Lewis Ecker
Church-based Missionary
-- London, England -- |
 The city of London recently began a new scheme placing rental bicycles at strategic locations. They quickly became known as "Boris Bikes" after Boris Johnson, Mayor of London.
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 Ashley poses by her favorite road sign. It also happens to be near the church where we attend " emPowered", a monthly fellowship/worship event for teens in North Islington. |
Zoey celebrated her 13th birthday on October 7th with a makeover at a beauty salon on Oxford Street.
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In October we had a pleasant day out at Warwick Castle that sits on a bend on the River Avon. The castle was built by William the Conqueror in 1068.
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Ashley and Zach are part of a Sunday night Bible study that recently had a Pirates of the Caribbean party. Zoey was invited to join the crew.
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 One of our favorite things to do is take care of baby Rebecca a few days per week. Even Uncle Zach helps out. (photo by Ashley) |
Please keep praying for the Islington Street Pastors and Carol "the scooter lady". She was able to make several patrols during the warmer months.
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Hangin' in thereIf you've been wondering where the Ecker family is headed next, so have we. I apologize for not writing sooner but I kept hoping I would have something definite to report about our future plans, but for now we are just "hangin' in there" and waiting on God. That doesn't mean we're sitting still or have no prospects, there's just no clear direction at this point in time but we know God has a plan.
However, there are three churches here in London that have my resume but the timing may not work out in either case as we need to have a firm job offer very soon if we are going to get a new application started before my current work visa is invalid. From the other side of the pond I received an email recently from a church that wanted permission to go to the "next step" and contact my references. But they did not indicate if I was their first choice or just one of a group. So the waiting (and job hunting) continues. Please keep praying for God to open a door of opportunity here or in the US.
Meanwhile I continue to volunteer at the Monday drop-in ministry and coordinate Islington Street Pastors. Together, the entire family is still involved in running the youth club (teens4truth) on Monday nights. In addition, several of my drop-in friends have been keeping me busy with hospital and doctor appointments.
Jer 29:11 (NIV) "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
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Drop-In Ministry
Each Monday the Archway Community Drop-In (meeting at Upper Holloway Baptist Church) feeds 70-80 people, men and women. Some are homeless, others just come in for an inexpensive meal (50p). There's also a clothes ministry that provides gently used clothes and new socks and underwear.
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Street Pastors Rule!!  In October the Islington Street Pastors had their first night on the streets without me. Everything went well and they had they're first Gospel sing-a-long outside a pub. Sorry I missed it. In September we saw our first naked man. The next patrol will be on Friday, 5th of November, which is also known as Guy Fawkes Night (aka Bonfire Night) in England.
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teens4truth ice skating  Since we announced our imminent departure the attendance at our youth club, T4T, has been stronger than ever. Each Monday night we meet with about 12 teenagers for an informal time games and discussions. We've also gone bowling or ice skating every six weeks or so.
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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 STILL have big decisions to make about the future and desperately need your prayers.
- 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/T4T).
- Please remember to pray for Islington Street Pastors and our patrol on November 5th.
- Please pray for a team from Southside Baptist Church, Huntsville, Alabama, as they'll soon make their 3rd trip to London for prayer-walking in our borough.
- Please pray for one of my drop-in friends named "Terry". He'll be facing by-pass surgery later this year.
- Please keep praying for "Alex" struggling with alcoholism. He has been in and out of the hospital recently. Fortunately he has an appointment this week with a psychiatrist which will hopefully be the first step to getting him into a long-term rehab facility.
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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 London has been a wonderful place to live for 2+ years, especially for a wannabe photographer like me. I shot the photo above from the London Eye. To see more of London through my lens, click on this link: FUNKY TOWN.
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