Greetings from Nick & Catherine Drayson
Nick & Catherine Drayson in Juárez, Northern Argentina
Dear friends in Down and Dromore,
I am writing these lines from Chile, where we have had a good few days meeting with leaders of churches in neighbouring republics, praying together and discussing issues of mutual importance. Tito Zavala, the new primate, is bishop of Chile, and has got off to a good start with the way he handled the meetings. It was really encouraging to see firsthand what God is doing in the churches in Santiago and Viña del Mar.
Meanwhile Catherine has been hosting Mercedes Tarragona and a group from the church her husband pastors in Buenos Aires, who have been helping facilitate ministry and vision-building for the work with families in the Chaco churches. It has been a hectic time, but we are so grateful for healing which has meant that Catherine has coped with all the travelling and responsibility.
We are so thankful too for the visit of our son Sam, and his (now) fiancée Sally. We travelled over 2000 kilometres together and saw spectacular scenery, and met many people. We have also had the first of the centenary celebrations for the arrival of the gospel in our area: hundreds of people came together in Misión Chaqueña, which was the first church, to spend three days remembering and rejoicing. There will be many more such events during the year, including one in Misión La Paz this weekend!
In two weeks time we will be arriving in UK for a visit. It will not be possible for us to visit all our friends and link churches, so we will be mainly in the north, and spending time with family. There are several things to sort out before we leave, not least some places and churches where there are urgent problems. Please pray there will be time and wisdom for everything, and that God's peace will surround those who have to wait for answers.
Main things to pray for:
Above all thanks for all that has happened the last few months (see above)
Safety in travel
That the year's celebrations will bear fruit in renewing the church
Clarity in how to shape the ministry with families
Wisdom for difficult situations
Good use of time during our visit to UK, especially with our families
A continuing all-clear on Catherine's health
As ever, many thanks for your prayers.
Every blessing,
Nick