Mark and Ruth Cuthbert working with Betel

This is a photo of Adrian who God miraculously enabled to serve a 2-year suspended sentence with us in Betel rather than a minimum of 8 years in prison.

Hello St John’s,

As we enter into my spring-like weather and see things beginning to bloom, it feels as though God has Betel UK at the start of a new blooming season also.

In Birmingham we are continuing to get lots of new men and women, which has enabled us to reopen a second women’s house and a third men’s house. Wonderful! These houses have brilliant leaders, many of whom are very new in their walk with Jesus, but have seen how Jesus has transformed their lives and are choosing to help others.

We are seeing men and women giving their lives to the Lord and recently celebrated 7 getting baptised. It was such a celebration; we heard testimonies, families who had never attended church before came to the service, and we enjoyed lunch together as a church afterwards. Mark happily baptised people in our new indoor baptismal pool with warm water!

Please pray that these men and women would stand firm in their commitment to God, and that their relationship with God would deepen and be vibrant.

Two weeks ago we had the absolute honour of welcoming Prince William to Anchor Point!! I know- who would have thought?!? A number of Betel residents and former residents were able to share their experiences of homelessness and addiction, and how their lives have been completely transformed. He then visited the different enterprises that we have at Anchor Point; our new Salon which is opening on the 1 June, the Infinite Arts (creative arts) team and the Rising café. He provided a royal official opening of Anchor Point. We pray that this visit will help to expand the exposure and awareness of Betel and what we are doing through Anchor Point.

Please also pray for the new Salon business, that those who use it experience the love of God and want to know more. On 17 & 18 May our Infinite Arts team are hosting a conference at Anchor Point for anyone who is interested in exploring creativity in worship.

It’s open to anyone and should be a fantastic time. If this is something you have a passion for, or would like to explore further, please come along. I will be involved with the children’s programme on the Saturday and Mark will be helping with the general running of the day. More information and tickets can be bought via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/infinite-24-tickets-851446217557

Please pray for final weeks of preparation for the conference, that they go smoothly, that lots of tickets are sold and that those who attend will experience new and deeper ways of worshipping God.

Thank you so much for your continued support of us as a family and for the work of Betel UK. Thank you for your prayers for us as a family. Please pray for Mark as he writes his dissertation for his MA in theology, looking at Addiction recovery in a worshipping community. The kids continue to love school, love being part of Betel and Anchor Point Church. It’s such a blessing watching them get involved with what we do!

Thank you for prayers for my back which is definitely healing, and is so so much better than it was a year ago. I’m believing for complete recovery and no pain. We are looking forward to being with you for the evening service on 2 June.

Every blessing,

Mark, Ruth, Harvey and Sophia Cuthbert