Family Reunion

Twelve years after their last face to face contact, Dabak and her childhood friend, LiKuen, renewed their friendship in a reunion that took place in Wangaratta today.

LiKuen (pictured on right) is visiting Australia with her beautiful 2 year old daughter, Amy, who is an absolute joy and delight.

Having grown up together as orphans in the Kuching Children's Home and not seen each other in quite a while, there was certainly alot to talk of and reminisce about, even if they did converse in their lcoal Hokkien dialect so that I had to try and guess what they were discussing.

Fortunately, this family reunion will continue when LiKuen and her daughter travel to Melbourne to stay with us for a few days before their return to West Malaysia, and have another unique opportunity of meeting up with folk who served them in Singapore/Malaysia in years gone by.

TODAY'S PRAYER FOCUS
Those God is calling to consider and prepare themselves for future international service opportunities

Scorched Australians

Greetings from humid Singapore...(no only joking) scorching Melbourne! As Dabak and I ventured out this evening we really felt as though we were strolling the streets "back home" in Singapore.

Well, today has been a 'scorcher' to say the least, and it's days like this when I'm so grateful for my Thursday administration mornings, where I can hibernate inside by the air-con. A morning that somehow conveniently extended itself into the early afternoon. But it wasn't 'time-wasting' effort, for all that I achieved needed my attention...and DHQ will no doubt be pleased it was a 'scorcher'.

I must say, though, I do prefer scorched almonds...

TODAY'S PRAYER FOCUS
Majors John & Anne Farquharson ~ personnel on short-term international service in Zambia

My Never Again List

One of our valued Inala residents passed this onto me recently. Consider it for yourself!

1. Never again will I confess "I can't", for I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me (Phil. 4:13).
2. Never again will I confess lack, for my God shall supply all of my need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:19).
3. Never again will I confess fear, for God hath not given me the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind (2 Tim. 1:7).
4. Never again will I confess doubt and lack of faith, for God hath given to every man the measure of faith (Rom. 12:3).
5. Never again will I confess weakness, for the Lord is the strength of my life (Ps. 27:1) and the people that know their God shall be strong and do exploits (Dan. 11:32).
6. Never again will I confess supremacy of Satan over my life, for greater is he that is within me than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4).
7. Never again will I confess defeat, for God always causeth me to triumph in Christ Jesus (2 Cor. 2:14).
8. Never again will I confess lack of wisdom, for Christ Jesus is made unto me wisdom from God (1 Cor. 1:30).
9. Never again will I confess sickness, for with his stripes I am healed (Isa. 53:5) and Jesus Himself took my infirmities and bore my sicknesses (Matt. 8:17).
10. Never again will I confess worries and frustrations, for I am casting all my cares upon Him who careth for me (1 Pet. 5:7). In Christ I am "carefree."
11. Never again will I confess bondage, for where the spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty (2 Cor. 3:17). My body is the temple of the Holy Spirit.
12. Never again will I confess condemnation, for there is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus (Rom. 8:1). I am in Christ; therefore, I am free from condemnation.

TODAY'S PRAYER FOCUS
Alexis Crowden ~ living and studying in New Zealand, where her parents are COs.

Mistaken Identity

While Dabak and I were making a pastoral visit to Box Hill Hospital this afternoon, a relative from the private room opposite called us in and requested that we pray a prayer for her mother's healing. After willingly doing this, the daughter thanked us appreciatively for taking the time to share a prayer before commenting that "the family are praying believingly for Betty's healing and recovery."

It was a case of mistaken identity for the daughter thought we were official hospital chaplains. But, praise God, it turned out to be a both a comforting and rewarding experience for all.

Matthew 21: 22 (NIV) says "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."

When was the last time you prayed a genuine, believing prayer?

TODAY'S PRAYER FOCUS
Majors Geoff and Kalie Webb ~ serving in educational and training roles in Pakistan

Challenging Quote

"God desires to be loved by men, although He needs them not; and men refuse to love God, though they need Him in an infinite degree."

~ Plaintes Du Sauveur

Why not check out some more challenging Christian quotes ~ http://christianquotes.org/ ?

TODAY'S PRAYER FOCUS
Commissioners Victor & Roslyn Poke ~ leading the Army's work in Sweden & Latvia

When Hope Hurts

"Life isn't always fair, but God is always good" (Pastor Mark Conner)

I was reminded of this truth today as we met with some dear friends who have been wounded by their personal experience of "church". I can't for the life of me understand why the very place where hope, healing and encouragement should be most evident offers only disappointment and hurts as a result of 'churchgoers' who are intent on stifling Christian growth and discipleship through their own self-centred agendas that contradict all that God purposes.
On further thought, perhaps in that very sentence lies the answer itself ~ for when SELF is on the throne, GOD doesn't reign supreme.

This is my heart plea ~ "LORD, help me to be an encourager and beacon of Christlike character to all I meet day by day that they may freely grow in Your grace and truth."

Psalm 118 (MSG) ~ "God's my strong champion...far better to take refuge in God than trust in people ... God's my strength, he's also my song, and now he's my salvation."

TODAY'S PRAYER FOCUS
Majors Gail and Ritchie Watson ~ soon to commence appointments in Papua New Guinea

Celebrating Life

Psalm 2:7 (MSG) ~ "...today is your birthday. What do you want? Name it."

This afternoon we met to honour our beautiful Mum, who celebrates her 60th birthday today.

Oops, I mean 21st birthday with 39 years experience!

To complement The Cuckoo's live entertainment, scrumptious food and great company, Mum gave a final word of appreciation that showed just how well she appreciates life and those who supported her in celebrating it. It was evident that the best presents are often the intangible gifts of God ~ genuine friendship, love of family and personal encouragement.

Congratulations, Mum! We all love you heaps.

TODAY'S PRAYER FOCUS

Major Dieu Quang On ~ serving in Hong Kong