Friday 9 May 2008

Another achievment for Amy!

The last couple of days have been a worry. We found out that we have some problems with our support. Anyone who is in ministry will appreciate how uncertain things can be at times. The good news is that there is always a godly man in the mix who understands and goes the extra mile to help out. The not so good news is that I have to start planning an unexpected trip over to the States late August/September time. So, let me take this opportunity to all you guys who are reading this blog, to point me in the direction of people who might be interested in supporting our work here.

All that aside, we have so many reasons to be in a great mood. Amy was appointed Deputy Head Girl at the Academy!!! I am so thrilled that the school recognises the qualities we have known Amy possesses. We are sure both Amy and Darcy, Amy's good friend who got Head Girl, will have a positive impact in the school during their final year.

Yesterday was a good day! Got some time with my dad in the morning and had coffee and a chat. Visited with Maureen Keeble who has kindly agreed to make up the curtains etc. for our newly created puppet stage. Maureen has also agreed to have a BBQ at her camper van on the beach during our kids scavenger hunt next Friday as part of our campaign with the Harding students. I spent a lot of yesterday getting things made for the hunt - manna and quail flags, ten commandment markers, name badges etc. etc...

Class last night was excellent. I was a bit less focused that I normally am, but when it came time for the lesson I was able get it together and finished up with a good challenge for the guys to consider the dilemma of standing before God without accepting Christ. I am thankful that they continue to give room for the word and I pray that it continues to take root. There was one little set back tonight - Richard picked up a nasty cut over his eye in a freak mis-timed coming together of his head and Thomas foot. For the next 10 minutes I felt like a boxers cut man as we got the bleeding to stop and the swelling to calm down. After a wee while all was well again.

Today I had the blessing of going to both Central and Anna Ritchie schools. As always I left both schools thankful for another opportunity to influence the kids and to let them know they are important. That will be the last for three weeks as from Tuesday we begin campaign and the schedule is full of opportunity - I am so excited!!!

Well as Tigger would say, "T.T.F.N!"

Wednesday 7 May 2008

Breakthrough!!!

It's been a wee while since my last entry, but all for good reason. I am at that point that so much activities have passed in the last few days that I can't remember everything. I am not going to try, but it goes without saying that campaign prep has taken up quite a few hours. I was glad the pipes and fittings were delivered on Saturday, which meant that 1st thing on Monday morning I was busy getting the puppet stage made. I'm quite proud of the finished article and we just have to cover the frame with fabric and that will be that!

I was preaching again on Sunday morning and loved the prep time for the lesson. I developed the lesson I taught at the older boys class on being "Outstanding" and challenged the church not to be a little different from the world, but to be outstanding. It was good to be able to preach for the second Sunday in a row and continue from where we left of last week. Even with all the activity in getting ready for campaign it did my soul good to focus on study and be challenged by the word.

So far I have had 3 assemblies this week, two yesterday and one this morning. I have been excited about this mornings for a while now, as I have tried for years to get into Buchanhaven school. This morning was the 1st assembly I have done there and it was phenomenal! I feel richly blessed to have another door that has now become open to the influence of godliness. Today I talked about "Forgiveness, Compassion and Humility" and the kids were amazing! There was an instant connection and this was obvious from their involvement and input throughout the lesson.

It is now less than a week till our campaign begins and I am confident we have organised many opportunities for God to be active amongst us and for the community to be blessed. I would really appreciate all of your prayers in light of our campaign. We are trying a series of parenting classes for the first time and although it's easy to see the need in our community for this, it's quite another thing to get the community to see that they need God's instruction. So, please keep our efforts in your prayers.

Catch up later - God bless.