A Word for the Week presented by Rev. E. Anderson

October 31, 2007 at 2:02 am (Word for the Week)

Rev. E. Anderson

FRIEND “Friend” – this is a choice word not only expressed in the Bible but is a very much used word in life in human associations. It is seemingly identified with all that is good and precious and certainly regarded with value especially when connected with some noble person in close and beneficial relationship.

A ‘friend’ is categorized as a person known well to another and regarded with liking, affection and loyalty. They are thought of as a near acquaintance and associate, that one has warm and cherished accord with. The affinity is such a strong bond that there can be an honest sharing in confidence respecting those things that are of a personal nature. This kind of person is a worthy and consistent support, lending immense succour and strength when required. Inn adverse circumstances and conditions it is a great thing to have such people around rendering invaluable friendship.

It is worthy of note that God goes as far as calling Abraham – “my friend” – Isaiah 41: 8. This man had been brought into a very close union with God to the point that he was considered as a real associate with Him in the bringing to pass of God’s purposes on a great scale. Abraham was in on the plans of God and sought within his period on earth to cultivate a strong union that would achieve great things. He found “friendship” with God to be so beautiful and meaningful, and as a consequence, it left a rich legacy for all to meditate on to profit. God was not to desert him and neither was he going to forsake the Lord. There was to be a lasting bond of affection and commitment on the part of both.

God enables people to strike up wholesome partnerships with others within His providential arrangements. Naomi found a great friendship with a daughter-in-law that yielded so much blessing. David found a bond with Jonathan that was to prove an inspiration in life when facing great problems. Even Elijah, lonely as he felt at one time, discovered that God had lined up a young man, Elisha, who would not only succeed him but become a genuine friend, companion and associate.

It is God’s desire that you strike up with worthy and noble people so that your life is enriched in this way. Christ addresses all those who have placed their faith in him as “friends” and He seeks their “friendship”. He came specifically with this objective in view and achieved it by means of becoming man’s Saviour and Reconciler through His death. He takes the hand of God in one hand and the hand of humanity in the other and joins them as one at the Cross. When a person permits Him into their lives He establishes a dynamic contact in a divine way and friendship of the highest and best kind is introduced into life. As far as He is concerned, such are more than servants, they are His close contacts and disciples: they are His companions and confidants.

He seeks to share things of a very personal and important nature with them – with you! It is imperative that you know this friendship and do not delay to establish it within your life whilst it is opportune.

“Friendship is the positive choice of a person whom we have singled out for qualities we most admire” – Bonnard

PRAYER

Lord let me discover the reality and wealth of a lasting friendship with you that will be most profitable and pleasurable

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Knowing God serviced by Rev. E. Anderson

October 31, 2007 at 1:55 am (Knowing God)

Rev. E. Anderson

IN MANY AREAS

JUDGES 4 & 5

It is both inspiring and helpful to discover that there were some very choice women who had a firm understanding and grip of the knowledge of God in their day and were enabled to serve God and His people in an effective manner. The men folk were not the only ones as the Biblical record shows. High on the list is a woman by the name of Deborah who rose to a rich relationship with the Lord and which tuned to immense advantage at a difficult period in its history. She was not one of those people who succumbed to what was occurring under oppressive factors.

Her name literally means “Bee,” thus revealing how industrious and influential she was to those all around her. Really, she was like a queen bee that somehow affected the whole hive to positive good. Because she evidently knew the Lord she expressed that knowledge in a number of areas.

1/. SHE POSSESSED SOUND UNDERSTANDING

In chapter 4: 4, 5 the people gathered to her with their problems and major difficulties and she had the capacity in God to discern what the nature of the problem and need was and supply the right answer. It is apparent that she got her wisdom from the Lord and the people sensed it and were ready to seek her for divine guidance. Because she was in touch with God, He provided the necessary answers and so the people grew in their confidence in God and her.

2/. SHE POSSESSED PROPHETIC INSPIRATION AND REVELATION

The time came when she knew that God’s people should rise and shake of the yoke of the evil oppression and she was ready to be God’s spokesman on the issue – vv6,7. She calls on Barak to summon the men to go and fight against a formidable force assuring them of divine conquest. No doubt filled her mind as she uttered the prophetic word. It did not matter how strong the opposition was, the tables would be turned and victory would be the lot of Israel. What reason had they to question when she had already proved her faith and integrity as a divine judge! Her knowledge from God here was absolute.

