Greater Portland Baptist Church

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 were stuck in traffic, which provided a great opportunity to talk and to encourage him in his new life in Christ. I have also had the opportunity to counsel with several other people. One lady was so moved by something I had written that was published in the community newsletter, that she called me and asked if she could read it at a friend's funeral. I was also able to show her some Biblical prospective on some other difficulties she was having at the time. She told me next time she is in Cambourne (as she does not live here but saw the article whilst visiting friends) she would stop by for services. Frank is still having difficulties seeking solutions to his problems in people rather than in God. Sometimes it is difficult to explain to people that one of the main difficulties in their life is the person in the mirror. Focusing on ourselves will always lead to depression. Until he realizes that the relationship he truly needs is with Christ his difficulties will endure. We pray for his salvation. Another individual who misses fellowship with other Christians, but yet is unwilling to get out of bed for an 11am service, and he does not work on weekends or at night.

God continues to bless in many ways. Our van passed it's yearly inspection with no problem after I had fixed an exhaust leak. The car needed more work, but is progressing. Jerrick one of our young men has passed his driving test on the third attempt, this is a great help to us as we now no longer need to pick them up and can concentrate on the other people we pick up. Another family has just started attending after recently moving in from London. They all testify to know Christ as their Saviour and seem to have a fair amount of Biblical knowledge. I will be meeting with the husband sometime in the next few weeks for a more in depth discussion.

We are hosting another foreign student named Ryoko from Japan. She attended services with us on Sunday and I provided her with the Bible text in Japanese. She seems polite and obedient and helpful although how much she actually understands is questionable. I was even able to find what I believe to be an evangelistic film in Japanese which she has watched the first part of and will watch the second part soon. This past Sunday was interesting as half way through the service the hotel fire alarm went off. I gathered the people together, went outside and kept preaching. I believe it is important not to allow little things to interrupt the message. Even if this means not being as comfortable as we are used to or even in less than perfect surroundings. Like the previous week when after services I received a call because one of the neighbours of Peter died despite his efforts at resuscitation. Although obviously there was nothing I could do for the deceased, I was able to speak with some of those affected.

We thank you all for your continued prayer and support. I have included a photo of Michael's baptism and we pray that God would be able to use him for His glory. We feel honored that God would use us as your partners in ministry here in England.

In Christ,
The Bangs