Dear Reader,
WITH the start of the new year upon us, we at First & Last Ministries look forward to God's continued blessings on this vital outreach work to Jehovah's Witnesses.
The news, that the number of Jehovah's Witnesses in Britain has fallen, yet again shows that the work we are all involved in is bearing fruit.
In 1997 we had many reasons to praise the Lord. Let us look at a few examples.
The year started off with the exciting news that ex-Jehovah's Witnesses living in Cornwall, had spoken out against the Watch Tower Society for the first time ever on British television.
Although only shown in the south-west of England, the programme, on BBC2, certainly helped to raise public awareness about this harmless looking cult.
Please keep praying that the BBC will show the programme nation-wide.
During the summer, we were pleased to announce the launch of the Danger at your Door campaign.
The campaign, to provide households with stickers, asking Witnesses not to call on them, has been well received by many of you.
The autumn saw yet another leap forward for First & Last Ministries, as it entered the electronic world of the Internet.
The year also saw a number of other groups join us in this work. In the spring, former JW elder Larry Grant set up a national network called Liberty Outreach, to help co-ordinate the work of counter-cult groups around the country.
While, later in the year, Peter Stanton announced the setting up of the Kingdom Publishers Journal.
Peter Stanton was also instrumental in re-establishing the Witnesses Now for Jesus convention, which was held in October. (click here to see report).
Please keep these and all the other ministries in your prayers.
What the coming year will bring, only the Lord knows.
The news that a group of Witnesses is challenging the Watch Tower Society over its stance on blood transfusions (see front page) is certainly an issue that we will keep an eye on.
And you can be sure that Concern will strive to keep you abreast of any other news regarding the Society.
If you have any articles or comments you wish to send us then they will all be most welcome.
In the meantime, we wish each and every one of you a happy new year.
Les Kerr & Bill Bacon,
First & Last Ministries.