Stratford
Elisha John has been welcomed to Gurney Road Grace Baptist Church in Stratford, London, as its new minister.
He succeeds Pastor Achille Blaize, who retired in September 2009 having served faithfully as minister of the church since 1975.
The church gave Pastor Blaize a retirement party last September, with many speakers and surprise guests, including a satellite link to his long-standing friend Pastor Al Martin, of Trinity Baptist Church, Montville, USA.
The church had been praying consistently for God to send them a new pastor and their prayers were answered when Mr John and his wife, Catherine, accepted the invitation to take up the ministry at Gurney Road.
Pastor John, who is originally from Pakistan, was inducted in December, with a formal welcome service held on 3 January. The services saw the church filled with many friends and family, creating a warm and happy atmosphere. All those present sensed God’s presence in a special way.
Stratford is a multicultural area and, with the Olympic Park just a few minutes from the church, it is exciting to see how God will use Pastor John and fellow elder Jack Hampshire.
Jacqueline Vass
