But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, 
on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, 
to deliver them from death 
and keep them alive in famine. 
– Psalm 33:18,19

In April we reported that 18,100 people had died so far from coronavirus in the UK. Today that figure stands at 45,750–a sobering reminder that the pandemic is not over. That being said, the situation is improving. Our Sunday morning church services resumed 4 weeks ago with mandatory face coverings and a completely pre-recorded service projected onto a large screen. We make the same service available on YouTube for those who stay at home due to personal health concerns. Two weeks ago, Karen resumed teaching one afternoon a week with just a few ladies. They all wear masks and take measures to stay safe.

Work to obtain the former leisure centre site to build a new church, community centre and housing complex continues. George has had countless virtual meetings as well as several socially distanced planning meetings outdoors. We are working towards a late August deadline to submit a business proposal to the Birmingham city council. Your prayer is appreciated.

Recently, George has had some opportunities to be a guest on an online talk show run by a Bangladeshi British Muslim to give a Christian viewpoint on various topics. We pray that some things he has said has piqued interest in some of the listeners. 

Please pray for a young mother in our church who has an aggressive cancer and is in treatment.  Also please pray for a newer church attendee whose partner was stabbed when he tried to help someone in need.

We have been thankful for health and strength–true gifts from God’s hands, not to be taken for granted! We are thankful God is at work and has His purposes in all of this. We celebrate 40 years of marriage on August 1.  

George and Karen
Birmingham, England

 Praise God that:

• Human COVID-19 vaccine trials are set to start Thursday 23 April in the UK.
• City council is giving us until August to develop a proposal for a church, community centre, and housing complex before the land we want is sold on the open market. This is a huge turnaround and an answer to prayer!
• A Christian charity that delivers youth housing has come forward, keen to partner with our church to fund and build the overall project. 

Please pray that:

• An effective vaccine will be soon available. As of April 21st, the official UK death toll is 18,100.
• City council would give us a full 6 months (until at least November) to develop our proposal before the land is sold on the open market.
• Our church leaders would have wisdom regarding the youth housing charity, and if it is God’s will, successfully chart a way forward that works for both of us.

I remain confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart
and wait for the Lord. – Psalm 27:13-14

George and Karen

The heart of man plans his way,
but the Lord establishes his steps. 
(Proverbs 16:9)

Karen and I had planned to be in Canada for 6 weeks starting Tuesday 23rd March. Airfare, parking, and car rental had all been arranged since January. Several supporting churches had booked us to share during April and early May. But then COVID-19 changed everything. We could have flown as planned, but then we weighed the pros and cons of being stranded in either Canada or the UK and unable to fly for up to 4 months or more, and it became clear that it is best to stay in the UK.

Life has already changed significantly and continues to change each day. Our once busy church with near daily activities has moved to no Sunday services and no daily community activities. The most difficult of these choices is connected to the recent passing of a dear sister in Christ whom you previously prayed for. Her funeral will happen in the days to come, but only family and close friends may attend, following government advice. Later, we hope to hold a memorial service so that the church family and other friends may say their goodbyes.

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints. (Psalm 116:15)

At the year-end Christmas party for students in her English class, Karen decided to show the Jesus Film in their mother tongue. To her surprise, the ladies were riveted and watched as long as they could. When it came time to leave, they all wanted to take a free copy to watch at home. Might this be a sign of things to come?

George found a new friend in a local Muslim man we will call “Nate.” Nate joined the neighbourhood forum that George chairs. He joined particularly because it is led by Christian people who care about the community. Nate laments how his own people seem content to live in the dark ages, unwilling to associate with outsiders whom they view as a threat to their way of life. But Nate is a breath of fresh air and we are pleased to have him on board. Pray for the light of Christ, as George and Nate meet occasionally for coffee and a chat.

Meanwhile, our quest for the old leisure centre land continues at a snail’s pace. The decision we awaited has still not come down to us. In the meantime, we organize ourselves to go forward in the hope that city council will say ‘yes’. A ‘partners meeting’ has been called for February 13th, bringing together organizations and groups with whom we already have a working relationship, as well as others we view as potential partners for this project. It’s a big development on a big piece of land with a big price tag–but we have a big God!

One day as Karen and I took a taxi home from the airport, our Muslim taxi driver became rather inquisitive about the plan for a new church and community centre. He was especially interested in how we would pay for it. I responded by admitting that we don’t yet know but that we trust in God, and if God is pleased, it will happen. We arrived at our house and I proceeded to pay the fare plus some extra for a tip. To my surprise, our Muslim driver declined the tip, handed me a £10 note, and said, “This is for your church building fund.” 

Let the favour of the Lord our God be upon us, 
and establish the work of our hands upon us; 
yes, establish the work of our hands! (Psalm 90:17)

George and Karen