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Studying in Spain at Christmas (December 1990 edition of magazine) As Christmas approaches, Andrew, Mandy, Alex, and Sandy are in our prayers. Support them as they prepare to spend Christmas in Spain away from their loved ones, and help them to know that we in Chesterfield are thinking of them and wishing them well. Studying in Spain (February 1991 edition of magazine) Andrew and Mandy Lines are in our thoughts as they near the end of their language studies. They tell us in their last letter that all the family have suffered minor illnesses which have caused much distress. Let us pray that the Lord will give them the strength needed to see them through their final weeks in Spain. Preparing for Paraguay (June 1991 edition of magazine) Many of us will be looking forward to holidays in the near future and as we reach for our suitcases perhaps we could focus our thoughts on Andrew, Mandy and Alexander Lines who returned to this country in April, after their term in Seville. During the month before they move to Paraguay the decisions they will have to make as to what to keep and what to dispose of, as yet another continent and climate are faced, will certainly put our packing problems into perspective. Since they first visited us as a Link Church way back in December 1989, they have finished theological training at All Nations College, had a language course in Spain and now I am sure they feel the main objective of missionary work in South America is in their sights. All through this time Andrew and Mandy have been overwhelmed with letters, love and prayers from St. Thomas' and I feel sure that during their time in Paraguay we will continue to support them and make our missionary link with them even stronger. Dorothy Banks Arrival in Paraguay (August 1991 edition of magazine) The Lines family have now arrived safely in Paraguay and are beginning their real missionary work. Things have not been easy for them as they settle into their new but strange surroundings, especially as they had to stay with the Bishop's family until their own home was ready for them. It was a good opportunity for us to focus on the work of S.A.M.S. when Canon Gary Beswick, the North West Area Secretary came to visit St. John's on 3rd July. After a Mexican supper provided by St. John's, followed by Praise and Prayer, we watched a very informative video on the life in Peru, and were able to find out lots of information about S.A.M.S. missionaries work amongst the "should haves" of South America. The evening ended with refreshments, and on behalf of the Mission committee (World), I would like to thank all those from St. Thomas' who were kind enough to make home made goodies, and who also helped to serve them. Let us keep Andrew, Mandy and Alex in our thoughts, and pray that they may enjoy good health and keep strong in the faith, knowing that God is working through them in Paraguay. Dorothy Banks Update (October 1991 edition of magazine) It was good to receive a letter from Andrew, Mandy and Alex at the beginning of September, telling us that they are settling in to their new surroundings. The work is hard, the weather hot (30C and it is winter), and the language difficult, so let us keep on supporting them with our prayers and letters, so that they will feel well blessed by the support from St. Thomas'. Dorothy Banks Update (February 1992 edition of magazine) As we look forward to 1992 and make our plans for the New Year, let us keep in our minds the changes and challenges facing Andrew and Mandy Lines in Paraguay. They were overwhelmed by the number of Christmas cards and letters received from St. Thomas', and I feel sure with our continuing love, prayers and support they will meet all the new situations with enthusiasm knowing that they are working for the Lord through the people of Paraguay. Dorothy Banks Update (April 1992 edition of magazine) As we look forward to the beginning of summer, Andrew, Mandy and Alex are looking forward to the end of it in Asuncion and cooler days ahead. These will be welcome as they have such a busy tine ahead. Andrew will be engrossed in his work with C.A.L.F.B., training locals to become Church leaders in and around Asuncion, and Andy is still continuing language study with an active two year old to look after. They have been overwhelmed with all the letters from St. Thomas' for which they send grateful thanks. Let us continue writing to them and keep them ever in our prayers. Update (June 1992 edition of magazine) Best wishes from St. Thomas' to Andrew and Mandy who are awaiting the birth of their second baby in August. I feel sure we will all want to give them our support as they await the happy event in surroundings very different to the ones Mandy was used to in her midwife's role in the U.K. Let us keep them in our thoughts and prayers wishing Mandy good health until the birth of baby Lines. Update (August 1992 edition of magazine) Happy 3rd Birthday to Alexander on 10th August, by which time he may have a new brother or