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In the 2001 census Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims represented 4.6% of the population of England and Wales.

This rose to about 7% in 2011 and is expected to be over 10% in the 2021 census. A conservative estimate is that people of these faiths will constitute over a quarter of the population of England and Wales by 2050 in only about 30 years time. Many inner city areas have seen church after church closed down, with some being converted into mosques or temples. What is the church doing to reach this burgeoning mission field on our doorstep?

During the week beginning 13 May, the Association of Baptist Churches in Ireland held its annual assembly meetings in Lisburn.

The 118 churches across the island work together in evangelism, church planting, mission, training, women’s and youth work. The assembly kicked off with ‘Association Sunday’, when churches are encouraged to engage in pulpit swaps and joint services.

The Pastor Training International (PTI) and Christian Books Worldwide (CBW) supporter’s day on 12 May was inspiring.

With reports from across the globe showing how the work of PTI and CBW has grown, a highlight was Pastor Andrew, from Myanmar, sharing how PTI’s training benefits local pastors. Many new churches have been planted in the rural Buddhist country. Congregations have grown, with many new converts, but pastors need training in how to disciple and feed them. PTI encourages pastors to read the text carefully, to interpret its true meaning, then preach and apply it.

Between 8 August and 11 November, The Soldiers’ and Airmen’s Scripture Readers is asking churches, Association (SASRA) join a to individuals small groups and Prayer Event called 100days.

SASRA shares the gospel with serving personnel in the Army and the RAF. It is able to go ‘behind the wire’ where local churches can’t, with 16 uniformed Scripture Readers, all of whom have served in the Military.