Dear friends,
We send you greetings in the Name of our Saviour.
Many thanks for your prayers for the teaching at the Irish Baptist College. The semester is over and our next work there is giving lectures on 8-10th May for some students in the master’s programme. Dr David Sills, from the US, will also be teaching on those days. We are to work on essay topics with the students and guide their research in the summer so pray that goes well.
God willing, I will be preaching at Carndaisy Baptist Church twice and taking five mid-week meetings here and there during May. We enjoy these opportunities for ministry from the Word of God. On 22nd April we were at Tobermore Baptist Church speaking on missions at both services.
Debbie is still involved with the work of ACTS (Africa Christian Textbooks Service) and attended an ACTS meeting in Lisburn recently. She is also still working with Tim Jacobson who is the theological education consultant for SIM International. This may lead to some short trips to Africa in connection with theological education in coming years.
Last year we had planned to fly to Kagoro and teach some courses in the Summer Programme there this year but with Debbie’s father’s ill health and passing away we didn’t book a trip. We are hoping we can teach in the Summer Programme in 2019. Thanks again for praying for Debbie’s Mum, Doreen, and the Lyons family circle in this time of grief.
Debbie has one more meeting with her Bible study group in May and then they will take a break for the summer.
Thanks for praying for us (2 Thess 3:1).
In Christ,
David and Debbie
Showing posts with label kagoro. Show all posts
Showing posts with label kagoro. Show all posts
Saturday, 7 July 2012
July prayer letter
Dear praying friends,
We send you greetings in the Name of our Lord Jesus. Thank you for your faithful prayers for us. Our Home Assignment has been a time when we've been very aware of the importance of family in times of celebration and struggle. We are thankful to be part of our biological family as well as our church, mission and seminary families.
The 31st of March was a great time for my (Debbie) parents as we joined together as a family to celebrate their golden wedding anniversary. It was a joy to see many relatives and friends who we hadn't seen for some time and to be reminded of the strength we gain from family. It has been special to spend a bit more time with family members while we've been here.
The family we are part of in Kagoro has grown with the arrival of the Creighton family. Please pray for their adjustment to a new environment and their new roles within the Seminary community. However, our Kagoro family is also hurting because of the health problems of our colleague, Dennis Shelly, who is in the US with his wife, Coletta, for a series of medical tests. Please pray for an accurate diagnosis and plan of treatment which will enable them to return to their ministry.
Our family in Nige ria has been suffering because of the activities of terrorists against Christians especially as they worship together on Sundays. Please pray for God's people to stand strong in the Lord and also for protection against the Enemy. Praise the Lord for the truth of Matthew 16:18.
Numbers in the wider SIM family and mission community have reduced owing to the security situation and the retirement of some members. Please pray for wisdom for the leaders as they evaluate the events in recent months and plan for the future.
One of the features of this Home Assignment has been dealing with health issues which has resulted in a record number of hospital appointments. We thank the Lord for the NHS! I had a small non life-threatening piece of skin cancer removed from the tip of my nose two weeks ago. The healing process has not been straightforward so please pray that everything would be in order for our return to Kagoro on 14th August.
We enjoyed spiritual refreshment through the ministries of the ladies' Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) and sitting in on some of the Cornhill Belfast classes. I attended the BSF meetings on most Tuesday evenings at the Castlereagh Gospel Hall. It was great to study the Word of God with a lovely group of godly ladies. David sat in on most of the Cornhill classes on Friday mornings and we both enjoyed some other classes we were able to attend on the Psalms and the book of Judges.
We were blessed by having a wonderful week of holiday in Menorca at the end of May.
It's been encouraging for us to meet with our family of prayer and financial supporters
while we've been in the UK. Thank your for being a part of what the Lord is doing in Kagoro and the nation as a whole. Classes will have already started when we return to Kagoro so we anticipate a stressful few weeks as we get our systems up and running as well as begin teaching again. There will have been many changes in the months we've been away so pray for grace to adjust to the new dynamic in the Seminary as a result of a change in leadership. Please continue to pray for good health for us and our colleagues, protection and a fruitful ministry as we help prepare God's people for ministry (Eph. 4:12).
Thanks again for your prayers,
Debbie and David Colvin
We send you greetings in the Name of our Lord Jesus. Thank you for your faithful prayers for us. Our Home Assignment has been a time when we've been very aware of the importance of family in times of celebration and struggle. We are thankful to be part of our biological family as well as our church, mission and seminary families.
The 31st of March was a great time for my (Debbie) parents as we joined together as a family to celebrate their golden wedding anniversary. It was a joy to see many relatives and friends who we hadn't seen for some time and to be reminded of the strength we gain from family. It has been special to spend a bit more time with family members while we've been here.
