March -April 2006
The Smith Family in Northern Ireland would like to thank everyone who reads
our prayer letter. Whether you are a financial supporter of our work, or not,
your knowledge of what is going on will increase the prayers given for our work.
It is the prayers of the saints that keep us on the field, keeps our heart
turned toward God, and prepares the road in front of us for the work God has
called us to do.
Concerning the work here in Limavady, it is still in its infant stage. We
rejoice in the victories as you would in any church as well as battle all the
problems that a true church faces in these last days with the concerns and cares
of the world at there doorstep.
Concerning the present work here in Limavady and the vision I have for the work. I would like to share three immediate goals I have for the church. Knowing these, you can have a better understanding of where I am, what I am trying to do, and what areas of the work you can best pray for.
First of all I want you to know that I consider my self a church planter.
This is what I have been called of God to do here in Limavady. Just the way we
plant seeds in the ground and anticipate their growth we are watching and
praying for the first fruits of this work to take solid root, spread out their
leaves, and burst seed all around.
I have been told that planting a church in a developed land is much harder than
planting one in a third world country. I haven't let this mindset defer me from
getting out there and moving forward with the Word of God. I was told by almost
everyone that the work here in Northern Ireland would be a hard work. It has
been hard, and at times I feel it getting harder. I also know God is not
finished. So let me ask you something, is there anything to hard for God?
You know the answer to that one. There is nothing to hard for God.
My first goal on the field when I arrived here is still my first and number
one goal as I work in this land. It is to see souls born again. This is the most
important work of all, seeing souls saved from the penalty of sin. I have
witnessed the result of seeing souls saved will be the formation of a group of
believers coming together for the work of the ministry. This is what we
experienced during our first four years on the field.
My second goal on the field is to see God bring up a man that will have the call
of God on his life to take over the work here in Limavady as pastor. How long is
this going to take? I don't know. What I do know is until God leads otherwise we
are going to keep witnessing, preaching, and praying for the people here in
Limavady. God has a man for the work. Would you help us pray for this man.
My third goal is to see another work planted on this island as a result of the
first work being established. There are so many towns and villages here that are
without a Gospel witness at all. The work of seeing souls saved and planting
local New Testament churches will be a never ending task until the Lord returns.
Thank you for allowing me to share my goals with you. These are very basic and general goals, yet they are very heart felt and spirit led. Continue to pray for these to be accomplished in our lifetime.
We also want to thank you for your personal involvement in our work here in
Northern Ireland. May the Lord richly bless you.
The Smith Family in Limavady, Northern Ireland.