Yes, it was exciting to eat some good BBQ for my birthday [see photo at left] but that's not what I meant.... The really exciting news is I GOT THE JOB you've been praying for. The name of the church is House on the Rock and the position will be called Community Pastor, or something like that. However I won't be able to start right away because we still have to go through the rest of the visa application (work permit) process which could take another 6 to 8 weeks. SO KEEP PRAYING for another miracle and hopefully the time will be reduced. 

Just to clarify, the church is located in London, very close to where we live. It was founded in Nigeria in 1994 by Pastor Paul Adefarasin and currently has 40 branches in Africa and Europe. The London branch for House on the Rock was established in 1996 and is led by Pastor Omawumi Efueye (aka Pastor O). It originally started off as a house fellowship and has now grown to become a home for all races and cultures. Having met for over ten years in rented temporary venues, the congregation moved into a refurbished former Anglican building in Islington now equipped for 21st Century ministry [see photos below]. I'm privileged to be their first non-African staff member and my role will be to use my spiritual gifts and connections in mobilizing the members to better reach out to the local community. 

We've already got involved and helped them start their new youth group (more commonly called a youth club in the UK) on Thursdays. Most of our old group that met at the Baptist church for over 2 years are now coming to the new group [this is by design and with the blessing of the former church]. Angie has been teaching them basic cooking skills, which has proved to be very popular, and other volunteers have begun teaching drama. The ages range from 8-18 and Ashley (now 17) has been helping with administration. Similarly, Zach (16) has gotten 'plugged in' with the media team and helps run the sound system at choir practice and Sunday services. 

While we wait for the paperwork to go through all the proper channels we are still dependent on gifts from friends and family in the US to help us pay the bills. We're especially thankful for support from friends at First Baptist Church Clermont, Florida, and Southside Baptist, Huntsville, Alabama. To make a contribution, please send a check payable to First Baptist Church of Clermont, directed to the Ecker family fund. The church address is 498 W. Montrose St., Clermont, FL, 34711. Our address in London is 71 Windsor Rd, London, N7 6JL.

Sincerely grateful, 

                                 The Ecker Family