From the Manse  August 2002

It is hard to believe that this is my last letter to you as minister of Marshalswick Baptist Free Church (MBFC).

Nine years have passed so rapidly that I wonder where they have gone! Barbara and I leave with much heartache and sadness, leaving behind so many friendships. We've often said that we can leave the bricks and mortar easily, but not the people.  It is really a case of time catching up.  I'm in my 69th year, having spent 44 years in the ministry, of which 24 were jointly shared with education.  We are retiring but not putting our feet up!

It will be good for the church to have a change.  We pray that a new minister will be in action here very soon.  Our faith tells us that the best is yet to be.  God leads. All we've got to do is follow Him.

Barbara and I have valued your friendship and fellowship: in chapel, in your homes, in joys and in sorrows.  Gareth's death was a shattering experience for us, and we are appreciative of the heartfelt support given to us.  Just being here was of immense help. 

Your imaginative and innovative ideas have made this ministry exciting.  A willingness to adventure in faith has been a sign of the Holy Spirit's guidance. The suggestions emanating from the small working groups have been inspirational, providing stimulating services as we journeyed through the Christian calendar, with the Family Festivals involving so many people.

It has been encouraging to see groups such as the 30 Something, After Eights, L-Plates, Homeworkers Association, Friday People and Friday Nighters and The Social and Recreational Group progressing; not to mention the changes to the Sanctuary.  These have been years of witnessing to God's blessing and guidance as the miracle of  Marshalswick continues.

Worship has been our number one priority, and I have always felt the positive surge of faith and prayer from the congregation, making the leading of worship such a joy.  Worship has been enhanced by the participation of so many in readings, drama, singing, offering of prayers of concern; not to mention the support of organists and the Music Group.  I have felt that this has been a pastorate of pastor and people!

Thank you to those who, at different times, have shared in the After Eights - always searching for truth, whether in visits to centres of other faiths or journeying through the Bible. 

I have been stretched, challenged and inspired by your fellowship.  MBFC is truly ecumenical, enjoying the company and events of local Christia0ns of various traditions.

Over the years the HBA has been well supported, and it was an honour to be its President for a year. I hope the Herts Forum will be supported and the CBA prove to be beneficial.  But beware the tendency of both CBA and the Union to centralisation.

Those who know us realise that Barbara and I are a team.  Without her support, my ministry would be considerably devalued.  I am fortunate not only in the full hearted support given, but also in the honest criticism I receive.

Some things have not been realised, such as achieving the ‘100 members’ mark, and calling an associate minister.  Surely God is saying something to us. He has His plans.  With patient faith these will be revealed in due course.

Thank you for the privilege of ministering here, and for deepening my faith and  enriching my life.

Barbara joins me in praying God's blessing on you all.

Robin Davies