sister. Whilst our thoughts are with Alex and Mandy let us not forget Andrew who is working so hard both with C.A.L.E.B and the local church. Problems in the church seem to stem from a largely unemployed congregation, so please pray that they will be receptive to God's word and trust in His ability to meet all their needs. Update (October 1992 edition of magazine) The latest letter from Andrew was full of good news. Sofia Zoe Janet Lines was born on 12th August, weighing 3.960 kg and Mother and baby are fine. The whole family feel overwhelmed with love and best wishes shown to them by the numbers of letters, cards and gifts which they have received since the Open House groups focused on them recently, and they send their grateful thanks. This must surely show how much the links with our church family are growing in strength as time goes by. Update (December 1992 edition of magazine) Will yours be a traditional Christmas this year with family gatherings, exchanging presents, eating turkey, Christmas pudding, mince pies etc? This will not be the type of celebration Andrew, Mandy, Alex and Zoe Lines will be experiencing this year. The weather will be hot, the food different and their families will be thousands of miles away. As we think of them at this time there will be one area where we will be as one, celebrating the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. As we sing our carols and attend the Christmas services let us rejoice in the fact that there are still people who are prepared to make great personal sacrifices so that others may hear about the good news of Jesus Christ. Richard and Dorothy Banks Update (February 1993 edition of magazine) Andrew, Mandy and the children will now been enjoying their summer holiday in Chile, and let us hope and pray that they will return refreshed and ready for the New Year. Andrew has a new CALEB course to plan and run, and Mandy will be concerned for Alex who 'begins life at the "big school", as well as being fully occupied with Zoe, and helping in many varied ways in the local church and community. Let us thank God for the dedication of Andrew and Mandy, trusting that He will surround them with His love and keep them strong in their faith to overcome the many difficulties which they may encounter. Richard and Dorothy Banks Update (April 1993 edition of magazine) Anyone visiting St. John's Church Centre on 6th March for our Mission week?end would have had the opportunity to hear and see Andrew and Mandy on audio and visual tapes, and therefore realise how very much appreciated are our prayers and letters. They have now returned from holiday and have a very busy and worrying time ahead, Andrew beginning a new CALEB course and Alex beginning life at the "big" school so our continued prayers and support will be needed even more and we feel sure our churches will keep the link ever strong. Richard and Dorothy Banks Update (June 1993 edition of magazine) Andrew, Mandy, Alex and Zoe are part of our wider church family, and seeing and hearing them on tape at our Mission week?end makes us realise that they are an ordinary family doing an extraordinary job in a far off country, facing the usual kinds of problems. Prayers for their health would be appreciated as they have had several minor ailments recently, but on the plus side Andrew's work is going well, Mandy has resumed language classes, Alex has settled down at school, and Zoe is thriving in spite of her nocturnal existence. Richard & Dorothy Banks Update (October 1993 edition of magazine) Domestic and physical problems affected the Lines family recently and tended to take the gloss from Mandy's recent return from her visit to the U.K. with the children. Happily the domestic problem was resolved, thanks mainly to the help of a former SAMS missionary. Andrew has slipped a disc whilst playing squash and so has been working from his bed or sofa, but in spite of this, the courses are within sight of the final exams. The family are now attending the cathedral, and the great news on this is that Alex has settled into the Sunday School there, so in spite of the set backs they feel uplifted by our prayers which they know have been answered. Richard & Dorothy Banks Update and SAMS evening at St John's (December 1993 edition of magazine) The SAMS evening at St. John's Church centre on 6th October focused on Paraguay, and we were happy to meet Claire Toplis, the new N.W. Secretary of the Society. Claire gave us an insight into life in that country with the aid of slides, and spoke of the changing roll of missionaries over the years. We listened to a tape from Andrew and Mandy in which they mentioned a decision they will soon have to make regarding their future. Please pray that they will be guided by the Holy Spirit so that whatever they do will be acceptable to the Lord. We phoned them on 4th October to get a news update and we were pleased to hear that Zoe is now walking (it happened only the day before we rang!) Andrew and Mandy enjoyed speaking to both of us and Mandy stressed how much they