Used Stamps For Guide Dogs

Have you ever thought of doing something fun and yet for a worthy cause?

Trimming stamps is something I like doing during my free time. One day during the past week a few of us were talking about how many stamps I trim each week. This prompted and idea in my mind to set a goal for myself for next year. From 1 January to 31 December 2008, my goal is to collect and trim 1 MILLION stamps; yes you read it right, 1 million stamps! In order to achieve this goal, I need your help in providing me with used stamps.

For your information, I don’t collect stamps myself but simply prepare them for sale for various organizations/community groups. The stamps which I hope to collect for this project will be taken to a wholesaler and the money raised will be given to GUIDE DOGS VICTORIA.

Why you ask? I have been blind since birth and have been a guide dog user for four years now and I can tell you that it has given me a new lease of life in the sense that I have become more independent and can go anywhere.Even though this is going to be very tedious, I feel that this will be a worthwhile project to undertake.

Your participation in helping me achieve this goal will be greatly appreciated. All you need to do is send any used stamps (still attached to the envelope!) to the following address:

36 Aberdeen Road

Blackburn South VIC 3130

Many thanks in anticipation of your support!
Dabak

I Can Think Of Him

This morning's worship focussed on the God who constantly thinks of us and longs for us to think on Him. I am so grateful to the Inala Choir for singing Major Joy Webb's song, I Can Think Of Him, reminding us that we can each think of God at all times in our lives, no matter what our experiences or circumstances might be, and know His presence to be an absolute reality and a comforting assurance to us not only for the past, but for all our todays and tomorrows.

Over recent weeks, I’ve had ample time to step aside from the routines of my ministry and really do some deep thinking. To contemplate God without the pressures of daily schedules and to process where I am in my spiritual journey. And you know, I have to be honest and say that it isn’t always an easy thing to do, because contemplation often leads to confrontation. As I meditated on Colossians 3:1-2, I was confronted with my own timely reminder that think on God and be proactive about the way I respond to situations that come my way.

Here's my personal paraphrase of these words that were a timely reminder for me ~ “Think on God. Think godly thoughts and set your mind on God’s agenda instead of your own. Look up to His love and live confidently in His presence.”

Song 517 (verse 2) ~ "Whate'er pursuits my time employ, one thought shall fill my soul with joy: That silent, secret thought shall be that all my hopes are fixed on thee."

Maori Cultural Experience

When visiting other countries, we always enjoy experiencing something of their indigenous culture. So, on our final evening in Christchurch we had the wonderful privilege of attending a Maori Cultural Show followed by a hangi (earthen-cooked) buffet meal.

By listening to stories and commentaries about their rich heritage and practices one begins to appreciate the diversity and understand the important contributions of other cultures to our multifaceted world.

It was delightful to experience the richness of their harmonious songs and expressive dance routines ~ to hear of their ancient spiritual beliefs of creation was interesting too.

Above all, there was a real sense that God certainly blessed us with a enjoyable and relaxing holiday experience. As expressed in the common Maori greeting, Kia ora was the reality of our experience ~ "be well and healthy".

Numbers 10:29b (NIV) ~ "Come with us and we will treat you well, for the LORD has promised good things..."

"This Is The Life!"

Today was a variety-packed day full of sensory stimulation.

First up, Akaroa. Set on a beautiful, sheltered harbour and overlooked by craggy volcanic hills, Akaroa is a popular resort town 85kms from Christchurch. In 1840, Akaroa was settled by French settlers who had intended to establish a colony and the area still has a French influence today, reflected in many local placenames.

Next, we return to Christchurch's city centre to enjoy a Punting In The Park experience. We boarded the punt for a private half hour river trip with our punter guide, Mark. It really was the life ~ chilling out, drifting down the Avon River's peaceful waters, taking in the sights of the Botanic Park's bank gardens, observing the many 'busy' ducks with ducklings in tow and, for a moment, not having a care in the world.

Then, it was back to normalcy as tourists in a city with so much to do and see. So we got on the city tram and made our way to Victoria Square for some visual delights, while Dabak continued to ride the circuit until we were ready to join her on the return trip.

