A church plant on the Chantry and Pinewood estates in Ipswich had to close for around three years because of loss of members, but Shepherd Drive Baptist Church was re-launched in 2007 with a specific aim of reaching the un-churched. Focused on evangelism, leaders Simon and Christine Robinson’s brief was specifically to focus on bridge building and evangelism. The fellowship is starting to make a real mark for God among the many young families who live round about and a good number have come to faith.

It is evident that behind the scenes the invisible hand of God has been at work bringing people to Himself. The work has advanced through a combination of straight Gospel preaching and down to earth friendship evangelism backed by numerous Christianity Explored courses of all shapes and sizes. There is a massive and vibrant Tots and Tinies group. A smart sixth form college has also opened a few hundred yards away and a new community centre shares the same car park as the church. All these things, in the providence of God, dovetailed around the same time and give many reasons to press forward.

With around 90 regularly meeting together on a Sunday morning, it is the new converts who give the greatest cause for the church’s thanksgiving. For instance, Billy and Justine, an army couple who were initially helped by the padre on their base, but, having moved to Ipswich where Justine (who had been a dancer on a cruise liner) started coming to the newly formed fellowship. Both were deeply touched with a sense of their sin, baptized and, while now serving in the forces overseas, are looking forward to serving God on their return.

Source: Evangelicals Now

BIBLE STUDY: Ephesians 3:10

PRAISE: God He does give new life to the lost. Pray that this new fellowship will have the grace and wisdom to make a real mark in their community.