Annual Report 1[st] April 2023 - 31[st] March 2024
“They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles…” (Is. 40:31)
Contents Administration Details ......................................................................................................................... 2 Executive Summary .............................................................................................................................. 4 Bethesda Eagles’ Nest (BEN): 48 Mount Pleasant Road, Luton ........................................................... 6 Bethesda Apostolic Eagles – International: 253 Marsh Road, Luton ................................................... 7 Church Refurbishment: ................................................................................................................ 7 Community Links: ......................................................................................................................... 7 Foodbank ...................................................................................................................................... 8 B.L.C.S.S. ...................................................................................................................................... 8 Ishah to Ishah (Woman to Woman) ............................................................................................ 8 Fund-Raising Summary 2023/24 .......................................................................................................... 9 Associate and Fellowship District Churches & Ministries Overview.................................................... 9 East Wind Tabernacle .................................................................................................................. 9 Bethel Apostolic Church - Slough ................................................................................................. 9 Spiritual Care Foundation Apostolic Ministries ........................................................................... 9 Poinciana Pentecostal House of Prayer – Florida ........................................................................ 9
Administration Details
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Charity Name: Bethesda Apostolic Eagles International Other Names Known By: Bethesda Eagles’ Nest Bethel Apostolic Church – Slough Registered Charity No.: 1193243 Principal Address: 253 Marsh Road, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU3 2RT - Email: churchadmin@bethesda aei.org Website: Bethesda Apostolic Eagles Int Telephone: 01582 945614 Trustees: Rev. David W. Lewin Mrs Pamela Lewin Miss Lesley Derby Mrs Dellecia Smith-Dawkins Mr Jonathan Samms Accounts Prepared By: Mrs Pamela Lewin Independent Examiner: Dumas Accounting & Business Support Ltd 21 Loughborough Drive, Broughton, Milton Keynes, MK10 7DZ Tel: 07971 402320 Type of Governing Document: Constitution Constitution of Charity: Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) Trustees’ selection method: Appointed Charity Objectives: To advance the Christian Religion in accordance with the Holy Bible through the church by faith in such ways in Luton and in such parts of the United Kingdom or the world as the charity trustees from time to time deem fit. The provision and maintenance of properties and business enterprise(s) for the benefit of the church and community in the interests of social welfare and with the object of improving the conditions of life.
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Executive Summary
The churches in Luton and Slough continue to flourish under the current leadership and structures and are going through a time of consolidation. Many brethren are attending church after the COVID hibernation; we've seen an increase in visitors and enquiries to attend the church.
Once again, we have lost members of the church due to death, which is the legacy of the COVID years and old age. The silver lining has been that the foodbank effort provided by the church members has made a real difference in the community. We have witnessed more young people attending church regularly and are very hopeful for future baptisms in 2024/25.
Whilst the extensive work carried out to 253 Marsh Road has stopped the ingress of water, there is still extensive work to be done to the internal roof lining and roof renewal; this has temporarily ceased due to restricted funds, but the building is usable and open for services.
To ensure cash flow is maintained, funds were directed to repairs and improvements to 48 Mount Pleasant Road, Luton. This consisted of replacing the foyer tiles, resurfacing and making safe the driveway and repairs to the external brick wall to ensure the rental income is maintained.
The wider ministries and associations to Bethesda continue to be effective in ministry thereby spreading the kingdom of Jesus Christ.
Our motto continues to be relevant to the Church’s vision and remains, ‘They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles…’ (Isa. 40:31). Our strength has been renewed because we continue to grow and develop by providing spiritual Christian support to our members and community alike. We can confirm that the church continued to:
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Save souls through the redemptive Gospel of faith in Jesus Christ in accordance with biblical principles of GOD’s Word.
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Offer biblical ceremonies.
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Offer children and babies to be dedicated to the Lord.
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The Church continued to work with the local communities and authorities through its partnership where possible via media platforms.
