Missionaries speak at Briston gospel meeting

Gareth and Malou Bolton, who work with Operation Mobilisation, the international gospel ministry famous for its mission ships, were guest speakers at a meeting in Briston last Sunday. Matthew Pickhaver reports on Gareth’s testimony.

Born in London and growing up in Dartford, Gareth was curious about religion, once even spending time in a monastery. But it was coming to Keswick Hall near Norwich for teaching training in the late 1960’s that changed his life. There he met some fellow students who clearly took the Bible seriously, and their witness, and that of the CU, led to Gareth's conversion to real faith in Jesus Christ. Another friend said it wouldn't last, but that was 57 years ago! David Middleton, pastor at Surrey Chapel as it then was, was another encouraging influence at that time.
 
During his ensuing teaching career, back in the Dartford primary school he'd attended as a pupil, Gareth ran after-school 'Adventurer' Bible and youth clubs, and saw many children also come to faith. He began attending Operation Mobilisation mission prayer nights and soon had a go at serving overseas himself.
 
Persuaded by OM founder George Verwer and others, Gareth eventually joined OM full-time in 1992 and it was on their ship MV Doulos in India that he met Malou. Malou had also been converted at university, after a religious upbringing on the island of Batanes in the Philippines, and was working preparing ports ahead of the ship's dockings. They married in 1997.
 
Most of their time since has been spent Bible-teaching and evangelising as part of OM's international co-ordination team, more recently on board MV Logos Hope. For example, just days before this latest UK return, they were on Trinidad & Tobago, and in total they've now visited at least 140 countries!
 
In the question time that followed the talk, Gareth also explained about their own charity, Amen Trust, which supports Christian ministries and practical projects in some of the world's poorest communities, including in Romania, Serbia, Nigeria, India and the Philippines. Finally, conversations together continued over refreshments.
 
You can read more about Gareth & Malou on their own website here.
See also Amen Trust and Operation Mobilisation.
 
This meeting was arranged by a group of Christians who meet every Sunday afternoon in Briston for prayer and Bible study, as well as running Holiday Bible Clubs for primary-aged children. If you or someone you know might be interested in coming along - or for more details in order to pray for the work - please contact Matthew Pickhaver at matthewpickhaver@hotmail.com or on 07910 383682.
 
The photo of Gareth and Malou is courtesy of Matthew Pickhaver.

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