Dave Hodgson 16 August at 13:12 Hi friends and supporters or both.
Last week God really blessed myself and Naomi with a really cheap holiday in benidorm. We originally wanted to got to the Elim festival (fraisthorpe camp) however we quickly realised that this was not financially posssible. I missed camp so much this year.
Whilst in benidorm we stayed at our friends Tim and helen cobhams house to them we are really grateful. One morning we went to an English bar for a healthy full english breakfast. The woman who served us asked us where we were from and we replied Costa del sol. ohhh she said i listen to a radio station from there called talk radio europe. i replied by saying i presented the 2 revs show on that station. WOW she said and became slightly starstruck (no i haven´t experienced this before) she said i have loads of questions for you. I asked her "what is the biddest question" she replied "WHY?". She explained many of her family have died at a young age and wanted to ask God why. i sensitivly said to her to not allow her questions to hinder her finding God. i said God loves you and she began to cry, we didn´t get much time with her as other customers came in. she said i wish you lived on the costa blanca i would love to talk more. then i was reminded of my friends Tim and Helen fellow elim missionaries who live just 15 minutes away. i asked if i could pass on her info to them so they could talk to her. she said yes by all means.
As i was leaving she turned to me and said "out of the 2000 bars in benidorm you came into mine, God sent you to me.
please pray for barbara and the many others that God is using us to reach out too.
its because of your giving in prayer and finances that wea re able to minister here in Spain to a dark continent.
We are currently running on a monthly defecit and really need regular sponsors how ever small amount a month. I am looking for 10 familys who can give just 20 pounds a month. this will give us more security and the freedom to work full time in the church here. I am believing that one day the church will be able to support me until them i continue to rely on my friends and partners in the ministry. if you feel you can give whether a one off gift or a monthly gift please contact Elim missions in malvern or reply to this for more info. thanks to those who are faithfully supporting us, time doesn´t allow to share with you all that God is doing, just be aware that God is blessing as a result of your faithfulness.
p.s i hate asking for money i have always worked to earn it, now i feel very humble in asking.
Love in his service, Dave and Naomi xx
Monday, 16 August 2010
Tuesday, 3 August 2010
doughnuts
getting back on the doughnut of life
To members of Spanish Steps (Daves mission to Spain)
Dave Hodgson 03 August at 12:33 Getting back on the doughnut
I have a new tradition that has started in my life since moving to spain (a year and a half ago)it is to visit one of our local aqua parks at least once during the summer it’s a day of fun and frolics and getting sun burnt (must get a higher factor next year). One of the water slides involves you sitting on what can only be described as an over sized doughnut made of rubber and air. The object of the slide is to get down the flume and stay on or at least with your doughnut.
About half way down the slide there is a pool which you land in and this is where the problems arise well for somebody of my build anyway (lets just say I am no twiggy) I landed and came right off the doughnut (rubber ring thing) I tried to get back on and I couldn’t the water was to deep and the sides were too slippery (I actually paid for this experience) I tried again and what seemed like an hour later (just a few minutes in real time) the attendant who was helping people get through this bottleneck came over and helped me get on my way again, my wife and friends certainly had a chuckle at my expense after that one. I resolved never to go on that slide again. A few minutes later I was back on (the power of peer pressure and not wanting to look like a weakling) I was determined to hold on and this time I made it all the way down sitting in my doughnut and at the bottom I got out of the water to cheers from crowd and euphoria at my achievement, ok it wasn´t quite like that but I was relieved.
In life we can be happily moving along when smack! Something hits us from out of the blue, our health, family issues, bereavement or loss of a job. Its at times like this that we need to know that we can turn to God in prayer and that he hears us. I use to think that God was just a man in the sky who wanted to tell us off and beat us with broom (bit like a neighbour i had when I was a child) but that is not what the bible teaches, Jesus said “Come to me all who are weary” sometimes the last thing we think to do is to cry out to God for help, but it can be the most productive action we will take. You see the attendant (on the waterslide) had a stick not to tell us off for getting into trouble but a pole that I could grab hold of to pull myself through. God leads and guides if only we can swallow our pride and say Lord I need help. On many occasion God has helped me get back on the ride of life again. Its because of his grace that I want to know him more personally.