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Our community Sunday school continue to provide biblical, Apostolic, and Christian activity-based learning. This is now face-to-face and no longer via social media platforms.
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Provide support and aid to national, international, and local ministries.
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Working in alliance with non-affiliated church groups and police agencies within the local community
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Provide advocacy, help and support to the disadvantaged community through our foodbank baskets and financial support.
All the above activities are still in line with the objects of the charity both in terms of the biblical principles and our community priorities. We thank the Lord Jesus Christ for his saving grace and for helping us to carry out the work he has commissioned us to do.
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Together as a team, we aim to witness Jesus Christ at work through the Holy Spirit and his people. May the Lord Jesus Christ continue to carry us through our many challenges, enabling his church to remain strong against the opposition of spiritual decline in society, economic pressures and stresses of life all designed to resist the commission of the charity’s aims; we are profoundly grateful to God who gives us the victory.
We are looking forward to enjoying the great success and fulfilment of our prophetical strategies to steer the church forward through the power of the Holy Ghost.
The year 2023/24 can be summarised as follows:
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Poinciana Pentecostal House of Prayer in the USA Florida – The church continues to thrive under its local leadership team.
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East Wind Tabernacle (EWT) continues to thrive under its leadership team.
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Bethel Apostolic Church Slough –continues to thrive under the leadership of the bishop and local ministers since the passing away of the late Pastor.
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Spiritual Care Foundation continues to thrive under its leadership team.
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A local like-minded church commenced hiring the church for their Sunday Services in December 2023.
In conclusion, as servants of God, we thank the Lord for his blessings upon His church; of which we are all co-workers and partakers. The Trustees give a special vote of thanks for the faithful service of the church’s leadership and administration teams, volunteers, friends, and well-wishers who have all contributed their time and finances in many ways over the last year.
Let us not boast in any vanity and pride but remain humble and thankful for his love towards us. ‘...it is God that gives the increase…’ (1Cor 3:6).
May the Lord Jesus continue to smile on Bethesda Apostolic Church – International as the scriptures declare, ‘… But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint’ (Isa.40:29-31)
Bishop, Dr David Lewin – Snr Pastor For and on behalf of the Trustees
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Bethesda Eagles’ Nest (BEN): 48 Mount Pleasant Road, Luton
BEN is the Community Church Hall of Bethesda Apostolic Eagles - International , which was purchased under the visionary leadership of our Founding Pastor, Bishop D Lewin, to engage the community and to be a self-financing entity to support the church’s mission.
Our overall objective for the building is to serve the church and community as a halfway meeting place and provide an HQ central centre for the local, district, national and international churches, and communities.
The following bullet points represent the key areas of accomplishment and development carried out during this financial year.
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The Nursery continues to thrive and serve the community.
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Existing third-party church users continue to use the first floor.
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A new church commenced hire of 1[st] floor
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District church events have now restarted.
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Training and educational learning groups
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Foodbank continues to thrive.
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Bethesda Apostolic Eagles – International: 253 Marsh Road, Luton
Church Refurbishment:
As outlined in the Executive Summary, the internal roof is still in need of repair.
Community Links:
Bethesda Apostolic Eagles - International has maintained a strong community presence due to the Pastor’s influence and the integration of its members within the dynamics of the communities in which we minister.
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Luton Apostolic Churches Alliance prayer and fellowship: we aim to increase fellowship in prayer. The churches are growing from strength to strength with closer fellowship in prayers. Services are still being held via social media as well as face-toface.
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Evangelism: We are seeing a steady influx of visitors to our services.
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Church Associations: Increased fellowship and joint meetings with other church organisations of similar religious beliefs have fully resumed.
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Annual Seaside Trip: We had another successful subsidised trip to Weymouth seaside for our members and the community circa 120 individuals. Many families were able to enjoy a great day out which they would not normally be able to afford.
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Hire: A local Apostolic church whose tenancy came to an end, commenced hiring the church for their weekly afternoon Sunday Services in December 2023.