appreciated the letters from St. Thomas', and we feel sure that they will receive many more from us between now and Christmas. Richard and Dorothy Banks Update (February 1994 edition of magazine) After several set-backs in 1993 the latter months were happier for Andrew, Mandy and the children. Andrew's classes were completed, he has been busy with speaking and preaching engagements, and the visit of the team from their home church was a real high-light. Visits have been made to Brazil, Chile and Andrew has also been to Argentina in December. Christmas must have been a wonderful time for them to relax with the family and focus on the King of All who came to die. 1994 will be an important year for them, and after they return from their holiday in early February their thoughts will turn to the decision to be made about their future. Please pray that whatever decision is reached it will be the right one. Richard and Dorothy Banks Update (April 1994 edition of magazine) 1994 is the year when Andrew and Mandy Lines will return to the U.K. on furlough, and even though it will be in November or December we are sure they are already looking forward to being with their families and renewing old friendships in their link churches. The old saying goes "The last mile home is the longest," so let us at St. Thomas' uphold them in prayer and keep them in our thoughts. Over the next few months please continue the flow of letters. As with all mission societies, finance is a major concern, and one simple way to swell SAMS' funds is by the collection of used postage stamps which we will be pleased to accept and forward to the Society. Richard & Dorothy Banks Update (June 1994 edition of magazine) The latest news from Andrew and Mandy is very encouraging. The whole family is fit and well at the time of writing and even though their workload had increased it is now better planned, and Mandy is involved with Andrew in one of the courses. Family life has settled into a pattern, and Alex and Zoe are beginning to play well together. The date of their leave has now been confirmed and we look forward to meeting them at some time between November 1994 and April 1995. Richard and Dorothy Banks Update (August 1994 edition of magazine) 1994 will be an unusual year for the Lines family. We often forget that as we are enjoying warm, sunny weather they are in the middle of the South American winter, and as they will be on furlough in the U.K. from November 1994 to April 1995 they will experience the British winter. They will visit our churches from 27th January to 2nd February 1995 when we look forward to renewing our friendship with them. Alex and Zoe have birthdays in August and it would be good to send them cards. (Alex is 5 on the 10th and Zoe is 2 on the 12th) Richard & Dorothy Banks Update (December 1994 edition of magazine) It is with great joy that we have now received the dates when Andrew, Mandy, Alex and Zoe Lines will be visiting Chesterfield whilst on furlough in the U.K. They leave Asuncion to begin their leave on 3rd Nov., and plans have been made for them to visit us from 27th Jan to 3rd Feb. 1995. They will be staying with us during this time, but to enable as many of our church family to meet them as possible, invitations for a meal or morning coffee would be much appreciated by them. If you feel you would like to do this please contact Rev. Sheila Pite who is planning their programme. Richard and Dorothy Banks Visit to Chesterfield (April 1995 edition of magazine) Mandy, Alex, Zoe and I wish to extend our warm appreciation to everyone for the warm welcome, tremendous hospitality and great patience you showed us on our recent visit to Chesterfield. We feel that our link with your parish has been strengthened and deepened. We particularly appreciated the chance to get to know you a little better (usually the focus has been almost exclusively on us). We also valued the chance to, meet with members of all congregations at St Thomas', St John's and St Peters', formally and informally, a fact born out by they greetings from so many in Safeway on our final morning! It would be wrong to single out and embarrass individuals for their particular contributions to our stay but we really appreciated the hospitality and practical helpfulness of many individuals. Now begins the hard part; maintaining the link over time and space, without the aid of personal contact. Please keep up your vital contributions to God's work in Paraguay. Yours in Our Wonderful Lord and Saviour, Andy Lines It is now more than a month since the Lines' visit to our Parish, which lasted a whole week but seemed to pass all too quickly. Friday the 27th January was a very special day. We had lots of snow which delayed their arrival until about 9pm. Andrew, Mandy, Alex and Zoe were exhausted, but a warm house and a good meal soon helped them to relax, and the day finished on a happy note with the whole family building a snowman on the back lawn, courtesy of the security light. At bedtime Alex said his prayers and asked Jesus to make the snow last