Lieut-Colonel Moira Wright

Back in 1968, when Dabak first arrived at The Salvation Army's Children's Home as a 3 year old girl, the then Captain Moira Wright (pictured) was the superintendent who was responsible for accepting Dabak into residential care. Moira's remarkable dedication to her officership ministry and 33 years of missionary service is charaterized (even today!) by courage, encouragement and a deep desire to see others grow to be strong in their Christian faith.

Currently retired to her home country of New Zealand, we have been privileged to have Moira stay with us for a few days enroute to Malaysia, where she will join in the Army's 70th anniversary celebrations.

Distance is no barrier, for all these years later Moira is still interested in each of her "children" and maintains contact with them wherever they are around the world. Dabak and I know firsthand the blessing of being the recipients of her motherly care!

The words of SASB 426 are indicative of Moira's conviction and cause us to give praise to God for this remarkable woman of God.

I want, dear Lord, a love that cares for all,

A deep, strong love that answers every call;

A love like thine, a love divine, a love to come or go;

On me, dear Lord, a love like this bestow.

I want, dear Lord, a soul on fire for thee,

A soul baptized with heavenly energy;

A willing mind, a ready hand to do whate'er I know,

To spread thy light wherever I may go.
George Galloway Jackson (1866-93)

Vine Branches

Those who grew up in the Church prior to the 1980s are likely to have been taught that to 'be fruitful' one needs to work hard to live Christian lives, to be "busy for Jesus" through personal involvement in a heavy schedule of groups/meetings, and to always be happy come what may. One songwriter summed it up like this: " By the pathway of duty flows the river of God’s grace". And chances are that most people have experienced a sense of spiritual guilt, burnout and frustration as they tried and failed to do these things.

Nowadays it is common thought that to live a 'fruitful life' means focussing simply on living in the closest possible relationship with God. It’s not about how much or how little we achieve, but how deeply and strongly we rely on God’s love. There is nothing special we need to do to gain God's attention, for we always have been the focus of God's concern. Our personal challenge is to be God-focussed: staying vitally attached to the Vine.

As we remain focussed on God, He causes the Holy Spirit to be active in our lives, bringing forth the fruit of His presence.

John 15: 4 (MSG) ~ "Live in me. Make your home in me just as I do in you. In the same way that a branch can't bear grapes by itself but only by being joined to the vine, you can't bear fruit unless you are joined with me."

Spiritual Inheritance

This morning we were reminded that the Apostle Paul makes it clear in Romans 8 that as children of God, we are heirs ~ more specifically, ‘joint heirs’ with Christ.

Since our marriage, my wife and I have had joint bank accounts. In a joint bank account, two people or more share one account. Now, if you are in a joint account, how much can you withdraw from that account? Half of what’s in there? No, to have a joint account means that you can draw out of that account 100% of whatever is there. (I hope I haven’t given Dabak any ideas!)

Scripture states that we are ‘joint heirs with Christ’. We share in His kingdom but not just a part ~ we share it all with Him. We have access to all the promises of God, to all the blessings of God, to all the inheritance of God with Christ Jesus. We are joint heirs. It is all ours. Everything we need for life and godliness is ours.

Do you know how much power that has in it? Do you realize how wonderful that is? Our relationship is not one of uncertainty but of belonging. We are the children of God. To be told that we are loved is one thing. But to be adopted and made joint heirs with the Son of God is a far greater blessing!

Truth is, we are a God-claimed and Spirit-led people who have been called to be ‘children of God’ and claim a wonderful, spiritual inheritance. Thank you, Lord!

Ephesians 1:3 (NLT) ~ "All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ."

Roadshow Encore

The Salvation Army Historical Society hosted its annual Roadshow Exhibition and Encore concert event at Box Hill Corps.

Informative and interesting historical displays were exhibited throughout the afternoon, followed by an excellent evening programme featuring noteworthy personalities from our rich Army heritage ~ Sister Poll Cott, Adjutant Tom "Mudgee" Robertson and Colonel Arthur Arnott ~ and musical contributions from the Camberwell Timbrelletes (dressed in old time Army uniforms and bonnets), Waverley Temple Young People's Band and our very own Inala Chapel Choir.



I came away greatly inspired and immensely proud.
Proud of our history... and inspired to be 'history in the making'.
Proud of our Army personalities... and inspired to be all God wants me to be.
Proud of our young musicians... and inspired to encourage their ongoing development.
And last, but by no means least, proud of our chapel choir... who openly proclaimed in song their God-given inspiration.

Congratulations to Commissioner Wesley Harris and his team for organizing the event and being proactive in promoting the history of our God-inspired movement!

Ephesians 5:19-20 (NIV) ~ "Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Hope

In secular society, more often than not, 'hope' is dubious and implies a certain amount of despair and wishing, believing that a better or positive outcome may be possible even when there is some evidence to the contrary. Take for example the current crisis situation in Myanmar. The world lives in the hope that the government will open its doors to international assistance, while acknowledging that this may not necessarily happen.

