May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)
Firstly, I would like to say huge thanks to you all for the beautiful cards, heartfelt messages, flowers, and emails you sent to us to celebrate the arrival of my precious grandson, Caleb Noah. We are all truly thankful for your love, kindness, prayers, and good wishes. Your thoughtfulness has touched our hearts, and we deeply appreciate each and every one of you. He is very beautiful addition in our lives, in other words, our lives have been changed wonderfully.
It is often said that the only constant in life is change. Whether we welcome it or resist it, change is part of our lives. Children grow up, families change, careers begin and end, friendships develop, and circumstances shift in ways we never expected. Some changes bring joy and excitement; others bring uncertainty and loss.
Most of us find change difficult because we naturally prefer what is familiar and comfortable. Yet the Bible reminds us that change is essential into the pattern of life. As Ecclesiastes tells us:
“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
Throughout Scripture, God calls people into new situations. Abraham left his homeland to follow God’s promise. Moses led the Israelites into a new future. The disciples left their nets to follow Jesus. None of these changes were easy, but through them God accomplished His purposes.
My dear brothers and sisters, we can think of changes in our own lives—a move to a new home, new country, new community, the arrival of a child, retirement, the loss of a loved one, or changes within our church family, as by the grace of God, our dear brother, Revd Paul, has faithfully served the Lord among us and has now been called to serve Him in another place. We give thanks for his fruitful ministry and pray for God’s continued blessings upon Paul and his beautiful family as they begin this new chapter.
At the same time, it is with great joy that we warmly welcome Revd Jonathan, his lovely wife Kerri and beautiful children Leo and Henry, whom God has called from the USA to serve here in Eastbourne among us. On behalf of all East Team churches, I want to welcome warmly to dear brother Jonathan, and his family. It is with great joy and a warm heart that I extend this welcome to you as you prepare to join us in ministry here in the UK.
As someone who made a similar journey from Pakistan to serve in UK, in Eastbourne, I know well the mix of anticipation and transition that comes with moving to a new land. I want to share with you my personal experience with my church family and colleagues, that you are coming to a place where you will be deeply embraced. In my time here, I have found that our churches and our colleagues are truly loving and caring. The transition may be significant, but you will find yourself surrounded by a church family that genuinely values and supports one another. We are all here because God has called us to serve Him in this place. It is a profound privilege to be part of a team where our fellow ministers and congregation members are not just colleagues, but a true family.
I am very much looking forward to the privilege of serving the Lord alongside you. May your journey be smooth, and may you feel the presence and peace of God as you prepare for this new chapter.
Please be assured of our continued prayers for you as you begin this new chapter of ministry. If there is anything I can do to support or assist you in any way, please do not hesitate to let me know. By the grace of God, my time of ministry has been truly memorable and blessed, especially through the opportunity to serve alongside Revd Paul. I look back with deep gratitude for the fellowship, encouragement, and unity we shared. With hope and faith in Christ, I look forward to the days ahead, trusting that we too will work together in harmony and unity, serving the Lord faithfully alongside our lovely church family and colleagues. May God guide, strengthen, and bless us all as we continue to serve Him together. As we journey through these changes, may we trust in God’s unfailing guidance and give thanks for His faithfulness, knowing that He continues to lead and build His Church according to His gracious purpose.
That truth gives us confidence. Our circumstances may change, but God’s love, mercy, and faithfulness remain constant.
This beautiful hymn reminds us, “Morning by morning new mercies I see.”
Each new day is a gift from God, filled with His grace and care. As we face the changes before us, may we trust not in our own understanding but in the One who walks beside us through every transition and every step.
Let us Pray, Gracious and loving Father, in a world that is constantly changing, we thank You that Your love never fails and Your faithfulness never ends.
Help us, guide us and lead us to trust in Your guidance. When change is difficult, give us courage to move forward in faith, so we could embrace change with faith. When we face uncertainty, remind us that You are always with us. Open our hearts to the new things You are doing among us and help us to follow you. May Your Holy Spirit strengthen us, encourage us, and fill us with hope, love and unwavering faith. We ask this through Jesus’ precious name, Amen.
With every blessing,
Rev. Memona
Excerpt taken from Emmanuel Magazine September 2026. The magazine, published ten times annually, features articles contributed or authored by our members. It includes a delightful blend of testimonials, devotions, book reviews, prayers, jokes, upcoming events, and more. Grab your copy of the latest magazine at the church foyer. If you prefer to receive a copy by mail or email, feel free to reach out to us.