until and Saturday and it did! It was good that so many of our parishioners had the opportunity of hearing Andrew preach and to meet Mandy and the children. We feel uplifted by the visit and hope that it will further the interest in S.A.M.S. and overseas mission in general. We look forward to meeting them again at the S.A.M.S. conference at Swanwick in April prior to their return to Paraguay. Richard and Dorothy Banks SAMS Conference (June 1995 edition of magazine) Saturday 22nd April was the day we spent at the S.A.M.S. conference at Swanwick, which is always enjoyable, informative and spiritually uplifting. It is a joy to meet again the missionaries and S.A.M.S. staff who have visited our churches in the past, Gary Beswick, Claire Toplis, Chris Rankin and of course this year Andrew Lines. Unfortunately Mandy and the children had been left behind, mainly because they were moving house the following weekend. Plans have now been made for Mandy to have the expected addition to their family in the U.K. and so they will be leaving for Paraguay on 31st August instead of May as originally planned. Andrew is spending some of the extra time at Bible college to prepare him more fully for the work awaiting him on his return to South America. We were pleased to hear that Mandy is in good health. Alex settled in school and Zoe a very happy healthy little girl. Richard and Banks Update (August 1995 edition of magazine) Everyone is waiting with interest for the news from Wimbledon - no not the Tennis Championships but the birth of Baby Lines. Watch this space! Our latest news is that the family are happy and healthy and Andrew's course is going extremely well. They are enjoying a spell of stability whilst waiting for the birth, but 31 August, the date for their return to Paraguay will be upon them all too soon. Our prayers will be much appreciated at this exciting time. Richard and Dorothy Banks Update (October 1995 edition of magazine) For anyone who has not heard the news, baby Elizabeth Hannah Lines arrived on 10th July (just too late for the last edition of Ploughshare), and by the time we go to press the whole family will be back in Paraguay picking up where they left off before their furlough in the U.K. Please pray for them, for health, commitment and spiritual strength at this time of re-adjustment. Richard and Dorothy Banks Update (February 1996 edition of magazine) Andrew, Mandy and the children have now been back in Paraguay for four months which have been very busy for them. Many subtle changes have taken place. Old faces have gone, so new friendships are developing. Alex and Zoe are going through a shy spell at present but: My literary inspiration runs dry Forgive my grammatical aberrations As I give rhyming couplets a try. She's a happy and smiling baby Who's grown out of her collicky cries Who attracts much attention here Because of her big blue eyes. Richard and Dorothy Banks Update (April 1996 edition of magazine) Since the last edition of Ploughshare we have received a letter of grateful thanks for all the Christmas cards and gifts from our churches to the Lines family. They went on holiday to Chile in January so we have had no update on their workload, so let us uphold them in prayer, asking for spiritual strength to enable them to do the Lord's work with continued enthusiasm. Richard and Dorothy Banks Update (June 1996 edition of magazine) We have recently received news of the work load which is now in place since the Lines' family returned from their holiday in Chile. Andrew is Bible teaching to different groups which he loves, Mandy is co-ordinating a weekly wives Bible study, and helping out with marriage work. Alex and Zoe are at school and with Elizabeth in need of attention every member of the family is fully occupied. Let us continue our much valued support by sending them letters or by including them in our daily prayers. Dorothy and Richard Banks Update (August 1996 edition of magazine) It hardly seems a year since Andrew, Mandy and their family returned to Paraguay, and from reading their letters they appear to have settled into life in South America once again. We are happy to hear that Andrew's teaching courses are going well, and they have made links with the congregation in Conception. However, midway through their term they must be missing their close families at home, and prayer for them with this in mind would be much appreciated. Dorothy and Richard Banks Update (December 1996 edition of magazine) Since the last Ploughshare we have heard from Mandy who is recovering from a very bad illness, and is now just beginning to build up her strength again. We can all appreciate the strain this must have put on Andrew, though his work has carried on the letter writing had to take a back seat. Please pray for Mandy's continued improvement and for the whole family as they carry out God's work in very difficult circumstances. Richard and Dorothy Banks Christmas Greetings and an article from 'Share' Magazine by Andrew (February 1997 edition of magazine) Christmas greetings