STEPHEN ELLACOTT

NORTH DEVON

SUMMER 2025 UPDATE

Dear Friends and Prayer Partners, every so often a young Christian comes along who simply gets what it means to walk with Jesus. The change in their attitude and behaviour is breath-taking. They instantly see the importance of sharing their faith, getting involved with ministry and serving as best they can. They have been touched by the Holy Spirit in a profound and life-changing way. One of these young men is Levi. You can read his full testimony in this summer’s Ignite magazine. I first met Levi at the “McDonalds” Friday night Bible study. His best friend Joel (not “Sam” – Levi had not got Joel’s permission to use his name before the publication deadline of the Ignite article, so used a synonym) invited him along, having recently made a profession of faith. Over the last two years I have seen such amazing growth in him. I have assumed a mentoring and support role, helping him through some difficult times, and challenging him to push his limits in serving God. I have taken him with me to share his testimony on many occasions (see above); and encouraged him to try out different ministries at church, to see where his gifts lie. He is currently involved in the church youth and children’s ministries; and he helps lead & teach at the Petroc CU, with David Symons and myself. He is a natural and instinctive evangelist; spontaneously sharing his faith, nurturing, and encouraging younger Christians. Levi is currently undertaking the Counties SW One2Lead course and is praying about undertaking the Tilsley College “Training for Service” course or SWYM “Be Transformed” course in the next few years; assuming we can raise some funds to support him in this. Please pray for this young man: he still faces many issues related to his past, but faces them with a Spirit filled determination.

One2Lead SW

On 12th July we had our One2Lead “Day Event” at Beacon Health Church, Exeter. It was the hottest day of the year, so far, in the South West, reaching temperatures just shy of 30oC. With a little ingenuity we managed to keep the temperature in the hall around 20oC for the studies in Titus, which went well. I taught the introduction and chapter one, with Dave Symons and Peter Allen teaching chapters 2 & 3, respectively. I then spent the rest of the day on catering duties – feeding our 20 students and 6 leaders. After lunch the team went out for LazerTag, while I stayed behind to prepare the evening meal. They had a fun afternoon, returning to the church hall for dinner around 6pm. After dinner Beth Symons led a testimony and sharing time. During the day, Timon, Asher, Noah, and Sammy did an excellent job leading our worship times. The day ended with clean-up and departure around 8pm. It was a really encouraging day - seeing the passion in these young Christians. Our next One2Lead SW weekend is at Heatree Activity Centre, Dartmoor, on 3rd to 5th October 2025. I will be teaching on “God the Father” and Peter Allin on “Knowing Myself” for tier one; with “Church Planting” being taught by a guest speaker, for tier two. Further information can be found at www.countiesuk.org/one2lead. Please keep praying for this amazing ministry.

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” Galatians 6:9-10

Ongoing Ministries

The school year at Kingsley finished well. Despite the warm & sunny weather, in the last few weeks of term, 7 students turn up for Bible Club. The prep-school end of term assembly on “Liquorice Allsorts” (How God can use our mistakes to His advantage) went down really well with staff and students – Sharing out the sweets, at the end of the assembly, probably helped. The Kingsley Senior School CU attendance was very random, due to school play rehearsals and the great weather. This has been a small, but committed, group most of the year; with two genuine seekers amoungst the group. Pray for these students over the summer holidays, that they will respond to the calling of the Holy Spirit. Please pray for the 2025/26 academic year – that students will return and new ones join us. I am normally formally invited back during the 4th week of August, when the school confirms ongoing clubs. On Wednesday 16th July, we concluded Petroc CU with our end of year BBQ. 21 students came, with a mixture if current, old, and 4 potential students for next year. This has been an outstanding year, with students helping in lead worship and undertaking the Bible studies. We are aiming to build on this student participation during the new academic year. We are planning a reunion evening on 26th August; inviting back any students who have attended Petroc CU since 2020. Please pray for this initiative, as it is the first time we have tried a reunion meet-up. The revamped Friday night Bible study is going well. Having concluded Galatians, early July, we have commenced studies in James. We are taking our time, and due to questions and discussions, are averaging one chapter every 3- weeks. One of the guys recently got baptised: It was a great encouragement to hear him give testimony about the impact that the Bible study was having on his Christian walk. Please pray for this important ministry. On 1st September we have our South West Cluster picnic at Meldon Reservoir, near Okehampton. I will be presenting an update on the work of Counties in Devon at the DUMO (Devon United Mission Offering) Autumn celebration on Saturday 27th September at Beacon Heath Church, Exeter at 4pm. If you are in the area, I would love to catch up with you. I will also be at the Bristol Evangelists Conference at Speedwell Chapel, on Saturday 20th September. But unfortunately, due to a family wedding, I will not be able to attend the Counties Connect Conference in October. Many Blessings, and thank you for your prayers

If you would be willing to help with financial support towards my ministry work, please forward gifts, for my attention, to Counties Head Office, or contact me for direct banking details. Your support is very much appreciated.