis and his
team have planted an unbe-
lievable 10,500 churches.

Journeying to rural north Indian villages

to share the gospel message with people
who have never heard of Jesus before is a
daily occurrence for Ben, BMS Associate
Team Leader for India. Hes encountered
many dangers, witnessed amazing mira-
cles and seen countless lives transformed
by grace so he has a story or two to tell
of Gods power and provision.
We asked this gospel-sharing, church-
planter extraordinaire for ten tips to turn
us into top evangelists. Heres what he
said:

1. Pray
First, before you do anything: pray.

2. Make contact
You have to get peoples attention before
you present them with hope; we call this an
entry strategy. In the villages we do sports,
or set up a medical camp, or tell stories.
In the UK you may do something different
like asking people if their kids would like
to do some arts and crafts, or hosting a
neighbourhood BBQ.
It could be as simple as saying, hi, how are
you? to your neighbours, so they are no
longer strangers to you.
3. Deepen relationships
Use the relationships you already
have, with people whose paths you
regularly cross. That is your circle of
influence. Slowly sow in the truth
and show that that truth is applied
in your life because if you tell
them something that is not showing
in your life, people wont listen to
you.

4. Share the simple gospel message

Once we have made a connection we
ask, if people are interested, will
you open your home so we can
come in and tell you more about Je-
sus? We go to their houses, where
they are comfortable, and start
sharing the gospel: who Jesus is: the Son of God; what Jesus did: the mir-
acles of Jesus that people really love to listen to; and what Jesus taught:
the parables of Jesus.

5. Renew your confidence in the gospel

I think that UK Christians, with all due respect, have to renew their confi-
dence in the gospel of Jesus Christ. The gospel still has the power to save,
to heal, to restore and to give hope for eternity. Sometimes we forget that.
I think, as believers, we have lost confidence in the gospel and thats why
we dont share it with anyone else.

6. Share your story

Start gossiping Jesus wherever you go. Start sharing your story and there
will be a change. And the best bit about it is that it is your story, no one
can refute it.
Some days you wont feel like sharing. It sounds crazy, a guy whose job is
church planting sometimes gets up and doesnt want to talk to anybody.
But then I think, oh my goodness, every time my heart beats two people
die and go into a Christ-less eternity in my part of the world. How can I
keep quiet?
7. Practise
Our story has three parts life before knowing Jesus, when we came to
know Jesus and how we are living today. Practise. Write it down. No one
wants to hear a long story. You just need a minute for each section. Its
very simple actually. When I started practising I thought, oh, this is not
that tough.

8. Wait for God to show up

No evangelism is complete without a supernatural element: there may be
a dream, there may be an answer to prayer. You and I can be blue in the
face talking about this, but if God doesnt show up that deal is not com-
plete.

9. Expect miracles
Seven to eight out of every ten village churches we start come out of a
miracle God starts doing things and people say wow, this is a real God.
Miracles are not only for India, but for everywhere Gods people are
called. Miracles dont happen where they are needed, they happen where
they are expected.

10. K I S S Keep It Simple, Stupid

Keep sharing your story and keep it simple. If somethings working, keep
at it!
 &

Ann and David MacFarlane

Prayer Letter - September 2013
bmsworldmission.org/admacfarlane

Before anything else I want to thank you all for a great home assign-
ment visit in May.
So thanks to you all at Thrapston, Aldwincle, Woodford, Ringstead,
Farnworth, South Parade, St Agnes, Swarcliffe, Hawick, Paisley Cen-
tral and Falkirk.
Just as we started our home assignment we heard that Harvey had
been taken into hospital and there was not a lot of hope for him to re-
cover this time round. So we basically were phoning every day and
preparing for me to make a swift return for his
funeral. As it happened we were able to complete all our programme
and the day after our return Harvey died. Everyone was convinced
that he waited for our return.
The day before he died we prayed that God would take him home and
he did. Harveys funeral will never be forgotten. I have never in my
pastoral life experienced such joy and hope at someones funeral. Noe
and Neda his mum and dad were immense. We still have some Italian
people coming to the church and we have visited a family. In fact it
was not just the day of the funeral but even the day before as people
came to visit the church where his body lay.
The church was full the whole day and at times Noe was leading the
singing as people paid their respects. On behalf of Noe and Neda we
want to thank all of you who faithfully prayed for Harveys healing. He
has the perfect healing now as he is now in the presence of his God and
Saviour.

