Newsletter – JCWGVA

Summer Newsletter 2026

Jun 152026

John 3:16

For God so loved the world that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Jesus Christ Witness God’s Victorious Army

Charity No. 1081578 www.godpod.org.uk
Summer 2026 NEWSLETTER

Charity No. 1081578 www.godpod.org.uk

Greetings
Once again, the dear Lord Jesus Christ, has granted us strength to walk the Island with the Cross at Easter it was a blessed time together indeed.
We also had the great privilege of baptising a young man, who made a confession of his sins to the Lord Jesus Christ. Hallelujah, transformed by the precious blood of the dear Lord Jesus Christ. It’s so lovely to watch the change in him and he’s coming to the fellowship as well as street WITNESSING to other people, who need to know the really Good News. About the bus!! It is still going through extensive body repairs and as soon as they are completed, we will be back out on the street again the Lord willing of course. Much love always. God bless you Mick.

Summer Approaches
As Summer approaches we seem these days to experience weather extremes (at the time of writing we have just come through a May heatwave) many put this down to climate change. There was a time when we could plan our year by the seasons, now we have mixture and uncertainty. In the
same way we see the spiritual life of our nation like a “See Saw” where once we were seeing a hunger for God, now things are quite different. The spiritual climate has changed. We need desperately a fresh moving of the Holy Spirit to bring our nation back to God. It is our only hope.
The gospel must be proclaimed according to the scriptures. The Lord Jesus Christ is the only hope for our fallen world. Let us be urgent in our prayer that there may be a turning to God in repentance and faith. Jesus said that He will return as He promised and that may be sooner than we expect. Let us live in that expectation and be faithful witnesses.
Godpod AGM
Please note we intend holding our AGM on Friday 3rd July at 8pm. This will be held online. If you wish to join in, then contact Roy Moul (see details at bottom of newsletter). Thank you.

Prayer- Guarding the Fig Tree
Whoever keeps the fig tree will eat its fruit; so he who waits on his master will be honoured – Proverbs 27: 18 NKJV.
A number of years ago I watched a documentary about Macaque monkeys in India. I can’t remember the name of the programme but the team involved followed the progress of one group of Macaques’ and their nearest rival group whose leader they named ‘Scarface’ due to war wounds on his face from previous territorial battles. The first group were blessed with having in their territory a prize fig tree which helped feed the tribe. After having a good old feed one day, the residents settled down for an after-dinner nap in the trees and bushes. This is when Scarface and his mob decided it was best to make their move and they slowly advanced towards the unsuspecting troop. Just when it seemed the advancing party were moving in for the kill, suddenly the alarm was sounded by the lone watch out high in the tree who shook the branches and gave a cry that alerted the whole of the community around him. They fought and were able to fend off the adversary and caused their retreat. The fig tree that was coveted by the enemy was saved and the whole tribe kept their ground as the lookout kept to his responsibility to his friends and families. We can relate this to the church. We all have a part to play in the battle and more than ever we need to keep watch and guard the fig tree. Let us encourage each other to stand fast in prayer and be watchful. The enemy gains a foothold when the church is sleepy and complacent so is always active to bring us down with any method going. Let’s stay the course and keep coming to the throne of grace and praying for the world around us. This is what the Lord calls us to do in His word and He will enable us if we ask Him to help us toward this end. May God bless you in this special endeavour whether in our own fellowships corporately and in our individual closets or family time. May God bless and strengthen all God’s people. Blessings. Nigel.

Prayer Clock
If you feel you would like to be on our prayer clock, or if you no longer want to be part of it,
Please contact Dave Sibley at Dave_lin@hotmail.co.uk or phone 07967912226. Many Blessings.

Mount Joy
If you live on the Isle of Wight or visited it regularly, then you most likely would know about the 7 wonders of the IW. One can usually see this displayed on tea towels and the like in gift shops. ‘It goes something like this: The Needles’ you cannot thread; ‘Freshwater’ you can’t drink; ‘Cowes’ you can’t milk; ‘Ryde’ where you often walk; ‘Newport’ you cannot bottle; ‘Lake’ with no water; ‘Newtown’ which is old. I’m sure some people may think of others that could be added. How about ‘Mount Joy’ next to a large graveyard? When I was a young whippersnapper, I used to love walking over Mountjoy. When you reach the top of the steps, which then seemed endless, there is a wall that I used to climb onto which ran along side of Newport cemetery. I would often walk along the top of the wall which was quite wide and look down at the names and dates recorded on the various headstones until I got to the end and started the descent to the other end. At the same time, the other thing that strikes anyone that takes this walk is the amazing view when you look up and see all around for miles and miles ahead. There are two realities that are evident, one the reminder of our human limitations and the curse of mankind’s natural outcome. The other reality a panoramic viewpoint of life in all directions and beholding the beauty of creation. This is like our salvation in Christ. We walk life’s path and all around us is the curse of sin and death but Jesus came and took the curse for us and now we can look up and beyond. The hope that we have been given takes us to a different path though we are still in the world and one day leave it in the same way as everyone else but now our lives are hidden in Jesus, our sins forgiven and part of God’s family. The Mount is not determined by the grave but it is ‘Mount Joy’ as God has shown His great love to each of us in His son. Do you know what it is to know him? He says that all who come to Him, He will in no wise cast out and all that call on the name of the Lord will be saved. I pray that you may find that peace and come to trust in Him as millions have done. Hallelujah!
Every Blessing. Nigel.

Forthcoming Shows
We hope God willing to attend the local shows at Chale and Wolverton again this year and it would be good to meet you there should you attend.

Good News
For quite a while now two of our daughters have been struggling with pregnancies. After many losses and operations they were told that they were unlikely to have children naturally. Many including my husband and I have been praying for them. During a prayer time I felt a calmness and it was as though a big burden had lifted. I knew that God had answered our prayers and sensed that He was telling me all would be ok. I wanted to tell our girls of the assurance received.
A while later our eldest daughter called to say she was pregnant and a few weeks later our youngest did the same. They are both carrying healthy babies and are both well. One is due in November and the second in December. It is through prayer and our amazing God that this is happening. It truly is a miracle. Samuel chapter 1 has been a great help. Many blessings. Dave and Lin.

The Lord bless you all and your loved ones – the team & trustees.