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Foodbank
The church continues to follow the example of Jesus who fed the hungry and catered for the poor. This initiative was started by Bethesda members but has now expanded to the wider community with various independent charities providing food. The Foodbank is delivered weekly from our community centre.
B.L.C.S.S.
Children’s Sunday school has now returned to face-to-face meetings. Teaching via social media has ceased as children and youth are encouraged to attend face-to-face.
The Sunday school continues to provide the children of the church and local community with a weekly programme of spiritual education in a fun and relaxed setting. We remain committed to ensuring that the children are taught sound, moral principles in a fun
atmosphere where they are comfortable and confident to ask questions. Our goal is to equip the children with the knowledge and skills required to be outstanding citizens, who will uphold the Gospel of Jesus Christ and its biblical precepts.
Going forward, with the help of the Lord we are endeavouring to develop a cohort of rounded children who are confident in expressing themselves inside and outside of the church community. We will continue to support them in their development from childhood through to adolescence by providing them with the tools that will allow them to make clear, positive decisions and to become good role models in their schools and wider community.
Ishah to Ishah (Woman to Woman)
Launched in March 2017, Ishah to Ishah is the umbrella name under which sits a trilogy of ministries for women. This remains to be relaunched.
The scope of Ishah to Ishah engages:
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Pastors’ Wives Fellowship
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Echad Ladies (for single, widowed & divorced ladies)
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Wives of Wisdom (for married ladies)
The aim is to empower women to overcome the challenges and setbacks in their lives and is designed to engage, encourage and empower women in all seasons of their lives and for women of all generations to reach a place of knowing and acceptance that they are ‘far above rubies’
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Fund-Raising Summary 2023/24
No fund-raising took place this year.
Associate and Fellowship District Churches & Ministries Overview
East Wind Tabernacle
Based in Solihull West Midlands the church has gone from strength to strength through the hard work of the local Pastor and his wife supported by a trusted team of officers. EWT continues to be part of the district fellowship.
Bethel Apostolic Church - Slough
The District Bishop continues to take on the Pastorate of this church in the interim, whilst a new pastor/leader is established. This area of ministry has much potential to impact its community and the church. We look forward to the challenges of growth through evangelism. We anticipate more growth through the move of God.
Spiritual Care Foundation Apostolic Ministries
Our association and links with Spiritual Care Foundation based in Reading, are synergetic sharing common purposes yet we remain independent organisations. Sharing the same biblical doctrinal beliefs and charity objects to promote biblical principles to affect the communities in which we operate. Bethesda Apostolic Eagles - International provides spiritual biblical covering to its ministerial leadership. The ministry continues to grow and is in the process of refurbishing its recently acquired leased building. Spiritual Care Foundation continues to be part of the district fellowship.
Poinciana Pentecostal House of Prayer – Florida
An independent church organisation which officially became associated with Bethesda Apostolic Eagles - International in 2020. We share the same biblical doctrinal beliefs and charity objects to promote biblical principles to affect the communities and countries we operate. Bethesda Apostolic Eagles International provides full spiritual, biblical and ecclesiastical covering to its leadership.
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The Trustees and Pastor wish to express their vote of thanks to all workers, co-workers, and members for their continued efforts.
