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Pastor’s prayer answered after car stops working Strings are attached to reach out! Members of Zion Christian Centre in Halesowen used puppets to reach young people and families. Open Air Campaigners evangelist John Heywood said, ‘The Good News of Jesus is unchanging. But our methods need to be suitable for the people to whom we minister. We wanted an approach that was more youth and child orientated.’ The afternoon programme took place in May and marked a first time effort to use the puppet theatre outdoors. Spirited tunes of contemporary Christian music were accompanied by puppetry mime. This served to draw not only children and teenagers, but parents too.
Remembrance over massacre Missionaries in Zimbabwe held a special prayer service to remember the anniversary of the Vumba massacre, which took place on 27 June 1978, when 13 Elim missionaries and children were killed. Elim Missions has asked for prayer for the nation of Zimbabwe, for a turning to God and for change to take place in that nation.
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An Elim pastor stepped out in faith – and ended up with a £10,000 car. Pastor Errol Beamish, from Potters Bar Community Church, was left needing a new car when his motor stopped working on the school run. With four children, Errol knew that a car was a necessity, so he got on his knees and began to pray. He said, ‘I’d been listening to this tape talking about how to ask God for something. I’d seen a Honda Jazz that I liked but it was £13,000 and I knew I couldn’t afford it. But before I
left the showroom I’d prayed, “Father, that is the car I would like.” I thanked him for it and left the showroom.’ But Errol was shocked when, just a few weeks later, he was given a gift of £10,000 to buy a new car. ‘I went to a prayer meeting where I was told that one of the
pastors had just passed away so I asked about buying his car. The lady who organised the meeting told me his sister was selling it and it was a Honda Jazz for sale for £10,000 ‘Then the lady rang me back and said, “I’d like to bless your family with £1,500 towards the car.” But she showed up with a cheque for £10,000 and said, “I really believe that God has spoken to me and I want you to have it all.” ‘I was totally gobsmacked. I’d prayed and thanked God for the car but didn’t expect to get it that way.’
Rachael Orrell and David Robinson
Saltmine teams up with RTC to offer degree Saltmine Theatre Company has partnered with Regents Theological College to introduce an accredited degree in Performing Arts and Theology. Validated by the University of Wales, it is the first of its kind in the UK. Course leader Richard Hasnip said, ‘We need to be fluent in the language of performance because that is how stories are told these days. This course is designed to help people share their faith in the most creative way
possible.’ The announcement comes after the new leadership appointments at Saltmine of David Robinson and Rachael Orrell. Rachael said, ‘I am delighted to take up this new post. It is an exciting time for Saltmine as we seek to contribute to the story God is writing in the world around us.’ David added, ‘I am very much looking forward to leading the organisation with Rachael, someone I know who will bring energy and integrity.’