And finally, we donned our cultural hats and were entertained with a live theatre performance of The Glass Menagerie, by playwright Tennesse Williams. The four cast performers were so good that we were easily transported back into the 1930s and drawn into the tragedies of their somewhat turbulent inter-relationships.

As the curtain fell, I thought of the popular saying, "All good things must come to an end", remembering that tomorrow is another day to look forward to too!

Trees On Avon

Just as Victoria (Aust) is dubbed "The Garden State", so too, Christchurch (NZ) bears the title "The Garden City". Not surprisingly, there are numerous parks and gardens scattered throughout this colorful city.

This morning as we rode the 2.5km tram route I managed to capture a favourite view of mine as we passed over the Avon River. It's a scene that speaks to me of serenity and renewal.

Tree imagery is used frequently throughout the Bible to convey a variety of lessons primarily with the purpose of inspiring a faith confidence that fosters believers to be assured of the gift of life and hope that God offers us each eternally through our personal relationship with Jesus.

The Tree of Life still provides the firmest foundation and the best nourishment to weather the storms of life that come our way.

Are you connected?

Ezekiel 47:7 (NIV) ~ "When I arrived there, I saw a great number of trees on each side of the river."

From Castles To Christchurch

There is a saying, "Expect the unexpected." Well, after another leisurely day of travelling we've arrived safe and sound in Christchurch, where we spend the remaining 4 days of our South Island holiday. Along the way we stopped at the Ashford Craft Shop & Showroom (home of the world famous Ashford Spinning Wheels) in Ashburton ~ that was to be expected with a keen knitter on board. However, the unexpected followed ~ after surveying the many hundreds of wool equipment and fabrics, Dabak purchased a couple of balls for a future wool project. Well I never! Anyway, it was a good opportunity for us guys to stretch the legs, take a few snapshots and enjoy the fresh air.

Another unexpected ~ over dinner we met up with a UK Salvo couple (from Cradley Heath Corps), who worshipped with us yesterday at Dunedin City Corps and, like us, are touring NZ. What a delight it was to 'bump' into them again after arriving in the 'big city' of Christchurch.

For now we are going to relax and do a little planning for the next few days activities, as we look forward with great expectation to exploring the sights and sounds of this picturesque southern city. What awaits us is yet to be seen...but being ready to "expect the unexpected" is a good start.

Psalm 5:3 (NIV) ~ "In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation."

Soaring On The Lord's Day

This morning we worshipped at the Dunedin City Corps, where we enjoyed a warm welcome and encountered the presence of God in fellowship together. Captain Alister Irwin gave a thought provoking message on the Nehemiah principle ~ recognizing a need and handing it over to God for "together" action!

Then again we encountered the presence of God as we experienced nature ~ this time at the Royal Albatross Centre, where we witnessed these humongous birds in soaring flight (and I have a nice photo to prove it!) Next stop was a self-guided walking tour of Larnach Castle and grounds. This is NZ's only castle and one that has been restored for our enjoyment.

So...we soared with God today in so many ways. How about you?

Isaiah 40:27 (MSG) ~ "...those who wait upon God get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles, They run and don't get tired, they walk and don't lag behind."

Southern Scenic Sojourn

Well, we arrived safely in Te Anau but, unfortunately, didn't make it to experience our Milford Sound boat cruise as the road remained closed until the day after we left town. As the saying goes, "When life deals you lemons, make lemonade"... so we did! We made the most of the opportunity to experience a local tour of the Glowworm Caves. A short cruise across Lake Te Anau was a sight to behold, as was walking down into the dark caves to board a dingy-type boat for a journey into the complete darkness of the glowworm grotto. Dabak fully appreciated the variety of sounds caused by the cascading waters as we ventured to deeper and darker depths.

Leaving Te Anau on Thursday morning, we headed to Invercargill ~ NZ's southernmost city and the home to Bert Munro of the Indian motorcycle fame. Though quite a remote, rural area it is uniquely beautiful, with tremendous botanical gardens and an array of sightseeing wonders. A highlight was to see Dabak enjoying feeding a lamb and getting to pat a baby goat ~ all part of our "Animal Farm" Holiday Park encounter.

