CPM News - 2001

CPM News for 2001

Click to go to Month or Headline to go to text.	HEADLINES
JULY 2001	Since the AGM A new day dawns CPM is launched
AUGUST 2001	South Africa Fred Elgar dies
SEPTEMBER 2001	From the Chairman Shallowford, a Training Course Glastonbury, a Prayer Ministry week-end
OCTOBER 2001	From The Executive The Fred Elgar Thanksgiving Service. A Tribute to Fred Elgar by Mary Clarke.
MARCH 2002	From North Wales
	End of Headlines
	JULY 2001
	Since the first AGM A new day dawns CPM is launched
	SINCE THE FIRST AGM
	It is launched, but it won't stand still. Applications for Membership are coming in from all over the place. Applications for listing as a Prayer Minister also continue to come in. The first meeting of the Executive Committee was on Monday 30th July. There was a Course in South Africa starting on 8th August. The residential Course at Glastonbury is now full, with members from well outside any thought of a regional event, starting on 6th September. For more about these and local events see CPM Events. In whatever County or Region it is happening, if it is of interest and within reach, get in touch.
	A New Day Dawns.
	An impression of the First AGM Meeting A chorus of greetings, exclamations of delight, making new friends, hugging old ones. The atmosphere at the inaugural AGM of CHRISTIAN PRAYER MINISTRIES was charged with excitement and a great sense of anticipation, as more and more people gathered together. People had come from all over the country. Some even breaking into their holidays in order to attend, such was the importance of the day, appropriately held at the Harnhill Christian Healing Centre, near Cirencester. But the business of the day had to wait its turn. It was recognised that this new ministry organisation had come about through pain and separation yet with the Lord leading each step of the way. It was necessary to set the past behind in order to be released into the new. John Bedford led the assembly in a time of praise and worship culminating in that release. Each person alone knew of their dealings with the Lord as they took up a stone representing their past. As they held the stone it became a tangible reminder of past experiences and relationships. Each one dealt with issues privately before the Lord and then laid their stone, with all that it signified, at the foot of the cross, laying down the past and so receiving freedom to enter fully into the new. And what enthusiasm for the new, with an overwhelming vote of support for the chairman, Hugh Baker. The openness of discussion, the gracious way each question and suggestion was considered, enabled every person present to know they were an important part of CPM. The new prayer ministry organisation is officially launched. There is still a lot to do, but much gratitude to those in leadership who are giving time and energy to steering a way through the minefield of legal requirements of Charity Law so necessary in order to operate as a "membership" group. Many issues need to be resolved but with the fully representative structure of the Executive Committee drawn from across the Regions, there is a new confidence that the concerns of all will be considered. But Christian Prayer Ministries is not for our benefit. The Lord has called us to His service and equipped us with ‘tools’ to bring healing to His bruised and broken people. The Circle of God’s Love and the four areas of brokenness continue to be deep truths of His revelation for fullness of His life and freedom in the blessings of this ministry. We did our business on 30th June. We listened to the Lord. We prayed for those serving Him in prayer ministry courses abroad and at home. The work in the Regions is ongoing and exciting with new opportunities for training Prayer Ministers. Let us continue to seek His face for one another, and for the ministry, and pray above all that the Lord Jesus Christ might receive glory and praise through the on-going work of the people throughout the country committed to Jesus and in membership to Christian Prayer Ministries.

