Norwich couple in Caribbean pastors mission

A Norwich Street Pastors couple are giving up two years of their lives to travel out to Antigua, not to soak up the sun on the beach but to help local churches and Street Pastors project. Norfolk Street Pastors co-ordinator Val Dodsworth, reports.

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Two years ago, committed Christian couple Paula and Martin Callam who live in Norwich, were asking God about His plans for them, and offering themselves for His service in another country. They had strong connections with Christian work in one of the Balkan countries and were confident that was where they would serve God. Plans were being made and their confidence and enthusiasm for this service were high....and then, for a variety of reasons....... it all fell through. Disappointment, rejection, let down by God and a multitude of questions were on their lips.

 

At the same time that all this was happening, they were also involved with the newly started Street Pastors project in Norwich, expecting that it was very likely that they would pull out when their overseas placement plans were finalised. However, God had a different plan for them.

 

As they were picking themselves up from their disappointment over the closing of the Balkan door... another one began to open....

 

“Christian couple needed to take forward the work of Street Pastors in Antigua”! Antigua, that’s the West Indies, isn’t it? It’s the island where Street Pastors first started, it’s in the Caribbean, warm white sands and blue sea and lots of sunshine. Could this be what God really had in mind for them?

 

And so they began to ask God about it and went for the interviews in London with the Ascension Trust, the founders of Street Pastors. When these went well, they flew over to Antigua to take a good look at what was required and at where they would be working and with whom. 

 

In September, Paula and Martin, members of Wroxham Road Methodist Church, will leave their home and late night patrols on the Norwich streets, to fly to Antigua for at least two years. There they will work with the local churches and the local leaders of  Street Pastors, helping in the administration and co-ordination of the project so that the love, care and  goodness of God can be more clearly demonstrated to people on the streets there.

 

On September 11 at 7.30pm friends, colleague and Street Pastors will gather at Wroxham Road Methodist Church to hear about their call, and to hear from the Rev Les Isaacs, the founder of Street Pastors, about the work they are going to. We are inviting everyone to join with us to be encouraged and inspired to greater love and trust in the God who has plans for each one of us.

 

If anyone would like to support the Callams, either by prayer or donation, or both, please contact them on antigua2@streetpastors.org