Missionaries on the job
City Missionaries Alasdair Nicholson and Tom Button talk about recent encouragements in the local churches where they are based. And meet Manual P Joseph, the team's latest recruit.
Alasdair Nicholson has been part of BCM's City Missionary team for over 25 years, and Tom Button for just one. They have been encouraged by their work in their churches.
There are encouragements for us at Quinton Evangelical Church. After many years of prayer for growth the Sunday service now welcomes from 45 to 60 people, a more than fourfold increase since the end of the pandemic lockdowns. We have had the pleasure of baptising two women who gave powerful testimonies.
On Monday mornings we run a breakfast fellowship called 'The Honeypot', followed by an English language class. My wife, Avril, along with a dedicated team, has been able to set up a Sunday School, still in its early days. We thank God.
Alasdair Nicholson, City Missionary (pictured above on the right)
Since joining BCM last October it has been hectic, challenging, supportive and not a little stressful, although all in the way of learning to depend on Jesus.
I work 50% of my time at the small and friendly Bethel Church Blackheath, which is enthusiastic in love for one another and for God. A key part of my role is to work at their Food Pantry in befriending, helping and serving those who use the service. And I have had the privilege to see how much work is done by those who serve voluntarily and out of love!
I have been meeting up with one friend Mark, who was originally a contact from the pantry (pictured right and on the left with Tom) and who is dealing with some life issues. He is a motor enthusiast but is wondering if there is more to life! We have read some of Mark's gospel and Ecclesiastes together and he has enjoyed the men's breakfasts which I am running at the church.
Tom Button, City Missionary
Manual P Joseph (pictured right) is the team's newest recruit. Originally from Kerala, India, he and his wife, Abigail moved to the UK 18 months ago. Manual said, 'It is a great privilege to work alongside BCM and Castle Vale Baptist Church. I hold a Masters in Theology and the Lord has since placed me in various roles, including Bible Teacher and Assistant Pastor in India. After relocating, I felt called to continue serving in ministry, and by God’s grace I now serve as a City Missionary. I rely fully on his strength to guide me in this work.'