On Friday morning, we left for a three-night stopover in Dunedin. Of course, first on the agenda after our 5-hour ride, was a walking tour of the Cadbury Factory, complete with sexy hairnets. The samples were nice as were some bargains from their chocolate shop. Yummy!

Saturday was another 'scenic delight'. This began with another walking tour ~ this time of the picturesque Botanical Gardens next door to our motel. We enjoyed the walk ~ I took heaps of floral and fauna photos while Dabak navigated her way around the many paths, often discovering interesting things for me to photograph. It was awesome!

In the afternoon, we boarded the Taieri Gorge Railway for a stunning 76km return trip through the city suburbs and into a "gorge-ous" area surrounded by cliffs, mountains and bushland. Here's Dabak enjoying the journey with one of our travelling companions.

Isaiah 33:17 (NIV) ~ "Your eyes will see the king in his beauty and view a land that stretches afar."

Southward Bound

To kick start the day, we took a 20 minute drive to Deer Park Heights, where they have a fantastic 'open range' animal reserve (the property in which they filmed several parts of the Lord Of The Rings movie). his morning we left scenic Queenstown and headed south to Te Anau (2.5hrs drive). There were many deer, goats, sheep, bison and llamas wandering around just waiting for Dabak to hand feed them. The scenic backdrop complemented this amazing experience well.

From there we headed south for Te Anau, where we stay tonight and hope to make to our way to Milford Sound ~ providing that is, the road is open following the avalanche warning. Well, it's been great so far, not much can dampen our spirits!

"This is my Father's world,

And to my listening ears,

All nature sings and round me rings

The music of the spheres.

This is my Father's world,

I rest me in the thought

Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas;

His hand the wonders wrought."

Maltbie Davenport Babock

Earthquakes And Queenstown...

NEWSFLASH...At 1.30am this morning (during our first nights sleep in Queenstown) we were woken by huge tremors in our 2nd floor bedroom that shook the whole area. Though we suspected as much, we didn't find out until the morning that it was the result of an earthquake measuring 6.7 on the Richter scale that hit off shore NZs west coast near Milford Sound. If that wasn't scary enough, again at 10.30am today, while travelling to do our "Bungy Experience", another tremor from an earthquake measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale occurred. Fortunately, this time we didn't feel it as we were out driving at the time. Praise God for travelling mercies!

As the above pics taken from outside our hotel room show, Queenstown is a stunningly gorgeous place and wherever you look it is as though the scenic backdrops have been especially painted for a movie set. The hotel overlooks Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown's inland lake, bordered by alpine mountains.

Today's activities included: Bungy Experience Tour (pic below shows it delighted some and terrified others!), drive around Deer Park feeding the animals, Sky Gondola ride (pic below too!) and relaxing spa/sauna.

God is good all the time ~ All the time, God is good!

Genesis 1:9-10 (MSG) ~ "And God said, "Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place, and let dry ground appear." And it was so. God called the dry ground "land," and the gathered waters he called "seas." And God saw that it was good."

Grandiose Glaciers

'Awesome' and 'amazing' are words that we used frequently today to describe the majestic mountains with their imposing ice glaciers. Here's a couple of pictures to support this.

Yes, Carl Boberg was right when he penned these familiar words of praise!

When through the woods, and forest glades I wander,
And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees.
When I look down, from lofty mountain grandeur
And see the brook, and feel the gentle breeze.

Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art!

South Island Spectacular

Since arriving in Christchurch at 3.30pm on Friday afternoon, we've enjoyed a series of warm welcomes and kind hospitality. The weather, on the other hand, hasn't been so friendly ~ with strong winds, constant rain and chilly breezes. But we can't fault the scenery here, it's spectacular! Lush green grass, stunning sunsets and majestic mountains make it all worthwhile.

Having spent a nice night in Christchurch, we boarded the TranzAlpine on Saturday morning for our 4-hour train journey across alpine country to Greymouth, on the 'wetter' west coast. Picking up our hire care gave us all an increased sense of independence and personal comfort, preparing us for a delightful drive ahead. While shopping, we met the Salvo veterans band from Christchurch and met a few 'old' friends.

