Rev. Peter Richmond echoed a frequent theme of Pastor Jonathan's sermons when he talked about the good Christians have done in the world. People tend to blame social problems on the church, forgetting devout Christians like Wilberforce, who campaigned to put an end to slavery. In the establishment of schools and hospitals, Christians have been at the forefront, and they are first on the scene if help is needed in a disaster, according to Tsunami reports. Despite television news portraying Israel as an aggressor, Peter also described how that little country has been a blessing to the world, with the highest number of Nobel Peace Prize winners and an enviable achievement in scientific advances. He talked about a new material that has been invented to absorb moisture in the air and create rain in the Negev desert. Peter sees all this as fulfilment of the promises given to Abraham by God (Genesis 22, 26 and 28) that all nations would be blessed through him and his offspring. The word 'offspring' (or 'seed') is singular, referring to one descendent, and that is Jesus. "We are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do" (Ephesians 2:10). Peter said, "If God so loved the world... then why can't we? God has put us here as the church so that we could bless the world. That is the Gospel. Jesus said, 'I am with you always.' If we believe this, then when people meet us, they meet someone who lives in the presence of Jesus." Visitors from Switzerland were among those attending on Sunday morning, which started with a time of praise and worship led by the musicians. Services take place every Sunday at 10.15 am in Emmanuel Gospel Hall, Manorbier (near the garden centre). A warm welcome is extended to all.