To members of Spanish Steps (Daves mission to Spain)
Dave Hodgson 03 August at 12:33 Getting back on the doughnut
I have a new tradition that has started in my life since moving to spain (a year and a half ago)it is to visit one of our local aqua parks at least once during the summer it’s a day of fun and frolics and getting sun burnt (must get a higher factor next year). One of the water slides involves you sitting on what can only be described as an over sized doughnut made of rubber and air. The object of the slide is to get down the flume and stay on or at least with your doughnut.
About half way down the slide there is a pool which you land in and this is where the problems arise well for somebody of my build anyway (lets just say I am no twiggy) I landed and came right off the doughnut (rubber ring thing) I tried to get back on and I couldn’t the water was to deep and the sides were too slippery (I actually paid for this experience) I tried again and what seemed like an hour later (just a few minutes in real time) the attendant who was helping people get through this bottleneck came over and helped me get on my way again, my wife and friends certainly had a chuckle at my expense after that one. I resolved never to go on that slide again. A few minutes later I was back on (the power of peer pressure and not wanting to look like a weakling) I was determined to hold on and this time I made it all the way down sitting in my doughnut and at the bottom I got out of the water to cheers from crowd and euphoria at my achievement, ok it wasn´t quite like that but I was relieved.
In life we can be happily moving along when smack! Something hits us from out of the blue, our health, family issues, bereavement or loss of a job. Its at times like this that we need to know that we can turn to God in prayer and that he hears us. I use to think that God was just a man in the sky who wanted to tell us off and beat us with broom (bit like a neighbour i had when I was a child) but that is not what the bible teaches, Jesus said “Come to me all who are weary” sometimes the last thing we think to do is to cry out to God for help, but it can be the most productive action we will take. You see the attendant (on the waterslide) had a stick not to tell us off for getting into trouble but a pole that I could grab hold of to pull myself through. God leads and guides if only we can swallow our pride and say Lord I need help. On many occasion God has helped me get back on the ride of life again. Its because of his grace that I want to know him more personally.
Monday, 26 July 2010
To members of Spanish Steps (Daves mission to Spain)
Dave Hodgson 26 July at 10:43 Hi friends,
well its been a busy ole week here in Benalmadena. let me begin by giving you a little back ground.
In Spain the prime authority in any municipality is the Ayuntamiento (town hall) led by the mayor. for many years Evangelical churches in Spain have been frowned upon and the Catholic Church being the only state recognised church. consequently evangelical churches have been tolerated to a degree. they to this day are not allowed to use council buildings to meet in ie town halls and schools. before arriving in Spain i was reading about evangelical churches being closed down by the mayor for simplie being too noisy (this by the way is one of noisiest nations in the world second only to Japan).
But God is changing this nation bit by bit. I am hearing of church leaders in estepona being given a chance to pray for their mayor. The church in torremolinos being given a public square to hold a 3 day evangelistic crusade. Just this last week here in Benalmádena i was given confirmation that the Mayor would hold Q and A session in our church building, a time where he can reach out to the English speaking community.
now this is common place in the u.k but let me assure you this was unheard of Spain just a few years ago. this came about as a result of me building up a friendship with one of the councillors in the town hall.
Spain went from dictatorship to democracy over night in 1976 and now i believe its changing spiritually too.
thanks to all of you who support me financially you are making this mission possible and a special thank you to my sending church coventry elim for investing in this much needy nation.
I need more sponsors how ever small amount a month, please prayerfully consider our mission here. for more info email me davehodgo@aol.com or contact Elim missions in malvern.
may God richly bless you as you bless others.
i will have more news next week, p.s i need to go on diet any suggestions i have tried eating less but thats too hard!
Dave Hodgson 26 July at 10:43 Hi friends,
well its been a busy ole week here in Benalmadena. let me begin by giving you a little back ground.