	AUGUST 2001
	South Africa Fred Elgar
	THE CPM SOUTH AFRICA SAFARI AUGUST 2001
The Team of Hugh & Elizabeth Baker, Peter Darby, Kenneth Gubbins, Gerald Hume, Jackie Long, Glenn & Maureen Pennington, Angela & Mike Smith and Barbara Stokes from Britain joined Des and Kathie Roberts from St Chad’s, Table View, near Cape Town, South Africa. A right motley crew, well past their physical prime but a mere 25 years of age within, marvelled at the unity, fellowship and fun that the Lord gave us. N.B.Barbara Stokes slipped on some seaside rocks and gashed her leg. Despite two courses of anti-biotics her leg is no better and her mobility severely restricted. Your prayers are invited for her.	A CPM team from Britain ran a Prayer Ministry Course at St Chad's, Table View, near Cape Town, in August 2001. This is a light-hearted account of some of the happenings that took place. There was the Rev Dr Gerald – known as Lord Hume or Thermoduke, which he swore was his middle name but failed to show us his passport as proof. He was forever bursting into song even in public places given the slightest encouragement. A snappy dresser, yet failed to impress with his shirts that must have come out of a Hawaiian catalogue. There was elegant Barbara nicknamed Lady Stokes or sometimes the bag lady with about 5 bags accompanying her wherever she went. And Peter, our retired Doctor, whose wife had put him on the scales before he came. He was dreading returning for a wifely check-up, and claims that the scales read 2 lbs lighter when he returned – impossible! As compensation he labelled all the females anorexic, especially me (Jackie), and was concerned about my stability after I confessed I had been blown over on a golf course on a windy day. Angie could be found on the beach collecting pretty stones and shells for her ‘talks’ back home. Mike had his bags full when returning home but just smiled serenely as usual and proved to be brilliant at making a variety of drinks for this crew. Rev Hugh, our leader – was quietly but authoritatively referred to as ‘H’ by Elizabeth, especially when driving. Glen and Kenneth were quiet (some of the time) but fun and their Godly presence and wisdom was felt and appreciated especially when the rest of us were getting out of hand. Maureen, as usual, kept us amused with her infectious laughter along with Rev Des and his teasing trickery. Kathie had us doing her housework and fed us royally and seemingly unflappingly – I was most impressed. Our Purpose was to teach, minister and train members of St Chad’s in Prayer Ministry so that they can develop this ministry wherever the Lord leads. The expectation is reaching out across South Africa. St Chad’s is an Anglican Church that uses the basic liturgy as a structure but moves in the Spirit around this. The congregation is a mixture of races – whites, blacks, coloured; African, Afrikaners, ex-British. Very hospitable, welcoming, gracious, enthusiastic people – a joy to be with. We were privileged to take part in the services – but Jackie was very relieved when Angie agreed to do the 7.45am service allowing Jackie a little longer in bed. 39 people received individual prayer appointments. 6 of whom made commitments to the Lord for the first time. On the last Sunday, testimonies of what the Lord had done had the Team in tears. We hope for permission to share some of those in due course. Hugh was healed of having been unwell on arrival. Maureen received healing for her spine. Carrie (St Chad’s) testified to neck and shoulder healing as a consequence of her personal ministry. I am in expectation of healing for two of those I prayed with and there will be many others I don’t know about. I had some difficulty with the contrasts – very rich and very poor living side by side. The blacks we passed in the street always seemed willing to say hello and grin broadly. My hostesses’ maid (came to different people in the week and desperate for work) caught a bus at 5.30am to arrive at work by 8am. Squatter’s huts clung precariously to sand-dunes near the Airport. The city was materially Western with its shopping malls whilst there were wayside stalls in the country selling carvings etc and corners with young Africans selling fruit and flowers. I did not like the city. The Future Vision? We all want to return next year and have schemes afoot to put anyone else off from going!! Not really so of course, though we hope the Lord does send us again. The future vision for St Chad’s and South Africa needs to be prayed through following the Lord’s footsteps steadily and surely. A core of people who can take this forward in South Africa is starting to be revealed and CPM’s task is most likely to take this core on further with other Churches involved and with the aim of enabling them to become independent of Britain. One or two of us feel we would like to minister to the people in the Townships but we will see what the Lord develops here, if anything. Besides, there are plenty of other places in the world we would like to visit!	We had 4 days after the course to enjoy what we could of the Cape Peninsular of South Africa, but what to do and where to go? The problem with a Team in unity consisting of 13 people used to leadership but determined to be gracious to each other is that everyone talks at once and no decisions can be made. We got used to finally reaching a decision the evening before and then changing our minds the next day! I decide to ‘go with the flow’. Problem – so did everyone else. Eventually Hugh was encouraged to carry on leading the Team! We saw whales leaping about, magnificent scenery around Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope, baboons, ostriches, cheetahs (rescued - not in the wild), townships, squatter camps, millionaire’s houses by contrast, Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch Gardens and much more besides. It was winter there and we often set off in the rain and cold (for them) but with expectation that the Lord would give us decent weather at the important times. He did this to perfection and also the best view of whales seen in years just by standing on the cliff top. Thank You, Lord for this wonderful act of love towards Your children!
	Fred Elgar dies
	We have received news that Fred Elgar went to be with the Lord on Saturday 11th August, after a long illness. Those who have known him in WTC days and since, with his strong contribution to prayer ministry in many places, or during his time of about 20 years in the Chichester area and about another 20 years in the Guildford area, will be sad at this loss, but in no doubt that he knew his Lord and will be rejoicing in his unhindered presence. He was 80 last year.

