Mission to England 2006

Greetings in the wonderful name of Jesus.

Recently one of our minister (Reverend Richard Lokken) had a chance to visit and  minister in England in hopes of setting up meetings for an October, early November visit. 

Our brothers and sisters in England are on fire for the things of God! The love and compassion shown our brother by our new found friends in England were overwhelming. We are especially grateful to Carl and Jayne Cookson and Rev. Joe Story for arranging meetings for Rev Lokken while he was in  Northampton.  We also wish to thank Rev. Jennie Rimmer the pastor of Carey Baptist Church in Hackelton. This is the church where William Carey preached! Pastor Jennie spoke emotionally of her visit to India and how the Lord moved in miraculous ways among a people who lack so much of what we take for granted. Thank you so much Jennie for your compassion and may we all be encouraged to show that same kind of compassion as we minister to a lost and dying world.  The time is short and we must be about our Father's business!

Rev. John Allen was both and inspiration and a blessing to our minister as he encouraged him in the things of God. God has truly raised him up for such a time as this.  Our minister attended a service at, "All Nations Church" in Northampton. The worship was awesome. It was wonderful to see the gifts of the Spirit moving under the direction of the Senior Pastor Cyril J. Curtis.  This man has a heart for God.

John Lee Smith a personal friend of Carl and Jayne's was a blessing and it is an honor to call him friend.  We can't forget about Lorraine and how she opened a door for our Evangelist to minister in Grimsby. There was also Reverend Barbara from the Salvation Army and her husband Howard and it was marvelous to see how God was using them for His glory.

There were a number of divine appointments for our brother during his visit to England. Like the time Carl and Jayne took him along with their son Anthony to the channel docks and because they did not have anyone to take their picture a Muslim man volunteered to do so.  It just so happens that this same man was interviewing a woman for Muslim television. After the picture was taken and with the cameras rolling in the background, prayer was offered up to God in the name of Jesus for Anthony.  Was this a coincidence or just one of those divine appointments? 

The Bible says that the steps of a good person are ordered of the Lord (Psalm 37:3).  Apart of Christ Jesus, there is none who doeth good no not one (Psalm 14:3). But now that we have put on Christ we are the righteousness of God that is in Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:21). There are NO ACCIDENTS when it comes to the children of God. God has directed our steps and we can be assured that as we follow him we will live a life of adventure. Are you in that place of Great Expectancy when it comes to God? If you are not you need to be.

It was an awesome feeling to stand where William Carey must have stood at Carey Baptist Church in Hackelton. By the time he was 21 years of age he had mastered Greek, Hebrew, Latin and Italian. William Carey was the father of modern day missions and gave his all for God. Whatever you're doing in life, you must give your all for God. For 41 years Dr. Carey labored in India and seen the Bible translated into over 40 languages. He once spoke on the message, "Expect Great Things from God and Attempt Great Things For God." Can we do any less as we see the time approaching of our Lord's return. We must be about our Father's business while the doors are still open. When William Carey knew he was dying he said, "When I,am gone say nothing about Dr. Carey, but speak about Dr. Carey's God." If we are ever going to be great for God, we must remember it is all about Jesus. Our focus must be on Christ!

On Wednesday the 19th of July, we had a meeting at Carl and Jayne's.  Rev. Barbara from the Salvation Army and her husband Howard were in attendance. It was Barbara that arranged for us to contact Reverend Cyril Curtis. Thank you Barbara for all you do.

Carl and Jayne were a real blessing, not only did they give our minister a place to stay, but took him on many travels as well. As Jayne would say, "The American Adventure." No matter where you go in the world if you are a believer there is always that common bond (Jesus) that draws believers close together. As God has blessed Richard with such great friends so shall He bless Carl and Jayne for being such a blessing in his life.

 The trip to Grimsby was well worth the effort. Rev. Joe (different Joe then the one previously mentioned) is a wonderful man of God who desires his congregation to walk in the victory that God has already provided for them through Christ.  The worship ushered us into the presence of God and His Glory filled the room.

Lives were touched as faith stirred the hearts of God's people through a message of hope.  Brothers and sisters, what God has done for one he will do for another.  Dare to be great for God because he has only greatness in mind for you!!! As the trip drew to a close, I couldn't help but think in a few months we will be back again, but this time with the worship team and our partners from Wisconsin. It is never easy leaving those you have come to call family, but the time will pass quickly until we (Voices of Vision) return to form new friendships and ministry ties. 

We hope that you have enjoyed this trip to England.  England has such a great Godly heritage and it was wonderful to stand where those pillars of faith once stood proclaiming the Good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  If you would like to become a partner with this ministry we are blessed by any gift the Lord may be telling you to give. Most of all we appreciate your prayers.  Without prayer we could not fulfill the call of God upon our lives.  We will share more pictures and stories from this adventure in future newsletters.  May the good Lord bless you in all that you put your hands to!

REMEMBER GOD LOVES YOU AND SO DO WE!!!

Rev. Jun & Rev. Richard