Mission Trip to Stroud 7th – 9th November 2025
Saturday 7th Gospel Concert.
I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing. John 15:5 (NIV)
We were on home territory again. After a year of missions abroad, Sincere Praise, Reverend Taylor and the team was departing to minister in Charlford, a small village nestled in the beautiful Cotswold Hills, in Stroud, Gloucestershire
As our two minibuses inched their way out of central London, through the Friday evening rush hour traffic, there was a sense of relief as we left behind the sounds of emergency sirens and horn blowing motorists. It wasn’t long before we were proceeding along quiet country lanes and experiencing a more calm and relaxed pace.
It was late evening when we arrived at the accommodation where we would be spending the next two days. Some of the group, had come straight from work, having taken their cases with them in the morning. Nevertheless, spirits were high and there was an eager anticipation of what God was going to do.
The following day, early afternoon, we left to go to Charlford Baptist Church, a small congregation of approximately fifteen people. After a week of rain, shafts of golden autumnal sunshine radiated down from a clear blue sky. We could see as we approached the church, that a large poster had been erected outside, announcing a Gospel concert, featuring Sincere Praise. As we stepped out of the minibus we were enveloped in warm embraces, there were no formalities, we just felt as if we were among close friends we had known all our lives.
The church, built in the 1800’s, was situated on a hill, all around us was the most stunning panoramic views. The whole setting from the traditionally built local stone church with its wonderful architecture was a snapshot of quintessential England.
We noticed as we entered the church that there were rows of empty seats. There were a few people scattered around, some seated, others standing talking to each other. The small group of believers from the Fellowship had worked hard dropping leaflets provided by Worldwide Mission Fellowship, through doors, into shops or handing them directly to the locals. They had been praying and desperately believing God that the usually empty church would be full, that God would bring in people from outside. We also knew that Pastor Dennis and the church back home was praying,
After the opening prayer and introductions, Minister Jenny led the choir in song. Each song was hand-picked by the ‘Holy Spirit’ for a specific purpose. The almost empty church was now packed, with people also standing at the back. As God used Minister Jenny as the conduit through which He would powerfully flow, each member of the choir moved in perfect harmony with that flow. The usually reserved English demeanour dispersed as people stood up, waved their hands in the air and begun dancing.
God gave Reverend Taylor a life changing Word for those present. As she prepared to speak the ‘Holy Spirit’ instructed her to change her prepared sermon for the Salvation Message. When she opened her mouth God took the words and combined it with the anointing that He had placed upon her and it became spiritual dynamite, demolishing demonic strongholds and melting hearts. Tears ran down people’s faces as they openly wept, healing took place, hope replaced despair and lives that didn’t know Jesus was submitted to him.
There were numerous testimonies as people eager to share what had happened to them waited to tell someone . One young lady asked, “What must I do to be saved?” and was led in the Salvation prayer as she submitted her life to Jesus.
Someone who was passing by the church came in and gave her life to the Lord. A member of the church who led her to the Lord wept as he did so, amazed at what God was doing!
How do we adequately capture and describe such a divine move of God?
Only God could do this! Only He has the power to make what seems impossible, possible. Only He has the ability to truly transform lives.
To Him only be all honour and glory and praise!
1 Corinthians 2:9, (Amplified Version)
But just as it is written [in Scripture], “Things which the eye has not seen and the ear has not heard, And which have not entered the heart of man,
All that God has prepared for those who love Him [who hold Him in affectionate reverence, who obey Him, and who gratefully recognize the benefits that He has bestowed].”
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