The family we are part of in Kagoro has grown with the arrival of the Creighton family. Please pray for their adjustment to a new environment and their new roles within the Seminary community. However, our Kagoro family is also hurting because of the health problems of our colleague, Dennis Shelly, who is in the US with his wife, Coletta, for a series of medical tests. Please pray for an accurate diagnosis and plan of treatment which will enable them to return to their ministry.
Our family in Nige ria has been suffering because of the activities of terrorists against Christians especially as they worship together on Sundays. Please pray for God's people to stand strong in the Lord and also for protection against the Enemy. Praise the Lord for the truth of Matthew 16:18.
Numbers in the wider SIM family and mission community have reduced owing to the security situation and the retirement of some members. Please pray for wisdom for the leaders as they evaluate the events in recent months and plan for the future.
One of the features of this Home Assignment has been dealing with health issues which has resulted in a record number of hospital appointments. We thank the Lord for the NHS! I had a small non life-threatening piece of skin cancer removed from the tip of my nose two weeks ago. The healing process has not been straightforward so please pray that everything would be in order for our return to Kagoro on 14th August.
We enjoyed spiritual refreshment through the ministries of the ladies' Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) and sitting in on some of the Cornhill Belfast classes. I attended the BSF meetings on most Tuesday evenings at the Castlereagh Gospel Hall. It was great to study the Word of God with a lovely group of godly ladies. David sat in on most of the Cornhill classes on Friday mornings and we both enjoyed some other classes we were able to attend on the Psalms and the book of Judges.
We were blessed by having a wonderful week of holiday in Menorca at the end of May.
It's been encouraging for us to meet with our family of prayer and financial supporters
while we've been in the UK. Thank your for being a part of what the Lord is doing in Kagoro and the nation as a whole. Classes will have already started when we return to Kagoro so we anticipate a stressful few weeks as we get our systems up and running as well as begin teaching again. There will have been many changes in the months we've been away so pray for grace to adjust to the new dynamic in the Seminary as a result of a change in leadership. Please continue to pray for good health for us and our colleagues, protection and a fruitful ministry as we help prepare God's people for ministry (Eph. 4:12).
Thanks again for your prayers,
Debbie and David Colvin
Wednesday, 7 March 2012
March update
Dear praying friends,
We’re enjoying the novelty of being warmed by an open fire in the lovely home we’re privileged to have use of during our home assignment. The warmth of renewing fellowship with many has also been a blessing in the past month. Thanks for your prayers for the meetings and the travelling involved.
It was fun to share some of the sights of Northern Ireland with our friends from London. A highlight was our trip to the north coast. We enjoyed the beauty of the Giant’s Causeway on a bright but blustery day.
I’ve been encouraged by the women’s Bible Study Fellowship which I attend most Tuesdays. We’ve been learning much from the books of Acts, Thessalonians and Corinthians. Pray for help to put it into practice. David is enjoying the classes at Cornhill on expository preaching.
David would value prayer for the Lord’s help as he has to preach in both services at Coagh Baptist church this Sunday (11th March). He will also take the services on 1st April.
This month we will take meetings in Bangor, Ballymena and Armagh. I have been asked to be guest of honour at Ballynahinch Congregational Girls’ Brigade on the 23rd March. Please pray that the Lord will use us for His glory in all these opportunities to speak for Him.
Last month we had our medicals and now we have a series of medical and dental appointments for essential maintenance!
At the end of the month we plan to celebrate my mum and dad’s golden wedding anniversary. We praise the Lord for blessing them with so many years together and the fact that we can be here to share in the occasion.
The recent bombing in Jos and violent incidents in Kagoro are deeply disturbing. Please pray for the Lord’s intervention and for His people to remain strong in their faith (Eph 6:10).
Thank you for your faithful prayers and support.
Yours in Christ,
Debbie and David
We’re enjoying the novelty of being warmed by an open fire in the lovely home we’re privileged to have use of during our home assignment. The warmth of renewing fellowship with many has also been a blessing in the past month. Thanks for your prayers for the meetings and the travelling involved.
It was fun to share some of the sights of Northern Ireland with our friends from London. A highlight was our trip to the north coast. We enjoyed the beauty of the Giant’s Causeway on a bright but blustery day.
I’ve been encouraged by the women’s Bible Study Fellowship which I attend most Tuesdays. We’ve been learning much from the books of Acts, Thessalonians and Corinthians. Pray for help to put it into practice. David is enjoying the classes at Cornhill on expository preaching.
David would value prayer for the Lord’s help as he has to preach in both services at Coagh Baptist church this Sunday (11th March). He will also take the services on 1st April.
This month we will take meetings in Bangor, Ballymena and Armagh. I have been asked to be guest of honour at Ballynahinch Congregational Girls’ Brigade on the 23rd March. Please pray that the Lord will use us for His glory in all these opportunities to speak for Him.
Last month we had our medicals and now we have a series of medical and dental appointments for essential maintenance!