We had last Sunday another five baptisms. It should have been six but
on e lady did not want to be baptised in the sea so we will baptise her
later in the church. Three of our young folk, Hanson, Alpha and Nino,
who is the brother of Rosella who you will remember was baptised in
the sea last September, and two new people were baptised. God is good
and we praise and thank him for all that he is doing among us here at
Reggio. It was strange not to have a summer mission team but it gave
us some time to have two weeks holiday. It was great as we had my
daughter Diann, her husband and their two children. It was great to
spend time with them.
The work at Rosarno still has not got under way as they are still up
north. They will be coming back in their droves in a month or so and we
will begin again the work of getting clothes mattresses and all the usual
stuff we do. We will not have our Lucia this time for as I said in our last
newsletter she had a stroke and went up north to a rehabilitation cen-
tre. We knew it would be a long process for her and we have just re-
ceived notice from her son that she will be coming back to Reggio in Oc-
tober. Please keep praying for her for, they are saying that she has lost
completely movement in her left arm and has only slight movement in
her leg. It means that she will need constant care now and will not be
able to stay on her own as before.
This is going to be hard for Lucia as she was very active and involved
with so many different projects in and out with the church. The political
chaos and corruption at Reggio continues. The commission sent from
Rome after the arrest of the whole local council is saying that there is
no money left and from this Monday there will be no public buses run-
ning. Our food bank should start up again in September as there is no
distribution in the month of August. There are more and more Italians
now who want to be on the list for food.

Prayer points
Rosarno, and for Lucia
Food Bank
For Davide, Cristina and their two children
Lorenzo and Marianna and their two children.
Antonio and Giusy who still have not found work after their dismis-
sal from the football team.

Ann and David

An Update from
Cathie Aberdour
formerly of
Wycliffe Bible Translators

Dear all,

Time goes so fast! I just realized that I should send out another up-
date. My last one told about Judy's trip to the Apurina. In July my
brother Jim, my sister-in-law Nettie and my sister Margaret were stay-
ing with me which was great - a mini family reunion. Jim & Nettie
were over from Australia and stayed 2 months here. Margaret was over
from the Netherlands and was with me for two weeks. We attended the
Faith Mission Convention for one of these weeks and were greatly
blessed by that. Then Judy was able to spend the month of July with
me and thanks to lots of folks we were able to visit around quite a bit.
We were able to speak at the Deeside Christian Fellowship in Aber-
deen and renew friendship with Rebecca Collins and her family. Re-
becca with her friend Sheila had visited us at Monkey River in 2011.
Then we were able to meet up with Myra and Betty who had visited the
Apurina when we had the dedication of the NT back in 2005.

This month I was speaking at Macduff Parish and Calvary Church in

Fraserburgh, two churches that I always visit when I'm on home leave.
It was great to meet all these praying folks again. On the 12th I look
forward to speaking at Pathhead Baptist in Kirkcaldy and renewing
fellowship with the folks there again.
Then on the 18th Margaret arrives here again from the Netherlands.
She's come to be my nurse for two weeks as I go into the Western
General for breast cancer surgery. Do value prayers for the 19th when
I have this operation. I might be able to return home the same day so
the surgery is not too invasive!

