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GW Craft, American interim pastor at Henley-in-Arden Baptist Church, had the honor of bringing the message on Remembrance Day November 14, 2010. The service was held at St. John’s Church and the Henley News reported that, “the largest number of residents in many years” attended the service.

GW arrived in Henley-in-Arden with his wife, Liz, in September 2010 and their 6-months assignment as interim pastor will finish in February. At that time they will return to their home in America and resume service in the kingdom of God at First Baptist Church, Pensacola, Florida.

GW will be the final American interim pastor at Henley-in-Arden Baptist Church. The ministry by representatives of American Interim Pastor Ministries, Inc. (nonprofit) began in October 2005 with Ed and Linda Sullivan from Granbury, Texas. They were followed by Charles and Pat Boyd from Springfield, Missouri. Dick and Nadine Harmon from Stafford, Virginia served for almost 2 years–from January 2007 until October 2009. Jerry and Judie Lloyd from Pittsburg, Kansas served the first half of 2009 and John and Jan Ward from Lake Jackson, Texas took the last half. They were followed by Jim and Carroll Fox from Los Cruses, New Mexico and finally by GW and Liz. Each of these American couples were shown excellent hospitality by the folk at Henley-in-Arden and life-long frinedships have developed. Trips in both directions across the Atlantic are not uncommon.

American Interin Pastor Ministries, Inc. is able to leave Henley-in-Arden in early 2011 because the objective of this ministry has been accomplished, that is, the church has come to the point that they are able to call a British Baptist pastor. We praise the Lord for this and for the opportunity to serve Him alongside the wonderful Christians at Henley-in-Arden Baptist Church.

Serving in the UK for 6 months or more is not without sacrifice on the part of the interim couple. Liz Craft’s mother is advanced in years, lives in a nursing home and has limited capabilities. She would normally be visited by Liz every day. While Liz and GW are at Henley-in-Arden a very dear friend organizes visits with Liz’s mother every day. Thank the Lord for such good friends. Every day Liz’s mother askes, “Where is Liz?” Every day the same answer: “Liz is with GW on a mission trip and GW is preaching the Gospel.” With that informaiton, every day there comes a huge smile and a perfect peace knowing that this precious daughter is serving God and the Gospel is being spread. I pray that when I come to that stage in life, as we all surely must, I will be thrilled at the news that my loved ones are on a mission trip and that the Gospel is being spread. May the Lord richly bless Liz Craft’s mother!