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Lifespring News

"Living Well, Ghana" Project

Along with Sherwood Forest Community Church at Blidworth, the church has initiated a new project to build a Care Centre at Botodwina, near Takoradi Ghana.  A Health Analysis Study of the area has been undertaken which has brought to light some startling facts.  75% of deaths are caused by malaria which is a very treatable disease.  There are very poor facilities for expectant mothers.

So far a peice of land has been bought and the project leaders have visited the area and spoken to Health Care managers.

The next step is to draw up some plans and start laying the foundations.  Fund raising is underway and more than £7,000 has already been raised.

(Posted October 2007)

Barry Woodward Releases New Book

Barry visited Lifespring in September and did a launch of his new book "Once an Addict" .  This is the story of Barry's journey from drug addict to Christian Evangelist.  This book has sold 7,000 copies in its first four months of release. The book has been available from all good Christian book shops since it was published on the 18th May.   J John says about this book, "Once an Addict takes you to the heart of a world of crime, drugs and addiction but fortunately does not leave you there. Through the many twists and turns of Barry's life this 'can't put down' book will have you shocked, surprised but ultimately relieved that there is hope even in the most despairing of circumstances."
(Posted October 2007)

   Roy Todd

Roy Todd visited Lifespring for a series of events recently.  Roy spoke at meetings on Friday and Saturday the 9th and 10th of March and was the main speaker at our Sunday morning service.

Originally from Ireland, Roy Todd proved himself to be a brilliant communicator.  He was inspiring and encouraged people to reach their full potential. He was practical, honest, down to earth and very funny!

As well as addressing the congregation, Roy also prayed for a large number of people to receive healing or for God to touch them in some area of need.  Many voiced their testimony that their pain had gone or that their condition was better.  Others decided that this was an opportunity for them to make a life changing decision by becoming a Christian.

(Posted Monday 13 March 2007)


                     Banking for the Poor in Ugnada

 

We have had a report through from George Purkweri that those who got the first money have pushed away poverty form their homes.  Some widows who could not meet their needs now have little worries.  Others send their children to higher schools and have improved their business.  No one has ever defalted and the Bank is revolving the money.  George tells us that US Agency Samaritan's Purse were so challenged by DCI's Christmas Party in Lira that "they asked me to help them to start a feeding and Bible programme on five refugee camps.  So we are now feeding 200 very vulnerable poor old and sick people every week".

(Posted March 2007)

New Elder Honoured

John Pettifor visited Lifespring on February 25 as the church witnessed Robert Day being "dedicated" as an Elder.   It is now almost 2 years since the Dukeries Christian Fellowship and Lifespring Community Church merged to become Lifespring in the Dukeries.  John Pettifor paid tribute to Robert for his role in that journey.  It was Robert who took the initiative and offered to lay down his leadership role in order to come in with Lifespring. John Pettifor told the congregation that Robert should be honoured for that.  John encouraged the all to submit to Robert's authority. "Submission", he said, "has to do with disagreement, not agreement". On the other hand He urged Robert to govern the church with wisdom and diligence.  The church was very encouraged and showed its appreciation to Robert in his new role and to John for his ministry.

(Posted February 2007)

Weekend of Mission

The Church has just completed a weekend of mission with Barry Woodward.  As a result, we have seen many people come to know the Lord. 

During the meetings, Barry shared his amazing story and prayed for the sick.  Barry was happily brought up in Salford , Greater Manchester. At 16 he left school with no education and was drawn into the Manchester drug scene taking cannabis, amphetamine and LSD. This led to him becoming reliant on heroin and being a drugs supplier. He was also well involved with music and "Night Club" life in the city.  After being dependent on drugs for twelve years and spending a number of terms in prison his life was dramatically changed. He had an 'Acts 9' encounter which resulted in his conversion and God's clear call on his life to be an evangelist. Since then he has worked with a number of evangelistic organisations and studied full time at Cliff Bible College . Here he was awarded a diploma in Biblical Studies and Evangelistic Ministry from Sheffield University .

Barry is an Associate Evangelist with J.John and the Philo Trust and he and his wife Tina are members of Bolton Pentecostal Church.

(Posted September 2006)

 

Charity Shop Relocates

 

 On the 4th of Januray, our Charity Shop called "Turnaround" relocated to Sherwood Drive in the centre of New Ollerton.  The new shop was opened by Paul Johnson, the Pastor of Sherwood Forest Community Church at Blidworth.  Paul, who has opened a number of similar shops in the past, recalled how he was inspired to open Charity Shops by a visit to Spain a number of year ago.  Mike Phillips, the Pastor of Lifespring, said that the shop would be a contact point for the community as well as creating wealth to help local, national and inteernational charitable projects. Mike also thanked all the local volunteers who make the project viable.

 

(Posted January 2006)