Thank you for all your prayers,

In Him,

Cathie
(Tuesday 10 September 2013)

Thirsty Appeal
The next collection of small change
saved up in your water bottles will be
on Sunday 6th October
(then 3rd November and 1st December)

We will continue to collect money on the first

Sunday of each month to support our BMS
Link Workers in Haiti and Mozambique who
are involved in Development Ministry, which
includes improving the supply of clean
drinking water.
No Hands But Ours:

Giving and Receiving Care

Previously called "God's Gloves", this book is by Jennifer Rees-Larcombe
who shot to stardom when she experienced a sudden and dramatic heal-
ing from an illness which had kept her wheelchair-bound for eight years.
It was out of those eight "wilderness years" that this book grew. As a
"celebrity Christian", her illness was well-publicized, and she was the fo-
cus of endless attention - much of it unwelcome. She developed a keen
sense of what was helpful to people in need and what wasn't, and in this
book tells many simple stories to affirm that people do not need to be
gifted or special to communicate the love of God. Small acts of kindness
and love reflect far more powerfully than fine words, and are in every
Christian's ability. Jennifer Rees-Larcombe is the author of "Children's
Bible Story Book", and the autobiographical "Beyond Healing" and
"Unexpected Healing".
Book Depository
Books
The Fight
John White - IVP 1996 Pb 230pp
Fight was recommended to me as essential
elective reading. Having never read a book by
John White, I was drawn immediately by his
background in medicine and psychiatry and
experience in Latin America. It is also a short
book!

The book is designed to explain key aspects of the Christian life, with
the hope of founding in the reader a clear understanding of the gospel
and his new status in Christ. It encourages him to grasp all that is
needed to help him mature and 'finish the race' ( 2 Tim 4:7). The chap-
ters are addressed directly to the reader and cover such meaty subjects
as prayer, hearing God, witness, faith, guidance, holiness, work,
changed relationships and the Enemy. White uses many personal an-
ecdotes and experiences which complement his clear and incisive ex-
planations of Scripture. Each chapter ends with a summary and sug-
gested further study, encouraging personal inquiry and contemplation
on the subject matter. In this way, John White makes his book alive
and personally relevant.

At times we all need to refocus our minds on the central issues in our
walk with God; this book did just that for me. Whilst it is ideal to give
to a new Christian to explain the basics, there is much in it to chal-
lenge any Christian. White's passionate advocacy of prayer and Bible
study as the key to walking close to the Lord were particularly moving.

This book is clear, well-balanced and refreshing. I would recommend

it unreservedly as a 'can't put it down' classic.

Honor Ashton
Music
5 Minutes With. . .
Matt Redman

What issue is on your heart

at the moment?
A21 brought human trafficking
and modern day slavery to my
attention. I had no idea there
were around 27 million slaves in
the world today and some of
them right under our noses. 27 Million is an attempt to speak into
that.
Which is the most special of all the songs youve written?
You never let go because weve had so much response. We wrote the
song out of a real hard time Beth [Matts wife] just had her fourth
miscarriage in a row and we had a friend that week we thought was
going to die. It seems to have connected with other peoples pain and
struggle.
Is there a book that has especially inspired you?
Ive just finished Bear Grylls book, Mud, sweat and tears. It inspired
me in a weird way as Im the opposite of him! I dont take risks in life
or like being outdoors and getting muddy but spiritually speaking
were called to be adventurers outside of our comfort zones.
Do you have a favourite Bible verse?
Revelation chapters 4 and 5. When you think your life is spiralling
out of control or you cant get a handle on some kind of pain or confus-
ing thing, you just look up and see this perfectly powerful God on his
throne holding all things together.
Whats the biggest life lesson youve learned?
Theres a lesson Im trying to learn which is simply, whoever youre
with, try to be with them 100 per cent. Invest yourself fully in the mo-
ment.
 What has fatherhood taught you about life and faith?
Its taught me just how gracious God is and how he is quick to show
mercy and slow to show anger. Its highlighted to me what a perfect
and amazing father he is and made me want to aspire to be like that.
Most embarrassing moment on stage?
At last years Soul Survivor I forgot nearly the whole first verse of
Blessed be your name. There were 10,000 people there and Ive been
singing it for ten years. I had so many people tweet me afterwards!
Favourite mainstream/secular song?
Living in America got me into country music a
bit and theres a Carrie Under-
wood song Temporary home that actually
speaks into a spiritual thing. Its a classic exam-
ple of great story-telling through a song.
Worst habit?
Getting distracted. Someone will send me to do something and half
way through Ill totally forget what Im doing.
Favourite thing to do on a Sunday afternoon?
I love watching some football with my boys.