from the Lines family reached us too late for the last "Ploughshare". It was a more positive letter even though the three children caught chicken pox soon after Mandy's recovery. Brazil is their holiday destination at the end of January. The chance to take a break, build up their strength, recharge their batteries and relax away from it all must seem very attractive. When they return moves will be afoot for some changes in their role in Paraguay, and we look forward with interest as to what these will be. As they are part of our church family may we continue to remember them in our prayers. The following is an article from "Share" magazine by Andrew Lines THE NEED AND THE VISION The need was for systematic Bible teaching, overlapping with the preparation of lay and ordained leaders in the Anglican Church of Paraguay. The vision led to the creation of the Anglican Centre of Biblical studies (CALEB), which started in April 1992. Mission partner Andrew Lines explains some joys and disappointments of this key ministry. THE AIM The CALEB ministry has built on the work of earlier trail-blazers while moving forward to meet the new needs in Paraguay. Like other similar ministries, it takes its guiding principle from 2 Timothy 2:2, and thus its aim is: to prepare leaders who in turn will prepare others. THE PRACTICE Until now the formal work of CALEB has covered the eight city congregations or groups fn Asuncion, and has been largely conducted at a central location. We use any appropriate materials to fulfil the above aim. The courses have all been adapted from existing materials. Courses on Mark's Gospel and Romans have given the opportunity for the students not only to study the material but also to lead the study at least once during the course. This has given an opportunity for some one-to-one discipleship. We have also tackled the general ignorance of the Old Testament in an Introduction to the Bible Course, We have slightly changed the emphasis this year - in addition to the Introduction we are also running an Advanced Lay Leaders' Course. This consists of a number of different modules covering such things as Doctrine, History of the Anglican Church, the Pentateuch and study videos of lectures by Michael Green. The advanced material is being used in another new venture this year. This is a Pastors' and Other Full-Time Leaders' Course whose aim is to provide a "watering hole" and in-service training for those in full-time paid ministry. Mandy and I also have an intermittent teaching ministry in the area of marriage. THE JOYS The Lord has been very gracious in allowing us to see some visible fruit from CALEB'S short existence. One of the most exciting things was working very closely in the initial few years with two Paraguayan colleagues who have subsequently been ordained. Agustin Maiden and Alberto Romero tested and earthed the teaching, actually did some of it and forged a close bond of friendship that continues to serve each one of us. (The three of us are known as the three A's!) Other joys have included seeing people think for themselves with growing confidence, growing in the knowledge of the Lord, the application of this knowledge back at home and in the teaching of others. Perhaps the most significant thing for me has been the personal challenges brought about by regular exposure to God's word. THE DISAPPOINTMENTS These we have to face and evaluate. A number of students have left the church and one who was helping me to teach the courses has even disappeared without a trace. Some students are not serving others in their local congregations. CALEB has also in some cases taken the responsibility for basic discipleship away from the local congregation. As yet we have not been able to respond to the pleas for help from the more numerous and needy indigenous congregations of the Chaco. All this combines with the frustration of irregular attendance due to long, unreliable bus journeys and frequent, torrential rain storms that make the streets impassable. Further difficulties include trying to come to terms with the legacy of the decades of dictatorship, when rulers governed unchallenged by the passive and subservient masses. Now, in the churches, rulers tend to govern unchallenged by a passive and servile laity. THE CHALLENGES AHEAD Whilst continuing with the Bible teaching whenever possible, we also recognise we are not indispensable. When we are no longer around, unless we are replaced by other mission partners, it is unlikely that, the Paraguayan Church will be able to afford a full-time worker for the CALEB programme. We thus need to try to encourage local congregations to develop working programmes of leadership preparation. The needs of the Chaco must be addressed while they still want help. We would love to see a recognition that teaching is a key part of pastoring at local level, with a consequent improvement in the quality of preaching and teaching. "As Jesus went ashore he saw a great throng, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and He began to teach them