4/. SHE POSSESSED THE GIFT OF STRONG LEADERSHIP

Barak’s heart was lacking in courage and was prepared to take the leadership to a point. He would only go inasmuch as this inspired woman was there in a leading role –v8. She complied to the request. “She appointed him as her field commander and assigned him the task of recruiting an army to defeat Sisera. She was not afraid to set the example of courage and heroism by using herself as bait for the ambush.” Spirit Filled Bible

4/. SHE POSSESSED MUSICAL ABILITY TO COMPOSE A SONG

In chapter 5 she is inspired and composes a prophetic song that gathers all the detail of the battle and victory, mentioning who led the way, the Lord – vv3,4 and concludes on a high note re-the Lord and those who trust Him – v31

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Prayer Dynamics provided by Rev. E. Anderson

October 30, 2007 at 3:02 am (Prayer Dynamics)

Rev. E. Anderson

PRAYING WITH INSPIRATION AND PURPOSE

READING Exodus 33

TEXT vv12-23

INTRODUCTION

RELATIONSHIP: From the day that the Lord had met encountered Moses at the burning bush there had been birthed and developed a great relationship. So much had occurred since that time as the Lord had made himself known and His purposes and His servant had been used in a significant manner. A close and meaningful friendship had been formed that was greatly appreciated. A rich communion was in evidence and it is affirmed in v11.

PROBLEMS: There had been some major problems and difficulties to be negotiated in Egypt and the wilderness and at that point of time there was an issue to be sorted out. It had not been an easy time and the present situation was one that problematic. There had been making of the golden calf even when God had been displaying His majesty on the mount. Idolatry had reared its ugly head and this both incensed God and Moses and brought a major judgment – 32:26-28. Moses stood in the gap to intercede on behalf of the people – vv31,32 and the Lord conveys His mind – vv33-35; 33:1-6. The Lord wanted them to see the seriousness of their sin.

RESOLUTION: Moses desires the whole situation be resolved and so moves the Tabernacle outside the camp and the folks have to reveal where their loyalty lay –v7. He goes into the Tabernacle to commune with the Lord and the people wait and watch anxiously as to what is to be the consequence – v8. It became obvious that something significance was transpiring by what they witnessed -vv9,10. Their future was being sorted out and resolved in that hallowed meeting.

QUALITY: It is undoubtedly a prayer of tremendous quality, prayed with true inspiration and purpose. It was a dynamic exercise that was to be answered by the Lord both for the people and Moses. The Lord is not only prepared to hear and listen but to respond to His servant and to leave Him in no doubt. His mind and heart are upon central matters that affect God’s People and himself.

1/. HE PRAYED TO KNOW A SENSE OF DIRECTION – v13

He had experienced quite a lot in this area over the past days and he realized that he needed to know it more than every. It had been of supreme advantage to him to have known and experienced the leading and ways of the Lord but it was most essential that this remain a major factor for him and the people. In the midst of this immediate crisis he required a clear sense of divine direction. He did not want to commit any error and make things worse. Israel had blown it but it was needful to get things right in a divine way and that they may make their journey forward. Things had been brought to a halt by the evil committed.

2/. HE PRAYED FOR AN INTIMATE KNOWLEDGE OF THE LORD – v13

Whatever intimacy he had experienced he knew there was so much more for him to discover and enjoy in a close relationship with Him. There were further and greater disclosures surely to be encountered along the way as he journeyed with the Lord. His desires and appetite had been whetted for a deeper consciousness and sense of Him in His life and work.

3/. HE PRAYED HE MAY BE EVER IN HIS FAVOUR – v13

The favour of men was nothing in comparison to the divine grace and favour. The important thing was for him to hold a good and wholesome standing with the Lord whatever the cost.

4/. HE PRAYED THAT THE LORD WOULD RECOGNISE HIS PEOPLE –v13

Although the people had disgraced themselves and warranted divine judgment, He appeals to God’s grace to accept them as His. It is a call to God’s nature that is grace and mercy to acknowledge Israel as His own. No merit exists in the nation: it is all in God.