This Annual Report is approved on behalf of the Trustees by:
| (1) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Name: | …….……………………………………………………………….. Signature: ……………………………………………… Jonathan Samms (Feb 6, 2025 13:19 GMT) Jonathan Samms |
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| Position: …………………………………………………………………. Date: …………………………………………………… 6-Feb-2025 Trustee |
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| (2) | |||
| Name: | ……………………………………………………………………… Signature: ……………………………………………… Lesley Derby (Feb 6, 2025 19:47 GMT) Lesley Derby |
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| Position: …………………………………………………………………... Date: ……………………………………………………. Trustee 6-Feb-2025 |
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| (3) | |||
| Name: | ……………………………………………………………………… Signature: ……………………………………………… Dellecia Smith-Dawkins (Feb 6, 2025 21:01 GMT) Dellecia SMITH DAWKINS |
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| Position: ………………………………………………………………….. Date: ………………………………………………………. Trustee 6-Feb-2025 |
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| (4) | |||
| Name: | ……………………………………………………………………… Signature: …………………~~…~~………………………… David Lewin (Feb 7, 2025 08:31 GMT) David W Lewin |
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| Position: ………………………………………………………………….. Date: ………………………………………………………. 7-Feb-2025 Chair of Trustees |
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| (5) | |||
| Name: | ……………………………………………………………………… Signature: ……………………………………………… Pam Lewin (Feb 7, 2025 14:05 GMT) Pamela Lewin |
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| Position: ………………………………………………………………….. Date: ………………………………………………………. Trustee/Treasurer 7-Feb-2025 |
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| A | dministrationDetails |
|---|---|
| CharityName: | Bethesda Apostolic Eagleslnternational |
| OtherNamesKnownBy: | Bethesda Eagles'Nest |
| BethelApostolicChurch-Slough | |
| Registered GharityNo.: | 1193243 |
| Principal Address: | 253 Marsh Road, Luton, Bedfordshire,LU3 2RT |
| Email: | bethel.luton@qmail.com (to bechanged) |
| Telephone: | 015829456'14 |
| Trustees: | BishopDavid Lewin |
| MrsPamelaLewin | |
| MissLesley Derby | |
| MrsDelleciaSmith-Dawkins | |
| MrJonathan Samms | |
| AccountsPreparedBy: | MrsPamelaLewin |
| lndependent Examiner: | DumasAccounting& BusinessSupportLtd |
| 'l6Butlers Grove, GreatLinford,MiltonKeynes, | |
| MK14sDT | |
| Tel:07971 402320 | |
| Email:dumas.accountinq@btinternet.com |
| 1'tAp | ril2023-313tMarch2024 | ril2023-313tMarch2024 | ril2023-313tMarch2024 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UIlrostricted RestrictedEndowment | Total | Ptior year | |||
| fuhds | fuhds | luhds | tunds | tota(lunds | |
| lncome and endowments from: | |||||
| Donations and legacies | t49,699.75 | e49,699.75 | e36,26'1.97 | ||
| Othertrading activities | 838,067.75 | €38,067.75 | t31,U8.42 | ||
| lnvestments | |||||
| lncome from charitable activities | t2,394.23 | t2,394.23 | t139.42 | ||
| Other income | t717.50 | 8717.50 | t4,a77.A5 | ||
| Tolal income | f90,879.23 | f,90,879.23e72,627.66 | |||
| Expenditure on: | |||||
| Costsofgenerating funds | 82,679.00 | t2,679.00 | 1180.00 | ||
| Costsofgenerating voluntary income | 82,223.99 | 81,114.03 | |||
| Expenditure on charitable activities | €59,580.33 | f59,580.33 | t5'1,094.90 | ||