At the end of the month we plan to celebrate my mum and dad’s golden wedding anniversary. We praise the Lord for blessing them with so many years together and the fact that we can be here to share in the occasion.
The recent bombing in Jos and violent incidents in Kagoro are deeply disturbing. Please pray for the Lord’s intervention and for His people to remain strong in their faith (Eph 6:10).
Thank you for your faithful prayers and support.
Yours in Christ,
Debbie and David
Thursday, 9 February 2012
February update
Dear friends,
We send you greetings in the Name of our Lord.
Thank you for praying for the meetings we took in January. All went well. The following are ones we have still to take this month:
Sunday 12th evening service, missions conference, Lurgan Baptist Church
Wednesday 15th Baptist Women’s Fellowship meeting at Coagh Baptist Church
Monday 20th prayer group at Ballymoney
Wednesday 22nd mid-week service at Spamount Congregational Church
Sunday 26th Bible Class at Ballynahinch Congregational Church
Tuesday 28th SIM prayer group at Whiteabbey
Wednesday 29th Mission Africa prayer meeting near Kilkeel
We thank the Lord that my home church, Coagh Baptist, has called David Causby to be the pastor. He will start full-time ministry in May this year and we are looking forward to meeting him and his wife and family (D.V.).
In our last prayer letter we mentioned Rick and Alanna Creighton who were planning to move to Kagoro to work at the Seminary this month. With the recent unrest in Nigeria, they have decided they will look for another place of service. We are disappointed they will not be living and working at the Seminary but join us in prayer for them as they determine where our Lord would have them settle. Also, please continue to pray for peace and stability in Nigeria.
We are planning to sit in on some classes nearby which have an emphasis on expository preaching. Debbie is also attending a ladies’ Bible study class on Tuesday evenings being run by the Bible Study Fellowship just down the road from us. As teachers it is good to get some fresh input to help us.
Next week we are having some friends from London come over and visit for a couple of days: David and Judi Naish and their daughter Emily. Debbie and Judi were missionaries in Brazil and have been friends ever since. We have stayed with them in London when we are over there on deputation. No doubt we will take them along the Antrim Coast to the Giant’s Causeway at some stage (weather permitting, of course).
Thank you for your prayers.
David and Debbie
We send you greetings in the Name of our Lord.
Thank you for praying for the meetings we took in January. All went well. The following are ones we have still to take this month:
Sunday 12th evening service, missions conference, Lurgan Baptist Church
Wednesday 15th Baptist Women’s Fellowship meeting at Coagh Baptist Church
Monday 20th prayer group at Ballymoney
Wednesday 22nd mid-week service at Spamount Congregational Church
Sunday 26th Bible Class at Ballynahinch Congregational Church
Tuesday 28th SIM prayer group at Whiteabbey
Wednesday 29th Mission Africa prayer meeting near Kilkeel
We thank the Lord that my home church, Coagh Baptist, has called David Causby to be the pastor. He will start full-time ministry in May this year and we are looking forward to meeting him and his wife and family (D.V.).
In our last prayer letter we mentioned Rick and Alanna Creighton who were planning to move to Kagoro to work at the Seminary this month. With the recent unrest in Nigeria, they have decided they will look for another place of service. We are disappointed they will not be living and working at the Seminary but join us in prayer for them as they determine where our Lord would have them settle. Also, please continue to pray for peace and stability in Nigeria.
We are planning to sit in on some classes nearby which have an emphasis on expository preaching. Debbie is also attending a ladies’ Bible study class on Tuesday evenings being run by the Bible Study Fellowship just down the road from us. As teachers it is good to get some fresh input to help us.
Next week we are having some friends from London come over and visit for a couple of days: David and Judi Naish and their daughter Emily. Debbie and Judi were missionaries in Brazil and have been friends ever since. We have stayed with them in London when we are over there on deputation. No doubt we will take them along the Antrim Coast to the Giant’s Causeway at some stage (weather permitting, of course).
Thank you for your prayers.
David and Debbie
Wednesday, 4 January 2012
January update
Dear Friends,
Happy New Year! We trust it will be one of blessing and increased joy in the Lord.
Thank you so much for your prayers for us over these past weeks. We praise the Lord that we were able to finish our marking and submit our grades before leaving Kagoro. Then we quickly packed up most of our household things before going to the airport. We had a good journey and are enjoying our new temporary home on the Ballygowan road.
It's a treat to drink water straight from the tap not to mention having constant electricity. I (Debbie) am happy that I don't have to soak all fruit and veg in a bleach solution. David is excited to have better internet access.
Since arriving we have had lots of rest and special times with family over this holiday period.
Recent events in Nigeria are very disturbing. Please pray for Christians who are under threat that they would know the Lord's peace and protection. Pray too that they would be salt and light in the midst of increased tensions.