5/. HE PRAYED FOR GOD’S CONTINUAL PRESENCE –v15

The Lord was prepared to send some help but not go with them himself – v2. But now God assures him that He will respond to Moses – v14. The Lord’s servant expresses the absolute necessity of Him being with them and the consequence will mean (a) the knowledge they are God’s elect and (b) they will become separated to Him – v16. An answer is given in the affirmative –v17.

6/. HE PRAYED FOR A SUPREME REVELATION OF THE LORD –v18

The climax is the final request –v18. The Lord having spoken His appreciation of Moses –v17 allows him further supplication of a bigger order. He is prepared to go as far as possible to establish a stronger bond with this choice man –vv19-23.

CONCLUSION · There is this need of an intimate communion with the Lord.· In that in their relationship there must prayers of inspiration and purpose. · The outcome is sure to mean blessing to the Church and growth to the Lord’s servant.

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Powerful Quotes arranged by Rev. L. Goodwin

October 30, 2007 at 2:55 am (Quotes)

Rev. L. Goodwin

QUOTES TO NOTE

Decision Making quotes

“There is a powerful driving force inside every human being that once unleashed can make any vision, dream, or desire a reality.”
– Anthony Robbins

“Success is the maximum utilization of the ability that you have.”
– Zig Ziglar

“Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal.”
– Henry Ford

“If there is a trait which does characterize leaders it is opportunism. Successful people are very often those who steadfastly refuse to be daunted by disadvantage and have the ability to turn disadvantage to good effect. They are people who seize opportunity and take risks. Leadership then seems to be a matter of personality and character.”
– John Viney

“Eagles don’t flock.”
– Ross Perot

“Things may come to those who wait, but only what’s left behind by those that hustle.”
– Abraham Lincoln

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Contemporay Considerations presented by Rev. E. Anderson

October 29, 2007 at 3:22 am (Contemporary Considerations)

Rev. E. Anderson

Loving God
by Jan Walker

“I remember you, the kindness of your youth, the love of your betrothal, when you went after me in the wilderness, in a land not sown.” (Jeremiah 2:2, NKJV)

The word ‘kindness’ in the Scripture above is a translation of the Hebrew word kesed, which is often translated as “loving mercy.” Starting in Genesis, it shows up throughout the Old Testament as a description of God’s loving pursuit of his people.

It’s a reminder that God chases after us with such persistent grace that he refuses to let us get away. That’s a concept I can easily understand about God – this benevolent grace that insists upon capturing us. In a sense, we expect God to exhibit a kesed love for us. In fact, I’d go so far as to say we expect it from him.

I mean, God has to love us – doesn’t he?But something what surprised me in these prophetic words from Jeremiah. God says, “I remember the loving kindness of your youth.” Or to put it another way, “I remember the kesed you had for me in your youth.”

Now let that sink in for a moment.God, though speaking of the past, is telling us we can have a kesed love for him. You can’t lose something you never had, and God is saying that the people of Israel once held this kesed love for God. That means we can have that kind of love for God too.So let me ask you, when was the last time you felt such a depth of love for God? When was the last time you craved God?

A few years ago, there was a young couple in my small group – Blake and Jenny. They fell in love and got engaged. You could just see their love for each other oozing into the atmosphere. Just by looking at them, you could tell they were in love.Now, why aren’t we the same way with God?

If you’re like me, you’re sitting here wondering, “How can I love God with an everlasting, overwhelming kesed love?” You may be thinking, “God, I don’t think I can love you that much! I don’t think it’s humanly possible!”And if you’re thinking that, you’re right. It’s not humanly possible – but here’s the Good News. In the very next chapter of Jeremiah (3:22), God promises he will cure us of our backsliding.

If you’ve lost your passion for God, then the way to get it back is not to work yourself into it; rather it’s to humbly ask God to give you that passion back. It’s sort of like this, if you want to get rid of the sin in your life, don’t run after the law. Instead, turn and face God. He will change the desires within you. He will rekindle your kesed love for him.