	SEPTEMBER 2001
	From the Chairman Shallowford, a Training Course Glastonbury, a Prayer Ministry week-end
	FROM THE CHAIRMAN
	We have received our 200th application for membership. On behalf of the Executive Committee, can I thank you all for your support, financial, prayerful, and emotional. You will find accounts of the Courses that have been going on below. We on the Committee have been having a less exciting, but just as essential, time of it! It took up till Summer to see what pattern of support was emerging, and we still wait to be registered as a Charity with the Charity Commission (not being helped by them, seemingly, losing our Application Form). I would ask you to be patient with us as we work through the great amount of prayer and preparation necessary to ensure that this ministry is established on a footing that will keep it healthy in years to come. If we can get it right at the beginning, there’s less chance of things going wrong in time to come. Sincerely in Jesus, Hugh Baker 17th Sept 2001
	SHALLOWFORD - September 2001
Originally an Event arranged for the West Midlands, it became wider than the boundaries of a region, and included members and team from the South and South-West.	A TRAINING COURSE in Christian Prayer Ministry At Shallowford House, Shallowford, Stone. Staffs. The purpose was to teach the HOW TO in this ministry. It was for 20 who felt called to be Prayer Ministers, and had shown some interest and gifting for that. They were joined by 10 experienced people to share and guide in the practice of this ministry. All were able to continue their progress along the path they were on.	There was a lot to appreciate in the facilities and food provided for our stay. Access via Motorways in that area on a Friday afternoon is not recommended!
	GLASTONBURY - September 2001
What began as a Regional Course became a place and date without an organisation. It seemed unlikely that there would be an organisation willing and able to continue with it, however in the event it came under the newly formed Christian Prayer Ministries.	The first C.P.M. course in this country was held at The Abbey House, Glastonbury in September 2001, taking place over four days, from Thursday evening to Sunday lunchtime. The course was lead jointly by Richard Worthing-Davis from Swindon; and Eileen Hume from Tipton in the West Midlands. As it took shape it became clear that both Members and Team were to be coming from a far wider area than a Region, taking on some characteristics of a national event, in that it provided Prayer Ministry without constraint of regional borders. The members came from a variety of age and circumstances, of church and work and home. The supporting team was in part resident but strongly supported by a sizeable group who came in for the ministry times on Saturday. Brian Mintoft from Tywyn, with his guitar, not only played extremely well, but led the worship quite beautifully, very ably supported by his wife Jean. Prayer support was provided prior to the course by people around the country, and by groups led by team members during the ministry times. Abbey House proved to be an ideal location for the course, providing adequate space, together with comfortable rooms and good food. The staff at Abbey House went out of their way to support the course. The house has an atmosphere of peace and an awareness of being steeped in prayer over the years. A real spiritual oasis in that part of the west country. The team was conscious of a sense of unity and rejoiced to see God at work in so many lives. We returned home on Sunday aware that the Holy Spirit had touched each one of us, no matter what our role had been. God's blessings may sometimes evaporate before we take them into our lives, but it seemed that there would be lasting blessing in many lives.	We met in this distinctively Christian House. There may be some New Age goings on elsewhere. Jesus Christ was central here. The Abbey House proved to be a good, spiritually clean place in which to meet.

