Newsletter - 8th January 2022

I would like to ask you to stand with us in prayer at a difficult time

It is wonderful to write these newsletters when I’m giving glory to God for the latest victory, or amazing things God is doing.
Sometimes however we go through testing times and I believe the Lord would have me share a little about that, so that you can pray with us.

I know many of you are praying and we value your prayers so much.

If after reading this and sincerely praying for us, the Lord is gracious to speak to you on our behalf, we welcome any advice and encouragement you feel to send in reply.

May I say first that we in this last day or so have seen a great encouragement that the Lord is with us. A blessed brother responded to Gods lead in his heart and gave to us a personal blessing that will see us right through this month, as well as paying for my daughters home schooling exams. Wow our God is so good. I say this first to confirm that God can be trusted, we are never put to shame. So I wanted to first give thanks to God who has never let us down and testify of His goodness before I request prayers in other areas.

I want to open my heart to you and say we’ve struggled in many ways, and we value your prayers. Often I feel like Moses, a stuttering man with no confidence until I feel the hands of brothers and sisters lifting me up. We are a part of one another. Bless you all.

This last week or so we have had covid working it’s way through the house. It has hit us hard and I have also had excruciating shoulder and back pains running all down my arm. Please join us in prayer for health and strength.

To be honest since I got home in December the enemy has been working so hard to discourage us. I can see we’ve done so much in less than a year, but these last few months have been so tough.

I’ve occasionally asked the Lord what I’ve down wrong, but I’m assured by Him that we have walked in obedience. For over 6 months now we’ve seen individuals giving sacrificially and it has really blessed and encouraged us. However it has been sustaining trickle.

The ministry is wide open and filled with opportunities and open doors. If I told you about the connections and favour we have found you would be amazed. But we just struggle seeing Gods hand. So much is needed to do what God has said to do. The container still sits in Wales. And even personally too, I told you about the amazing gift we had this week but over the last six months, we’ve known poverty, and under Gods leading have sold possessions getting by. God spoke clearly to sell my tools and items of self sufficiency to fund 50% of the last mission. And God led Alex to contribute far more than I asked too, which enabled us to go ahead. Even in going our tent was blown down and severely damaged, which will need extensive repairs.

The Lord doesn’t fail us, he gives enough for the day or hour. But life has been so difficult that I’ve grown really discouraged. We just can’t make plans and everything feels on hold. We need a breakthrough.

Truth is, I don’t know about running ministries with big budgets. I know nothing of fundraising or grants or anything like that. I just pray, and step out, trusting. I feel I may need to learn valuable lessons, but I’m not sure what. If anyone can help in this please let us know.

He is certainly showing us the value of waiting on Him, and His timing. we’ve been encouraged by Habakkuk 2:3-4
We are not to be impatient with God
Not to give up
Remain in close communion even when you don’t know what is happening.
And continue to courageously step out when led.

I just find sometimes God stretches your faith so far. I wonder am I supposed to be learning in this and discovering other things I should be doing as well as praying and waiting.

I appreciate if you will pray. This month especially as it is the New Year it is my intension to press in, pray, fast and listen. We have so much we need to do as a ministry at this time, breakthrough is needed! And I know it is coming.

I have wondered about sending an email like this a few times, as I value so much your prayers and if anyone has advice?

But I so genuinely don’t want it to come across like a begging letter. That’s why I waited for this to settle in my heart, and after receiving this personal financial miracle it seemed a good time.

Bless you dear family in Christ

When we only share the high points it can give a false impression. We value your praying partnership. We bless you all.

14 Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 15 And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.

1 John 5:14-15 | NKJV

Lots of love
May God bless you all

Steve Pilkington