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Spring 2005 University Students Grow in the Lord Calvary Chapel Newcastle Story and Photos by the England Team |
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They have relocated to study at the various universities in Newcastle. Upon completing their education, many students remain in Newcastle. Some return to their homes in distant countries, or even go further... to China, Sweden and the ends of the earth. Reaching college students with the gospel is a strategic step towards affecting the entire United Kingdom. The college years are a critical part of a person’s formation. For believers, it is a significant time of training and growth to be a generation of servant leaders in the body of Christ. Meet two university students that regularly attend Calvary Chapel Newcastle--: Chris Hopkinson, a medical student from Sheffield, England; and Hannah Paauwe, an English language student from Holland. An Interview with: Chris Hopkinson and Hannah Paauwe When did God become real to you? Chris Hopkinson: I have been a Christian for about nine years. When I was around thirteen or fourteen, my faith became mine and it was no longer my parents. The last five years have been a more focused time for me as a Christian. Hannah Paauwe: I was raised in a Protestant church, but when I became a teenager, I didn’t go very often. Then in 2003, I went with a church to Romania on a Christian working holiday to build a summer camp for Romanian orphans. Some people on the team were really enthusiastic about Jesus and I hadn’t ever experienced that before. I desired to have what they had. I noticed that they were happy in every circumstance, because Jesus’ love for them wouldn’t change. Then, I was advised to join Alpha Course, a 10-week course on the basic foundations of Christianity. During that course, I decided I wanted Jesus in my life and for Him to change me. When I came to Newcastle, my life changed. Two main things affected this: the Christian Union at the University of Newcastle and Calvary Chapel Newcastle. I saw that God was real through the Christian Union because there were so many people my age that were Christians and I didn’t have that in Holland. Their faith was lived out in full, not just a part of their life. Upon my first visit to CCN, I felt God’s presence for the first time. I felt genuineness in the people to seek the Lord and a real love for Jesus. Because the teaching is directly from the Bible, I learn so much. I’ve learned more about Christianity in three months at CCN than I had during my whole life. How are you going to use your training?
As a doctor, I want to show the love of Christ and be of help to people in their vulnerable times. This profession provides great opportunities to be a witness of Christ in the work place and opens up doors to enter almost any country. People need qualified doctors all around the world and this reduces the possibility of having issues getting an entry visa into countries, including those that are seemingly closed to the gospel. Hannah Paauwe: I decided to learn English, because I liked to travel and didn’t want to be so “Holland-bound.” But now, I am sure I came here to study for one main reason…to grow in the Lord and to be baptized. I’m not sure how I will use my degree yet. I might go on to get my master’s degree or go to Bible college. What are the challenges and pressures of college life? Chris Hopkinson: As a Christian, even if one is firm on their feet, it is still oppressive to be surrounded by a student population with very different values. The student culture and social events are centered around drinking alcohol. Drinking is not much of a pressure personally, but not drinking does certainly put me on the outside of many social settings. Hannah Paauwe: Essay writing is difficult because Dutch ideas don’t really translate into the English language very well. Also, it can be challenging to be in the academic world where things are approached from a scientific view. How do your professors view Christianity? Chris Hopkinson: It is evident that my medical professors assume that evolution explains things. Although they are not openly hostile, it seems that the existence of a God is generally thought of as a fairy tale. When making reference to Christianity, professors usually highlight problems seen within church history. Hannah Paauwe: I don’t see much of a difference between the professors in Holland and England. Because my course is language, you don’t normally hear their opinions on religion. In Holland, in my literature courses, we studied poetry and some of this could be interpreted from a Christian perspective, but the professor wasn’t very supportive of interpreting from that perspective. How do the students view Christianity? Chris Hopkinson: Most people are tolerant and will respect someone for standing by what they believe. They will tolerate and respect this until what one believes begins to make some demands on them. There is definite hostility when the claims begin to make demands upon people. Also, a lot of people like to argue apologetics, especially “medics”- arguments attempting to prove evolution and disprove God’s existence, by using science. Hannah Paauwe: In England, students seem to be more interested in Christianity than in Holland, but that may be because the Christian Union is active on campus at the University of Newcastle, even during Fresher’s Week at the beginning of the year. In Holland, I haven’t experienced this. There, you have to really look for a Christian group, whereas in England, the Christians are evangelistic and are looking for you. Tell me how you heard about Calvary Chapel Newcastle. Chris Hopkinson: I met Pete Tryon (another student that goes to CCN) and he invited me out. I also heard about other students visiting Calvary and how it was on the list of churches for the Christian Union church search. When I visited Calvary, it really didn’t take long to make my decision. Pastor Drew’s honesty was attractive and the teaching was not a lecture. I liked the small size of the church and being part of a new work that is just starting to grow. I really found a welcoming, family atmosphere. Hannah Paauwe: I found CCN through Christian Union’s church search. I met up with people at the student union and walked to church with them to check it out. This is the first church I visited.  