Dear Supporters and Friends,

May the good Lord Jesus bless and prosper you all as you press on to the higher calling of God Almighty. Thank you all for your great patience waiting for this newsletter, the first this year.

Although I do love to write, I'm not too keen on writing about what God has done through me, as I usually commit yesterday - and beyond - to His safe keeping. When a witness has been given, God is the only One who can water it with grace. I'm always afraid to be seen too much, hence robbing God of His glory. However it's only fitting that you, as supporters, should know what's happening, because it may just be that your prayers are the ones God will use to water the seeds. Being part of God's Bride, we are all dependent on each other's gifts to bring God's plans to fruition. So let's get to it!

December, 2004

Had lovely letter and photos of children from M. Prabhim Moses, who runs a Christian school for orphans in India. Quote:- "Brother John Wilson, thank you a lot for the wonderful parcels of books, tapes, Bibles and Sunday School mags. The children love to hear your gospel encounters on tape. They listen and are full of questions. Many of your books & tracts are circulating around our district, as well as being carried over India by our faithful pastors and evangelists. Please consider coming to see us. You could carry your banner around our villages and speak to our people. Please at least keep sending us literature that will promote the Living God and His gospel".

January, 2005

My dear friend John Locke (from Olivet Brethren Assembly in Falkirk) is involved with LIBERTY CHRISTIAN TRUST. He is now in Albania, putting the finishing touches to the translation into Albanian of 'Impossible with Men, Possible with God'. In fact I believe it may now be complete. The book will be used in Albania, Greece & Italy, along the same lines as in the Czech Republic. Quoting from Liberty Christian Trust Newsletter:- "John Locke is now in Albania for 5 weeks. He hopes to complete the translation and publication of 'Impossible with Men, Possible with God' for distribution to Albanian prisoners in Greece and Italy as well as in Albania". So, what's impossible with men is certainly possible with God.

February, 2005

Queen of the South football team were fortunate enough to get into the quarter finals of the Bell's Scottish Cup, so come Saturday 5th I put on my yellow jacket (with "Jesus Saves" on the front and "Jesus died for your sins" on the back), packed my rucksack with 500 tracts, and cycled over to Palmerston Park. Over 3000 visiting Dundee United supporters turned up, and I took my stance opposite the programme sellers. This turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as it happens, since many of the visitors came to me asking for programmes. My answer was "These are your extra anytime message to encourage your soul". Suffice it to say that I went home empty of tracts. So 500 souls need your prayers. Add to that the nine books that people took, and double that number of conversations.

George Perrie and I travelled to Perth Christian Centre (George is driver and bookseller, among other things, for the Trust) to take the main meeting. Around 600 people turned up for what was an excellent opportunity to testify and preach the Gospel. The large posters around Perth said "PERTH OUTREACH DINNER WITH SPECIAL GUEST JOHN WILSON - A HOPELESS CASE?"

Even before the meeting began a fresh-faced delightful character came bounding over to me excitedly. "Do you remember me?" he said. "Yes sir", says I, "but unfortunately I can't remember where we met." "Dumfries", he says. "Five years ago I was sleeping rough. You and your German friend (Stephan Brandt) helped me out. You took me to Bethany Hall where I got a shower and food and tea. Then you came over to where I was 'skippering' (sleeping rough), brought me food, clothes and, most of all, hope. After three weeks I left Dumfries, and two days later I was sleeping in an old allotment hut in Dundee. I pulled out my smoke tin, and the leaflet your friend had given me fell out. I read it and immediately broke down and asked God to save me. The next day I made contact with born-again Christians, and have now been in fellowship for five years. This is my fiancée Pam, and we want to serve God abroad on the mission field after we are wed."

So, dear friends - the moral of this story is to keep giving out God's Scripture, and in His own time it will yield fruit.

Also in February I joined up with the Glen Aros Fellowship in their regular outreach. Once a month. Sandy, Ethel, John, George and a few other brothers & sisters sing wonderful Gospel songs in the High Street in Dumfries. I count it such a privilege to be among, or part of, this genuine outreach. Many townsfolk and visitors hear God's Word, as well as seeing an excellent Gospel picture board presented by the ever faithful Ronald McNabb, one of the Glen Aros evangelists. The Fellowship, by the way, meets in the Steele Avenue Hall in Sandside, Dumfries.

March, 2005

Dumfries now has a Christian political party. Both Carole & I voted unhesitatingly for our dear friend Mark Smith, who collected 280 votes - not bad for a first canvass. Any local Christians who would like to know more should contact the RIVER OF LIFE CHRISTIAN CENTRE, Dumfries Station, Lovers' Walk, Dumfries, DG1 1LU. The telephone number is 01387 264 646.