This article first appeared in the BMS Engage issue 3/2012

Loretta Andrews is a freelance writer, radio producer and presenter
Sunday 6 October
Children: Jenny Jacobs, Pat Hamilton & Wilma Wintour
Childrens Talk: Charles Tulloch
Communion Servers: Rab Bramhall & Jacquline Wilson
Flowers: Margaret Johnstone
Stewards: Hazel Hogan & Bill Jacobs
Teas: Douglas McCall
Transport and Setting up - Team 1

Sunday 13 October
Children: Rab Bramhall, Linda Bell & Christine Drummond
Childrens Talk: Rab Bramhall
Flowers: Janet Smith
Stewards: Liz Keiro & Jennie Jacobs
Teas: Wilma Wintour
Transport and Setting up - Team 2

Sunday 20 October
Children: Christine Drummond, Charles Tulloch & Moira
Dalrymple
Childrens Talk: Christine Drummond
Communion Servers: Liz Keiro & Morag Bramhall
Flowers: Linda Bell
Stewards: Carlyn McCall and Janet Smith
Teas: TBC
Transport and Setting up - Team 1

Services in Victoria Park Centre (unless otherwise indicated)

Pastor: Ian Gray
07881 518854
pastor@peeblesbaptistchurch.org
Sunday 27 October
Children: Bill Jacobs, Carlyn MacCall & Lindsey Gray
Childrens Talk: Bill Jacobs
Flowers: Vi Brown
Stewards: Carlyn McCall & Frank Drummond
Teas: Helen C
Transport and Setting up - Team 2

Transport
Team 1 Douglas McCall, Lindsey Gray, Margaret Cowan
Team 2 Christine Drummond, Margaret Cowan

Setting up
Team 1 David Tidder, Frank Drummond, Janet Smith
Team 2 Janet Smith, Bill Jacobs, Jacqueline Wilson

Laying Communion Table in October

Jacqueline Wilson

Secretary: Christine Drummond

01721 722062
Treasurer: Liz Keiro
01721 730217
Website: http://peeblesbaptistchurch.org
Articles for the magazine
We would like the magazine to be as informative and relevant as possible.
We aim to provide news about Peebles Baptist Church, its wider con-
cerns and involvement, and Peebles Churches Together. If you have any-
thing you feel you could provide a regular report about, or something you
feel should be included in the magazine one month, a Christian book re-
view, a report on an event etc., please do get in touch with us at maga-
zine@peeblesbaptistchurch.org. All articles should be sent to this email
address by the 12th of every month. If you do not have internet access
or if you think you might have a problem meeting the deadline one
month, please dont let that put you off; speak to
Morag Bramhall to see how best you can supply
something. We would love to have you involved in
this project and enhance our church community.

Eco Tip
Reduce, reuse, recycle, re-think

Think twice when you decide to toss it. That vintage bicycle was
never fated for the rubbish pile! We turn down many opportunities to re-
furbish products headed for a landfill. Many household items can be re-
usedfrom old T-shirts and shoe boxes to glass jars and single-sided pa-
per. If you dont need it in your home, maybe someone else does. Donate
unused clothes and furniture to a thrift store. Or, to find people in your
area interested in reducing waste by exchanging used goods visit
www.freecycle.org.
Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without
New England Proverb