In Spain the prime authority in any municipality is the Ayuntamiento (town hall) led by the mayor. for many years Evangelical churches in Spain have been frowned upon and the Catholic Church being the only state recognised church. consequently evangelical churches have been tolerated to a degree. they to this day are not allowed to use council buildings to meet in ie town halls and schools. before arriving in Spain i was reading about evangelical churches being closed down by the mayor for simplie being too noisy (this by the way is one of noisiest nations in the world second only to Japan).
But God is changing this nation bit by bit. I am hearing of church leaders in estepona being given a chance to pray for their mayor. The church in torremolinos being given a public square to hold a 3 day evangelistic crusade. Just this last week here in Benalmádena i was given confirmation that the Mayor would hold Q and A session in our church building, a time where he can reach out to the English speaking community.
now this is common place in the u.k but let me assure you this was unheard of Spain just a few years ago. this came about as a result of me building up a friendship with one of the councillors in the town hall.
Spain went from dictatorship to democracy over night in 1976 and now i believe its changing spiritually too.
thanks to all of you who support me financially you are making this mission possible and a special thank you to my sending church coventry elim for investing in this much needy nation.
I need more sponsors how ever small amount a month, please prayerfully consider our mission here. for more info email me davehodgo@aol.com or contact Elim missions in malvern.
may God richly bless you as you bless others.
i will have more news next week, p.s i need to go on diet any suggestions i have tried eating less but thats too hard!
Monday, 5 July 2010
To members of Spanish Steps (Daves mission to Spain)
Dave Hodgson 05 July at 10:28 Last week was a fantastic week here on the coast in Spain.
El Dorado, i know what springs to mind when i write this word either the failed BBC soap opera about british expats (which was filmed about 20 k away from where i am sitting now) or the fantastic John wayne western. Its also the name of one of newest newspapers on the costa del sol.
last week i met one of the editors for a coffee as a result of that, we are now their religious section. the paper is quite eclectic it features tarot reading, a diary of a single gay guy, as well as the news etc and now it will have a thought for the week from yours truly and the rest of the leadership here. so praise God for that.
Later on this week i will inform you about our brand new television programme acts4today which will be going out on the believe channel.
last night myself and Naomi attended an outdoor concert/outreach of the church in torremolinos. I was honoured when witha n hours notice the Pastor in charge (Bernard) asked if i would close the 3 day event in prayer for the nation of Spain. alongside Spanish pastors and a nigerian pastor i prayed for Spain in english and declared to the streets of torremolinos and all those listening that God will break through and move mightily in this nation.
I felt so privaledged to be up there praying with local pastors, God is good all the time.
well there is loads more to tell you but i don´t want to peek to early.
Prayer request: I have a friend in the U.K who has just been diagnosed with breast Cancer, i´m not giving her name just yet but God knows who she is. plaese can you pray for her complete healing.
also i have been taxed wrongly this month and i would value your prayers that the inland revenue would see this error and rectify it as it has left us very short financially.
thank you for your ongoing support. love Dave & Naomi
Dave Hodgson 05 July at 10:28 Last week was a fantastic week here on the coast in Spain.
El Dorado, i know what springs to mind when i write this word either the failed BBC soap opera about british expats (which was filmed about 20 k away from where i am sitting now) or the fantastic John wayne western. Its also the name of one of newest newspapers on the costa del sol.
last week i met one of the editors for a coffee as a result of that, we are now their religious section. the paper is quite eclectic it features tarot reading, a diary of a single gay guy, as well as the news etc and now it will have a thought for the week from yours truly and the rest of the leadership here. so praise God for that.
Later on this week i will inform you about our brand new television programme acts4today which will be going out on the believe channel.
last night myself and Naomi attended an outdoor concert/outreach of the church in torremolinos. I was honoured when witha n hours notice the Pastor in charge (Bernard) asked if i would close the 3 day event in prayer for the nation of Spain. alongside Spanish pastors and a nigerian pastor i prayed for Spain in english and declared to the streets of torremolinos and all those listening that God will break through and move mightily in this nation.
I felt so privaledged to be up there praying with local pastors, God is good all the time.
well there is loads more to tell you but i don´t want to peek to early.
