Greater Portland Baptist Church

Donavan and Laura Bangs: April 2008

Dear Friends,

April has been exhausting. It began with the arrival of Laura's mother and stepfather, who were here to see their grandson, who had not yet been born. Because the baby was late Laura was admitted into the hospital for inducement on Tuesday the eighth. There were some difficulties and things did not progress as we had hoped. Laura went into labour, but progress was slow. After a around 40 hours of contractions the baby seem to be in distress as its heart rate dropped. The decision was made to deliver the baby by emergency c-section. I remained with Laura even in the operating theatre, trying to keep her calm. The doctors got the baby out and it cried. That was the most beautiful sound I have ever had heard. Then our little baby promptly peed on the midwife. So on the 11th of April about 9.00 p.m. local time Max Xander Bangs was born weighing in at 8lbs 15 ounces. I chose the name, although I had wanted the middle name to be danger that way the child could say danger is my middle name and have proof, but Laura vetoed that particular choice. Immediately after the birth Laura's heart rate dropped, but recovered later. Laura and Max were in the hospital for the next three days. They came back one day before Laura's mother was due to leave. I have advice for any prospective parents even if you plan on breastfeeding; make sure you have formula in the house and do not have to fetch any at four a.m. whilst taking your in laws back to the Airport. Max is doing well and Laura is slowly recovering. I am taking care of both of them to the best of my abilities. Having a newborn in the house does not necessarily make you more spiritual but it will eliminate any time or energy for wickedness. Max is a blessing and Laura could not be happier even I have found myself upon occasion making silly noises for him.

The church folks are also excited and we have received congratulations from people all around the world. Some of our neighbours have been around and it has been a good chance to strengthen the relationships. My sister Debbie has come around to help clean and may come again and even attend services with us. We pray for her salvation. Things will certainly be changing in our lives and we pray for wisdom concerning this. I have found out that Max will hold dual nationality as do I. There is a lot of paperwork involved for a new baby, almost as much for a new car, but you can't take babies back if they're making strange noises or leaking or smells and washing cars are certainly easier than babies. Throughout all this, services have continued as normal although one Sunday my friend, David Parker, preached as he needed the practice prior to missionary service and I was a little fatigued to say the least. More adventures next month and I have included some pictures of Max.

Donavan and Laura Bangs: March 2008

Dear Friends, March has been a busy month. Both in the ministry and in our own lives. In the ministry we have had several more visitors to services, and we have been able to visit them in their homes. One family from Africa that professed to know Christ as their Saviour have been regular in attendance, which is encouraging to us and some of our people. They started attending as...continue

Donavan and Laura Bangs: February 2008

Dear Friends, February has been different. Things are continuing to progress well with the baby and now Laura is really starting to slow down as she is no longer capable of doing certain tasks. Laura is also having difficulty sleeping for any great length of time. Thankfully, I have almost completed all the work for the nursery. I would like to thank all of you for your prayers concerning the...continue

Donavan and Laura Bangs: December 2007, January 2008

Dear Friends, Things went well in December both at church and the Christmas Bible Study. We had 24 people at our house for the bible study and I was very glad that this year I did not have food poisoning. Our outreach is progressing as I am gradually teaching the people how to invite and bring others to church. Peter is becoming good at bringing along Taiwanese students from the...continue

Donavan and Laura Bangs: October 2007

We were blessed with being able to attend the 30th Anniversary of Rheinland Baptist Church. This as you may know was the church in which I was saved, called to preach and called to missions. This is also the place where I met and married my wondrous wife, Laura. It was great to see some old friends and the fellowship of other mature believers was very refreshing. That church, even...continue

Donavan and Laura Bangs: August 2007

Dear Friends, August has been a varied month. Things went well with the Japanese student, although there were few difficulties, no major catastrophes. Even though she almost broke one of our windows, when the window is completely opened a small catch will hold the open position and must be released prior to closing it. She did not realize this and ended up bending the hinge mechanism. I had to actually...continue

Donavan and Laura Bangs: July 2007

Dear Friends, July has been a good month. We started out on the first Sunday by baptizing Michael. This is a big step forward in his life and despite the less than pristine surroundings things went well. We have started a upon a discipleship course for him and he is eager to learn. I was also able to bring him along when I was assisting another friend and afterwards we...continue

Donavan and Laura Bangs: June 2007

Dear Friends, June has been a good month. The first Sunday went well and after morning services and lunch Peter asked if anyone wished to go punting. (A punt is a flat bottomed boat that is propelled along by using a long stick pushed against the river bed.) I declined the invitation as I was rather busy, but our young friend, Delight, eagerly went along. When they returned I was...continue

Donavan and Laura Bangs: May 2007

Dear Friends, May has been an interesting month. It started out with as hosting another foreign student for three days. He really enjoyed the time he spent with us and asked us if we be able to host him again. He attended services with us and even had some familiarity with the subject matter. We were also able to give him the plan of salvation written in his own language,...continue

Donavan and Laura Bangs: April 2007

Dear Friends, April has been an interesting month. We have had a few new visitors come to the church. Some were guests at the hotel, attending a spa weekend, and some were local residents. One lady Ruth, originally from Zimbabwe lives only a few streets away from us. Michael, the young Englishman who is joining the military, seems to be growing closer to God. There is a noticeable difference in...continue

Donavan and Laura Bangs: March 2007

Dear Friends, March has been an interesting time. We have had some more people visit the church, who have just moved to Cambourne. They found out about us through my articles in the Cambourne Crier. It is good to know that not only is the message going out, but it is also being read. Some of our people have been gone this month to Germany, Taiwan and Singapore. In spite...continue

Donavan and Laura Bangs: February 2007

Dear Friends, February has been interesting. It began with a covering of glistening snow and ends with a covering of sticky mud. Things are going well with the Bible study. Laura was able to lead two young girls to Christ whilst I taught the adults in another room. There were twenty-two in attendance for February's meeting. One of our people also organized a table tennis event which went well. Although,...continue

Donavan and Laura Bangs: December 2006 January 2007

Dear Friends, Many things have occurred since our last prayer letter. On a personal level we have been able to see several relatives prior to Christmas and we have found out Laura's brother will be the father of a set of twins. We were also able to attend one of my oldest friend's wedding. This went well and was on the Saturday prior to Christmas Eve. However, unfortunately somehow I...continue

Donavan and Laura Bangs: May 2006

Dear Friends, Another month has come and gone and the English summer is almost upon us. So, that means dark gray clouds and the occasional drizzle. Although, despite this we are officially in a drought with bans on hose pipe use coming into effect. During our Sunday evening study time Laura had the privilege of leading Buneme to Christ. He is the older son of Sam and Flavia. We will...continue

Donavan and Laura Bangs: April 2006

Dear Friends, April has been a great month. Jun and Christina, a Filipino couple, came out and really enjoyed the services. They are eager not only to attend, but to be involved. They are ready to learn and are hungry for the Word. Jun also is the first of our people to bring a visitor to the church. Sam and Flavia remain faithful and Sam helped me put up the...continue

Donavan and Laura Bangs: February 2006

Dear Friends, February has been a busy month. It started with the arrival of our friend, Tina, a Bible college graduate. There was a problem at immigration when she mentioned she was going to be helping us in our ministry. She was asked for her work permit, which of course she did not have one because she is not being paid for her assistance. Trying to explain to lost government...continue