JCWGVA Spring Newsletter 2026

Newsletter No Responses »

Mar 172026

John 3:16

For God so loved the world that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Jesus Christ Witness God’s Victorious Army

Charity No. 1081578 www.godpod.org.uk
Spring 2026 NEWSLETTER

Charity No. 1081578 www.godpod.org.uk

Personal Testimony

I would like to share a little bit of my testimony.
Some years ago was a very bad time, my mum had just died and my children were in grave
danger and I was at my wit’s end.
One night in Newport I saw the bus, I saw someone in there that I knew and I thought to myself
” what is he doing in a Christian bus”.
So I went in, they made me a drink and made me welcome.
They spoke about Jesus and how He came to save us.
They spoke as if He was real, I did nothing at the time because I thought if I asked Jesus into my life I was betraying my mum’s religion.
I was drawn back to the “Godpod” that was the name of the bus.
I repented of my sins and asked Jesus to come into my life. I could not ever imagine the change.
I felt compelled to tell people about Jesus how He can change our lives in a moment and by His grace He will allow me to continue to share.
Every blessing Marion.
I have known this lady all my life and I can tell you that she would not be doing what she does if her faith was not in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Her life is a living testimony of God’s grace and goodness.
She is without a doubt a great encouragement and I’m blessed to know her. Mick.

Greetings

Easter is just around the corner and we will be carrying the cross and witnessing around the Island the Lord willing of course. If you would like to know more about Marion’s testimony you can reach her through us on the numbers on our newsletter. Every blessing Mick

Remaining faithful during difficult times

Remember God will never leave you during difficult times. God is always there and He is ready to forgive you, and embrace you with love.
Give everything to God, and trust him to take care of it all
Proverbs 3: 5-6; Isaiah 12: 2; Psalm 91: 1-2; Jer 29: 11
Pray openly and honestly, with faith and trust in the Lord our God. God bless, Dave and Lin
Prayer clock
If you feel you would like to be on our prayer clock, or if you no longer want to be part of it,
Please contact Dave Sibley at Dave_lin@hotmail.co.uk or phone 07967912226. Many Blessings.

God is in Control

Recently all we seem to hear is bad news. The world seems to be in chaos, with wars and rumours of wars, countries against each other, changes in climate, Christians being persecuted.
Easter is coming up when we remember that Jesus died and rose again to save us from our sins. Spring is upon us when new life appears, and there is so much beauty around us. The Bible tells us we need not fear, and whatever may happen we must remember that God is in control. Blessings, Heather.

He drank the cup for us

In 1984, a doctor named Barry Marshall in Australia drank a beaker of deadly bacteria to prove the to the medical world the results of his research which went against the long-established conclusions when treating stomach ulcers.
He teamed up with his colleague Robin Warren, and they looked at stomach biopsies from ulcer patients, which showed spiral-shaped bacteria thriving in the stomach lining. Stomach acid is very potent and it was believed micro-organisms could not thrive or exist in the stomach lining or at least long term.
The work of Barry and Robin was not accepted by the consensus of the medical world and it was believed that the ulcers were caused by stress, bad diet, smoking and alcohol or genetics. They met with stern resistance and dismissal of their research and even mockery.
To cut the story short, the only real way Barry Marshall had left was to drink down the cup of cloudy bacterial broth that he had cultured.
The breakthrough finally came after he developed the infection, acute gastritis and then treated it with anti-biotics. He was said to say it tasted like swamp water when he drank it. In 2005 the pair were recognised for their work and awarded the Nobel prize. Before then, patients were treated long term with medication and had to have repeated surgeries. Now the lives of millions were changed thanks to this very radical and seemingly rash action.
As I read about this, it reminded me that Jesus said in the garden of Gethsemane when faced with the cross before him, ‘O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt’. Matthew 26: 39 KJV. Then when the mob arrived to arrest Jesus he said to Peter, ‘Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?’ – John 18: 11.
Our Lord went to calvary and was nailed to the cross – he did drink the cup – the poison of our sin, the bitter taste of God’s judgement that should have been ours and laid down his life to carry our sorrows. The established religious order threw everything at him in hatred and rejection due to their unbelief, though he showed his identity in power to all that encountered him. The devil and the worlds forces combined could not hold him back by fulfilling his mission to once and for all redeem those who were lost and take the punishment that bought our peace. Love took him there for all who were under the curse of sin and made the way possible for us to be saved and reconciled to God. ‘ If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved’. Romans 10:9, 10.
Blessings, Nigel.

Christ Is Risen Indeed!

Without His resurrection we are like those without hope as the Apostle Paul said “if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised” I Cor 15 vrs 13 BSB.
Our lives lived for Jesus would be futile and a waste! The truth that should fill our hearts and minds with joy is that our Saviour is truly risen indeed. Our salvation is secure in Him. “Praise the Lord”.
It is a time for rejoicing even though we are overwhelmed by His suffering and death on the cross to purchase our redemption from sin. Blessings, Roy

JCWGVA Winter Newsletter 2025

Newsletter No Responses »

Dec 312025

John 3:16

For God so loved the world that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Jesus Christ Witness God’s Victorious Army

Charity No. 1081578 www.godpod.org.uk
Winter 2025 NEWSLETTER

Charity No. 1081578 www.godpod.org.uk

The season for our greatest gift
1 Tim 1:15 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Jesus Christ came into this world to save sinners.
Colossians 2:6 so just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord continue to live in Him.
Faith is represented as receiving an act, not like merit or work’s, accepting a gift.
The idea of receiving implies a sense of realization, making it a reality, something real, not an historical figure that lived long ago.
By an act of faith Jesus becomes a real person in the consciousness of our hearts, to claim Him as our own free gift, to live in Him as God’s free gift.
That’s just what a young man did the other day, accepted Jesus, repented, received forgiveness, and born again into a lively hope.
Lovely to see him hungering and thirsting after righteousness, taking the precious gift unto himself.
Glory to God through His blessed and wonderful Son.
Unto us a child is born unto us a Son is given. – Isaiah 9 v6.
Every blessing Mick.