This morning (following home church worship and a hire car hiccup!) we headed off for Franz Josef Glacier, stopping on the way at a Jade Factory in Hokatiki and for lunch at a nice roadside cafe. Nothing prepared us though for the amazing sights awaiting us at Franz! It was truly a God-connection moment ~ one that is beyond words...so you'll have to wait for the pictures!

Deuteronomy 7:21(MSG) ~ "God, your God, is among you—God majestic, God awesome."

7th Day Fortnight

Dabak and I are heading off on a "7th day fortnight" ~ furlough! It's a great time to relax, recharge the physical and spiritual batteries and enjoy the many opportunities of personal downtime. With this in mind, we're heading off to scenic New Zealand tomorrow with good friends for a great time.

Now that all my work and ministry responsibilities have been finalized, I'm really looking forward to flying across the sea to Christchurch for our tour of NZ's South Island. I'm exchanging the last minute stress baggage with the luggage of future joy and delight.

Not sure when I'll be able to "get connected" next, but stay tuned for when I do!

Genesis 2:2 (MSG) ~ "On the seventh day he rested from all his work. God blessed the seventh day."

General Change Prayer

When you've got a moment today, pause and pray for all Army officers within our territory who each receive personal letters indicating whether they will remain in their current ministry roles or need to prepare to relocate to new appointments with the 2008 General Change next January.

Commissioner Stanley Ditmer's words, too, are a well suited prayer for this occasion.

O take my life today, tomorrow;

Take Thou my will, in joy or sorrow;

If I must go or stay, O teach my heart to say,

'Without complaint, I'll follow Thee!'

(Musical Salvationist, 1976)

The Dream

During the recent Aggressive Christianity Conference hosted by Box Hill Corps, the territorial commander, Commissioner James Knaggs, shared personally the following dream he has for our territory.