many things." Mark 6:34 Andy Lines Back from Holiday (April 1997 edition of magazine) Andrew, Mandy, Alex, Zoe and Elizabeth Lines have now returned from their holiday in Brazil. Please pray for them all but especially for Andrew and Mandy as they return to their work in Asuncion, and that their change of role in the mission field will soon be decided. Richard and Dorothy Banks Update (August 1997 edition of magazine) The update from the Lines' received early in July was very informative. First of all, plans are already being made for their U.K. visit between December 1997 and February 1998 which we hope will include a few days in Chesterfield. Their work at present includes greater involvement in the School (Collegio San Andres), which has grown tremendously this year. Andrew does much more preaching, and his responsibilities in the Special Episcopal Commission continues. It is possible that Andrew will be ordained deacon before the end of the year. The general health of the family is good, although Mandy has recently had a bout of bronchitis, and Zoe is having treatment for a dental abscess. Alex is flourishing at his new school and although Lizzie is slow in talking, she communicates effectively, nevertheless. Our prayer support continues to be much appreciated by them all. Dorothy and Richard Banks Preparing to come home (December 1997 edition of magazine) The Lines family are now preparing for their home leave which begins shortly, and we now know that they will visit our parish in mid February 1998. We very much look forward to seeing them all again. Please pray for their safe travel, and also that their work will continue to flourish whilst they are away. Richard and Dorothy Banks News from the Lines family, our Link Mission Partners in Paraguay (June 1998 edition of magazine) The Lines family have been back in Asuncion since early March, and from reading the newspapers things have been very difficult in Paraguay. The economy is in trouble and weather wise the country has been hit by tornadoes and other violent storms. On top of this the family have been coping with illness again, this time it is Zoe who has been very poorly. With all these things in mind please pray for them as this is our only way to help them continue to do God's work in South America. Richard and Dorothy Banks Andrew Lines Becomes a Presbyter in Asuncion (December 1998 edition of magazine) Praise God for the ordination of Andrew as presbyter in Asuncion on 18th October. May his new responsibilities be well blessed. The coming of Christmas is a wonderful time for us all, but please pray for Andrew, Mandy, Alex, Zoe and Elizabeth who will be unable to share this , special time with their families in the UK. Richard and Dorothy Banks Andrew and Mandy Lines are Coming Home (December 1999 edition of magazine) The Lines Family are currently packing up and preparing to leave Paraguay on 25 November. As they do so, they would very much value our continued prayer support, not only for them but also for the church, community and country they will be leaving behind. Andrew's October "update" letter tells us that they are packing up whilst at the same time trying to leave open the various projects they have worked hard on. The CALEB courses are likely to continue and improve, thanks to commitment from the new diocesan executive and help from the Diocese of Chile. The future of St Andrew's and of the housegroup are somewhat in doubt, with changes in personnel likely and a lack of pastoral leaders coming forward, particularly men. Do please go on praying about these issues. An Auxiliary Paraguayan bishop has recently been elected and Andrew reports that "the churches are in reasonably good shape, even if the country continues on from crisis to crisis." Economic depression and disillusionment with the coalition government are the most pressing problems in Paraguay. Personally, they are in a positive mood, despite the inevitable frustrations with moving. Mandy is still having difficulties with documentation and the children have to stay on at school - Zoe has exams coming up. It is obviously going to be a wrench to leave Paraguay, but their last weeks look as if they will be full of farewell parties and events. Once back in Britain, the first 6 months' programme looks fairly settled, with the first month earmarked for holiday (in theory!). Family visits, job interviews and getting the children settled into new schools will naturally take up a good deal of time, but they are in good heart. The Lines' will be visiting our parish on 20 February 2000 and we look forward to seeing them then. Andy and Mandy are Home (April 2000 edition of magazine) Andrew and Mandy Lines have returned to England after serving in Paraguay for about 9 years. They will be representing SAMS (the South American Mission Society) in the UK until the end of May. Then Andrew will start a new job as the General Secretary of Crosslinks, another Anglican Mission Agency. This will be a large responsibility and they will all value our continuing prayers. |