“Yule Tide”
Decorated Christmas trees
Fairy lights aglow
Paper chains and streamers
Pretty cards and bows

Holly hanging in the hall
Mistletoe and cards
Parcels hidden in odd corners
Mince pies in glass jars

Jellies, iced Christmas cake
Turkey, puddings and wine
Parties, cards, stories, jokes
Each having a good time

When all are making merry
Spare a thought, a prayer or two
For the baby born in a stable
Such a long, long time ago

Brenda Long 1999

Let Us Worship And Adore
Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
The shepherds came to where Jesus lay to worship and adore. The wise men came from the East to worship and adore bearing gifts. We too can worship and adore our dear Saviour and Lord and rejoice that in Him we have forgiveness of our sins and new life to come, where we shall join the heavenly host forever worshipping and adoring Him.
Whatever our circumstance we can offer worship and give Him praise.
God bless, Roy

No room at the Inn
We have read the gospel account many times of how the citizens of Roman occupied Israel were instructed through the edict of Caesar that each family had to go to their town of birth to pay their taxes to Rome. While Mary was with child she went with Joseph to Bethlehem for that very purpose. When they arrived there was not one inn left that could offer them a place to stay.
It was then that Jesus was born under the stars and placed in the manger next to the animal stalls.
Indeed, there was no room for him either among the religious leaders of the people. ‘He came to His own and His own received him not’. Moreover, as Isaiah had foretold hundreds of years before ‘He was despised and rejected.’
While Bethlehem was sleeping their King had come to them. He came to seek and save those that are lost. The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us. To those who received Him, who believed on His name, He gave the right to be called children of God.
Have we room for Him in our lives? Do we often leave him knocking at the door? Is He occupying the right place in our hearts or on the outside looking in?
The Christmas season is a time when people dress up their homes with lights and decorations, give presents and partake in festivities and turkey dinner. All these things are mostly nice and good. When it is all finished, the decorations come down and we head for a new year but what has changed? The Lord of glory is excluded from the very celebration that bears his name.
The deepest need of the people is left unmet and the gaping God shaped hole in people stays dark.
Let us pray that God will have mercy and the hope of the gospel and love of Jesus would be revealed in our community. Let us seek the Lord for opportunities to share a word in season to someone this Christmas and to bring encouragement to a fellow brother or sister who may be struggling, trials that may be overwhelming. We can each be used by the Lord wherever we are and even the tiniest seed can bring a harvest.

Hope for the hurting
Christmas may be different for some people and maybe the ground around you has been pulled from under your feet and your world seems to be crashing down. Are you hurting and struggling with a weight that is altogether insurmountable? Does the outlook on life appear dark and the future seems an impossible road? Don’t give up Christian. Don’t give up as Jesus has not given up on you. Bring the weight of your burdens to Him daily and share with a Christian friend. The Lord knows exactly what you are going through and there is no depth of situation he cannot speak into. May God lift you up and the light of His love and his grace be with you.
May Christmas be a time of God’s blessing and love. From the team & trustees

Autumn Newsletter 2025

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Oct 152025

John 3:16

For God so loved the world that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Jesus Christ Witness God’s Victorious Army

Charity No. 1081578 www.godpod.org.uk
Autumn 2025 NEWSLETTER

Charity No. 1081578 www.godpod.org.uk

Greetings to you all.
I thank the Dear Lord again for allowing another missionary journey, Easter walking the cross and attending the two shows Chale and Wolverton. Also including the nights on the street with the Godpod such a great blessing. A mixed season weather wise, sun one minute then black clouds, then a ray of sun would break through. I then had a thought, it’s what we’re like, a little bunch of light bearers, bringing rays of Son light into the lives of people, that the Son of righteousness may shine in their heart.
It will dispel the darkness of indifference, evil, wickedness, greed, lack of gratitude and discontent.
Prov 12v25 (NKJV) “Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, But a good word makes glad” The dear Lord gives us all things to enjoy, He upholds, sustains and gives us breath every day, including our daily bread. For He is the bread of life, living water, light, and clothes us. He suffered in our place.
So let us thank Him for all things, how we think so we are!
” Jesus said I have come that you may have life” Not just existing in a fallen fractured world.
Rejoice in what you have!
Thank you all and every blessing Mick

Prayer
Wherever we are, we as Gods people are united in a common bond when calling on the Lord about our world, nation and communities. We don’t know what to say sometimes (Romans 8:26), the problems around us are complex and we can see the pain in the world, but we know He hears us, loves us and he knows what is best. He is a loving Father, faithful Lord and we can speak to Him anytime and anywhere.
The problems in society, local and internationally can seem insurmountable and people can seem so far away from God that we can possibly feel there is no way through. Do we believe that God is in control and His purpose cannot be outwitted and stalled? Do we see in the eyes of prayer that He holds the nations in His hand? – Isaiah 40: 22-26; Job 38 and 39.
Think about walking around a city full of skyscrapers and you look around and everything is so big with buildings surrounding you reaching up into the sky. This can seem like the trials we face and the problems in the world that seem to be everywhere like these structures towering over the landscape. When one looks at the same metropolis from the air, the skyscrapers would not look big when looking down on them but seem much smaller. This is not to minimize the problems or to paint a false picture of the scale of things but when we look through the eyes of heaven to earth and through the lens of scripture, what seems so far out of our reach and beyond our own reason is put into perspective as to who God is and his sovereign mercy and grace.
We may not be invited to Buckingham Palace to eat with the King or to No 10 Downing Street to a strategic cabinet meeting but we have access 24/7, 365 days a year to the throne of grace. We can take part in Gods strategy as his children. We do not sit with generals and Field Marshalls in defining battle plans and
tactical warfare but we follow the great supreme commander to advance the front line of hope through the gospel of Christ. The battles are fought in the spiritual realm and not in the flesh. The church advances on its knees. – Ephesians 6: 10-18; 2 Corinthians 10: 4; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; Colossians 4:2; Romans 12:12; Luke 18:1.
‘True prayer is neither a mere mental exercise nor a performance. It is far deeper than that – it is a spiritual transaction with the creator of Heaven and Earth’. – Charles Spurgeon.
‘Prayer brings God’s omnipotence into the fight for human souls’ – Wesley L. Duewel.

If anyone would like to join the prayer clock, please contact Dave and Lin Sibley on 07967912226/01983854903 Or Email: dave_lin@hotmail.co.uk.
Also if you no longer want to be part of the prayer clock, please contact us using the same details.

How Time Flies
It is now twenty five years since we became a charity and the outreach has been operating for more than thirty years. The Lord has truly blessed us as we have reached out with the gospel. We continue by the grace of God to be faithful witnesses. We are most grateful to all who have supported this outreach with prayer and finance. Above all we are thankful to the Lord and give Him praise for all He has done and is doing. We shall continue as long as the Lord wills and gives us the necessary health and strength. Every blessing Roy.

