Emanuel Hospice team at their opening ceremony with Gary Cox.
At the end of March, we celebrated 60 years of ministry at our Supporter Conference in Bristol. It was brilliant to celebrate together, with many dedicated supporters and partners, what God continues to do through His united people. Here are some reflections from the weekend.
Simon Blanchflower
I was struck by the depth of faith, and confidence in calling, that underpinned partner ministries, with people working in incredibly challenging situations where the number of evangelical Christians is often very small, and the opposition or indifference is high. Where church planting and growth comes slowly and each new life in Jesus is celebrated as a sign of ground being taken.
It was encouraging to hear about ministries in different cultural contexts flourishing; how the Church there stands in the gap where civic society doesn’t meet needs, through prison ministry, practical help and hospice care. I came away uplifted and yet challenged, grateful for these many pioneering leaders, and reflective about what I can learn about ministry in my own context.
Margaret Malcolm
The highlight was hearing from partners—their joy in serving God in the Balkans and Eastern Europe, but they also didn’t hide the challenges they face. It was good to be reminded that it can be costly and that there is a good deal of opposition to sharing the Good News of Jesus in a personal way. Every partner who spoke, either in person or by video, made it clear that their aim is to introduce people to Jesus, sharing God’s love in every aspect of their lives.
Connect Magazine and its very helpful Prayer Diary helps me stay connected with TEN. The names of most partners and the places where they serve are strange to my ears, but God knows each one and it is a privilege to be able to pray. May God continue to bless these ministries—abundantly.
Mircea & Ronela Cristian, Rock of Ages, Romania
We were so happy that God allowed us to come to the Supporter Conference, where TEN celebrated 60 years of ministry with partners in Eastern Europe and the Balkans. We really wanted to be there with all of you, to rejoice together with you about what and how God is still working for the salvation of the lost.
Because we often need to give time and energy to leadership and training others, it was so good to be able to receive! It was such an encouragement to meet the staff, to see how much they care for all their partners, humbly walking in God’s will and giving all the glory to Him.
We feel that we are not alone, and for that we are so grateful!
Also, to meet with the partners who were present, some of whom we have met before, to see how God is blessing their work, was great, too! Last but not least, it was a blessing to meet the supporters, some that we’ve met before, as well as some who are new to us, to share news about us and the prison work in Romania. God bless you all, with our love and appreciation. The Story Continues!
Simon Blanchflower worships with other supporters at the conference; Margaret Malcolm; a glass artwork gift for TEN from Tedi and Didi Oprenovi
