New Year, New Life in Bridgnorth

During the week I was able to do balloon modelling for the kids at some of the events and activities we held.  I also taught some of my team members who were interested and at the coffee morning, some of the older kids asked me to teach them how to make some balloon animals.  To my surprise, they enthusiastically joined some of my team mates who were handing out literature to give the animals they had made to other kids and hand out tracts as well.  This really was a source of encouragement for me as it showed me how God can use a willing heart to further His kingdom.  Firstly, giving me the opportunity to teach balloon modelling to some of the children and secondly, the fact that these children who live in the local community will be able to continue what we started through our week of outreach in Bridgnorth. - Tamika (Barbados)

I learned that sharing the gospel is a commandment.  I also learnt to trust in God and always pray! - Rebecca (Switzerland)

When I was giving out literature I saw God working through us.  Our English still wasn't very good but we could see some people challenged to think about the 'New Year Resolution' tract as we shared with them what we had done in the past week. - Simon (Switzerland)

I had a nice conversation with a man called Jeffrey at an old people's home.  We talked about his faith and the fact that he thinks that he had been a Christian, sometimes a good one, sometimes a bad one.  He was enjoying our singing, and that's testimony!  I encouraged him to read the Bible and I told him that when we ask God for forgiveness he will forgive us. - Bjorn (Germany)

After this outreach I know even more that it is necessary to trust in God.  Moreover, I've learnt to be humble, because we're all sinners who need God's forgiveness! - Bjorn (Germany)

Many of us did not know each other before but we turned into a team faster than I ever would have expected!  We went out door to door straight away on the first day and I did not really know what to expect.  Since my English is not that good I was afraid that the people would not understand me - but God gave me the strength to get over all my fears and struggles and do things I never did before and would never have imagined doing.- Deborah (Germany)

My relationship with God had deepened during this outreach, he showed me new possibilities and I came to know him better as he supported me in the week.  It was really great to see him work in situations at the door to door or in the old peoples' home.  My attitude to missions has also changed and now I feel more like mission is a real opportunity for me in the future. - Jana (Germany)

Malaika and I ran into a very sad man on a bridge who told us he needed to stop drinking.  I was able to share my testimony and we gave him a tract.  He listened and eventually walked away, but I truly believe we delivered the message the Lord wanted him to hear. - Liz (USA)

It was the last day and I should go out to distribute literature.  I didn't want to go but I went.  The day before, we talked about having a smiling face while we distributed literature – so I tried it, and it worked!!  I talked to a woman who was really friendly and said she wanted to read the tract because what I said made sense. - Samuel (Germany)

I made new Christian friends that encouraged me to keep faithful, as well as making good friendships with members of the church. - David (Mexico)

I was continuously confirmed in the desire to put something into practice at home in Germany or ask my pastor if he would consider certain things like door to door in our church's neighbourhood.  I was also reminded that mission 'starts at home' so wherever God puts me I need to be a testimony to the people right now. - Malaika (Germany)

This outreach was exactly what I needed to take a step back from the busyness of life and refocus on God and my relationship with him in preparation for a new year. - Tamika (Barbados)

I was amazed at how the Lord always pulled everything together for his glory.  Lots of times we didn't feel adequate, but everything turned out amazing! - Liz (USA)

I am really excited for missions! I can't wait to do it again!! I am praying for an opportunity to go again – maybe longer term. - Liz (USA)

It really touched me when an old man that couldn't remember anything and didn't even recognise his own son suddenly started moving his lips along with the hymn we sang to him because he somehow remembered the lyrics.  - Jana (Germany)
 

Facts

• 400 tracts
• 150 fliers (advertising church events)
• 4 DVDs (the Life History of Jesus)
• 200 bars of chocolate (with church contact details)
• We had about 40 good gospel conversations and worked with about 20 children/young people.

In Summary:

"A team of 13 people from 6 different countries worked for the week at People's Hall Evangelical Church in Bridgnorth.  The mission was called 'New Year, New Life' and it was a great week of all kinds of ministry opportunities including door to door, children’s and youth work, open air outreach, an international night, coffee morning and distribution of literature.  Everyone on the team, (and church members too!), were challenged in being open about what they believe and talking to people about their faith and I pray that they continue this as they are back in their own countries." - Lisa Ellis (Outreach Co-ordinator)

“Looking back it is now evident that God has used this mission to teach us the importance of all areas of outreach, not just those that come the easiest to us!  The OM team members gelled together quickly and worked extremely hard, with many good friendships being formed. It was so encouraging to see how diligently the team members worked at preparing for their outreach, and how every member was willing to try their hand at something new, whether it be a drama, puppets or helping to deliver a sketchboard lesson! I pray that these young people have learned as much from, and indeed enjoyed the week as much as we have.  It was a privilege both working with them and getting to know them too." - Phil Paggett  (Peoples Hall Evangelical Church Co-ordinator)