Hitchman News November 2025

Hitchman News
November 2025 ... Encouragement, Celebration and Fellowship.

A visit from Carlisle, A wedding in Cambodia, and how a cancelled conference led to a wonderful time of fellowship.

A Fantastic Visit.

In September, we were visited by David and Esther Allen and Mal and Marion Tabb from Carlisle Elim. We’ve really enjoyed working with their church: in the past, with face-to-face ministry and seminars, and over the last year or so, through online consultation, helping to establish a structure where ministry to couples within Carlisle Elim happens regularly. We were completely blown away by how they showed God’s love to us on their visit. We had lots of conversations, lots of laughter, lots of love and encouragement and have been left with many wonderful memories.

A Wonderful Wedding.

We have said before that one of our favourite parts of ministry is working with couples who are getting married. It’s such a privilege to walk alongside them during this formative time and invest in building strong foundations that they can build their life together upon. It is even better when we get to celebrate with them. Because Marty (Elim’s International Mission Director) was already busy attending the Global God Conference and Prayer for the Nations Sunday programmes, we were able to represent Elim Missions at Sophie (Elim missionary to Cambodia) and Sarun’s wedding in Cambodia. It was such a delight to witness both their Khmer and English services whilst catching up with old friends from our previous ministry trips to Cambodia. The footwashing ceremony during the Khmer part of the wedding especially impacted us. In addition to the blessing of celebrating their marriage, we got the added bonus of experiencing, first hand, the mission field in which they are now serving. From a missionary member care perspective, this is a rare but valuable experience.

An Unexpected Blessing.

We originally had planned to go to the Elim Global Conference in Europe on our return from Cambodia but unfortunately the event had to be cancelled. While we were disappointed at first, the change of plans led to an unexpected blessing. Heidi Longworth, an Elim Missionary in Romania, had been scheduled to travel to the conference with us. Since the conference was no longer taking place the three of us put our heads together and came up with a different plan. Heidi was able to travel to Hungary instead! It really felt like a God appointment, we had the space to sit, talk, and share deeply about the challenges and joys of ministry - as well as doing some sightseeing.

Student Ministry.

We’re planning another meal together this Saturday followed by some board games. We are continuing to build relationships with these special young people and of course conversation always gravitates to the Lord. Our hearts desire is to connect with them on a deep level and have meaningful conversations that will bring them further in their discipleship journey.

In other news ...

The accounts above are of course the highlights, in between these we dealt with burst water pipes, broken computers and land registry bureaucracy.

In family news, our granddaughter was dedicated to the Lord and were so pleased that we could travel to Denmark to be a part of this special event. Lainey's father still has health challenges and ask for prayer for his healing as well as for her mother who has struggled with back and knee issues too.

Please Pray For:

As you know, our ministry falls into four main categories: reach, restore, renew and resource. Please pray for these different aspects of ministry and for us as we try to balance each of these areas.
Reach: For the students, especially as we enter the Christmas season and many will be missing home.
Restore: For those we minister to who need healing and restoration.
Renew: For those we connect with who have been experiencing burnout or discouragement.
Resource: For our podcast project, as we continue to develop the content.
Praise God: On a practical level, the tiling has been completed in the living room of the old house. Please pray that the final pieces come together smoothly and to schedule.

We deeply appreciate all the love and support that you have given us in this last year. We know that we would not be able to do what we have been called to do without your partnership.