Dear St John’s family,

Firstly, thank you so much for your prayers for us as a family and for supporting us in the work we do with Betel UK.

We continue to be busy with life in Betel Birmingham, supporting the work with the men and women who join our communities to get help with life difficulties, and also helping to lead the church plant Anchor Point Church. Please pray for Betel UK as we feel it’s time to change the way we do some things, but without losing the DNA of why we do what we do. For a number of years, the leadership team have felt God speaking to them through Isaiah 43:19 about ‘doing a new thing’, which we continue to pray into. We need God’s guidance to know what and how to change, and for hearts ready to do new things.

Thank you so much for the monetary gift St John’s gave Betel earlier this year from the building fund; what a surprise blessing. It has enabled the women’s house to have a full re-do of their communal kitchen, which was in serious need of repair and upgrade, and to put in a new boiler for their house. We also used the money as seed money towards our businesses; repairing our furniture vehicles which get constant use 6-days a week and are essential for our furniture shops and house clearances. We also used it to buy new tools for our gardens and furniture restoration businesses which is such a blessing; we have very happy gardeners and furniture restorers.

Our church plant Anchor Point Church has entered an exciting season with the start of small groups, running the Alpha course on a Wednesday night and starting a students’ group. It is encouraging to see some residents and students coming along to the church and wanting to get involved with the church community. Mark is leading a small group at the church which is going really well and he has been encouraged to see a good mix of people getting involved. Due to having children at home, I am leading a different group for the newer Betel ladies which I love. We are working our way through the Alpha course which is bringing up great conversations and also gives me lots of homework to go away and find answers to some of the questions. Please pray for those in both our groups, that they would meet Jesus in a new way and feel part of a loving community.

We are excited that phase 3 of our Anchor Point building development has finally begun. God has, once again, provided funds, supplies and workers in surprising and miraculous ways! We are constantly reminded that He is in control and we don’t need to worry.

On a family note, Harvey has just turned six and is loving Year 1, swimming and attending Boys’ Brigade. Sophia enjoys pre-school, especially dancing and gardening club, and on a Friday morning she helps me run a toddler group. Mark completed his Theology degree and has begun a Masters course in Theology & Ministry at Durham university. He attended a five-day residential to begin the year, and will have a combination of online and in-person modules during the rest of the year. I am enjoying being part of two choirs as my extra-curricular activities, and singing Christmas songs in October!

We are looking forward to being with you for an evening service in November.

With our love, Mark, Ruth, Harvey and Sophia

Ruth & Mark Cuthbert
Betel Ministries

God is doing a new thing!