Around four years ago I thought of the 'BOP' ('Born Again Party'), but unfortunately physical problems made this not for me. However, if you want the party with the Lordship of Christ at its core, then there are opportunities in coming years to vote positively for this. Pray for Mark and other brethren who are involved in this spiritual party for the cause of Christ.

In Edinburgh we had our banner up on The Mound, next to Princes Street, and in Glasgow we had it in Buchanan Street and Sauchiehall Street. Many tracts and books given out, and many conversations.

As you all know, we are heavily involved in prison work. In particular we support two magazines for prisoners: 'Peace With-In' and 'Set Free Ministries'. Philip C. Sheridan, who is serving three life sentences, was in prison when he was saved, and he has kept the faith. Even though under heavy persecution over many years, he started the magazine 'Peace With-In', trusting that his Saviour wanted this and would provide all the materials and costs. The magazine is written for prisoners by Christian prisoners, and not one month in many years has he been let down by Jesus. Sometimes he has all the parcels ready to ship out, and at the last moment the stamps (or cash to buy them) appear. Anyone willing to help Phil in this important ministry where the Lord Jesus is using him, should get in touch with Mick Stafford (what a story he has to tell) at 34 Suez Street, New Basford, Nottingham, NG7 7GB, telephone 01158 457 564. If a guy can achieve so much from a prison cell, how much more should we be able to accomplish with so many resources at our disposal and the freedom to use them. What an encouragement!

April, 2005

While in the Oxfam shop in Dumfries one day, looking for Bibles, Christian books, CDs, tapes, etc. that I could use in the work, I found a Mormon card in one of the books I bought. Being in the habit of sending a book to the person named on any card I find in the street or on buses and trains, I sent one of my books to Elder Michael Duncan of Sandy, Utah 84092, with a note explaining why. This Mormon elder sent the following reply:-

"I received the book about your life that you sent me. I served as a full-time missionary for two years in Scotland. From March to May 1967 I was in Dumfries. I don't know how my card survived so long, but I've learned that things happen for a reason. It was not easy for your book to reach me. The house I grew up in (where the book was sent to) was sold over 30 years ago. Several people have lived there since then. I received a 'phone call from the person who currently lives there. He had been going down the list of Michael Duncans (of which there are many) in our city's phone directory. I am sure not many people would have gone to all that trouble to find me. Assured of who I was, he forwarded the parcel to me. I know God preserved the card and inspired you to send me the book. I am very glad you contacted me, and I have felt a bond I am not able to understand."

Mr. Duncan also contacted the Mormons currently in Dumfries, three of whom visited me recently. I was able to give an excellent witness, and all three left with a copy of the same book under their arms. Now if that is not the Lord moving, then I would be very surprised.

May, 2005

The loyal George Perrie and I set off for meetings in Shotts, at the Dykehead Mission Hall. We had an excellent Saturday evening with singing from Jocky Wilson (Wishaw) and a great testimony / gospel service. I spoke of Barabbas, who as a condemned murderer and thief was originally supposed to be nailed to the cross on which Jesus was killed (for our sins). The crowd called "Give us Barabbas", which provided a handy escape from their consciences - they could tell themselves "I'm not as bad as Barabbas ......", whereas with Jesus they felt convicted, guilty and ashamed. And hence ... "Away with Him".

We had such a warm welcome in Shotts that George and I were overwhelmed with the genuine fellowship from Sandy Laird and the Dykehead Christians.

After a night in Shotts we headed off to Bo'ness for another meeting. Sandra Mathers had written to ask if I wouild testify and encourage the Christians, who were preparing for the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland in Edinburgh. Sandra, her husband and son made us so welcome, and a meal fit for a king was heartily consumed. At dinner Mr. Mathers kept the fellowship flowing, after which we all left for the meeting at Bo'ness Old Parish Church. Vangel, the brilliant gospel band, kicked us off with a few excellent rousing hymns - "We are here to praise You...", "O let the Son of God enfold you...", "I serve a risen Saviour...". With around 90 souls belting out these great songs, it was just simply a night to remember, a time that made you so glad to be saved and to know the Saviour.

Vangel can be contacted for meetings at PO Box 12573, Bo'ness, EH51 0YL, Scotland.

June, 2005

The "Who's Who" work goes on, with many replies coming in. I mention a few names for prayer .... Anna Ford (news reader), Keith Floyd (chef), Dick Francis (crime novelist), Donnie Munro (ex-member of the Runrig rock band ... now a Gaelic university teacher and politician), Hugh Orde (Chief Constable of Northern Ireland), Charlie George (ex-centre-forward for Arsenal in the '70s) and Marvin Andrews. Marvin is a brother in the Lord and Rangers player who, after they won the cup, wore a tee-shirt with the Scripture quotation "Impossible with Men ... Possible with God".

These are but a few, but please pray for this whole work.

