Greater Portland Baptist Church

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 university. Also, if they are nervous about coming to church, he invites them over for lunch when most the church is there so they can get to know us. Michael's family, including his brother, Daniel, are now regular church attendees. Laura was able this past week to speak with Michael's mother, Lorraine, about her need for Christ, during this the husband, David, came in and listened to what was said and then they both prayed and asked Christ to be their Saviour. January's Bible Study was also well attended with 22 people including a Taiwanese political student, studying at Cambridge University.

We have been able to visit with Josette, the lady we asked prayer for, concerning breast cancer. She has received some treatment and we will learn more over the next few months. We also ask for prayer for Rhoda, another Filipino lady with cancer, that the Lord would heal her and help the family to be more faithful. We have also had an opportunity to visit with Peter's sister, Jane, and her husband, Andy. Jane is pregnant and is due the end of February. She has come back to England to give birth as the facilities here are better.

Things are progressing with the pregnancy and according to the mid-wife the child is growing above average. This does not surprise me. Laura also had a baby shower, which is a new concept over here, but is gaining in popularity. This was a great time to invite friends and family who would not normally come to church to gather with the church ladies to celebrate the upcoming birth. Not only was Laura able to get some presents for the child, but it was also good for the lost family members and friends to see some of the love of Christ that is abundant. Preparations for the nursery have changed a few times as I discovered that the wall I intended to put shelves on did not have wooden studs, but metal ones and not the good kind either. So, I swapped the shelf location to an exterior wall and fixed them into the bricks. The Lord had also blessed with some free baby equipment from the local freecycle group, which has also provided more times to give out tracts.

We thank you all for your prayers, support, gifts and cards. We appreciate your sacrifice in our joint effort to fulfill God's great commission. We continue to ask for prayer for Laura and the baby and that God would give us wisdom with dealing such a wondrous gift. Also, pray for direction for some of the young men of the church that His will would be accomplished.

In Christ
Donavan and Laura (and as yet unnamed little guy) Bangs