Greater Portland Baptist Church

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 remove the window, remove the hinge and bend it back into shape using my vice. It will be fine now and she was very happy I was able to repair it. When she left she thanked us for teaching her more about Jesus. She also took with her gospel information in Japanese as well as some of the messages I preached translated into Japanese using a website called babelfish. Exactly how well they translated I do not know, but hopefully enough that she can understand.

We also hosted immediately afterwards a Chinese student named Bruce, this was on the same day as our monthly Bible study. Because his arrival was delayed we had to rearrange for him to be dropped off directly at our Bible study. The study went well and we had several people who have never attended before. My articles in the Cambourne Crier are continuing and are actually being read, as I have received some feedback from people. Another missionary friend of mine is leaving the field going back to Canada to start a mission board there. I asked some of my people to come along with me to help them pack their container and two of the boys assisted that day. It brings me joy to see a willingness to help and serve in their lives. Michael is continuing his discipleship and his started to take an interest in memorizing scripture. I have also been able to provide him with some Bible Software for his computer. He also is showing interest and attempting to bring others with him to church. I have had many opportunities this month for counseling; sometimes with the family member's of our regular attendees. Even once with my sister Diane, whom I never thought would take to heart those things I've been telling her. John, an older gentleman whom I may have mentioned in previous letters is recovering from having both hips replaced and was able to come out to another service.

This month we also celebrated our 13th wedding anniversary. Sometimes it is hard to comprehend how I have been with somebody so wonderful for this long and she still puts up with me. And for those of you who know me can understand how wondrous this truly is. Laura's computer just died, which was fun because that was the one we used for printing our envelopes, I was able to retrieve the information through dismantling a portable hard drive and swapping the units. Its fate at the moment is still undecided.

Some more good news although not directly church related, Stansted Airport, which is much closer to us is now accepting flights directly from the U.S. Currently mainly from New York, DC, Las Vegas and Los Angeles this may make things easier for our visitors from our supporting churches.

We would like to thank you all for your continued support and prayers. We appreciate the sacrifices that you are making not upon our behalf, but for the cause of Christ. And because of that we are able to make a difference in the lives of individuals who otherwise may not hear.

In Christ,
Donavan and Laura Bangs