Hope, one of the three theological virtues in the Christian tradition, is a belief in a positive outcome related to events and circumstances in one's life. Christian hope is based on the certainty of our faith in Jehovah-jireh, our provider God. In this instance, we believe that God is working in this crisis situation and it will not surprise us that by some 'miraculous' reason the government of Myanmar will soon loosen their restrictions upon receiving foreign personnel into the country.

Christian hope declares that the end is always far better than the beginning!

Hebrews 6:19 (NIV) ~ "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure."

The Lost

In Luke 15 there is a trilogy of parables concerning the lost ~ the Lost Coin, the Lost Sheep and the Lost Son. There is no doubt that Jesus' emphasis in each of these was to challenge us about our own attitudes toward and response to “the lost, the hurting, the disadvantaged and marginalized”. Every time Jesus spoke in parables, He left his hearers with a message of spiritual challenge to effect a deep, personal change in their lives.

One of our Bible discussion members reminded us of Ira Sankey's song, The Ninety and the Nine. I later discovered that Sankey came across these words in a Bri­tish news­pa­per while he was conducting an evan­gel­ical campaign in Scot­land with Dwight L Moo­dy. He tore the po­em from the pa­per, put it in his pock­et, and for­got about it. Lat­er that day, at the end of their ser­vice in Edin­burgh, Moo­dy asked Sank­ey for a clos­ing song. Ira was caught by sur­prise, but at that very moment the Ho­ly Spir­it re­mind­ed him of the po­em by Elizabeth Clephane that was in his pock­et. He brought it out, said a pray­er, then com­posed the tune as he sang.

There were ninety and nine that safely lay in the shelter of the fold.
But one was out on the hills away, far off from the gates of gold.
Away on the mountains wild and bare. Away from the tender Shepherd’s care.

"Lord, Thou hast here Thy ninety and nine; are they not enough for Thee?”
But the Shepherd made answer: “This of Mine has wandered away from Me;
And although the road be rough and steep, I go to the desert to find My sheep.”

But none of the ransomed ever knew how deep were the waters crossed;
Nor how dark was the night the Lord passed through 'ere He found His sheep that was lost.
Out in the desert He heard its cry, sick and helpless and ready to die.

And all through the mountains, thunder riven and up from the rocky steep
There arose a glad cry to the gate of Heaven, “Rejoice! I have found My sheep!”
And the angels echoed around the throne, “Rejoice, for the Lord brings back His own!”

Lord, keep me passionate about the 'lost' and focussed on doing my part to 'bring them home' to You!

Duo Celebration Day

"Happy Birthday Church!" were the words that echoed around the hall as we commenced worship today to mark the duo celebration of Pentecost and Mother's Day.

Aptly themed 'The Power of Love', our celebration worship service gave good focus to both these special events and featured balloons and Bibles, carnations and chocolates, memorials and ministry, Spirit singing and Scriptures.

One of our godly mothers, Noreen Webster, gave an inspirational message based on John 19:25a ~ "Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother..." ~ that highlighted the power of a mother's love and the need to live in God's power.

At the door folk testified to personal experiences of inner healing, inspiration, refreshment and divine confirmation. All proof that God's Holy Spirit is actively at work.

To top off the day, Dabak and I also shared the day together with the 'world's best mum' ~ mine (biased I know!). A delicious Chinese lunch and relaxing afternoon brought the day's wonderful celebrations to a close.

================
These following verses (sung to 'How great thou art!') were written by our choir leader, Anita O'Brien, and included in today's Pentecost/Mother's Day service.

Spirit of God, come now in all your fullness
To fill our hearts with love so pure and deep,
Then may we know the beauty of Your presence
Your mercy sweet and grace in time of need.

Heaven rejoiced, the Father's love created
A mother's heart that imitates His care
Creator God, Your perfect love reflected
In the hearts of mothers everywhere.

SAPPHIRE

I'm not referring to the precious gemstone, but a group of 'precious gems' who commit their finances to assisting others in need. The Salvation Army Box Hill's SAPPHIRE group stands for Salvation Army People Providing Help In Real Emergencies, and is under the inspired leadership of James and Jan Allen.

Tonight we attended the SAPPHIRE Trivia Night. The event was full of fun, interesting facts and good fellowship. We weren't on the winning team, however, we did contribute toward enabling SAPPHIRE to achieve their aim of raising much-needed funds for their current project that provides opportunities for disadvantaged women from Congo (Kinshasa) to make positive life changes.

We're always winners when we invest in the lives of others!

Proverbs 11:25 (MSG) ~ "The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed; those who help others are helped."

P.U.S.H.

Pray
Until
Something
Happens

It's a timely word considering the events happening within our world at large.
It's a biblical principle shared by the Apostle Paul in his first letter to the Thessalonians (5:17), no matter what translation you use.

"pray continually" (NIV)

"never stop praying" (CEV/NLT)

"pray all the time" (MSG)

"pray without ceasing" (NKJV)

It's a spiritual command that should be 'non-negotiable' in the life of all Spirit-filled Christians.
It's a viable option accessible to everyone and worth putting into practice.

