We trust that you are doing well. Spring is well and truly here, and isn't it glorious? We'll soon be enjoying The World Cup, until England play!!
There are times when I sit down to pen a few words at the start of a "Net News" with a sense of excitement at what I can see happening around The Black Country. There are also times when I cannot really think of much to say....just being honest!
However, today I am pleased to say that we have just passed through another milestone and things seem to be advancing at a rate of notts. This morning, we held our bi-monthly Leaders' Net which is basicaly a gathering of mainly local church ministers with a few business people and "para-church" leaders (as we are seeking to widen this gathering to be more inclusive--hence, the name-change from Ministers' Net).
There were almost 100 leaders there, coming from almost 60 churches (and/or groups) which is very significant. We realize that numbers in and of themselves are not the only sign of growth, but when gathering leadaers or INFLUENCERS, the more that come together, the more influence is geared. At this session, our new CORE VISION TEAM shared the renewed vision for THE NET, (y)our network of Christians and churches in and around The Black Country....
So, 1000's of local Christians can now have access to the core vision and strategy, which can be summed up in one simple sentence----TO REACH 1.2 MILLION PEOPLE IN OUR 4 BOROUGHS. We hope that you and your church will come on board in a greater measure in the coming days, and that The Lord will divinely orchestrate us all to truly refkect His nature by BEING ONE.
Only He could possibly organize this, but we will do all we can to facilitate and release all of the energy and passion in the greatest people movement the world has ever seen.....those called out of the world to execute the will of God on earth-----otherwise known as THE CHURCH.
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We told you last time of a new initiative to raise funds for our vision to see over 1.2 million Black Country sould saved in the coming years using AMAZON as a funding base. PLEASE CAN WE STRESS that we strongly recommend that CHRISTIANS USE THE LOCAL BOOKSHOPS (eg, Wesley Own/CLC/The Well) wherever possible, AND also are made aware of services such as Everlasting Books, an internet based service to access Christian resources--- info@everlastingbooks.com.
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AMAZING STORY OF HEALING/RECONCILIATION
A Blackheath church has given a survivor of the Rwandan genocide a heart-warming sendoff in appreciation of her challenging and inspiring story of forgiveness.
Pastor Mrs Frida Umuhoza Gashumba was rescued from a mass grave after being buried alive for 14 hours in 1994, and then forgave the killers who massacred 13 members of her family .
For several weeks, she has been part of the congregation at The Flame Community Church in Cardale Street, while staying in Halesowen, and Pastor Alan Silver, minister, says she has brought "a tremendous lesson of the forgiveness of Christ to the church."
Frida miraculously survived 14 hours buried in a grave and trapped under the dead bodies of her family members. Rescued by a farmhand who located her cries for help, she then avoided re-capture and certain death by hiding in a pile of dry beans and, later, by squeezing into a hole located in the middle of a banana plantation.
They were made to kneel lined up in a pit before being killed systematically by having their skulls smashed in with a a long club or being decapitated with a machete.Each person could choose their method of being killed but none could afford a bullet costing the equivalent of £5.
FULL STORY ON WEB-SITE
CLICK
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Request from our Connect Europe Partners----are you from NIGERIA??
Dear brothers and sisters,
Shalom and greetings from Poland.
I have been requested by the Nigerian Evangelical Missions Association (NEMA) to help facilitate a network of Nigerian missionaries working overseas. Do you happen to know any such people who may be working outside of Nigeria as missionaries, pastors, evangelists, church planters, tent makers etc. If you do please, could you send me their email addresses and possibly phone numbers. I am presently
We believe that God is raising up the church in Africa to play a special role in reaching the unreached. We believe God wants us to create a platform where laborers from Africa can receive encouragement, support and insight. Already there are more than 5000 missionaries from Nigeria working in more than 50 nations of the world. The goal of NEMA is to raise up and send out at least 50,000 Nigerian missionaries. This is why this network is so important. I also do covet your prayers.
Thank you so much for the help and may God bless you.
Yours in Him,
John Abraham Godson (Godson Onyekwere).
