A New Kind of Church in Belgium | 310 | Report 10

In the 16th century, when the Reformation was gaining ground all over Europe, Bibles in different languages were printed in Antwerp. Alas, the Counter-Reformation saw Bible reading prohibited (until 1962) and many believers fleeing the country. Today Belgium is a hardened soil for the Gospel. Yet Belgian Evangelical Mission is finding new ways of “doing” church that is proving successful in reaching this postmodern society.

In September 2008, Eric and Anne Zander embarked on a pioneer “alternative church” called “L’Autre Rive” in the small town of Gembloux (population 22,000) in central Belgium. Their first service was held in the Social Security offices. The Sunday services began with a breakfast, responding to Belgian culture where people love to talk and share over a meal. Rather than someone speaking from the front, the services allowed people to express their understanding of the Bible and grow in their faith in Christ together.

With a Sunday attendance of between 25 and 45 participating adults, L’Autre Rive is developing beyond expectations. Friends who were not Christians three years ago have stayed and been converted. Increasingly they are finding that individuals who are seeking are coming to L’Autre Rive by word of mouth. Now that the church includes more than 50 people, Eric and Anne hope to hand over leadership to the local team and start a new project in another Belgian town.

Source: BEMInfo; Revival Media 

BIBLE STUDY: Acts 26:24-32

PRAISE: God that, in a traditionally difficult country, many are finding Christ and deep fellowship with believers. Pray that God will touch many Belgians.

God Has Power in Papua New Guinea | 307 | Report 21

Believers from the Uriay tribe are studying the book of Acts and those who come faithfully are growing spiritually. In a recent lesson local leader Elias taught about the angel waking Peter in prison and leading him past the prison guards and out into freedom.

“Why did God help Peter escape but allowed Stephen to be stoned and James to be beheaded?” Elias asked. And after some thought on it Elias explained that Peter’s work wasn’t finished yet. God had more work to do through Peter so he helped him escape a certain death sentence.
“It was pretty cool to watch them grasping this – and the relief it brought to them,” wrote Lisa Kappeler. “They live in fear of sorcery and evil spirits… You could almost see the weight lift off their shoulders.”

Later, Lisa was speaking with a group of women and asked them if they should fear Trowi, the local witchdoctor. Could he kill them? Imi was very quick to say that if her work is not finished here no one can kill her. “God is the only one with power. Trowi is nothing. He’s just a man and has no power. We should only lift up God’s name. He is the all-powerful One. God is above everything. He has all the power. We should only be worshipping Him.” This is a huge advance among the Uriay people. “I continue to marvel at what God is doing in this little skinny lady’s heart,” Lisa wrote.

Source: New Tribes Mission

BIBLE STUDY: Acts 12:1-19

PRAISE: God that simple Bible truths bring freedom and joy to these people. Pray that they may hunger for the Word of God.

China: The Difference a Bible Makes | 304 | Report 22

In 2008 China celebrated 60 years of Communism. To prevent any anti-Communist sentiment being seen or heard, the government cracked down on religious activities – and house church leader Chang got caught up in the snare. His crime? Leading Bible studies. His sentence? Prison. But, unlike more than half of China’s 100 million
Christians, Chang had his Bible. “I’d waited six years for a Bible,” he says. “When I received one, I couldn’t put it down.” Chang’s memorisation of Scripture enabled him to lead many fellow prisoners to Christ. “For this alone, my time in prison was worth it,” he says.

Source: Word Power – The Bible Network

BIBLE STUDY: Deuteronomy 32:46-47

PRAISE: God for distribution of His written Word, and for those who carry it in their hearts and share it.

Acts ch 28 vs 17 – 31, Best Seller with Richard Brunton

13th November 2010
Patrick Woodward talks to Richard Brunton about Acts chapter 28 vs 17 – 31.

Listen to this discussion and feel free to add your thoughts to the comments.

Acts ch 28 vs 1 – 16, Best Seller with Richard Brunton

6th November 2010
Patrick Woodward talks to Richard Brunton about Acts chapter 28 vs 1 – 16.

Listen to this discussion and feel free to add your thoughts to the comments.

Acts ch 27 vs 27 – 44, Best Seller with Rob Smillie

30th October 2010
Patrick Woodward talks to Rob Smillie about Acts chapter 27 vs 27 – 44.

Listen to this discussion and feel free to add your thoughts to the comments.

Acts ch 27 vs 1 – 26, Best Seller with Rob Smillie

23rd October 2010
Patrick Woodward talks to Rob Smillie about Acts chapter 27 vs 1 – 26.

Listen to this discussion and feel free to add your thoughts to the comments.

Acts ch 26 vs 19 – 32, Best Seller with Andy Johnson

16th October 2010
Patrick Woodward talks to Andy Johnson about Acts chapter 26 vs 19 – 32.

Listen to this discussion and feel free to add your thoughts to the comments.

Acts ch 26 vs 1 – 18, Best Seller with Andy Johnson

9th October 2010
Patrick Woodward talks to Andy Johnson about Acts chapter 26 vs 1 – 18.

Listen to this discussion and feel free to add your thoughts to the comments.

Acts ch 25 vs 13 – 27, Best Seller with Kath Hall

2nd October 2010
Patrick Woodward talks to Kath Hall about Acts chapter 25 vs 13 – 27.

Listen to this discussion and feel free to add your thoughts to the comments.

Next Page »