The Circuit Leaving Service for Rev Yemi Jaiyesimi and Deacon Lemia Nkwelah took place on Sunday 26th July and was a 'Zoom' service streamed from Rev Rachel Bending's manse. Following the service, Yemi and Lemia have both sent messages to the Circuit.
Lemia's message
I have to say I feel very loved by you all and as I begin my exit you will all remain in my heart. Thank you for the gifts the circuit gave me yesterday and for the service that went so well and smoothly. Many thanks to Thomas for the love he puts in the work of the circuit, and to you Rachel, for your support.
Shirlyn, Sue, Yemi, Rachel - you have been the greatest companions on this journey. I know I said my thank you during the service. Thank you, once more.
I pray that God continues to bless you and to use you richly in His work within and beyond. I will miss you all but at the same time, I am excited about the new appointment.
It is well.
With every blessing.
Lemia
Yemi's message
Dear People of God in Greenford and Northolt and the Ealing Trinity Circuit,
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. His mercies never come to an end.
These words written by Jeremiah may sound almost untrue to so many who have been in a lot of pain in recent times, the pain of isolation. The pain of losing loved ones, the pain of losing a job, the pain of coronavirus and other times of ailments, the pain of depression, the pain of not being able to come together physically to worship, the pain of cancelled holidays, the pain of broken relationships, the pain of income loss, the pain of separation and much more. But then in all of this pain there is cause to hope. Let us pause to read a little bit of The Lamentations of Jeremiah where the words 'The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases' appear.
In Lamentations chapter 3 vv 17 -18 and 21 - 25 Jeremiah says:
I have been deprived of peace. I have forgotten what prosperity is. So I say my splendour is gone and all that I had hoped from the Lord.
Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope.The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. His mercies never come to an end . They are new every morning. Great is Thy faithfulness. I say to myself The Lord is my portion, therefore I will wait for Him.The LORD is good to those who Hope in Him to the one who seeks Him.
Jeremiah went from lamentation to adoration because he remembered the steadfast love of God..
As we all journey on to a future unknown we know the one who holds the future is the one who loved us so much that He died for us. We remember the exhortation of Paul, 'Rejoice in the Lord always'.
As I write my daughter-in-law Jane is recovering fom an operation she had on Friday. Her name 'Jane' means 'God is gracious' and that too is the meaning of the name of my son John.
God is gracious and I am confident that He will be gracious to my daughter-in-law Jane and my son John and indeed to all of us. My wife Mojisola has gone over to Huddersfield to be with our five grandchildren and I know God will continue to be gracious to her and them - Joachim, Jasmine. Jemimah. Johanna and Juliana.
On behalf of my wife and I thank you ever so much for being gracious to us during our four year stay with you. Thanks to all of you in Greenford and Northolt and the wider Circuit for your love, your friendship and fellowship, for your your goodwill, your generous gifts, cards and good wishes. Thanks too for your encouragement and prayers and practical help. We will remember you with affection.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15 v 13).
Thomas looking at the scars on the hands of Jesus is bowled over with such amazing love and he exclaims, 'My Lord and God'. (John 20 v 28).
This, this is the God we adore our faithful unchangeable friend......'Tis Jesus the first and the last. We will praise Him for all that is past and trust Him for all that is to come. Amen .
So my dear friends do not wrestle. Just nestle. Our God reigns and He cares. GOD be with you.
Stay safe. Stay secure in the never ending love of Jesus sharing His Good News in Word and Action.
Warm regards,
Yemi.