When Did We Start?
In June 2021, after moving from Hong Kong to Reading with our daughter, we finally discovered Abbey Baptist Church. It is a church that opened its doors to us with love and care. It has been a privilege for my husband and me to be assigned as Connect group leaders. When we began our Connect group, it was a small gathering of 15 people. Over time, as more people moved to the U.K., our group grew to 24 members. Among our group is a family of four from Nigeria, a testament to God’s mercy in uniting people of different nationalities. Beyond our regular bi-monthly meetings, we gather for lunches, Bible studies, and prayer, strengthening our bond as a community.
What Have We Achieved?
All of our accomplishments are under God’s mercy and grace. Through our Connect group, we have been given a wonderful opportunity to extend support, love, and care to our members. Building meaningful relationships with newcomers, especially those who are non-believers, has been central to our mission. By welcoming them warmly, we help them experience the love of God. Strengthening relationships within the group has allowed us to support each other in times of temptation and challenge, keeping everyone on the path of faith.
One of our goals is to encourage members to attend church every Sunday. Worship, prayer, and hearing the Word of God help reinforce their faith. Additionally, Bible study has been instrumental in deepening our understanding of Scripture. Together, we have grown as brothers and sisters in God’s family, learning to love our neighbors as ourselves.
What Have We Done So Far?
Nigerian family of five (one couple with three children) will move to Southampton in early January, 2025 and wish them the best of luck. We also have new member joining our connect group who is from Malawi, Africa and we have to find a chance to meet with her, she is now being added on our Whatsapp group.
In October 2024, we began a Bible study series on Galatians, led by a member who used to be Bible teacher in Hong Kong. The study has been deeply enriching and has strengthened the group’s faith. Our final lesson is scheduled for January 5, 2025. Members have found the study both useful and transformative. We will continue to organize gatherings and Bible studies to nurture our relationships and fellowship.
Highlights of Our Stories
Church is a classroom for learning how to live in God’s family. It is a lab for practicing unselfish and sympathetic love. As Connect group leaders, my husband and I have learned to care for others and share in their experiences. Over time, we have seen relationships among members grow stronger. Loving each other is a lifelong lesson, and everyone in the group continues to grow in this aspect.
For me personally, being a Connect group leader has deepened my faith. In October 2024, I felt God’s love so profoundly that I decided to get baptized. Being included in God’s family is the highest honor and greatest privilege I have ever received. I will continue to serve God and hope to bring more people to Him, sharing His love and grace with everyone I meet.