Pete & Christine’s News November 2018

When we launched Count Everyone In just 18 months ago, we did it in response to clear guidance from God, the like of which we had never known. At that time, we had no idea whether CEI would thrive or even survive beyond its small beginnings. We knew our task was to build God’s kingdom, not our own empire and we have always tried to make it clear that CEI is not ours but God’s. We are not caretakers maintaining something old; instead we are baton holders, breaking new ground but always with a view to passing on the baton to younger people who are already running the race and will take over apace as we eventually withdraw.

With just the two of us there are inevitable restrictions as to how much we can undertake and there are limits to our capacity for growth. With an average of 20 people with learning disabilities in every 1,000 people in our communities, and a total of 1.2 to 1.5 million across the UK, there is plenty to be done.

Jesus said to his disciples, “The harvest is huge. But there are only a few workers. So ask the Lord of the harvest to send workers out into his harvest field.” Matthew 9:37-38 (NIrV)

We would love it if you were to join us in praying that God will raise up people for this purpose; those who will develop CEI prayerfully, strategically and creatively. We already have one candidate ready and willing but that is not enough. Please pray that God will call not just one, not two or even three, but at least four new workers so that there is potential to make headway in equipping the church to share the love of Jesus with people with learning disabilities in relevant and accessible ways.

From the start, we have been blessed with favour from God through prayerful and financial support from individuals and churches. If ‘these small beginnings’ are to continue to cause the Lord to rejoice then we anticipate that new workers will raise support in similar ways through their own networks, although expenses would be covered from central funds.

• With the blessing and help of our support group (people who for nearly 17 years have met with us on a regular basis for prayer and counsel), we are applying for charitable status
• We are praying that God will continue to clear the way for the person he has already called to join us
• Please pray that we won’t be distracted from our core mission by trying to manipulate God’s hand in growing CEI our way
• If you have any thoughts please let us know

Holiday:      Never before have we reached our holiday destination so much in need of a break! Thank you if you prayed for us. Two weeks of sunshine, sea, mountains and rest in Madeira enabled us to recharge our batteries.

Celebrations:         The following Saturday we were visitors at two regional celebration days, the first at Chessington and the later one in Portsmouth. It was heart-warming to see people enthusiastically enjoying Bible teaching, worship, drama, craft and much more.

Church:        Next morning, we received a warm welcome at Littlehampton Baptist Church where we spoke about CEI and challenged the church to help disabled people find Jesus and grow in their faith.

Concert:       After a lovely lunch we were treated to a concert by Worthing Salvation Army training band and junior songsters, with a retiring collection for CEI. Huge thanks to John and Sarah Holden for organising this for us.

Farewells:    Christine’s dad’s funeral was a solemn and joyous occasion and we are grateful for your prayers. It makes such a difference to know where loved ones have gone. Last Saturday we enjoyed a family day to remember Dad and this included bread and butter with jam – a vital ingredient of any teatime for Dad!

Some places are still available for our November training dates so please look at the blue box to find out what we shall be doing, where and when. Book in with us (£15 per person cheques payable to P&C Winmill or ask for bank details) or pass details to those who might be interested. If there is nothing suitable, let’s discuss putting on an additional day that can then be opened up to others.

Sat 3^rd          Know & Grow advanced training at King’s Centre, Chessington
Sat 10^th        Know & Grow basic training at High Street Methodist Church, Harpenden

Various meetings with church leaders, professionals and supporters

Tua Phelps-Jones is supporting CEI through the sale of cards. She says “By going into my website https://www.flamingopaperie.co.uk/web/tuaphelps-jones and looking for the tab Customer Club you can get some more details and join. As you will see there will be special offers for you from time to time and you will get a small gift with your first order. The Christmas cards, wrapping, tags, advent calendar cards etc are all available as well as the general cards so I hope you will have a great time browsing and finding your favourites. Delivery is £3.50 but free for orders of £30 or over. Thank you so much for your custom!”

We thank the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ for you. We ask that he will bless you, those you love and care for, your church and your community.

Please feel free to get in touch and do let us know if we can praye for you.