The Witness of Paul
The great apostle Paul wrote, 1 Corinthians 15:3
“For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;” The believers bible commentary states, ” according to the scriptures. The scriptures here refer to the old testament. Did the old testament actually predict that Christ would die for the sins of the people ? The answer is an emphatic “Yes” !! Isaiah 53:5-6 is sufficient proof. The burial of Christ was prophesised in Isaiah 53:9, and His resurrection in Psalm 16:9.
Paul, a great man of God went through the wringer until he was called home to the King. God even miraculously protected Paul when a poisonous snake latched on to his hand in Malta. The natives waited for him to die, he didn’t. Regarding this account in Acts 28 where Paul got bitten by a snake, we previously read that a great wind blew the ship Paul was travelling on, to Malta, where he was bitten by this snake. No doubt in my mind that God wanted the gospel in Malta and opened the storehouse (Psalm 135:7) , and no doubt Paul would have preached the gospel . Paul was given the power to perform miracles for the 3 months he was there in Malta, which gave him credibility. Of course, Jesus sustains creation (Hebrews 1:3), and as a man intercedes for us, but as God, controls the natural world, and the beating of our hearts. The King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
2 Corinthians Chapter 11 – 24-26, Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one.
Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; Psalms 135:7 – Regards Richard.

Psalm 100 A Psalm of Thanksgiving. ‘Make a joyful shout to the LORD, all you lands! Serve the LORD with gladness; Come before His presence with singing. Know that the LORD, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations’. (NKJV).

Thank you to all who support this outreach with prayer and finance, we could not do this without you.
Every blessing, the team & trustees.

Summer Newsletter 2025

Newsletter No Responses »

Jul 042025

John 3:16

For God so loved the world that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Jesus Christ Witness God’s Victorious Army

Charity No. 1081578 www.godpod.org.uk
Summer 2025 NEWSLETTER

Charity No. 1081578 www.godpod.org.uk

Greetings to you all.

Thank the Lord He allowed us to walk with the Cross again and now we are getting ready for the Chale Show. Once again it will prove a challenge, and a wonderful time to share our faith, this is our purpose on earth.
Sometimes it would have been easier if after being born again, that we would be taken straight to heaven where everything is perfect, but we are left here to carry on the work the dear Lord Jesus Christ left for us, to seek and save the lost.
That was what Jesus came to do, as the Father has sent me l also send you (Jn 2o:21) and (Jn17 :9) I pray for them, I do not pray for the world, but for those you have given Me, for they are yours. (Jn 17:20) I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word. Can we not witness to these amazing words?
We can feel out of it when the years increase and our bones grow weary but God can still use us and sustain each one Psalm 71:9 ; Psalm 92:14, Isaiah 40:29-31.
Thank you so much for your kindness and generous support in prayer etc every blessing Mick.

Prayer
If anyone would like to join the prayer clock, please contact Dave Sibley on
Tel.. 07967912226/01983854903 Or Email: dave_lin@hotmail.co.uk.
Also if you no longer want to be part of the prayer clock, please contact us using the same details.
God Bless, Dave & Lin – Matthew 18:19-20; Philippians 4:6.

From a Friend – Anonymous
Dear Friend,
How are you? I just had to send a note to tell you how much I care about you. I saw you yesterday as you were talking with your friends. I waited all day hoping you would want to talk with me too. I gave you a sunset to close your day and a cool breeze to rest you — and I waited. You never came. It hurt me — but I still love you because I am your friend.
I saw you sleeping last night and longed to touch your brow so I spilled moonlight upon your face. Again I waited, wanting to rush down so we could talk. I have so many gifts for you! You awoke and rushed off to work. My tears were in the rain. If you would only listen to me! I love you! I try to tell you in blue skies and in the quiet green grass. I whisper it in leaves on the trees and breathe it in colours of flowers, shout it to you in mountain streams, give the birds love songs to sing. I clothe you with warm sunshine and perfume the air with nature scents. My love for you is deeper than the ocean, and bigger than the biggest need in your heart!
Ask me! Talk with me! Please don’t forget me. I have so much to share with you!
I won’t hassle you any further. It is YOUR decision. I have chosen you and I will wait — because I love you. Your friend, Jesus.

He watches over us
My favourite Psalm is 121, which I have found to be helpful at different times in life. Sitting on a chair waiting to have a special X-ray and feeling somewhat apprehensive. I looked up and there was a very tiny window looking out onto a high hill. Verse 1 came to me which said ” I lift my eyes to the hills. From where my help comes from. My help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth.” The last verse also reminds us that the Lord watches over us at all times, He never slumbers. He died on the cross for us which means we can walk through life now as a child of God and he is always watching over us. – Heather.

The Kite – John Newton 1725-1807
My waking dreams are best concealed,
Much folly, little good they yield.
But now and then I gain when sleeping
A friendly hint that’s worth the keeping.
Lately I dreamt of one who cried
“Beware of self, beware of pride;
When you are prone to build a Babel
Recall to mind this little fable.”
Once upon a time a paper kite
Was mounted to a wondrous height,
Where, giddy with its elevation,
It thus expressed self-admiration:
”See how yon crowds of gazing people
Admire my flight above the steeple;
How they would wonder if they knew
All that a kite like me can do?
Were I but free, I’d take a flight,
And pierce the clouds beyond their sight.
“But, ah! like a poor pris’ner bound,
My string confines me near the ground:
I’d brave the eagle’s tow’ring wing,
Might I but fly without a string.”
To break the string; at last it broke.
Deprived at once of all its stay,
In vain it tried to soar away;
Unable its own weight to bear,
It fluttered downward through the air;
Unable its own course to guide,
The winds soon plunged it in the tide.
Ah! foolish kite; thou hast no wing;
How could’st thou fly without a string?
My heart replied, “O Lord, I see
How much this kite resembles me!
Forgetful that by thee I stand,
Impatient of thy ruling hand;
“How oft I’ve wished to break the lines
Thy wisdom for my lot assigns?
How oft indulged a vain desire
For something more or something higher.
And but for grace or love divine,
A fall thus dreadful had been mine.”

Thank you to all who support this outreach with prayer and finance, we could not do
this without you.

Every blessing, the team & trustees.