I Have a Dream…
That one day The Salvation Army will, in its entirety, be what God wants it to be…
…that every soldier, young and old would be sanctified through and through, and out of the passion of their love in Christ, would be an undeniable force for God's love in the world.
…that this love would be seen between each soldier to demonstrate that God has sent His Son into the world not to condemn it, but that the world through Him might be saved, and by this would all people know that we are His followers and represent Him.
…that our love would be seen through intentional and overt acts of mercy and justice, all the while in humility before God, not needing to publish our works, only doing them to glorify God.
…that our mission would have such integrity that every expression of our ministry would be marked not so much by a red shield or even a crest, but by the love of God for people.
…that every corps would embrace the gospel for everyone in their community, not discriminating by culture, language, social status, or age, and that the helping ministries would be woven into the fabric so that even under a nuclear microscope we could not distinguish between spiritual and social.
…that every social programme would be inviting to any one in need to be helped towards eternal affect, still maintaining our resolve to dispense such love indiscriminately and unconditionally, and that their connections with the corps ministries become seamless to the point that they would become a type of corps in their own right.
…that we would have effective ministries to eradicate homelessness, human trafficking, prostitution and other indecencies currently common in our society.
…that our social programme strategy will be based upon the needs of people in the context of Biblical mandate, not necessarily the offerings of government contracts.
…that headquarters support units would be understood as such, not diminishing their purposes for accountability, but wholly in the context of authentic support and encouragement.
…that programmes such as Salvo Stores and Employment plus would also become saving stations for the lost and fully integrated into the mission of the territory.
...that Salvo Stores and the Trade become responsible outlets for Fair Trade goods.
…that our commercial department at THQ become a resource and focal point for facilitating our increasing efforts in Fair Trade.
…that the Family Tracing Service be expanded to find those souls who have been lost to the Army, assisting in bringing them home, where they belong.
…that we would never have another day in our existence where someone was not brought to Christ.
…that our soldiers roll would only be an increasing reality as would our worship and discipleship meetings.
…that the proliferation of new ministry openings would be so common and normal that we would have to appoint personnel just to keep track of it, most often after the fact.
…that those gifted with creative ministry gifts would have every opportunity to employ these very skills in the work of the Army.
…that our worship would be filled with creative means to celebrate God's provisions and presence among us.
…that our 24/7 Prayer Initiatives will be adopted by individual corps throughout the territory all the time.
…that we would establish Lighthouses of Prayer to cover our neighbourhoods with grace.
…that we would have numerous prayer destinations where people could go for prayer retreats, learning opportunities and resources.
...that we would have effective ministries to eradicate homelessness, human trafficking, prostitution and other indecencies currently common in our society.
…that our social programme strategy will be based upon the needs of people in the context of Biblical mandate, not necessarily the offerings of government contracts.
…that headquarters support units would be understood as such, not diminishing their purposes for accountability, but wholly in the context of authentic support and encouragement.
…that programmes such as Salvo Stores and Employment plus would also become saving stations for the lost and fully integrated into the mission of the territory.
…that Salvo Stores and the Trade become responsible outlets for Fair Trade goods.
…that our commercial department at THQ become a resource and focal point for facilitating our increasing efforts in Fair Trade.
…that the Family Tracing Service be expanded to find those souls who have been lost to the Army, assisting in bringing them home, where they belong.
…that we would never have another day in our existence where someone was not brought to Christ.
…that our soldiers roll would only be an increasing reality as would our worship and discipleship meetings.
…that the proliferation of new ministry openings would be so common and normal that we would have to appoint personnel just to keep track of it, most often after the fact.
…that those gifted with creative ministry gifts would have every opportunity to employ these very skills in the work of the Army.
…that our worship would be filled with creative means to celebrate God's provisions and presence among us.
…that our 24/7 Prayer Initiatives will be adopted by individual corps throughout the territory all the time.
…that we would establish Lighthouses of Prayer to cover our neighbourhoods with grace.
...that we would have numerous prayer destinations where people could go for prayer retreats, learning opportunities and resources.
…that our systems would be less restrictive and more imaginative to accommodate the new things God wants to do among us.
...that as a movement, we would be marked by holiness in corporate and individual praxis.
…that there would be such an out pouring of the Spirit upon us that we would be courageous and effective witnesses in our families, communities, cities, Australia and the world.
…that our compassion would be large enough to be understood as authentically global throughout what we do at home and abroad.
...that our people would be quick to response to the voice of God for whatever He calls them to.
…that our officer training programmes would be taxed by the unusual response of the called to serve as officers in TSA.
…that our local officers would be so empowered to understand their foundational role in the corps ministries and fully embrace the priesthood of all believers.
…that our women would have appointments and responsibilities commensurate with their gifts, abilities and experience.
…that our young people would be filled with the Spirit and recognised as contributors in the fight.
…that our children would be welcomed as authentic soldiers with proper opportunities to celebrate the presence of Christ in their lives and in their environments.
...that an extraordinary forgiveness and healing of past sins and hurts would prevail upon all people victimised by our practises or inattention.
…that God would see that we love Him supremely through Christ and that our reliance on the Holy Spirit completes His hope in us.
…that God would see that we love Him absolutely and are expressing our love for Him by our active love for others.

Acts 2:17 (NIV) ~ "'In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams."

The Lost, The Last And The Least

A popular term of reference within Army circles today is "the lost, the last and the least". It's a means of propelling the mission and ministry focus that has always been foundational to Army service and witness. In his day, William Booth encouraged his contemporaries to "go for souls and go for the worst" that they might be saved from 'the guttermost to the uttermost'.

It seems to me that terms like this, while vital as a measuring-stick for strategic planning and assessing mission values, can also create a sense of "them and us" in the minds of some. Who/what, exactly, does "the lost, the last and the least" refer to? What ministries are seen to fall into this category?

I firmly believe that all our Army ministries should be carried out with the purpose of reaching "the lost, the last and the least" needs within our individual and unique community settings ~ whether it be with specific people groups or in targeted mission situations or circumstances.

Consider aged care chaplaincy. Is this an example of one of our "lost, last and least" mission-ministries? I am convinced it is! Ministry to seniors is both as vital and needful as any other target group.

In one sense, they are "lost" ~ in need of spiritual direction and encouragement ~ in need of being connected to the love of God and His grace sufficient ~ in need of being re-connected with a modern society that is increasingly devaluing seniors by assuming that they are merely "past their used by date" as they struggle to come to terms with the many 'losses' associated with growing older.