	OCTOBER 2001
	From The Executive The Fred Elgar Thanksgiving Service. A Tribute to Fred Elgar by Mary Clarke.
	From The Executive
	Extracts from a recent letter from the Executive to Members of CPM, following their meeting at the beginning of October. They next meet towards the end of November. Registration as a Charity is proving a slow nightmare. They lost the Application Form we sent them in early June, so we've had to send another one in. The Charity Commission normally take 95 days to process an application. Lambert Maudsley was busy transferring the Web Site from www.christian-prayer-ministry.org.uk to www.christian-prayer-ministries.org.uk He hoped to be moved by October 18^th, and for a full account of what's going on, do have a browse. Even amateur geeks like us can easily find our way round. The Course at St. Chad's Anglican Church, Cape Town in early August was “a huge success” in their words, and they want us to go back next year. We prayed with 37 people from St. Chad's and 2 from one other. In the long term, of course, we want to train up people there to do their own prayer ministry. Please PRAY for Des and Kathie Roberts as they approach clergy in their fraternal about their churches sending people to next year's Course. The Lord really looked after us on our first Course, at Glastonbury, held on September 6^th-9^th. We'd badly miscalculated the residential uptake for the Course, and were looking at a £1,000 loss. However, the Lord met us through the Love Offering, and we were able to give the Abbey £90, and make a “profit” of just over £90 to support the on-going work of CPM. The first Special Training Course 1 was held at Shallowford, Staffs., on September 20^th-23^rd, and was filled to capacity. Of the 20 people attending, 9 were recommended to go forward to a Training Course 2. With regard to standards of Training and Accreditation, the Exec. have set up a Working Party, under Peter Darby, to devise a training system without any “Pass or Fail” element in it, which will give every Member a job to do within the ministry, appropriate to their gifts and stage of development. Membership now stands at 228. We ask you to be very patient with us if things seem to move forward slowly: there's an awful lot to be thought and prayed through, and it's important, for those who follow us in future years, that we lay a firm foundation. Your Committee has been too wrapped up in urgent practicalities to look, together, for an overall future vision; we cannot, therefore, tell you as yet how the “centre” will relate to the “edges”. One thing we are all determined about, though, is that we will be a servant ministry to the Church as a whole. Our first priority will be to help our Members, where they are, bring this way of praying to the grass roots of God's kingdom. Two members of the Exec. have been ill in recent months, due to overload. Hugh Baker went down with a water infection in July, with a blood P.S.A. reading of 25 (it's supposed to be 6). His doctor suggested a year without a holiday was not a wise policy, and time off in August did him a lot of good. He has recently been cleared of the possibility of having prostate cancer. Linsi Simmons went down with shingles in September: she is just beginning a Research Degree in Christian spirituality at Bristol University, and realises she had too much on her plate. Consequently, she has had to resign from the Exec. We shall miss the wisdom she has to offer, but her degree will obviously strengthen her Christian life, and ours. Don't forget that the next A.G.M. for Members of Christian Prayer Ministries is on October 12^th, 2002 at Harnhill Manor, 11a.m. Hugh Baker, Chris Cox, Peter & Sheila Darby, Eileen Hume, Jackie Long, June Meek, Phil Monger, Glenn Pennington, Linsi Simmons, Angela Smith, Ken Stiff, Barbara Stokes. The CPM Executive Committee.
	Thanksgiving for the life of Fred Elgar
The Thanksgiving Service for his life was held at the Millmead Centre of the Guildford Baptist Church, where Fred had been on staff for a time.	Thanksgiving for the life of Fred Elgar, at the Thanksgiving Service 7 Oct 2001. Among the many meeting to pay tribute were his own family. His son Simon spoke for all the children, picturing for us the husband, father and grandfather and sharing precious memories of Fred who delighted in family gatherings. There were testimonies from parishioners of St Barnabas Church, Crawley where Fred was the Anglican Vicar. We were amused as we imagined Fred, helping to paint some wardrobes complete with overalls and dog collar. Mary Clarke shared some thoughts of Fred in the WTC years with testimonies from those benefiting from his trips to Holland, Switzerland, Canada and Malawi. (See below). Fred Elgar was one of the first group of people to be involved in prayer counselling when Anne White introduced this ministry from America. The ministry was known as Victorious Ministries through Christ, later becoming Wholeness Through Christ, with Christian Prayer Ministries now springing from the same root. Lynn Green of Youth With A Mission, spoke of Fred’s encouragement of the fledgling ministry in England and the way Fred and Barbara opened up their home to the team when they had nowhere else to go. Fred became the first Chairman of YWAM in this country. Phil Colinese, a member and former Elder of Guildford Baptist Church spoke of Fred’s initial counselling ministry to the church, his subsequent call to be an Elder and then Staff Elder and of the gratitude they owed to him in these roles. Fred was a pioneer and into his 70’s was open to doing new things for God. Jill Southern and Peter Horrobin spoke of his involvement with Ellel Ministries and his spiritual stature which provided such a solid rock as they were expanding the ministry with the purchase of Pierrepont near Farnham. Fred became Deputy Director and he and Barbara had the use of a flat at Pierrepont where they worked full time until just a few weeks before Fred’s death of cancer at the age of 80. Cliff Arnold, a member and former Elder from Guildford Baptist Church, led the congregation in a time of open prayer and praise for a life lived honouring God. All those who knew Fred will miss him. He was a man who believed that when God had spoken, it was as good as done. He was a teacher, a prayer minister, a pioneer and a spiritual father to many. It was a privilege to join together to thank the Lord for the life of Fred Elgar.	Friends and family, met together to praise God for the privilege of knowing and loving and being blessed by Fred Elgar who died in August.