Spring Newsletter 2025

Newsletter No Responses »

Jul 042025

John 3:16

For God so loved the world that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Jesus Christ Witness God’s Victorious Army

Charity No. 1081578 www.godpod.org.uk
Spring 2025 NEWSLETTER

Charity No. 1081578 www.godpod.org.uk

Easter greetings to you all
Once again it’s time for new life (seed sowing)
At present we’re still in recovery from poor health, getting stronger but a little way to go yet.
We’re back out with the bus for three nights at the moment but we have other commitments in service during the day. We will endeavour to witness with the cross this Easter but not walking all around the island, at the moment we’re not fit enough but hope to visit most towns on route.
We also hope to witness at Chale and Wolverton shows the Lord willing of course.
We offer to the Lord what little we have in faith knowing that He is able to turn that into anything He likes, just like the widow with a little oil and flour.
Thank you all so much for your continual prayers and support.
Just like Jesus in John 4v6 Jesus became weary, so do we become weary in the work but never weary of the work.
I thank our gracious God and Saviour Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit for the answer to prayer for healing and deliverance from death. Glory to His Holy Name and may the dear Lord bless all mums.
Every blessing Mick

Mr W. Wintle. 1906-1980
My grandad, this article I found in his bible. Fear none of these things which thou shall suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried, and ye shall have tribu-lation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. Rev 2v10. It was hard sometimes for God’s people, in the days before Jesus Christ came, not to feel discouraged. They would put their trust in brave earthly princes, and these would fail them. Their enemies at times were so numerous that they seemed to be like bees, and when they felt most in need of strength and courage they would sing praises to their God, gaining comfort and help in thinking of Him. The man who wrote this psalm thought of all God’s mercies to the children of Israel and the many times He had saved them in their distress. “The Lord is on my side: I will not fear what man can do unto me, he said. And it was at times like this, when singing praises to God ,that God sent into the hearts of His people message’s and visions of the one who one day would come from heaven to be their Saviour, Deliverer, and Friend. And to those who remained faithful unto death God promised He would give a crown of life.
May God bless you Anne

HOPE
We all hope for different things through life, many of which may not happen. At the moment the world seems in turmoil, and many are worried, but there is a different kind of hope we can all have and that is through the Lord Jesus Christ, who is always there for us and we can leave our worries in his hands. There is the old hymn that goes. My hope is built on nothing less Than Je-sus blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame but wholly lean on Jesus’ name. On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.
Every blessing, Heather.

Holy Week A Time For Reflection
Reflecting on the events that led up to our dear Lord’s betrayal, the false trials, the beatings, His death on the cross, and then being buried in a tomb, if that was all to Easter then there would be no hope for us at all. The truly wonderful news is that our Lord Jesus Christ rose from the dead as He had promised He would, and we can rejoice in His finished work. Our salvation has been purchased at such a great price and we should be ever grateful for His loving sacrifice. To those of us who believe there is the promise of heaven to be with our Lord forever, what great joy that will be. But in the meantime we face the challenges in life that can cause us to take our focus off the Lord, so we forget the many promises scripture holds for us. Our only hope is in our beloved Lord and Saviour. We are saved by faith through His grace. Praise the Lord!
God bless Roy.

Bus Outreach
Tuesday at Moa Place Car Park Freshwater from 7pm.
Wednesday at Station Road Car Park Wroxall from 7pm.
Thursday at Co-Op Car Park Shanklin from 7pm.

Bus AGM
Our next AGM will be held on line via Google meet on Friday 6th June at 8pm.
If you wish to attend please let Roy Moul know, detail as shown at bottom of page.

A Poem To Reflect
My friend, I stand in judgment now,
And feel that you are to blame somehow
On earth I walked with you by day.
And never did you show the way.
You knew the Saviour in truth and glory,
But never did you tell the story
My knowledge then was very dim.
You could have led me safe to Him.
Though we lived together here on earth,
You never told me of the second birth.
And now I stand before eternal hell,
Because of heaven’s glory you did not tell!
(anonymous)

Quotes By C H Spurgeon
Leave out the cross and you have killed the religion of Jesus. Atonement by the blood of Jesus is not an arm of Christian truth; it is the heart of it.

Hang this question up in your homes – “What would Jesus do?” and then think of another – “How would Jesus do it?” For what Jesus would do, and how He would do it, may always stand as the best guide to us.

May this Easter be a really special time for you and your families.

From all the team and trustees

Winter Newsletter 2024

Newsletter No Responses »

Jul 042025

John 3:16

For God so loved the world that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Jesus Christ Witness God’s Victorious Army

Charity No. 1081578 www.godpod.org.uk
Winter 2024 NEWSLETTER

Charity No. 1081578 www.godpod.org.uk

Assurance & Affliction.
Season’s Greetings
In 597 Augustine baptised 10,000 Saxons on the first recorded Christmas day. Then in 601 Pope
Gregory the Great wrote telling Augustine to absorb pre-existing Christians into celebrating
Christmas. In 700 historian Bede wrote the Anglii (English) celebrate the 25th Dec as the new year
in their tongue (Modranicht) mothers’ night the birth of their Lord.
Nothing to do with the Lord’s birth – heaven is silent as to the day and month of such an amaz-ing time in the world. [Isa 7v14 and 9v6].

The Lord said “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am doing” Gen 18v17. In 1 Tim 1v15 we are told the reason Jesus came was to save us from our sins, it is a faithful saying for God is faithful, and worthy of all acceptance because it is God’s word. We can join with the angels and shep-herds looking at the Lamb of God but He is also the good Shepherd. In Rom 12v2 we are told what we should do. Jer 10v1-3 tells us not to make idols. Jesus’ birth is the greatest gift of all the year. He is able to keep us to the uttermost Heb 7v25 to establish Rom 16v25, to aid Heb 2v18 to subdue Phil 3v21 to keep lsa 26v3, 2Tim 1v12 and Eph 3v20.

When we think of what we were that is dead through our trespass and sins, and that we are poor, weak, failing servants, and then to think that one day He is able to present us faultless be-fore the Throne of grace (unmerited), that is something to celebrate, a couple of crackers to feast on Jude 24v25 and 1 John 3v2-3. Just to let you know the hip operation was a great suc-cess. I now need to get fit. The Lord willing of course I should be back in service. “A gift must be accepted or it is only a present”. Much love as always. God bless you all Mick

Prophecy Fulfilled
The gospels speak much of Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection and we are invited to remember in the communion His great sacrifice for us all. Very little is said of celebrating and remembering His birth. The gospels give us an account of His lowly birth to a virgin called Mary, she was the handmaid of the Lord when she willingly allowed the Holy Spirit to conceive in her the Christ child. So do we worship a baby? of course not because Jesus grew up into manhood. The apostle John said in his letters that our belief is that Christ came in the flesh and he testified that he was able to touch and see him 1John 1vrs 1-4. It is good to remember that Jesus came to fulfil the old testament prophecies in His first advent. He has promised that He will return to this earth on His second advent. We are much closer now to His return, are we living ready? I always enjoy Christmas time especially with my family and worshipping the Lord with those who love Him. The greatest gift we can receive is the gift of salvation purchased through His shed blood and the future hope of eternal life with our beloved Lord. May the Lord bless and keep you in His abundant care. Roy.

