Church Rescue Ministry

By Jack Shiflett

Tyndale Baptist Chapel was named in honor of William Tyndale who once lived a half mile up the lane while he translated the Scriptures into English. The church was founded in 1890 when Charles Spurgeon sent two preacher boys to the town of Chipping Sodbury from his Bible college in London. The students returned to London and left the ministry in the hands of itinerant preachers.

For almost 100 years there was no pastor to lead the small, struggling congregation. In 1985 an ABWE survey team to England chose Bristol as the target area for this new field. Jim and Carol West began ministry at Tyndale Chapel in 1986 when only 12 people attended. In 1991 David and Debbie Woodard arrived and have served at Tyndale since that time. Attendance now averages around 80.

On November 4, 2000 an Induction Service was held for Bert Weenink, Tyndale Chapel's first national pastor since its beginning 110 years ago.

Seven years ago, attendance was in the low teens at Pendennis Evangelical Baptist Church, in the city of Bristol. This church had no pastor and the building was in disrepair when ABWE missionaries, Steve and Caroline Mann, began work there. The building and grounds were significantly improved and attendance now averages in the low 100's. Weekly teen and children's ministries, and a Mom and Toddler's outreach are part of the program. Their British pastor, Robin Dowling, is giving leadership to a healthy, growing church. How exciting to see both Tyndale Chapel and Pendennis Evangelical Baptist Church graduate from ABWE!

The Manns relocated to Swindon to join an ABWE team planting a new church in this growing area. The Woodards joined Sandra Pratt and Doug and Linda Wilson at a new church plant in the village of Quedgeley.

ABWE missionaries in the greater Bristol area continue to work with local believers planting new churches, reviving "dead" churches, and helping turn the tide to an England where truth and righteousness reign.

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