Return of the Native

It was so fitting for me to return to my home county of Dorset, in keeping with Thomas Hardy’s, “Return of the Native” and have the privilege of working in the midst of its visual beauty.

Dorset is a beautiful county and I liken it rather to a bed mattress, full of dimples - which were the villages, surrounded by high hills – each village an indigenous population.

 

Can there be a better day than this to bring the wonderful Gospel of God’s love to a troubled and depressed country? The teams dotted all around in the dimples were very hard working, had a beautiful spirit, were much loved by the people and effective in evangelism. Furthermore, we had new people on almost every team, which was encouraging and these people included a younger generation, which was also heartening. In our terms, this was a small mission, with only 200 team members or thereabouts, nevertheless, as far as I could make out during my visits to them, they led numerous people to Christ. But this is what I would call a ‘bayonnet’ mission, not artillery; more hand-to-hand operations, rather than big guns. When there were collective meetings, there seemed to be a general understanding throughout the county that these were not very well publicised. Gatherings were consequently smaller than in other places, but nevertheless, we saw proportionate responses to receive Christ. Again, it can be said, “And the Lord added daily to those who were saved”.

 

The Chairman of the Task Force, Roger Collins, has written to say that they are heartened and have received good reports. He says that he envisions that TFM will be asked back into many areas and so it was all wonderfully worthwhile.

 

To all of those who have given, both financially and in prayer time, to those who have walked and evangelised, I send you my heartfelt thanks at this Christmas time and as we call upon God to bring peace on earth and goodwill towards men, we remember again,

As I write, John and I have just returned from Cornwall where we have had very good meetings in preparation for Walk Cornwall Mark II, planned for 2013. We will possibly need the full 1000 team members then!

 

 

 

 

God speed you all and heartiest gratitude for your support.

 

Daniel