Prayer
We all know how important prayer is.
Thank you all for your continued prayers.
Can you please update us, if you no longer want to be on the prayer clock. Also, if would like a prayer slot, of 15 minutes a day, please get in touch.
Hebrews 4: 15-16; Romans 8: 26-27; Mark 11:24;
Blessing to you all, Dave & Lin Sibley

True Meaning of Christmas
As Christmas approaches, we can become overwhelmed with present buying, writing Christmas cards, and all the preparation for Christmas. Adverts that start so early on the television, even so much that is going on at Church. Years ago, when I became like that my Mother prayed for me to have peace, which I did have, and now she is no longer with us, each year I remember that and pray for peace from those feelings and remember the true meaning of Christmas, that a baby was born called Jesus who came into the world and would later die on a cross to save us from our sins. It is also good to pray for Ministers and leaders of the Church, as this is one of their busiest times of the year. Heather.

Saviour of the World
Many may have heard of the ship called the Khian Sea from the year 1986. At the time the city of Philadelphia had a sanitation strike. The result meant that there would be a sudden buildup of refuse that could and would mount up into an enormous toxic mess. The solution that was decided upon was that a ship called the Khian Sea which was a Liberian cargo vessel which was loaded up with all of this toxic waste so that it could be taken away and deposited to another location. The problem was that there was no other country that was willing to allow the ship into their waters and offload the putrid cargo. I think we can understand why.
The ship did release 4,00 tons of toxic ash near Haiti under the guise of it being fertilizer but the ship went on its way before the authorities of that country found out its real origin. The ship continued to search for other locations while renaming the ship to Felicia and then later the Pelicano.
What if we see this world as beautiful as it was created to be, but yet a as a whirling sphere of our toxic sin. We know it to be true The world will just keep moving the toxic waste around and fulfil its own solutions of humanism, religion, philosophy, revolutions etc. but there will never be any shore that will be able to carry the burden of dealing with our insurmountable burden. Yet much of mankind has continued to ignore and reject the one who came to take that burden for us.
We can also apply this burden to each of us individually in that we carry that load of toxic refuse and we can pour all sorts of remedies into our lives to alleviate that burden and to fulfil the longings of the heart for something that we cannot attain. Thank the Lord that he has visited us with his salvation when love entered our world in human likeness as a tender baby, lived among us and gave his life for us that we may be redeemed. He took the whole mass of our sin and removed the weight and stain of that toxic waste taking it on himself. He rose again and will return to receive his people. Thank God for Christmas, , thank God for the cross, thank God for Jesus. NV.

Thank you to all who support this outreach with prayer and finance, we could not do this without you.
Every blessing from the team & trustees.

Autumn Newsletter 2024

Newsletter No Responses »

Oct 112024

John 3:16

For God so loved the world that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Jesus Christ Witness God’s Victorious Army

Charity No. 1081578 www.godpod.org.uk
Autumn 2024 NEWSLETTER

Charity No. 1081578 www.godpod.org.uk

Assurance & Affliction.
Dear all, looking through 1 Thessalonians 1, I was struck by two words, assurance and affliction.
This little bunch of people received Paul’s word in full assurance by the power of the Holy Spirit.
They received the gospel message in such a way in verse 4 that these saints had been chosen by God. Would you not say that speaks of election. In verse 5 it was in the power and Holy Spirit and much assurance that the word came to them by that power producing conviction of sin, repentance and conversion. The Holy Spirit producing the full assurance of faith.In verse 6 you became followers of us and the Lord. The Holy Spirit had produced such a faith in these believers that in verse 9 they turned to God from their pagan idols. Back to verse 6 it says they received the word with affliction and joy. It’s not a combination that we can comprehend, affliction and joy.
To non-born again Christians it is impossible to experience joy and affliction together, sorrow is the opposite to joy. These new believer’s came under affliction, notice as soon as they believed.
Externally they were being persecuted and killed but internally the Holy Spirit gave them such a joy that they were independent of circumstances. If you read on past verse 6 you will see what the Lord did to this little bunch of peo-ple how the word of God spread. Please read!!
They were so changed that they became Paul’s little family. Ch 2 v7 Paul calls himself a mother to them, a father in v11 and v17 orphaned that’s how much Paul loved this band of believer’s.
The writer at this moment is experiencing his own external affliction having just received a hip replacement and if an-yone has had one they’ll know what I mean. But though externally things are uncomfortable I can experience joy on the inside through the Holy Spirit the same as that little first century church.
I was fully awake listening to the sawing, hammering, drilling, grinding, twice I could hear the surgeon say we were in a bit of trouble, so I was able to call for assistance and The Lord graciously answered.
We too have this blessed assurance and comfort that He’s always close. Please look at Isaiah 40 v11 a beautiful pic-ture of our loving Father.
Much love Mick

God holds our hand
I am writing this while on holiday on Exmoor. We have just been to a cafe which is half in Devon and half in Somerset and is Britain’s highest coastal roadside tearoom. It is in a very old building and called the Ramblers Rest. We sat at a table looking through the window over Exmoor, the sea to Wales. The couple who run it had New Testaments to give away and a cross on the wall with a poem underneath. It had such a peaceful atmosphere in there and being a sunny day the owner remarked on the beauty of God. We have been on Exmoor when the fog has suddenly rolled in and it can be quite frightening when you are walking or driving. It is good to know God holds our hand, walks beside us in whatever the situation. When you can see the beauty of what God has made which is all around us, or in the frightening situation when the fog rolls in or at times when things are not going well in our lives. Isaiah 41 v 13 says For I the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.”
Every blessing, Heather.

Annual General Meeting
The date has been fixed for 11th October 2024 this will be held online using Google Meet.
If you wish to be included, please contact Roy Moul as detailed below on our newsletter footer.

