Wednesday 25th March 2020

Yesterday in this update I mentioned the Gospel Coalition online study courses, later in the day I received this message from a member of the congregation.

“Thank you for update and info re Gospel Coalition. I have checked it and have decided to study ‘Living Joyfully’. It is hard to remain joyful in such trying times  so thought that is a good topic. 
A little later I received this encouragement from the same person.
“Paul in 2nd Cor 7 v 4 says, “in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds,” Amazing!!”

I have great confidence in you; ... I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds. 2 Corinthians 7:4

The Courses can be found here -
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/courses/

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A Call To Prayer

Each day we are facing more and more challenges, let us find our joy in our Lord and Saviour. Each day I hear of local businesses and shops having to close. Those that are still open are struggling with the ever changing landscape. Please pray for these business owners day by day. 
It will come as no surprise that the General Assembly in June will very soon be cancelled and Keswick at Portstewart and New Horizon have also been cancelled, and we need to pray for those who were organising the conferences in the new arrangements that they need to make. Pray also for the Moderator of the General Assembly Rt. Rev. Dr.William Henry and the Clerk of the General Assembly Rev.Trevor Gribben as they work hard behind the scenes.


Arthur Parke was due home in April and was to be with us in Burnside on 5th April, I have received a message from Arthur and he would value our prayers.
I am still in Benin, safe and sound. Unfortunately our internet connection is not good so a video call isn’t really on the cards…  I can’t even listen to a hymn on YouTube this afternoon. Our schools are not closed but the Easter break begins this Friday for two weeks! However our churches are closed.

Peter and Jayne Fleming would also value our prayers. Peter remains on missionary service while the international school that Jayne teaches in has closed and she has travelled back to Ireland. remember them and their family.

There is no shortage of resources to help us pray at this time here is a Prayer Guide from David Robertson, who you may remember spoke at our 8 Churches event in the University a couple of years ago.
https://christiansunited.online/category/prayer-guides/

Day of 25 - Trypraying 2020
Remember today is Day 25 of Trypraying 2020.
Pray for all the banners that are displayed on church buildings that are now closed. May they point people to a God who can bring them Joy in the midst of our trouble.