In another sense, they are "last" ~ while enduring the sunset years of life, they often feel on the 'outer' when it comes to their personal and spiritual needs, yet have a deep desire to interact effectively and to the best of their ability within their respective church and local communities with the hope of being "kept in the loop" rather than being disenfranchised.

And in yet another sense, they are "least" ~ a 'forgotten' people who, like their diminishing physical and mental faculties, are sometimes made to feel as though they are the last on our agendas.

These, too, are the very reasons why we chose to remain in aged care chaplaincy ministry long after we 'sold out' of aged care administration. It really is one of the Army's vital "lost, last and least" missions!

Job 11:13 (MSG) ~ "If you set your heart on God and reach out to him...you'll be able to face the world unashamed and keep a firm grip on life, guiltless and fearless."

Kingston Gardens Corps

In keeping with the theme for the week-long Victorian Seniors Festival, "Be Inspired!", the Inala Choir proved to be worthy ambassadors for Christ and the Chapel.

Their group vocal and personal contributions to worship certainly inspired those present to praise and pray; enjoy God's gifts; reflect on His goodness; be encouraged by the Word; and return home ready to share the blessing.

We thank Majors Charlie and Narelle Jacobsen for their invitation and warm welcome, praying God's continued blessing on their spiritual and social ministry.

Psalm 63:5 (NIV) ~ "My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you."

Inala Choir Ministry

One of the joys of our ministry role in providing spiritual leadership to the Inala Chapel is the opportunity to be a part of the Inala Chapel Choir, under the leadership of Anita O'Brien.

The choir is more than a music team; it is a valuable and vital ministry team ~ a "partnership in the gospel" that is proclaimed from week to week in our worship services. And each member is an asset ~ spiritually and musically.

This coming Sunday (7 October) marks the choir's first ministry visit to another congregation. We are journeying to the Kingston Gardens Corps to lead worship and share fellowship with God's people there. Pray with me that God will use the choir's ministry to powerfully bless and deeply inspire all who attend worship.

Philippians 1:4-6 (NIV) ~ "In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."

For God So Loved

A small boy filled with all kinds of playful ideas anxiously awaited his father's return from work. An extra long day at the office, however, had taken its toll, and his father longed desperately for just a few minutes of relaxation. Over and over again the boy tugged at his Dad's legs with yet another suggestion of something they might do together. Finally, in total frustration, the father ripped from a magazine a picture of the world and tore it into a hundred pieces! "Here!" he said, handing the child a roll of scotch tape. "Go put the world back together" ~ "Ah, at last peace"...(or so he thought). In just a few minutes he was interrupted again. There before him stood his son, and in his hands was a crudely fashioned picture of the world. "Son, that's incredible. However did you do it?" "It was very easy" said the boy. "You see, on the other side of the picture of the world was a picture of a man, and as soon as I got the man straightened out, the world was okay too!"

One day our Heavenly Father looked down from Heaven and saw a broken world ~ a world that had been shattered into a million pieces by the deadly hammer of sin. But God loved the world ` loved it enough ~ to send His one and only Son, Jesus Christ, into the world, so that all could be made new again.

John 3:16 (MSG) ~ "This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life."

Spiritual Greatness

Someone asked of us today, "What do I have to do to be an effective spiritual Christian?" The answer given: "Simply trust God and love Jesus, with the best you have to offer." The disciples asked Jesus a similar question ~ "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of God?"
Here is Jesus' response to their query.
"Whoever becomes simple and elemental again, like this child, will rank high in God's kingdom." Matthew 18:4 (MSG)

Despite our complex lives, God still expects that we come to Him with a simple, believing faith that is fully dependent on His resources. You see, I don’t think we need great complex ideas. I believe God usually deals with us very simply. As someone once rightly stated ~ "The main things are the plain things, and the plain things are the main things".

In his book, Fresh Faith, Jim Cymbala sums it up well when he writes: "The greatest Christian is not the one who has achieved the most but rather the one who has received the most. God's grace, love and mercy flow through His people abundantly because they walk in total dependence."