A Timely Reflection

I came across this reflection amongst my many resources recently while spring cleaning. Taking the time to stop and read these words brought me a real sense of personal encouragement and timely inspiration. Just what I needed at this challenging period of my ministry experience!

MINISTRY IS:

• Giving when you feel like keeping
• Praying for others when you need to be prayer for
• Feeding others when your own soul is hungry
• Living truth before people even when you can't see results
• Hurting with other people when your own hurt can't be spoken
• Keeping your word even when it is not convenient
• Being faithful when your flesh wants to run away.

(James A Holt)

New Appointments Announced

As of 13 January 2010, we will take up the following appointments within the Eastern Victoria Division.

Dabak - Hospital Chaplain
Tim - Chaplain, Doveton Community Support Services Centre

A new, exciting challenge for us!

New Arrival

On Wednesday 19 August 2009, in addition to celebrating my brother's birthday, we rejoiced in the arrival of JAIMEE, our only niece - who now shares her birthday with her Dad!

We don't know what Jaimee will grow up to become, but we do know that she is loved by God - and her family! Our sincere prayer is that Jaimee will come to experience the love of God in her life, and know the blessings of living in the certainty of God's grace.

May the words of Psalm 139:13-16 (MSG) be forever Jaimee's testimony.

"Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out; you formed me in my mother's womb. I thank you, High God—you're breathtaking! Body and soul, I am marvelously made! I worship in adoration—what a creation! You know me inside and out, you know every bone in my body; You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit, how I was sculpted from nothing into something. Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth; all the stages of my life were spread out before you, the days of my life all prepared before I'd even lived one day."

Image, Influence & Intelligence?

Today has been variety-packed.

This morning, Dabak and I, were privileged to meet with Captain Karen Castley and members of the Mooroolbark Home League and spend time together reflecting on the "Power of Images". It was a very interactive occasion that widened our perspectives on life in general and the love of God in particular. Using visual illustrations, vocal solos and verbal discussions, we rediscovered the joy of sharing in like-minded fellowship as we continue to acknowledge the greatness and graciousness of our Creator God.

This afternoon, we conducted a memorial service at Inala Chapel for one of our dear residents who was called to her Eternal Reward last month. It was indeed another privileged opportunity to minister to the family members and friends who gathered to celebrate the influence of this dear, faithful lady upon their lives, giving thanks to God for His every blessing!

Then, this evening, the Rotary Club of Box Hill hosted guest speakers from the Victoria Police, who gave us a most informative, yet disturbing, presentation about their work in the field of "Clandestine Laboratories" (illict drug manufacturing). Their presentation certainly opened our eyes to 'another world', and highlighted the great concerns that need to be addressed if we are to combat this within our society. For me, the most shocking discovery was not so much the statistics behind the problem, but more the awareness of the structures that are put in place by criminals to ensure that their manufacturing system succeeds.

The growing question for me centred around the understanding of the specific knowledge that is needed and the awareness that 'illicit manufacturing' rests mainly with the 'higly-educated and intelligent', who are obviously blinded by their own greed!

Lord, I want my life to always speak profoundly and positively of Your influence and impact of grace upon my life. In Your creativeness, You gave me an intellect so that I might 'think and act wisely'. Help me, by Your Spirit, to represent you well in all I do. AMEN

Inclusiveness

I'm currently in the process of searching for information on how to obtain a copy of the devotional publication, Every Day with Jesus, in braille format. And let me say...it is proving a real challenge! In this day and age of increasing technology and resources, I had envisioned that the request would be an easy one to cater to. But it seems that the more 'high tech' we get, the less inclusive we are becoming.

All this to say that, while in the course of the search process, I've been challenged personally about just how 'inclusive' I am of the needs of others to whom I minister. Do I communicate the message of God's love in ways that meet the needs of others? Are the mediums of worship I use effective in making everyone in my congregation feel included as a worshipper?

Hmmm...just some food for thought. Now I'm going to go and ruminate!

Melbourne - In All Its Glory!

Though I'm a born and bred Victorian, I've never really spent very much time in the City! However, I recently braved the traffic (and budget!) conditions and took my darling wife into the heart of the CBD for a weekend at the Crown Promenade Hotel.

They say, "a picture speaks a thousand words"...so here's my pictorial essay!

Visit to Launceston

When God is glorified, praise abounds!

Well, this was certainly the case over the course of this weekend, as the Melbourne Staff Songsters visited Launceston Corps (Captains Christine & Ric Ellis).

A large part of Saturday was given to conducting a Vocal Workshop, followed by a feast of musical praise in a concert supported by vocal, instrumental and timbrel groups comprising Salvo sections and a local community ensemble from Launceston Church Grammar School - The Fellas.

Sunday's day of worship included a most reflective and challenging holiness meeting based on the importance of communicating with God in all aspects of our lives, as well as a lively Pleasant Sunday afternoon concert, featuring the famed "Massed Singers".

Opportunities for fellowship were many and varied, in particular a hearty homecooked meal at the home of Majors Tyson.

As people 'blessed of God' we are always privileged to have so much to give thanks for!