Cards on the TableThere comes a time when each of us must play the cards we have been dealt in life and now is one of those times when I must lay all my cards on the table. I know that sounds a bit dramatic, but I have been posing as a cowboy all week. What I'm trying to say is it appears that our time in London is about to play itself out.
Although we were granted a two-year extension to our work visa, the local church has had to make the very difficult decision that they can no longer afford to support us. For two years they have sacrificially gone above and beyond the call of duty by providing us a wonderful home, utilities, and a monthly stipend. It has been an honour to serve them and live in the borough of Islington. Your financial gifts and prayer support have also been a tremendous blessing and helped us minister in a very needy but expensive place to live.
We're not in a rush to leave so we still need your support no matter what happens. Suffice it to say we have some very big decisions to make and we are exploring all options for staying in London and returning to the US. We would like to be relocated by the end of November but have some flexibility with the date.
So for at least another month or so it's business as usual with the church services, youth group, drop-in ministry, and Street Pastors. And, while it will be heart-breaking to say good-bye, we look forward to the new adventure God has planned for us. As we shared in Holiday Bible Club this week: "Cast all your care upon Him, because He cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7)
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SADDLE RIDGE RANCH
-- click on photo --  | Once again we would like to thank First Baptist Church of Clermont for sending us supplies for our Holiday Bible Club. "Saddle Ridge Ranch" was a big hit in London and we had an enrollment of 21 with an average attendance of 15 for five days.
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Street
Pastors on Duty
Although it has been a busy Summer for everyone, we managed to get teams together for July and August patrols. I must say it has not been an exceptionally warm summer but the streets have remained crowded with young people drinking to excess between the hours of 10PM and 4AM. That's when Street Pastors are most needed. Whether it's picking up empty bottles or giving away flip-flops to girls with sore feet, I believe what we do is making a difference.
If you would like to keep track of what Street Pastors are doing
in Islington you're invited to join our Facebook group. That way you can read reports and
pray for us when we're on the streets or any time you think of us in
your daily prayers or church prayer meetings.
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-- click on photo --  | Street Pastors come from all walks of life. We even have a medical doctor (kneeling in photo) on our team.
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Prayer Requests and Updates
- Thank you for praying for the Ecker family. We are truly grateful for all your support. We have big decisions to make about the future and really need you now.
- Please keep praying for Pastor
Brian and the folks at Upper Holloway and Camden Road Baptist Churches; especially the Monday
Drop In and the Monday
night youth club (Teens4Truth).
- Please remember to pray for Islington Street Pastors and our patrols on September 10 and 17.
- URGENT: Please keep praying for Karim, a Christian Iranian refugee,
suffering from post-traumatic stress. Since coming out of hospital a few weeks ago he has suffered a relapse and no one has seen him for at least a week.
- GOOD NEWS: Thanks for praying for "Alex" struggling with alcoholism and isolation. He has a new lady-friend in his life and is currently finding motivation for sobriety.
Angie, the kids, and I
want to thank you again for
your ongoing support of our ministry in London. Any financial
support can be sent to FBC Clermont, 498 W. Montrose
St., Clermont, FL
34711.
The Ecker Family
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