Okay, so what does this mean for us?

· God cures – God will not only forgive your “prodigal” nature; he’ll cure you of your lethargic faith: “Return, faithless people; I will cure you of backsliding.” (Jeremiah 3:22a NIV) The people of Israel respond immediately, “Yes, we will come to you, for you are the LORD our God.” (Jeremiah 3:22b NIV

· God can and will – If asked, most likely you would say God can work through your life and rekindle this holy love within you. So if God can do it and is willing to do it, who has to take responsibility if this love is not rekindled?

· Do you believe God can do this? Oswald Chambers once asked, “Do you not want to be a saint, or do you not believe God can make you one?”

· Pray – Our dear Heavenly Father, fan into flames the kesed love we once had for you. Create within us clean hearts and revive within us a steadfast spirit. Help us to fall deeply and passionately in love with you. We know you are trustworthy, and we know you will take our love and pour it back on us. We love you, no matter what the circumstances of our lives. You are our God. To echo T.W. Hunt, when you say, “I am,” we simply respond, “You are.”

Jon Walker is a pastor-advocate living in Tennessee and the former pastor of communications at Saddleback Church.

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Children’s Page compiled by Rev. E. Anderson

October 29, 2007 at 3:12 am (Kids Stories)

Rev. E. Anderson

KAREN AND THE DUSTCART

Text: ‘And Jesus said, Suffer little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of heaven’.

PLEASE MAY I RIDE THE DUSTCART???????

That is what Karen Poole asked the driver. And he, of course, said, ‘NO’. But three miles away she was snatched to safety minutes before the rubbish went up in flames.

The Green-Painted Dustcart pulled up nearby and the crew began emptying the bins. Karen made her shy request to driver Alec Dean behind the wheel…..He shook his head. So when no was looking, Karen climbed aboard at the back and hid among the refuse. There were Heinz Beans tins, broken umbrellas, discarded false teeth, ashes, old newspapers, potato peelings, pea shells, old comics and magazines, but Karen didn’t mind: she was on the Dustcart and was all that mattered.

But other children had seen her get aboard and they told her mother. Mrs. Poole phoned the police and the frantic search began. A Radio message was flashed to squad cars with a description of Karen and the Dustcart.

Driver Dean knew nothing of the panic. He trundled on at a steady 10 miles per hour until he reached the depot at Witton. There police were waiting. An immediate check was made of the cart before its contents were tipped on to a conveyor belt and fed to the furnace of a destructor.

Karen smiled impishly as she was lifted down. And then, on an empty cart, she demonstrated how she climbed up. ‘It was easy’, she said. Later that night, when Karen was safely back home she said to her mother, ‘I’ll never ride on a lorry again’. You imagine all the chaos and concern that Karen’s escapade had caused!!!!!

Children are very important. The Birmingham police think so and so does Jesus…..

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Meet the Ministers introduced by Rev. E. Anderson

October 27, 2007 at 11:47 pm (Meet The Ministers)

Rev. Glyn and Betty Thomas

I was saved in my early teens in Doncaster Pentecostal church after attending church from the day I was born. Soon after I began preaching around the local churches and open-air meetings we held at that time.

I went to Kenley Bible School in 1954 under the principalship of Donald Gee. Whilst in Kenley I became involved in Radio Work from Luxemburg, a programme called revival-time featuring John Nelson Parr Upon leaving Kenley I went to Glasgow and planted a work in the Sprinburn area.

Whilst in Glasgow I met Betty who became my wife. We have been married for 50 years this Christmas Day 2007 We have worked together in the ministry ever since. We have ministered in Glasgow. Ripon, Bollington , Grimsby and for the last 28 years here in Poynton where we have been involved in the planting of two churches as well as Poynton.

We have relinquished the every day running of the churches to pastors and are now involved in Overseas ministry in 15 nations of the world.We have planted a Bible school in Ghana and two churches in India.

We have established a ministry Called Light and Life. ( See website) This is a government recognised Charity. Much of our time in now spent abroad doing Seminars for ministers and preaching in Churches.We are also involve with Television work doing recordings in Los Angeles and broadcasting over eastern Europe and the middle east.

