Paul and Christine Morley

paul and christine`s news
tough times

It has been just over 10 months since we left England and came to Canada full of hope and enthusiasm for what lay ahead. These past months however have been the most disappointing and frustrating we have ever faced in over 30 years in ministry.

Nothing of what we thought we were coming for has ever materialised. It seems the invitation to be part of the ministry team turned out to mean just being based here. We were later informed that we needed to be ‘realistic ’ as to why we were here. We were not here to preach regularly or be on leadership etc and that we were only invited because another church should have invited us and did not! Why then would we have sold up and moved across the world just to be based here when we had a great base in the UK. plus India and Africa are further to get to from Canada ?

We would not have survived this far if it had not been for our Canadian friends, our home church and other friends. We have come across others who have also suffered similar treatment . The sad thing is you would not get treated like this by a secular company.

We have stayed in Canada believing that the Lord brought us here for His plans. We have waited in faith hoping something would open up, having had a few things mentioned to us, but as yet nothing concrete has come about.

To get another visa we would need to prove income and regular ministry employment or so it seems. Then the terms of our visas state we have to leave the country with everything we brought in with us, Ah the joys, does anyone have a Mary Poppins bag we could use?

It now looks most likely that we will be moving out of Canada, [it cost $10,000 to get here] to where we do not know. We will put what possessions we have left in storage and see what takes place. We will need to sell the house and cannot afford to lose any money on it as selling a house here costs a lot more than in England.(6% of the value goes to the real estate company, that is not including lawyer fees ) Then we will put Canada down as a very costly disappointing experience.

During these difficult times we have not lost heart or become bitter. Yes, there has been lots of tears but our focus has been upon Jesus and He is never a disappointment. We have learnt so much in our ‘prison time’ and know that the Lord can redeem difficult situations, like He did for Joseph, David and Paul. We have known the Fathers blessing and favour, we would not have lasted the year if it was not for His presence, blessing and provision.

It is also been a place where we have tapped into a deeper level of His grace. We know His Joy, comfort, peace, mercy, grace and so much more and He has given us treasure in Him. We are walking in the goodness of God. He has kept us in Him and kept us sweet in Him. We have also had some great support and encouragement from mainly 4 couples, without them we would have been very very alone in a land far, far away

Ministry in other areas has continued. We have been trying to help and support the work of a church plant in the small town of Baden. There is just a handful of people meeting in a town not yet responding to the message of hope in Jesus. it’s the usual problem of a small work, people come in enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and worship but often don’t return because its small. Building and location are a problem as we seem to be on the wrong side of the tracks. It would also help if people from a larger church came to help give it a boost start. So please pray for Mike and Christine who are heading it up this work.

I have also spoken at an evangelism conference and ministered to intern groups a number of times at jubilee Christian fellowship here in Stratford. Apart from the overseas trip to Uganda in January I have ventured south to the USA on 3 occasions. Once was to attend a ministry conference then twice to speak and lecture at conferences’. The first was a weekend conference for Gospel magicians. That is always fun, I even got back into selling visual tricks in a small way but the bug is still there! I still do really enjoy working out Bible message routines for tricks and passing them on to others.

In July after Canada day and Independence day we both went south of Chicago to the One Way Street Ifest conference. Check them out at www.onewaystreet.com . This was the 13th year and it always proves to be a fantastic week for creative ministry. The focus is upon puppet ministry and ventriloquism with some Gospel magic with the spiritual theme this year being ‘fully committed’. I act as the Chaplin for the week, taking the morning devotions and several workshops. Christine was able to come this year and was involved in conference admin and praying for people. It is a very busy but enjoyable week with approx 750 - 800 people in attendance. All come hungry to learn, develop and sharpen skills and grow spiritually. We did see some come to the Lord ,others make that move to be totally committed. It is always great to renew friendships with people that we have known all these years.

Brian who was a state trooper until 8 yrs ago when he came forward for prayer following one of the devotions that led to him resigning his position and going full time in family program Evangelism. Its great to see him as a performer and lecturer at the conference this year .

After we left we got a surprise phone call to let us know that in the last presentation an offering was taken for us to help with our needs. Wow that was such a blessing and so timely. It was so good to know of their love and care for us.

the days ahead
into the unknown

We have been back to England on different occasions; Christine combined a ministry trip which included speaking at a Ladies day and on Sunday at our home church with visiting our son, daughter in law, grandson and our daughter. I returned for a Church weekend away in the Lake District. It was a great time and God moved as people focused again on all that Jesus has done for each of us.

In May I had great fun taking part in the Middleton Parish Kids club. It’s always a good time with a dedicated bunch of helpers. The jokes never improve but attendance is always good and Harry my puppet misbehaved as usual.

The days ahead - There lies the uncertainty, as it stands unless there is a God intervention we will be leaving Canada, late August, something that we are both reluctant to do. But we do need a place of regular ministry and income. We feel very sad that what started out with great expectancy has come to nothing. May be one day we will understand what it was all about.

So now we face the possibility of another move, maybe I should change my name to Abraham! We would value your prayers for the days ahead. November and December should see return visits to the Gulf and then onto India.

Do check out the web site www.paulandchristinemorley.com where we will try to post regular updates on what lies ahead. There are some new sections which have been added. We are trying to keep it updated with news and information, soon there will be some messages for you to listen to. We are also very grateful to Michael Fowler who is our web master

Do remember that in whatever situation you find yourself at this time that Jesus is still the faithful one and He is never a disappointment. People, churches and organisations may disappoint you but Jesus Never!! Hebrews states, keep your eyes fixed upon Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. Keep focused on Him and rejoice in Him