The new Provost will be 'on seat' by now. He needs prayer as he faces the challenge of leading the Seminary in Kagoro.
Our deputation schedule begins on the 16th January with an SIM prayer meeting in Belvoir Park. We will be with a group of ladies from the Belfast Bible College Women's Study Fellowship on the 23rd. The next morning we will share with students at the Irish Baptist College. Coleraine Baptist have invited us to take part in their missionary conference on the 28th. I (Debbie) will take Ballykeel Baptist Ladies' meeting on the 31st . Please pray for safety in travel and that the Lord would help us as we share about the ministry in Kagoro and encourage more to be involved in mission.
In these times of uncertainty and instability in the lives of individuals and nations the words of Psalm 62:1-2 are a great encouragement.
We continue to appreciate your faithful prayers.
God Bless,
Debbie and David
Happy New Year! We trust it will be one of blessing and increased joy in the Lord.
Thank you so much for your prayers for us over these past weeks. We praise the Lord that we were able to finish our marking and submit our grades before leaving Kagoro. Then we quickly packed up most of our household things before going to the airport. We had a good journey and are enjoying our new temporary home on the Ballygowan road.
It's a treat to drink water straight from the tap not to mention having constant electricity. I (Debbie) am happy that I don't have to soak all fruit and veg in a bleach solution. David is excited to have better internet access.
Since arriving we have had lots of rest and special times with family over this holiday period.
Recent events in Nigeria are very disturbing. Please pray for Christians who are under threat that they would know the Lord's peace and protection. Pray too that they would be salt and light in the midst of increased tensions.
The new Provost will be 'on seat' by now. He needs prayer as he faces the challenge of leading the Seminary in Kagoro.
Our deputation schedule begins on the 16th January with an SIM prayer meeting in Belvoir Park. We will be with a group of ladies from the Belfast Bible College Women's Study Fellowship on the 23rd. The next morning we will share with students at the Irish Baptist College. Coleraine Baptist have invited us to take part in their missionary conference on the 28th. I (Debbie) will take Ballykeel Baptist Ladies' meeting on the 31st . Please pray for safety in travel and that the Lord would help us as we share about the ministry in Kagoro and encourage more to be involved in mission.
In these times of uncertainty and instability in the lives of individuals and nations the words of Psalm 62:1-2 are a great encouragement.
We continue to appreciate your faithful prayers.
God Bless,
Debbie and David
Saturday, 24 January 2009
Back at Kagoro
Dear friends,
We arrived safely back at Kagoro on Tuesday 20th. Thank you for your prayers. I had to go to London to get our visas processed and, thankfully, they were ready on Friday 16th Jan.
There have been a few changes at Kagoro. SIM has built a wall around the compound and strengthened the security of the house. We appreciate this concern and acknowledge that no matter how strong our security measures are, our security depends ultimately on our Lord. A few things around our home have broken while we were away and we are in the process of getting them repaired.
The new semester starts on Monday 26th. This is later than normal since exams for the last semester had to be shifted to January. This means we have arrived back in time to start teaching. Debbie will be teaching three subjects and they are ones she has taught before. I have been assigned two courses I have taught before and one new course. It will be good to be teaching again and we look forward to engaging in that ministry. The new course will mean extra work for me but a colleage here has taught the course before and lent me his notes which I can use to structure my version of the course. Some of the things I have been studying recently will plug into this course.
Unfortunately, I was unable to complete my dissertation before leaving the UK so I will still be working on that but it looks like the provost understands the situation and will not put me back in the registrar's position since that would be quite time consuming.
Thank you for your prayers as we settle back into life here.
In Christ,
David and Debbie
We arrived safely back at Kagoro on Tuesday 20th. Thank you for your prayers. I had to go to London to get our visas processed and, thankfully, they were ready on Friday 16th Jan.
There have been a few changes at Kagoro. SIM has built a wall around the compound and strengthened the security of the house. We appreciate this concern and acknowledge that no matter how strong our security measures are, our security depends ultimately on our Lord. A few things around our home have broken while we were away and we are in the process of getting them repaired.
The new semester starts on Monday 26th. This is later than normal since exams for the last semester had to be shifted to January. This means we have arrived back in time to start teaching. Debbie will be teaching three subjects and they are ones she has taught before. I have been assigned two courses I have taught before and one new course. It will be good to be teaching again and we look forward to engaging in that ministry. The new course will mean extra work for me but a colleage here has taught the course before and lent me his notes which I can use to structure my version of the course. Some of the things I have been studying recently will plug into this course.
Unfortunately, I was unable to complete my dissertation before leaving the UK so I will still be working on that but it looks like the provost understands the situation and will not put me back in the registrar's position since that would be quite time consuming.
Thank you for your prayers as we settle back into life here.
In Christ,
David and Debbie
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