| Other expenditure | e13,731 .88 | €13,731.88 | L23,221.19 | ||
| Tolal expenditure | x?a,215-20 | c78,215.20e75,610.12 | |||
| Netincome/(expenditure) resources beforetransfer |
€r2,664.03 | e12,664.03([2,982.46) | |||
| Transfers | |||||
| Grosstransfers between lunds- in | |||||
| Grosstransfers between funds-out | |||||
| Other recognised gains/losses | |||||
| Gains/losses on investment assets | (E2,874.48) | ||||
| Gainson revaluation, fixed assets, charity's ownuse |
(€696.89) | (r696.89) | |||
| Netmovemenlinfunds | e11,967.14 | €11,967.14(t5,856.94) | |||
| Totalfunds brought fonvard | 8252,889.78 | - | t2s2,889.788258,716.72 | ||
| Totalfundscarriedforward | €264,856.92 | - | €264,856.92 t252,889.7I |
| ctassandcode | Description | Asat 3110312024 |
Asat 31tO3t2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fixedassets | |||
| FAOOl | Property-253Nrarsh Rd | f100,000.00 | 8100,000.00 |
| FAO02 | Equipment & lT | t7,676.83 | t3,233.41 |
| FAOO3 | Furniture | t2,652.00 | 86,678.34 |
| FAO04 | l\4usical/PAEquipment | r1 ,916.00 | 81,783.20 |
| FAOO5 | Fixtures&Fittings | f2,948,56 | 83,574.46 |
| FAOO6 | Transport | L1,212.71 | 81,732.44 |
| FAOOT | Portacabin&Container | Ll,921.73 | t2,o22.87 |
| FAOOS | Property-48l\rount PleasantRd | €275,000.00 | e275,000.00 |
| Total Fixed assets | €393,327.83 | 8394,024.72 | |
| Currenl assets | |||
| CAOOl | Bank-Bethel current-closed | ||
| CAOO2 | Bank- Bethelf-Raising/cift-closed | ||
| cA003 | Bank-Bethelloanreserve -Closed | ||
| cA004 | Bank-Bethel Ministry- Closed | ||
| cA005 | Bank -Bethel Lloyds-closed | ||
| cA013 | Bank - Barclays Slough | !10,661.78 | 19,776.87 |
| cA015 | Bank-Bethesda EaglesNest...6183 | 11,617.07 | t644.24 |
| cAo24 | Bank-Bethesda Lloyds | E1,303.90 | r'r,363.29 |
| cA025 | Bank-Bethesda Main..6167 | 81,196.97 | 11,806.64 |
| cA026 | Bank-savings New...619l | t7iM.13 | r1,831.96 |
| zo5 | Accounts Receivable | 14,663.61 | €4,490.10 |
| TotalCurrent assets | 826,847.46 | e19,913.10 | |
| Liabilities | |||
| 6699 | Agency collections | f52.00 | |
| 1005 | E-ON | ||
| 1010 | EMOOT | E1,894.7 4 | t1,894.74 |
| L011 | MBNA | ||
| L0't3 | A.M.L |
| L019 | Propertyloan-Mt Pleasant(2) | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| LO21 | NatwestBusinessCard | t2,716.20 | t4,192.36 |
| LO22 | DG&A | 82,000.00 | €2,000.00 |
| L023 | VehicleNo.2 | ||
| L025 | AML(2) LoanTrf | t5,670.0085,820.00 | |
| LO26 | BarclayCard | ||
| L027 | Virgin MoneyCard | E2,119.24 | |
| LO28 | DWL-church refurb | t2,100.00 | e2,100.00 |
| LO29 | Property Loan (ClO) -N,UPleasant | t137,680.97 | L |
| LO14 | Butterfleld | ||
| LO16 | Trow | ||
| LO24 | Gibbs & Dandy | ||
| 204 | Accounts Payable | 13.256.46 | 1352.07 |
| TotalLiabilities | t155,318.37 | €161,048.04 | |
| NetAssetsurplus (deficit) | f264,856.92 | C2s2,889.78 | |
| Reserves | |||
| Excess/(deficit) to date | t12,664.03 | tl68.972.75 | |
| 201 | Starting balanc6s | 8252,889.78 | t86,791.5'1 |
| 202 | Othergains/(losses) | (E2.874.48) | |
| 203 | Gains/(losses) on investment assets | (e696.89) | |
| TotalReserves | 8264,856.92 | 8252,889.78 | |
| Represented by Funds | |||
| General (Unrestricted) | e264,856.92 | t252,889.78 | |
| Designated | |||
| Restricted | |||
| Total | !264,856.92 | 2252,889.78 |
Lesley Derby Lesley Derby (Feb 5, 2025 05:45 GMT)
Trustee 5-Feb-2025