The
South West English District came into being in September 1994 and is the
14th District within the work of The Faith Mission. Simon and Rebecca
Walsh are in charge of the District, and are engaged in a wide variety
of Christian outreach and ministry throughout the district.
David Lewis will also be involved in outreach in the district.
The district takes in the counties of Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, Dorset,
Hampshire, Wiltshire and Gloustershire.
Until 1994 the work was concentrated mainly in Devon and Cornwall, but
recently missions have been conducted in Wiltshire and Dorset and the
vision is to see the work expand and develop in the other counties of
the South West.
The District is supported by eight prayer groups who meet on a monthly
basis. The longest standing group in Plymouth, Devon, has been meeting
since 1971, followed later by Launceston and Callington, both in
Cornwall, with groups in Okehampton, North Bradley, Wiltshire, Corfe
Castle, Dorset, Exeter and Lee Mill Nr. Plymouth, Devon, being added
more recently. The groups are visited regularly and fresh news is shared
for prayer. Anyone with an interest in the work is welcome and details
of these groups can be obtained from the address opposite.
A wide variety of work is carried out in the district ranging from
Gospel missions, church outreach, visitation, annual Bible teaching
Spring rallies (held in May), Christian literature displays, church
services, bible studies, ladies meetings, school assemblies, children's
Discovery Clubs, holiday clubs, special summer campaigns and Youth Camps
( 9-13 years).
A typical Gospel Mission normally lasts two to four weeks usually on
request from churches of various denominations. Prior to and during the
mission every house in the town or village will be visited, invitations
distributed and Gospel literature offered. Children's clubs are also
arranged. A regular series of adult meetings will be conducted which may
take the form of Gospel services or specially arranged events to reach
various aspects of the community, i.e.: Men's breakfasts, coffee
mornings, senior citizens lunches, video or film nights, children's fun
days, youth nights, etc...
Churches interested in finding out more about the possibilities of
outreach should contact Simon at the above address or phone number.