Sunday 3 January 2010

Day Of Prayer & Thanksgiving

To coincide with our POWERHOUSE Prayer Room commitment, we held a Day of Prayer & Thanksgiving today on this 1st Sunday in January, with the main feature being the Opening of the Time Capsule. This capsule was sealed into the chapel wall at the Watchnight Service held on 31 December 2000, with the instruction that it be opened in the year 2010.

How privileged we were to celebrate this special occasion with our former chaplaincy team of Majors Kevin and Lynne Grigsbey and Major Major McMillin, together with Mr Bruce Maunder (former Director of Administration). A unique opportunity to celebrate the past, present and future minstry of the Inala Chapel as we stand at the threshold of new beginnings.

It was a God-glorifying and soul-inspiring time of thanksgiving as the contents of the time capsule were unpacked and share with the congregation - book by Brigadier Horrie Wishart launched 10 years ago, commemorative mug and pen, and various publications from the time of its installment.

However, most encouraging of all were the personal messages written by the residents who were present all those years ago (many of whom are now in the eternal presence of God)! Here are a few noteworthy messages.

I hope you folk who have just come to live at Inala, and those who have been here for the last few years, are as happy as we are in 2001.
“In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths.”
This is my message to you all and it is timeless! [Margaret Hillman, PTG]

May my life always grow in God’s love and help others. [Nola Morris, current resident and newest soldier transfer]

Greetings from Heaven! I expect to be there when the capsule is opened.
Psalm 62:5 – “My soul waits silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him” -
He never fails – Hallelujah! [Brigadier Eileen Johnston, PTG]

As part of the Fellowship of Inala Chapel, I wish God’s richest blessing on all of you who are in this chapel 10 years from now.Remember God’s promise to all of you – “Lo, I am with you always!” [Mavis Wilcox, PTG]

We thank God for the peace and contentment we have at “Inala” [Marjorie & Gordon (dec.) Thomas, current resident]

...and finally, a prayer from one of Inala's faithful witnesses, Major Gwenda Watkinson.

May God be pleased to bless the ministry of all who serve in His name at Inala. May all who enter Inala be aware of God’s presence and be blessed and drawn closer to Him.