On a personal note. It is our delight to have two of our sons in the ministry, pastoring in local assemblies of God churches. Mark in Denton, Manchester and Stephen in Bollington, Cheshire We have ten grandchildren and two great grandchildren

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In Hindsight subscribed by Rev. David Hind

October 27, 2007 at 11:41 pm (In Hindsight)

The regret thing

By Rev. David Hind

David is now the minister of trinity church Leicester and his articles have been greatly appreciated.

Susan and I married in the Bar Hill Church in Cambridge. I have almost no memories of the day other than the fact that Susan looked wonderful and my tie was bright green. I am told that the photographer had to continually tell me to smile less, so I imagine I looked happy.

As Susan walked down the aisle I realised that she was a rose from God, saved for me. I was Susan’s first boyfriend – the only man she had ever kissed – and she brought to me the gift of her virginity. For this I was, and am grateful.

At our wedding I could not bring the same gift to Susan and although I was forgiven, and we had talked of my life before I met her, I regretted this. In fact, this remains the biggest regret of my life. I can’t change it and I don’t blame anyone else for it, I simply regret it.

I have just watched an episode of West Wrag, which has triggered this chapter. The West Wrag is my favourite TV series ever and I love it. In the episode I have just watched, the female press secretary is looking back at a relationship she wish had never happened….

‘There is night of my life I regret more than that one. I wish I could explain it. If I could take back one moment of my life, it would be then.’ People carry so many regrets in life. I have talked to people who regret having an abortion, regret a relationship, regret their part in a failed marriage and regret financial mistakes. Others regret a decision that caused devastation and regret not expressing love when they had opportunity. The list could go on of the many things we would do differently, if only there was a second chance.

As Peter saw Jesus on the shore after the resurrection, I believe his emotions were in turmoil. The joy of seeing the One he loved, and the regret that he had betrayed Him was real for Peter. As he reached the shore he would have looked into the eyes that accepted him and believed in him and he carried the regret that those same eyes had seen him deny and walk away. Three times Peter denied Jesus and three times Jesus spoke to him on the beach. Jesus said to Peter, ‘Do you love Me?……follow Me’ – John 21: 17, 19. Jesus gave Peter a second chance.

So the regret thing, do we move on? · Be honest with yourself and bring your regrets into the open. It can be good to confess your sins to someone else.

· Ask Jesus to forgive you – – He will. ‘Godly sorrow worketh repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regrets’ – 1 Corinthians 7: 10 · If you have wronged another and they still alive, talk to them, write to them, or find a way to apologize. · Forgive yourself and start again. · Receive and be amazed by the grace of God that gives you a second chance.

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Sermon Starters provided by Rev. E. Anderson

October 27, 2007 at 1:42 am (Sermon Starters)

Rev. E. Anderson

This is but a sermon starter to get you thinking and studying in relation to the text and theme. Trust it will be provocative and promotive.

THE DYNAMISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

READING Zechariah 4 TEXT v6

UNRECOGNISED: One of the regrettable things in the Church of Jesus Christ is the failure to recognize the full extent of the person and work of the Holy Spirit. There has been the constant breakdown throughout her history in giving the rightful place and prominence to His personality and ministry. Even in the present day outpouring of the Spirit of God there is still the hesitancy to make room for Him to perform and do what He is capable of doing. Every Christian believer and minister should seek to give the respect He is due at all times. UNLIMITED: When once it is fully understood what He desires and is permitted to accomplish then it is appreciated there is no limitation to His power. Untold advantage and benefit is sure to be manifest in those accept His Lordship and permit Him to do His complete work. There will be the awesome discovery of the truth and fact that He has no limitations. Consider the following thoughts regarding His power and administration and seek to enlarge upon them in study and experience. It is up to you o develop the main thoughts give.