Hannah Paawe (left) with SGWM Missionary Lisa Taylor What is God doing at CCN? What do you foresee in the future for the ministry? Chris Hopkinson: At recent prayer meetings, it seems that the general theme of the prayers is about seeking what it is to minister as a church, not just the pastor and leadership. There is a genuine seeking about how the fellowship can be edified as a whole. I’m also excited about the new building we are leasing and the opportunities it opens up for ministry. I desire to be involved there and also plan to minister on the Green, reaching out to the youth. I see the student community here at CCN as an effective age to reach out to those youth. I am really seeking and desiring to find my place in the body of Christ. Personally, I have been learning what it means to build genuine friendships and relationships with people. I’m also learning to be intentional and yet, truly Spirit-led in my ministering. I am convinced this means praying for people more. Hannah Paauwe: I sense something big going on here. When I first came, I felt something different, maybe revival. CCN is a base for training people in ministry for the Lord. Church is not just for Sundays. Now, I want to do something in line with what God wants, maybe full-time Christian ministry. CCN is a good place to get trained for life. I hope a Bible college will start here, because I don’t think I can find things this good anywhere else. A New Season For the Taylors By Laura Jensen
In various ways the Lord confirmed to Brent and Lisa that they are to relocate to Fresno, California for approximately one year. They are planning to move in late April of this year, where Brent plans to attend seminary for further education and training for future full-time ministry. Brent also expects to complete his CPA (Certified Public Accountant) certification. Lisa plans to take some classes to keep her teaching credential up to date. During their time in Newcastle, Brent and Lisa saw God’s faithfulness and watched Him change people’s lives. They struggled with the idea of leaving the people they grew to love. They believe the Lord desires to continue to do a great work in Newcastle. Many in the church are becoming more involved in serving, and Brent and Lisa are praying that the Lord of the harvest raises up even more laborers at Calvary Chapel Newcastle. Saving Grace World Missions (SGWM) supports the Taylor’s decision and are making it possible for them to continue to receive donations for financial support during their time in Fresno. Brent is planning to periodically assist with administrative and financial matters at the SGWM head office in Yorba Linda, California. Adequate financial support would allow them to work part-time instead of full-time, which will enable them to get further ministry training and to provide assistance at the SGWM head office. If you have any questions, please contact Saving Grace World Missions at information@sgwm.com “The support and encouragement given us through these last few years has been an immense blessing and a personal source of strength,” said the Taylors. We are truly thankful to the Lord for each person who has stood behind us.” One Sunday in England By Debbie Douglass Senior Pastor Trent and Debbie Douglass of Calvary Chapel Saving Grace recently traveled to visit Calvary Chapel Newcastle (CCN), where Debbie recalls her experience: Trent and I looked out our window to see blue skies and beautiful weather. We quickly dressed, ate breakfast and headed out the door for Sunday morning service at CCN. Upon our arrival, we noticed a number of people gathered there already and we were encouraged to see many of them serving in different ways. Although it was chilly outside it felt so warm amidst the people of God.
Brent began the service with a sweet prayer and the worship started. Immediately we felt the Lord’s presence as He began to move in our midst. God’s Spirit was obviously touching hearts as tears glistened on many people’s faces. At one point, Trent looked up and noticed that the bass guitar was wet, and realized it was the musician’s tears that covered it. Brent paused to allow for a time of congregational prayer. The British voices began to rise with amazing passion, conviction, and spiritual maturity. It was evident that these believers understood who God is and who they are in Christ.
The service ended and everyone was invited to stay for lunch. While eating “crisps” (potato chips) and sandwiches we were able to meet many more people and one by one we saw the work of God all over these precious saints. God’s grace is abounding in CCN’s ministry and He has truly started putting His mark upon Newcastle. Please continue to pray for Calvary Chapel Newcastle as they seek to do God’s work by the power of His Spirit. PRAYER REQUESTS & PRAISES:
E-mail: abidinginhim_@hotmail.com Praise God for providing laborers & finances to open the Upper Room building. Please pray for the transition in our ministry with the Taylor's returning to the States, that the body of Christ at CCR would continue to grow spiritually through this season of change. Pray for continued health and provision for our family. Pray for safe travels for Tammy when she attends the CC East Coast Pastor’s Wives Retreat April 16-21st. God Bless You! - The Davis Family
E-mail: blt1_8@hotmail.com Please pray that the new building would be a place where people meet Jesus and grow in the knowledge of Him. Also pray for us as we prepare to transition back to the States. Pray that in the midst of a busy season, we would find rest in the Lord. Pray for our friend Druw, a former Satanist from the Green, who recently turned to Christ. Praise God for doing an amazing work in her heart, also praise God for the provision of the Upper Room. Love, the Taylors Placentia, CA 92870-1717 714.993.4801 x111 information@sgwm.com There are several convenient ways to support the work that God is doing through SGWM: 1. You can use your credit card or automatic debit from your checking account by emailing or calling the contact information noted above, or, 2.You may mail your tax-deductible gift to:  Saving Grace World Missions 1057 E. Imperial Highway Ste. 223 Placentia, CA 92870-1717 Please check back soon as we will be adding a link to enable supporters to donate online!
Saving Grace World Missions. When giving please designate in the memo section the mission that you would like to support: Uganda, Kenya, Belize, England, Mexico or our Home Office – which equips our missionaries, both present and future. Thank you for your interest in supporting Saving Grace World Missions
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