P.U.S.H. the boundaries of God's resources and you will experience a great blessing!

When there is nothing left but God, that is when you find out that God is all you need.

Myanmar ~ Urgent Prayer!

The Salvation Army Singapore, Malaysia & Myanmar
Territorial Headquarters

Dear friends

Many of you will be aware from news reports over the weekend about the devastating cyclone which has struck a large part of the country of Myanmar. We have been concerned about the destruction of property and the loss of life and the large numbers of people who have been made homeless as a result of this severe storm. It is unusual for such storms to affect Myanmar and many of the houses and buildings are not built to withstand such forceful winds etc.

I have been unable to contact our Regional Headquarters due to the fact that most phone lines are down. However this morning, Major James Aaron, the Regional Officer was able to make a telephone call to me from an outside call box. The major reports some damage to Salvation Army properties in Yangon. The roof of the RHQ and Central Corps building has been completely removed by the force of the wind. This means that there has been significant water damage inside the RHQ and the Central Corps which is located on the ground floor below. As a result of this, equipment and furniture is being relocated to the new Yangon Boys Home and RHQ is setting up operations in some of the new classrooms in this building. The officers quarters building at RHQ which adjoins the corps and office building has not been damaged and so this means that the officers can remain in their present accommodation.

Major James also reports that some roof sheeting on the new Yangon Boys Home has been removed though most of the home remains secure. At the Yangon Girls Home, the main damage has been to the roof of the food storage area which is meant that many bags of rice in storage have been affected by rainwater. In typical Salvation Army fashion, our comrades in Yangon are going to immediately to use this rice to cook meals and distribute these to needy families.

At present, Major James is unable to contact most officers in the central Myanmar area which will have been affected to some degree by this storm. It is likely that some of the towns where The Salvation Army operates have been affected although they are not in the most seriously affected area.

It is uncertain at this stage as to what relief work The Salvation Army will be able to be engaged in as in the country of Myanmar, it is difficult to move in to areas without the permission of the government. Major James and his team are assessing the situation and will be providing me with regular update reports and any request for assistance that might be appropriate.

I know that you will all want to keep the people of Myanmar and our Salvationist comrades in your prayers at this time. We are saddened that many have lost their lives and that others now find that what little they have has been totally destroyed.

I will update you on the situation should any more information come to hand which would help us to keep informed about this matter.

Blessings.

David Bringans
Commissioner
TERRITORIAL COMMANDER

• Please pray for Myanmar ~ that the government will allow foreign aid to come in and provide much-needed relief and reconstruction programmes.
• Pray for our officers, salvationists and people of Myanmar as they struggle to cope with what has happened.

Singing Seniors

Psalm 30:4 (MSG)
All you saints! Sing your hearts out to God! Thank him to his face!

There is great reward in corporate Christian worship. We get inspired, enthused and motivated to love God more dearly, serve him to the best of our ability and rely on him more fully. At least that's the benefit I receive in my aged-specific ministry to seniors.

The rich theology and strong doctrine of the hymns and worship choruses we sing, speak a challenging message to our souls and provide us with a means of responding spiritually to the personal love of God. A senior with a song on their lips stemming from a devoted heart is priceless and inspirational.

Today I sincerely echoed the words of Don Moen within my heart ~"Praise looks good on you!"

No Barriers To Inspiration

After 13 years of marriage to my wife, Dabak, who was born blind, I am in a position to confidently affirm that her 'vision-impairment' is no barrier or limitation to what she can achieve. Yes, there is always a different way of accomplishing everyday tasks that might seem tedious to us 'sighted' folk, but in the end, jobs still get done. Personal experience has taught me that no one person is 'disabled', but rather 'differently-abled'.

A Christian friend of ours who works with the Singapore Association for the Visually-handicapped (unfortunate name really!) sent us an inspiring clip of a gifted 5 year old Korean girl who is 'vision-impaired' pianist.

When you get a moment, take a look at this inspiring clip. Watch until the end and let God touch your heart through this gifted girl. Click the link below to be inspired. You'll be glad you did!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntReE2n15bo

Looking Fear In The Face

I'm feeling very apprehensive. I need to attend Parliament House tomorrow for a youth function...and I've come to the conclusion (thanks to my wife!) that it would be better to take the train in rather than drive. Truth is, I haven't used public transport for over 10 years and am loathing the very thought.

Comfort zones are just that ~ comfortable! When we face our fears head on, it can be quite an ordeal albeit a necessary one for personal growth. Most personal fears stem from one's preconceived thoughts about feeling uncomfortable. I'm aware of this, but it doesn't seem to make the decision any easier.

Well, life is a journey...and it's time that I looked my fear in the face and try the train ride, complete with an optimistic attitude. So here goes....

Genesis 26:19 (MSG) ~ "That very night God appeared to him and said, ... don't fear a thing because I'm with you."

POSTSCRIPT...
In my state of nervousness, I accidentally 'saved' this post last night instead of publishing it.
So I can report back here now that everything went well on the train today; no wrong trains or platforms, no delays. Overall, no need to fear public transport!