Prayer request: I have a friend in the U.K who has just been diagnosed with breast Cancer, i´m not giving her name just yet but God knows who she is. plaese can you pray for her complete healing.
also i have been taxed wrongly this month and i would value your prayers that the inland revenue would see this error and rectify it as it has left us very short financially.
thank you for your ongoing support. love Dave & Naomi
Monday, 28 June 2010
VERY ENGLISH
I feel embarressed to be English this week having wasted a lot of time following a shambolic performance. all i will say is come on Harry redknapp now is your time, lets have an English manager again.
I also felt very english this week i went to a fiesta called San Juan, where all the Spanish go to the beach and at midnight they all run into the sea for good luck. During the night they make fires on the beach where the young men run through the fire apparently to impress the young ladies. the reason i felt English was because that would never happen with our health and safety pc brigade. So i was wincing at the possible danger, but then reminded myself they have been doing this for hundreds of years.
i also felt very english at a friends wedding, for a few reasons 1. the language barrier although my friends are good at keeping me informed (thanks ismael) 2 i did not know any of the songs and the traditional "dexys midnight come eileen" song was not even played once.
and finally our English weddings end early compared to Spanish ones, we arrived back home at 6 in the morning. i felt all of my 34 years that morning.
The catholic ceromony (which i am told can be quite tedious) was very good the deacon spoke about giving up on your pre-concieved ideas of church and that the most important thing is to know God. quite refreshing and i certainly was not expecting such an informal and warm service.
thats what its all about for me and Naomi, to make people know that it is possible to have a relationship with God.
May you have a great week in your relationship with God. He wants to know us to know him personally this week.
Love Dave and Naomi
I also felt very english this week i went to a fiesta called San Juan, where all the Spanish go to the beach and at midnight they all run into the sea for good luck. During the night they make fires on the beach where the young men run through the fire apparently to impress the young ladies. the reason i felt English was because that would never happen with our health and safety pc brigade. So i was wincing at the possible danger, but then reminded myself they have been doing this for hundreds of years.
i also felt very english at a friends wedding, for a few reasons 1. the language barrier although my friends are good at keeping me informed (thanks ismael) 2 i did not know any of the songs and the traditional "dexys midnight come eileen" song was not even played once.
and finally our English weddings end early compared to Spanish ones, we arrived back home at 6 in the morning. i felt all of my 34 years that morning.
The catholic ceromony (which i am told can be quite tedious) was very good the deacon spoke about giving up on your pre-concieved ideas of church and that the most important thing is to know God. quite refreshing and i certainly was not expecting such an informal and warm service.
thats what its all about for me and Naomi, to make people know that it is possible to have a relationship with God.
May you have a great week in your relationship with God. He wants to know us to know him personally this week.
Love Dave and Naomi
Monday, 21 June 2010
ही friends
Hi friends and supporters.
To all those who follow this blog on Facebook you might be wondering where the video is. Well i have been told that my face is more suited to radio and i´m scareing little children (only joking)
i thought i would go back to typing for this week. It was great to see so many friends at conference and to find out that so many were following all that i am doing via facebook and twitter etc. a special hello to David and Pia Woodfield whom i respect so much thanks for reading these updates.
God really blessed me at conference i really enjoyed the dary northrop sessions and keith was great not to mention sy. it was a great conference. I also spent some time with family in Derby and preaching in Coventry. It was great to see all my friends and sharing a chalet with Iain and Rachel Hesketh along with Sean Charlesworth and Mrs C. thanks for that.
As you look to the future it can be quite fearful sometimes. No longer guaranteed a stable salary and pension and i always find it hard weighing up the balance of living by faith with your finances and also being a good steward of them. I realise i am completely dependant on the generosity of my friends and family, that too can bring feelings of guilt like am i acheiving enough for the Lord in order that their giving is justified.
However when i look back over this year i can truly say i have seen God do some amazing things and in spite of me sometimes, he is great. we have more people attending the church, more publicty and better relations with the town hall.