I also sent a book to encourage Abigail Witchells, who is still in hospital in Surrey, the victim of a horrendous, wicked stabbing as she walked with her baby through a park. Please pray for this brave girl and her family.

Extras

As a footnote to the Albanian story, it's great to now have the book in that language. My friend Colin Stephen, who is in Shkoder, Albania, with his wife Elida & family, said in his last newsletter that persecution had increased following a couple of suicides by people who had been visited by JWs. The government is cracking down on all organisations claiming the title "Christian". So bad has it been that Colin's Sunday School has emptied, and he now spends his time trying to convince the parents that it's not RELIGION but RELATIONSHIP.

Pray for Colin & family, and that everything will be restored a hundred-fold. When satan attacks a work of God, he does not muck about. I'll be sending, or arranging to be sent, some copies of the book in Albanian. Pray that they will find the right eyes.

This full-time work is all I ever wanted in life: a purpose, a plan and a pleasure. Each week, because of ulcers and broken feet, I can't get to as many meetings as I'd like. However, a faithful bunch of friends send excellent teaching tapes from Northern Ireland, London & Canada, so I don't miss out.. If anything, I am often bursting to get to my next speaking engagement just to encourage, plant seeds and sing to the Lord. Some people I meet are only interested in their own denomination ... How wrong they are. The Bride of Christ is my denomination - only Jesus, Jesus only. How wonderful to meet souls from all walks of life who have come to the same loving Saviour. Last year someone said (light-heartedly) "John, you are not pure Brethren". My reply was, "Thank God as well, because if I was it might take me away from being pure Christian". People actually worry about what others think, and spend more time trying to be accepted by groups than with Christ. No wonder I say "Jesus only". If we can't accept each other for the person God made us and support one another, how do we expect God to accept us just as we are? By the way ... He does! We are not here to find favour with men; we are the Lord's property alone. People don't like the person who is out of step - they feel somehow threatened. Yet we are not here to be liked; we are here to serve Jesus only, irrespective of what people think. Rest assured that when you serve Jesus only, true freedom has a price, usually isolation.

Here are my personal principles: [1] Never judge others (1 Corinthians 4 v.3-5). [2] Never discuss the faults and failings of absent ones (Proverbs 16 v.28). [3] Never divulge secrets (Proverbs 11 v.13). [4] Never repeat a matter (Proverbs 17 v.9). [5] Rather remain silent when there is nothing I can say to another's advantage. [6] Set a watch upon my lips (Psalm 39 v.1). [7] Always attribute the best motives (1 Corinthians 13 v.7). [8] Talk less and listen more. [9] Take time to be friendly. [10] Be genuinely courteous. [11] Shun debt. [12] Read at least one hour per day. [13] Practise and cultivate patience. [14] Lastly, but not least:- should I fail in any one of these points, genuinely repent and confess immediately - if necessary ask an injured party for forgiveness.

Pray:-

About all the points mentioned in this newsletter, for revival in our churches in the U.K., for all genuine Christian leaders, for our own government and the Royal Family, our soldiers and defenders throughout the world, for the contacts of the JWT, revival and salvation of souls in Bethany Hall, Dumfries, for the Prison Fellowship and prison workers like John Locke and Colin Cuthbert, for "Peace With-In" and "Set Free" ministries, in particular Martin Tuson's book "Set Free", soon to be published. Pray for harmony in our fellowships, for all Christians to accept all other (genuine) Christians, for so much more of Jesus and a lot less of ourselves, for genuine Christian caring for the homeless in Dumfries.

New supporter:

While at Shotts in May I met an old friend, Robb Alcorn, who knows a few things about computers. He has volunteered to get us on "the web", so we should have a website running fairly soon. Robb is also helping with these newsletters and extra encouragement sheets, which we hope to start soon. He is currently looking for full-time employment and would value your prayers in this regard.

Encouragement Corner

God's power ... "He delivereth and rescueth, and He worketh signs and wonders in heaven and in earth" (Daniel 6 v.26-27). This is His great work, the work of salvation of the soul. All His energies are concentrated in the greatest of all His acts - the act of Redemption. This is not a salvage job. This is a salvation job, a restoration to man's first estate and even something more than that - pardon, from an offended God - pardon, from sins of deepest dye - pardon, bestowed through Jesus' blood - pardon that brings the rebel nigh! Who is a pardoning God like Thee? Or who has grace so rich and free? Dear friends, who can stand before the Lord? ... Let us learn afresh that our sweet Lord brings beauty from ashes. Our "NOW" is all we have in Christ. Amen

If you would like prayer requests, copies of the book"Impossible with men ...", or for us to send a copy to a friend or contact, please let us know. The book is also on CD and cassette, read by the author. Soon we will have our own website, but in the meantime, both this newsletter and "Impossible with men ..." can be found at www.truthquest.free-online.co.uk. You will be kept up to date with developments.