	A Tribute to Fred Elgar
Tributes from: Holland and Switzerland HOLLAND Here is a message from Fritz Rosingh, the first Dutch Leader. "In 1978, Fred crossed over to Holland with a small team to take the first School of Prayer Counselling there. The people who attended were hand-picked by him for that school, and they have remained the backbone of the work in Holland. Fred coached them faithfully during several years until they were able to take over the torch." I shall always remember on our first visit one of them chuckling and saying: "He’s just like a Dutchman!" SWITZERLAND Here is another message from Christoph Stucklin, the Swiss Leader. "Fred was the Founder Leader of the Swiss Schools, and the Swiss appreciated having this fatherly figure among them. To them he epitomised steadfastness, and he was a model for them. In Switzerland when people retire at 55, they look forward to taking it easy, but Fred just went straight on and on, and he did not spare himself. We never knew how old he was. His lifestyle was a real testimony."	A Tribute to Fred Elgar given by Mary Clarke at the Thanksgiving Service 7 Oct 2001 I count it a real privilege to give this tribute to Fred Elgar. One of God’s truths that blesses me so much is that the Lord looks on the heart. No matter what He sees on the surface, He looks on the heart and Fred was certainly a man after God’s own heart. The Lord called him to be both a Pioneer and an anointed teacher. I have known Fred and Barbara for about 35 years. My husband Charles (who was also a Minister) was invited to share in the Easter services at St. Barnabas in Crawley and we both enjoyed meeting the whole family. One of the children was only a baby. We have been friends ever since and through thick and thin we have laughed together, we have cried together and we have ministered and prayed together. My brief today is to tell you a little about how Fred came to be involved in Wholeness Through Christ. It all began at a Fountain Trust Conference in those glorious early days of the Charismatic movement when the love of God was poured out upon us by the Person of the Holy Spirit. We saw miracles of healing, many lives were changed overnight and new ministries began to spring up. We all had a greater vision of who Jesus was, not only to bring the Good News of how on the cross He took upon Himself all our innate sin and reconciled us to God, but also that He came to heal the broken hearted, to set the captives free and to make His people WHOLE. At one of the Conferences a lady called Anne White spoke to us. She was the International Leader behind what was known as Victorious Ministry Through Christ. She was also the author of a book entitled "Healing Adventure". Straightaway Fred wanted to know all about it. She told him, "Well, you have to be prayer counseled yourself before you can do it." So, along with one or two other Ministers, including my husband, they met together. And very soon after that Victorious Ministry Through Christ (U.K.) was launched! Later the British were led to become autonomous and it was called Wholeness Through Christ. So here we have it! Fred was the one who spearheaded the ministry of Prayer Counselling in this country. It was not long before we were called to run Schools of Prayer Counselling abroad. Also, from time to time, it was special that Barbara was able to join him for extended holiday visits. I also bring you these messages from Holland, Switzerland, Canada and Malawi. < See the side columns > I should also tell you that the original goal of Victorious Ministry Through Christ was to train leaders who in turn would build up teams in their local churches. Today in Wholeness Through Christ there has been somewhat of a shift from that main aim. So now, alongside it, we have Christian Prayer Ministries whose emphasis is on training with the same basic principles as well as encouraging and supporting local ministry. As a pioneer and as a teacher, Fred would have been very pleased about that. So these are great tributes to a man after God’s own heart. And those of us who had the privilege of knowing Fred will miss him and will always have a place for him in our hearts. Mary Clarke	Tributes from: Canada and Malawi CANADA Our next call was to Canada and America to be with Alistair Petrie, the then Rector of Brentwood Anglican Chapel on Vancouver Island. This is what he said about Fred: "As he got older he portrayed an extraordinary youthfulness. He was like the bow of a ship, willing to venture into areas that were not navigated before. He was a stabilizer and a pioneer. You don’t often get both in the same person. One of Fred’s frequent sayings apart from "It’s very interesting" was "God’s in control". Fred was able to take the complexity of spiritual things and make them quite simple so that everyone could understand them. He would navigate and stabilize with the Word of God. And he was so full of faith that God would do it. He knew God as a God of faithfulness." MALAWI Another highlight in Fred’s ministry abroad in the last 10 years was in Malawi. Kenneth and Margaret Gubbins began the ministry over there and Kenneth told me that Fred was very much loved by the Malawians and highly respected by them as a teacher.