Faith and fear have the same definition "seeing those things that are not as if they are already" its what you choose to believe, radical faith or irational fear.
this i find hard to do, i find it really difficult to ask for support financially. prayer is fine, talk about money thats harder.
the truth is i need to be bolder in this. so here goes...
i need more sponsors. those who have caught just a wiff of the vision to see this nation changed. if you can support me with a one off gift that will be great if you can support on monthly basis even just 5 pounds a month then fantastic. there is security for me and Naomi when we know a certain amount will be there it helps us to budget better. if you would like to support than either message me back or contact Elim Missions
www.elimmissions.co.uk for contact information. you can remain private in your giving if you wish.
thanks to those including my sending church coventry who are already faithfully supporting me.
if finance is not an option i dearly value your prayers again this is the most powerful way of supporting me.
thanks for taling time to read this longer usual update.
lots of Love from the Hodgsons
To all those who follow this blog on Facebook you might be wondering where the video is. Well i have been told that my face is more suited to radio and i´m scareing little children (only joking)
i thought i would go back to typing for this week. It was great to see so many friends at conference and to find out that so many were following all that i am doing via facebook and twitter etc. a special hello to David and Pia Woodfield whom i respect so much thanks for reading these updates.
God really blessed me at conference i really enjoyed the dary northrop sessions and keith was great not to mention sy. it was a great conference. I also spent some time with family in Derby and preaching in Coventry. It was great to see all my friends and sharing a chalet with Iain and Rachel Hesketh along with Sean Charlesworth and Mrs C. thanks for that.
As you look to the future it can be quite fearful sometimes. No longer guaranteed a stable salary and pension and i always find it hard weighing up the balance of living by faith with your finances and also being a good steward of them. I realise i am completely dependant on the generosity of my friends and family, that too can bring feelings of guilt like am i acheiving enough for the Lord in order that their giving is justified.
However when i look back over this year i can truly say i have seen God do some amazing things and in spite of me sometimes, he is great. we have more people attending the church, more publicty and better relations with the town hall.
Faith and fear have the same definition "seeing those things that are not as if they are already" its what you choose to believe, radical faith or irational fear.
this i find hard to do, i find it really difficult to ask for support financially. prayer is fine, talk about money thats harder.
the truth is i need to be bolder in this. so here goes...
i need more sponsors. those who have caught just a wiff of the vision to see this nation changed. if you can support me with a one off gift that will be great if you can support on monthly basis even just 5 pounds a month then fantastic. there is security for me and Naomi when we know a certain amount will be there it helps us to budget better. if you would like to support than either message me back or contact Elim Missions
www.elimmissions.co.uk for contact information. you can remain private in your giving if you wish.
thanks to those including my sending church coventry who are already faithfully supporting me.
if finance is not an option i dearly value your prayers again this is the most powerful way of supporting me.
thanks for taling time to read this longer usual update.
lots of Love from the Hodgsons
Tuesday, 1 June 2010
Monday, 10 May 2010
Monday, 26 April 2010
a few weeks ago i emailed the ayuntamiento thats the local goverment as a result of that initial email i secured a meeting with a representive of the foreigners department. Myself and Howard met with them last week to highlight the community work of the church. all went well and looks as if a good working relationship may come blossom. the ayuntamiento (town hall) hold all the power in the municiplality so its vital that as a church we can build up strong relationships with them.
please pray for Gods ongoing favour in this area!
you may like to support me in prayer and finances you can do by contacting
0845 302 6750
Direct Telephone Line: 44 (0)1684 588 940
Fax: 0845 302 6752
Email: missions@elimhq.net
please pray for Gods ongoing favour in this area!
you may like to support me in prayer and finances you can do by contacting
0845 302 6750
Direct Telephone Line: 44 (0)1684 588 940
Fax: 0845 302 6752
Email: missions@elimhq.net
Friday, 23 April 2010
Well the flights are booked and i´m starting to pack, well maybe not yet. I fly into the UK on friday 4th of June and preach at coventry Elim Church on 6th of June. its then onto the Elim bible week for a week of seeing friends and recieving great ministry. so if you are around i will see you in Coventry in a few weeks time.
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