Facing Life’s Challenges
We as believers have never been promised an easy ride through life, there are often challenges that
come our way and test us as to how we are walking in the faith. James says in his letter my brethren,
count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces
patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking
nothing. James 1 vrs 1- 2 NKJV. The Apostle Peter says In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little
while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials that the genuineness of your faith, being
much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise,
honour, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1 vrs 6-7 NKJV. We can take great comfort that
the Lord is with us and will never forsake us and we can trust Him to keep His word.
May the Lord’s blessing be ours today and forevermore. Roy

Isaiah 12 – Hymn of Thanksgiving

A day is coming when people will sing
I praise you Lord! You were angry with me,
but now you comfort me and are angry no longer.
God is my saviour; I will trust him and not be afraid.
The Lord gives me power and strength; he is my saviour.
As fresh water brings joy to the thirsty, so God’s people
Rejoice when he saves them”

A day is coming when people will sing, “Give thanks to
The Lord! Call for him to help you!
Tell all the nations what he has done!
Tell them how great he is!
Sing to the Lord because of the great things he has done.
Let the whole world hear the news.
Let everyone who lives in Zion shout and sing!
Israel’s holy God is great, and he lives among his people.”

God grants repentance
In Joshua 2, we read of two spies sent by Joshua, to spy out the land. Rahab told them that the occupants of the city had heard about God’s mighty acts, which begs the question, “Why didn’t they turn to the living God, who’s mighty acts they’d heard of ?” I believe scripture tells us in the New Testament that God, in His absolute and total Sovereignty, didn’t grant them repentance. God did grant Rahab repentance, and in His grace, granted us repentance. May we as fellow co workers with God, share the “Good news” with the lost, in the hope that God may grant repentance. Acts 11:18 KJV.
When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life. 2 Timothy 2:25-26 KJV.
25’ In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; 26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will. Joshua 2:8-11 KJV.
8 And before they were laid down, she came up unto them upon the roof; 9 And she said unto the men, I know that the Lord hath given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you. 10 For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that were on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom ye utterly destroyed.
11 And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the Lord your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath.’ – God bless, Richard.

Thank you to all who support this outreach with prayer and finance, we could not do this without you.

Every blessing from the team & trustees.

Summer Newsletter 2024

Newsletter No Responses »

Oct 112024

John 3:16

For God so loved the world that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Jesus Christ Witness God’s Victorious Army

Charity No. 1081578 www.godpod.org.uk
Summer 2024 NEWSLETTER

Charity No. 1081578 www.godpod.org.uk

Greetings to you all.
1 John 3v1-3 – ‘How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God and that is what we are!’ That’s easy to say!! Not so easy to feel sometimes!
2 Corinthians 4v7 –‘ we have this treasure in clay jars, like so many other fragile things they get damaged with wear and tear, very much like the members of the team at present.
This season will prove challenging in many ways but we will do what we can with what we’ve got, trusting in the Lord’.
Proverbs 18v14 – ‘a man’s spirit sustains him in sickness’.
We’re a funny old lot if we’re not talking about the weather we’re talking about our illnesses.
Paul writes in Romans 5v3 we also rejoice” in “our sufferings not” because of “but in, because suffering is not meaningless, it produces the character in us as God’s children. Finish reading 3-5.
As God’s children we do not go on feelings because like the weather they change just as much. It is by faith we can have comfort in God’s word, irrespective of how we feel.
An anxious heart weighs a man down but a kind word cheers him up.
John 3v3 our hope is that one day we shall see Him as He is and be purified just as He is pure by the in working of the blessed Holy Spirit, who will purify our minds and renew our bodies.
So let’s pack up our troubles in that old kit bag, keep on walking till the end of the road because
“A merry heart is good medicine.” Love in the Lord Jesus Christ, Mick.

When life gets tough
Psalm 55:22, Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will sustain you, He will never permit the righteous to be moved. This verse tells us how we don’t need to face things on our own, when times are tough. Instead turn to the Lord, who will sustain you, and help you to come through it.
God Bless, Dave & Lin.

God’s love keeps us going
When writing this it was the week of commemorating 80 years of D Day. We celebrate all those who came back, but also remember those who never returned. These men went through and saw such awful horrors, but many kept their faith, and as one said, “God was the only person he could talk to.” For many it was their faith that kept them going and the love of God. At this moment we are going through not so good times with wars in different countries and not knowing what could be happening in the future. We must remember that God is in charge, and it is His love that keeps us going.
Every blessing, Heather.

Summer Shows
We intend by God’s grace to attend the Chale and Wolverton shows this year. We always look forward to meeting familiar friends and providing face painting etc, with the opportunity for Christian witness. Do please pray that there will be many opportunities.

Life’s Challenges
I am sure we all face from time to time, challenges that come our way. These test our faith and trust in the Lord. How do we cope with the situations we face? Do we look to others for advice or more importantly do we seek the Lord as He has promised never to leave or forsake us. Whatever we are facing the Lord has promised that He will be there for us even though we still have to go through our trials. Our Lord showed great compassion towards the poor, the widow and the sick. The scriptures tell us that He healed and delivered all who were brought before Him. Thank God we serve a compassionate Saviour. May we all be encouraged not to give up! Every blessing Roy.

Bus Outreach
We continue our bus outreach as follows:
Tuesday Moa Place Car Park Freshwater from 7pm
Wednesday Wroxall Car Park from 7pm
Thursday Co op Car Park Shanklin from 7pm

God is in control
Isaiah 46:10, KJV ‘Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure’.
With the General election coming up on July 4th, let’s take comfort that God is in total control over world history, and working out His perfect plan. God has no plan B, because plan A will not fail, and no human or circumstance can stop it. God raises up government as the scriptures clearly teach. How does He do it ? I don’t know, but He does, He says so. Deuteronomy 29:29 states, “The secret things belong unto the Lord our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.”. “The secret things belong unto the Lord”, and how God raises up or re-moves, is His secret. God will either bless a nation, or punish it, by raising up rulers so that, ” My counsel shall stand” (Isaiah 46:10). I personally believe that this nation is ripe for judgement when we see how far from God it’s moved. However, God’s in control, and my personal belief regarding how far the nation has fallen, has no bearing on God’s perfect plan. The scriptures state,
Daniel 2:21, KJV And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding.
John 19:11, KJV Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.
Romans 13:1, KJV Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. – Paul writes “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers”. Of course, the only time we should be disobedient to the higher powers, is when it compromises God’s law. The two Hebrew midwives are an example, and the Amplified bible put’s it very well.
Exodus 1:15-17, Amplified Bible 15 Then the king of Egypt said to the Hebrew midwives, one of whom was named Shiphrah (beauty) and the other named Puah (splendour), 16 “When you act as midwives to the Hebrew women and see them on the birthstool, if it is a son, you shall kill him; but if it is a daughter, she shall live.” 17 But the midwives feared God [with profound reverence] and did not do as the king of Egypt com-manded, but they let the boy babies live. – Blessings, Richard.

