Counties Connector, Andy Dykes, shares how a small, aging fellowship near Everton football ground, which was facing closure, now has 18 nationalities represented there.

Spellow Lane Church, Everton

Situated about 500 yards from Goodison Park, the home of Everton F.C, is Spellow Lane Church. It is home to many different nationalities and Counties Connector, Andy Dykes had the privilege of speaking there on the subject of love.

ANDY’S STORY

As we welcome in the New Year it’s always good to be encouraged by stories of how God is working in the lives of communities and nationalities across the country. Spellow Lane Evangelical church has seen several changes over the past ten years. It was a small aging fellowship near Everton football ground that looked like it might soon close. This has changed, with several Brazilian people starting to attend and, more recently people from Africa and China. There are currently up to 18 nationalities represented. The elders have given careful thought about how to encourage and disciple this congregation. And in many ways, it presents a situation similar to the early church outside of Jerusalem. There is a mix of culture, language, background, and experience but a common trust and faith in Jesus Christ.

When I spoke to them pre-COVID, there were a large number of Brazilian people attending the church, and the notes and slides were translated into Portuguese to make the teaching more accessible. Sometimes the teaching would be interpreted; sometimes it was in Portuguese and translated into English. It’s encouraging to see how churches can be inventive and creative in communicating truth.

I spoke there recently at a midweek meeting and was encouraged to see different cultures represented. The building opened early for those coming from work and, after refreshments and conversation I spoke on 1 Corinthians 13.

Love is vital (1-3); Love is visible (4-7)l; Love is eternal (8-13).

We looked at love in action and considered how it is expressed within a community. Then we broke into groups for discussion. We examined the link between truth and love. Then we looked at how that would affect the ways we shared the Gospel and our lives with people, before praying together.

I was encouraged as I talked to a young man from Guinea Bissau, who was there with his mother and sister. It was good to reflect on the challenge of God's word and get to know each other so much better. Pray for Spellow Lane as they seek to grow and for their leaders, Stephen, David, and Beto as they rejoice in these new God-given opportunities and seek to grow a united, spiritual fellowship in the shadow of Goodison Park. Thank God for his goodness, grace, and purpose, and pray for this church.