Jerusalem
and the Middle East
Church Association

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Gulf News

CHRIST CHURCH, ADEN

The new Chaplain, Nigel Dawkins writes:

We would be most grateful for your prayers and would ask you to pray for the following things: for all Christians in Yemen that we will grow in our relationship with God; for the staff at the Family Department of Ras Morbat Clinic, that through God’s love they will heal the sick and bring sight to the blind; for all seafarers who pass through the Gulf of Aden-with God’s protection they may remain unharmed; for the Somali refugees who live in Yemen, that they will find hope for the future; for the congregation of Christ Church gathering to worship God, that we will be bound by the Spirit of Fellowship; for the President of Yemen, Ali Abdullah Salih, that God will guide him and his government.

ST. PAUL’S, KUWAIT

The Chaplain Andy Thompson writes:

“It’s hot, sometimes 50 degrees. When the dust storms hit, all you can taste is sand and grit. It gets everywhere. The last two months has seemed to be a blur of services, sermons, writing articles for the local media, pastoral visits, counselling, dealing with politics in the local churches, and within Kuwait. Interfaith dialogue seems to be a trend at the moment. I have participated in events organised by the British Embassy, the Spanish Embassy and the Australian Embassy. There was an interesting night organised by an Islamic group trying to find common ground between Islam and Christianity. It was a well meaning effort which served only to highlight the glaring difference. Loving Jesus as a prophet is good, but tragically they miss his main message of love and forgiveness through his work on the cross. It makes one weep with frustration at their blindness. People are coming to faith and growing in the love and grace of Jesus Christ. It is this which inspires us and encourages us and reminds us of why we are here. Pray that we will be inspired and encouraged by the Spirit of God.

ST. MARK’S CHAPLAINCY, FAMAGUSTA AND THE KARPAZ.

The Chaplain, Robin Brooks writes:

Three adults were confirmed by Bishop Michael on his visit which was a great encouragement. Weekly Services have been established in Famagusta and in the Bogaz Hotel, Karpaz. Val Brooks, organises the Sunday School. Two of the young people run a weekly children’s club in their flat and the Oasis Cafe continues to reach out to many students, those from Iran seem especially receptive.

THE RESOURCE CENTRE HOLY TRINITY, DUBAI

Tim and Anthea Fawdry write to give news of incredible sales of Bibles and other Christian materials in many different languages. They have sold over 2400 copies of “The Purpose Driven Life”; Hundreds of “Where is God when it hurts?” They have just supplied the Mission to Seafarers in Fujeriah with 1,600 copies of “The Seafarers Chart” which is an excellent introduction to the Gospel in the New Life version.

The Late Archdeacon Lindley

Archdeacon Ralph Lindley’s daughter, Daphne Smith, appreciated the Obituary notice of her father in the Pentecost magazine. She writes: On behalf of the family I would like to thank all the kind people who sent such lovely messages of support to us after my father’s death. I am especially grateful to those who managed to come to the funeral (in particular Barry Simmons who spoke so eloquently of Ralph’s work in the Gulf).

It was an uplifting celebration of Ralph’s life and work. The village church was full to overflowing with family, friends, colleagues, villagers and no fewer than 6 clergy officiating! I know he would have been so proud and pleased.

Several people regretted there had not been a photograph of the Archdeacon, we are grateful to Daphne for providing this picture of her father, early in his ministry. Editor