1/. HIS POWER TO REGENERATE MAN AND MAKE HIM INTO A SON OF GOD AND TO ENJOY THE FAMILY OF GOD – John 3: 1-8

2/. HIS POWER TO RESTORE MAN BY THE PROCESS OF SANCTIFICATION INTO THE IMAGE OF CHRIST AND THE LIKENESS OF GOD – Galatians 5: 16-25

3/. HIS POWER TO RESOURCE EACH SON OF GOD WITH POTENTIAL SO THAT WORK CAN BE EXPANDED AND ENRICHED IN EVERY WAY – 1 Corinthians 12: 1-11

4/. HIS POWER TO REVIVE AND RENEW MAN SO THAT HE IS SPIRITUALLY AND PHYSICALLY QUICKENED WITH DIVINE LIFE – Romans 8: 9-14

5/. HIS POWER TO RESURRECT MAN AT THE CONSUMMATION OF TIME IRRESPECTIVE OF THE PASSAGE OF YEARS AND GIVE A NEW SPIRITUAL BODY – Romans 1: 4

As Christ was raised by the Holy Spirit, so He will perform this on behalf of all believers, in supernaturally raising the Christian dead and divinely transforming the living saints at Christ’s return.

6/. HIS POWER TO RAPTURE RENEWED MAN AND GIVE THE CAPACITY TO TRANSPORT HIM TO HEAVEN HIS NEW RESIDENCE – 1 Thessalonians 4: 13-18.

The power of motivation and movement heavenward will be provided by the Holy Spirit.

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News and Views edited by Rev. A. Hocking

October 27, 2007 at 1:33 am (News and Views)

Rev. Barry Woodward

Here is some up-to-date news of Barry Woodward the East Pennine evangelist of Assemblies of God. God is blessing and owning his ministry in a remarkable way. Please make him and his work a matter of your daily prayers.

Once an Addict – Third Print Run

Since the book was published on the 17th May we have sold over 8,000 copies and we are expecting the third print run to arrive within the next few days. It is brilliant news that the book is proving to be so popular! The response we are getting continues to be positive as Christians and non-Christians alike are inspired and challenged by the book. Since the last E-News we have sent another 1,500 copies into prisons and we are planning to send out over 1,000 more during November. Thank you to all of you who have supported this project. Please pray that finance will continue to come in for this long-term project.

Hope 08

In 2008 there is a big initiative throughout the UK called Hope 08, which aims to bring different churches and denominations together to witness through word and deed in the towns, cities and villages throughout the UK. Proclaim Trust is an associate organization with Hope 08 and we would like to encourage you to look at their website – www.hope08.com – and see how your church could get involved with this exciting initiative. As part of Hope 08 I will be doing a tour of many of the UK prisons which have received my book and communicate the message of hope. Throughout 2008 Proclaim Trust will be involved in other outreach initiatives linked to Hope 08.

Media – BBC

Over the last few weeks I have had even more opportunities with the media. In October I was invited to speak on Channel M which is a TV network that covers Greater Manchester. I have now been asked to consider being a regular contributor on this station. I was also invited to speak on BBC News 24. On the 4th November I will be speaking on the BBC Radio 2 breakfast show and on the 18th November I will be going to the BBC Manchester studiosfor satellite interviews with 12 regions throughout the UK discussing the book, my story, the Prison Project and our goal to tour many UK prisons in 2008. The times for each of these interviews are as follows: In December I will be travelling down to Premier Radio again to take part in the Jeff Lucas show – Lucas on Life.

Future Ministry

This weekend (26th – 28th October) I am in Surrey speaking at an event organized by Anthony Delaney’s church – a colleague and friend of mine. Throughout November there are many one-off outreach events and missions, working with local churches.

Wesley Owen Tour 2008Already my diary is filling up for 2008. In April 2008 I will be doing a tour to many Wesley Owen stores throughout the UK to talk about my book. Please pray for Authentic, my publishers, as they plan this.

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Barnabas Ministries UK

A Word for the Week presented by Rev. E. Anderson

Knowing God serviced by Rev. E. Anderson

Prayer Dynamics provided by Rev. E. Anderson

READING Exodus 33

INTRODUCTION

Powerful Quotes arranged by Rev. L. Goodwin

Contemporay Considerations presented by Rev. E. Anderson

Children’s Page compiled by Rev. E. Anderson

Meet the Ministers introduced by Rev. E. Anderson

In Hindsight subscribed by Rev. David Hind

Sermon Starters provided by Rev. E. Anderson

News and Views edited by Rev. A. Hocking

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