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Big Thank You from the Briers and the People's Church

Paul Briers has written on behalf of the People's Church in Worcester, South Africa, to thank the people of Hallwood Parish for the money we sent which paid for 31 chairs in their new church premises.

"We were so touched by your extremely kind gift for our 'Chairs 4 Africa' appeal. It is with loads of thanks and gratitude in our hearts that we write to you, but words can never express how we really feel and our deepest thoughts regarding what you have sacrificed for us can never be expressed. We are just so pleased that you have shared and continue to share in the many amazing things that God is accomplishing here.

So so sorry we've not replied earlier. In the midst of the busiest month we've ever had our Internet connection went down and after getting a new wi-fi router things got worse. April really has been a roller-coaster of a ride! We're so blessed to have a few good people around us as we've embarked on the building project but its still meant weeks without a day off and regular 12 hour days. But we've survived it and last Sunday we had our first service in the new building...with CHAIRS! Chairs that you paid for!

The crazy thing is, the chairs almost didn't make it! We ordered them three weeks ago and they promised delivery from Johannesburg well before the weekend. Then on Thursday they phoned and said sorry, we can only deliver 130. We stood in the empty building holding paint brushes and mops and just looked at each other. Calling the team together we prayed and asked God for all the chairs to be released. After only 15 minutes the phone rang and the supplier said he managed to get 300 chairs on a truck that evening! However, the truck didn't arrive on Good Friday as expected and we started to panic (in faith) again!! Only at the last minute on Saturday did the truck roll in to the car park to the jubilation of the whole team.

The new chairs are arranged
The new chairs are arranged.  Elaine Briers is at the front of the photo.

And, on cue, Easter Sunday saw the place packed out, with 17 people getting out of their chairs to give their lives to Jesus! We could fill a book with all the miracles and challenges of the last 5 weeks! The biggest miracle, however, is how God supplied the finances to buy chairs, paint, curtains, a stage and lots more. We are so thrilled with the end result...using some ceiling tiles, black paint and 4 lights the front of the church looks great. Thanks again for being part of the miracle."

The new premises of The People's Church
The new premises of The People's Church in Worcester, South Africa, with lots of new chairs!