Thank you to all who support this outreach with prayer and finance, we could not do this without you.

Every blessing from the team & trustees.

Easter 2024 Newsletter

Newsletter No Responses »

Mar 302024

John 3:16

For God so loved the world that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Jesus Christ Witness God’s Victorious Army

Charity No. 1081578 www.godpod.org.uk
Easter 2024 NEWSLETTER

Charity No. 1081578 www.godpod.org.uk

Easter Greetings

I would like to share a narrative found in Genesis 28, where Isaac blesses Jacob to find a wife. In chapter 28 vrs 10 he arrives at Bethel where he has an encounter with the Lord.
God makes a covenant with him that he had with Abram and Isaac. Genesis 15 vrs 10&17 was not like the covenant in Jeremiah 34 vrs 18. Abram was a spectator to God’s grace.
Genesis 22 vrs 15 records that the angel of the Lord called to Abram from heaven, “I swear by myself” in response to Abram not withholding Isaac his only son, it would be helpful to read Genesis 22 ! Jacob was 77 when he left Isaac!
This is the covenant God made with Jacob, notice the promise, vrs 15 (companionship,” I am with you”, safety, “I will keep you wherever you go;” Guidance, “and will bring you back to this land” a personal guarantee ” I will not leave you “. Jacob also made a vow in vrs 20 but with an “IF” in it.
Chapter 29 vrs 4 we can see God’s promise unfolding, Jacob didn’t know where he was, God guided him and it was perfect timing because Rachel arrived with her sheep! Chapter 31 vrs 3 again God’s guidance; vrs 11 – the angel of God spoke to him in a dream; vrs 12 God saw what Laban was doing to Jacob; vrs 13 “I am the God of Bethel”. God is fulfilling the covenant promise to him.
Chapter 32 vrs 24 – Jacob struggled all his life, first with Esau, then Laban, and now was wrestling with a man! The man was an angel! (Hosea 12 vrs 4 the angel of Jehovah). Genesis 32 vrs 26 Jacob said unless you bless me, I will not let you go. Asked what his name was, “Jacob” he answered. Jacob, ‘supplanter’, ‘conman’; he confessed and was renamed “ISRAEL”.
Up to this point everything had come to Jacob second hand through his father and grandfather, he now realises that the blessing comes from God. Chapter 33 vrs 18 – Jacob went to Shechem in Canaan which represents the world!
He did not do as he was told or keep the vow he made to God in chapter 28 vrs 20-2; he settled in Shechem.
Please read chapter 34 the events of settling 30 miles from where God had told him to go.
God’s name isn’t mentioned in this chapter and it’s a long time before God speaks to Jacob again, and that is in chapter 35 vrs 1 “go up to Bethel” v11.
Genesis 47 vrs 31 Jacob worshipped as he leaned on the top of his staff.
See Hebrew’s 11 vrs 21-chapter 48 vrs 15&16.
Genesis 31 vrs 19 Rachel stole her father’s household god’s (idols) this was a serious matter because now Jacob held the title to Laban’s estate.
Genesis 35 – says get rid of foreign gods in verse 19, Rachel died in childbirth and was buried by the side of the road and not in the family tomb. The question we need to ask ourselves do we have any idols in our lives?
May the risen Lord bless you always, Mick.

Thank God For Easter
This season of the year for us as believers is always special as we consider the great sacrifice made for us by our dear Lord Jesus Christ it cost Him dearly. We cannot begin to imagine how much it cost our dear Lord to be betrayed, to be deserted, to be denied and rejected, yet He suffered all this for you and me. I find it amazing that in Hebrews 12 vrs 2, Jesus says that He counted it all joy knowing what was to come. The price has been paid in full for our sins and as “far as the east is from the west” He remembers our sins no more. Does that mean we can go on sinning? Of course not! We are commanded to be holy as God is holy and it is only with the Holy Spirit’s help that we can live lives that are well pleasing to God.
We thank God that Jesus was raised from the dead and now reigns in glory. This gospel must be preached until the end when Christ returns. The bible is full of promises and the return of Jesus is one that will surely happen at the right time. Let us not tire in sharing the good news concerning our dear Lord and may we live expectantly for His coming again.
May His grace and peace abide with you and those you love – Roy.

Bus Activity
We regret owing to poor health within the team and awaited vehicle repairs we have not been able to be at Freshwater, Wroxall and Shanklin. It is our desire as soon as practical to recommence the outreach in the near future. We have also had to very reluctantly abandon our walk with the cross this year. In the mean time we have continued to be active for the Lord in other ways. Your continued prayers are greatly needed and valued. Thank you to all who give financially to the outreach we do appreciate your faithfulness. Roy Acting Chairman.

A Morning Thought by C H Spurgeon
“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God.” — 1Jn_3:1,1Jn_3:2
“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us.” Consider who we were, and what we feel ourselves to be even now when corruption is powerful in us, and you will wonder at our adoption. Yet we are called “the sons of God.” What a high relationship is that of a son, and what privileges it brings! What care and tenderness the son expects from his father, and what love the father feels towards the son! But all that, and more than that, we now have through Christ. As for the temporary drawback of suffering with the elder brother, this we accept as an honour: “Therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.” We are content to be unknown with him in his humiliation, for we are to be exalted with him. “Beloved, now are we the sons of God.” That is easy to read, but it is not so easy to feel. How is it with your heart this morning? Are you in the lowest depths of sorrow? Does corruption rise within your spirit, and grace seem like a poor spark trampled under foot? Does your faith almost fail you? Fear not, it is neither your graces nor feelings on which you are to live: you must live simply by faith on Christ. With all these things against us, now-in the very depths of our sorrow, wherever we may be-now, as much in the valley as on the mountain, “Beloved, now are we the sons of God.” “Ah, but,” you say, “see how I am arrayed! my graces are not bright; my righteousness does not shine with apparent glory.” But read the next: “It doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him.” The Holy Spirit shall purify our minds, and divine power shall refine our bodies, then shall we see him as he is.

May this Easter be a very blessed time from the team and trustees

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