MARCH

From North Wales

2002

North Wales sprang to life with its first prayer ministry course in March.
It used the available facilities to good effect, the Village Community Centre in which the Mold Christian Fellowship meets, a Primary School and Judith's home - a converted chapel - which was the scene for some talks. All were brought into use for the prayer ministry.
"... a marvellous weekend. God really worked in my life." said one.
Local hosts, arranged by Glenn and Maureen Pennington from among the Mold Christian Fellowship, shared companionable fellowship with the visiting Team members from the West Midlands and Preston.
Worship led by Shirley and Margaret from the local fellowship enabled an openness to the messages from the Lord Jesus Christ.
"... What a wonderful atmosphere in which to hear God!" said another.
The Lord visited each and every prayer ministry, bringing great release and joy to the members and comforting satisfaction to the prayer ministers.
"... I've been healed. I can hardly believe it. It's wonderful!" said another, and another: "I've had a great time with God."

But the "icing on the cake" was provided by Pastor Mike Fryer who wore three hats; worship leader; behind the scenes organiser; and chef.
Chef? Yes, Chef! (After all the sheep need to be fed).Ed.
Lunch is often bring-your-own-sandwiches, tea is fish and chips, pie and chips or anything and chips, but Mike promised that the church fellowship would provide lunch and evening meal.
We had a delicious soup for lunch, and a delectable spaghetti bolognese for tea, complete with fruit, cheese board , cake, iced lemon water.
No ordinary surroundings but by candle light and waiters with bow ties and white gloves, and soft music!. Never in my experience has a CPM meeting been shown such an expression of love through servanthood!
"... I'm coming back to this church for the food alone." said someone, probably others did too.
So the Chef and volunteer 'staff' were given grateful thanks by prayer ministers and members, and we returned home thrilled instead of being worn out.
"... Can we have waiter service at every Christian Prayer Ministry?"
We'll have to wait and see.
This first one will be hard to best, but we have a God who can do "exceedingly abundantly" beyond what we can measure, so we are looking forward to next time. It was twelve this time, next autumn or spring we may take twenty.

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