We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him. He appointed them to be saved in keeping with his purpose. Romans 8:28 New International Reader’s Version (NIrV)
Joining up the dots, God’s way
Time after time God leads us from one opportunity to another, through people already known to us introducing us to others, only to find that we already have mutual connections and so the dots are joined up.
“God works in mysterious ways His wonders to perform”, a quote often attributed to the Bible was in fact penned by 19th century hymn writer William Cowper. More importantly, is it true? In our experience, most emphatically, yes!
New opportunities
During February, Count Everyone In attracted attention from old and new contacts and as a result we have exciting openings to explore and conferences to address for the Baptist Union and the Methodist Church.
Conferences
Travelling from home in rural West Berkshire to London twice in one week was exhausting but we’re glad we did it. The Evangelical Alliance’s ‘Above and Beyond’ conference equipped us for GDPR (data protection regulations taking effect in May), safeguarding, charity governance and other relevant areas. John Kirkby, the founder of CAP, rounded off the day with a brilliantly motivational address that underlined the importance of keeping Jesus at the centre. The second conference, ‘Finance for Ministry’, run by Stewardship, focused on practical issues for Christians workers who raise their own support. Both events were useful for us now and as we move towards charity status. Already we could easily occupy the time and gifts of at least one more person for a couple of days a week – and this is likely to become a more pressing need – but we wait for God’s timing and leading. So far, we have seen God’s goodness expressed through the generosity of his people and we trust him to supply future needs both personally and for the soon-to-be charity.
Know and Grow training
We are excited to be running the first ever Advanced Training Day at Worthing Baptist Church on Saturday 17 March. At the time of writing, there are still a few places available so please get in touch if you are interested. The fee of £15 includes a manual and certificate – but be sure to bring your lunch. A few dates remain free for this year if you are considering either basic or advanced training for your church or team – but please don’t leave it too long. We are already taking bookings for training in 2019!
Northern Ireland
In response to an invitation we shall be visiting Northern Ireland from 17-21 May to meet with churches and groups, encouraging them to be more welcoming, accepting and accessible. If you, your church or anyone known to you might be interested in meeting us, or in in attending a taster training session or a celebration for adults with learning disabilities, do please put us in touch.
You heard it first here!
Now that we feel so much part of St Nic’s Church, in the centre of Newbury, we are finding that the 30-mile round trip limits our involvement. We have been keeping an eye on the housing market for some months and have had an offer accepted on a bungalow within walking distance (just!) of church. Amazingly, the very first viewer of our home in Lambourn made an offer that we have been pleased to accept. Please pray that everything falls into place for the move to take place within the next few months.
Cards for CEI
We are so grateful to you and to everyone who supports CEI in prayer or gives financially to CEI. Together we are partners in growing God’s kingdom. God is blessing us through you and we pray that he will bless you too.
One of our supporters, Tua Phelps-Jones, is generously offering to support CEI through the sale of Flamingo (previously Phoenix) greetings cards. We can personally vouch for the quality and design of the cards. Please read on, take a look at the website and feel free to share it with friends and relatives.
Cards can be viewed and purchased at the ‘flipping book’ https://online.flippingbook.com/view/854319 or on her website https://www.flamingopaperie.co.uk/web/tuaphelps-jones
Please enter CEI after your name so that Tua knows which charity to credit. She will send you a thank you email and will then only email you if there is a special offer that she can pass on. If you would like to order in this way, the order will be packed and sent directly from the warehouse. The postage will be £3.50 for orders under £30. For £30 or more the postage will be free.
2018 Count Everyone In will be at:
Word Alive, Prestatyn 7-12 April
Catalyst Festival, Stoneleigh 28 May
Spring Harvest Holidays, France 4-11 June
Keswick Convention 23-27 July
Westpoint Event, Exeter 24-26 August
How about joining us?
Friends Update
We look forward to contacting all the ‘Friends with CEI’ very soon as we plan to send out prayer bulletins to enable ‘Friends’ to support one another through prayer and praise. If your church/ group would like more information on ‘Friends with CEI’ please do contact us on counteveryonein@gmail.com
Prayer pointers
Praise God for new opportunities and pray for wisdom in moving forward
Pray for an enjoyable and effective training day in Worthing
Pray for good preparation for Word Alive, the European Disability Network conference, other conferences and meetings
Pray for transformed lives as a result of God’s love being made known
Pray for safety in travel, especially in unpleasant weather conditions
Thank God for faithfully providing all we need – but pray for more, if CEI is to grow!
Diary dates for March:
Thursday 1st
Meeting in Romsey to talk, dream and pray! – weather permitting!
Friday 2nd
Skype meeting re European Disability Network Conference (we shall be taking part in this conference to be held in Latvia at the end of April)
Sunday 4th
Morning service and ‘Prospects’ group meeting at our old church in St Albans; also visit Dad
Tuesday 6th
Speaking at Methodist lay workers’ ‘Connecting Disciples’ conference at High Leigh, Hoddesdon
Thursday 8th
In London for Stewardship’s ‘Support raising for ministry: funding the family business’
Friday 9th
Travel to Leicester
Saturday 10th
Exhibiting on behalf of Biblica at New Wine Accessible Church conference. Places still available – please go tohttps://www.new-wine.org/events/accessible-church-1-day-conference
Sunday 11th
Sharing our story at St. Nic’s ‘The Six’ – evening service
Wednesday 14th
Visit Dad in St Albans
Friday 16th
Travel to Worthing
Saturday 17th
‘Know & Grow’ advanced training day at Worthing Baptist Church – places still availablecounteveryonein@gmail.com
Sunday 18th
Speaking at ‘Shine’ meeting, Worthing Baptist Church
Tuesday 20th
Meeting in Winchester with group leader about dissertation
Thursday 22nd
Travel to Birmingham
Friday 23rd
Additional Needs Alliance meeting of core group in Birmingham
Saturday 24th
Support group meeting at our home
Tuesday 27th
Meeting at our home re working with Baptist Union
Thursday 29th
Take Dad to hospital appointment, St Albans
Friday 30th
Good Friday – but Sunday is coming!!!
Social media – See www.counteveryonein.org.uk and you can also keep up with us on Facebook and Twitter. Please follow, like and share.
Do keep in touch and let us know how we can pray for you.
With love in Jesus,
Pete & Christine
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Safeguarding Statement
We are committed to following government and thirtyone:eight guidelines on safeguarding adults at risk and good working practice, including safer recruitment of workers.
