RevWrites - May 24

Every time I go on leave things happen at NAC. Really good things! This time was no exception. But before I reflect on some of them let me thank those who prayed for us while we were away.

As I mentioned in a previous RevWrites, we were able to enjoy a break at Noosa in Queensland due to the generosity of some NAC members. Their unit is set on the edge of the Noosa River and we begin to relax immediately we arrive. The weather was very pleasant until the day we left, when “the rain came down and the floods came up.” We walked and swam and read and played some golf. We took some videos but hardly watched any.

We think it was one of the most refreshing breaks we’ve ever had. So thanks again to those who prayed for us. Please remember to thank our Heavenly Father for answering your prayers.

But while we were away some good things happened. Some of them are:

·       There was a prayer breakfast that had many more people attending than we usually have. Prayer undergirds our lives as Christians and the number attending this breakfast to pray is most encouraging.

·       Team Africa, if you can call two people a team, returned safely with some great stories. We look forward to hearing more details.

·       The Berthons were sent back to Ngukurr once again. We were really sorry to miss that event because of our links with not only the Berthon family but also the church at Ngukurr. But we hear it was a really good occasion.

·       WHAC supported the Rotary Club’s annual train fair at Winston Hills Public School. The school and Rotary appreciated our support. I hear they thought our children’s team were spectacular. We appreciate the school letting us hire their hall each Sunday. So we thank the members of WHAC, and others as well, for being part of the community is such a practical and visible way.

·       Team India put on a dinner last Sunday night that fed 150 people. I can still smell the food when I walk through the back hall! Sending a team to India shows significant growth in a church like ours. We need to thank our Father for continually growing his people.

·       On the same night our 6.45 congregation excelled themselves. They intended to raise some funds to support the Indian pastors attending the course the Team is teaching. It will cost almost $10,000 to finance the pastors, most of whom can’t afford the cost of attending. I hear that 6.45 hoped to raise about half of the required funds. I’m told they raised just over $9,000 last Sunday night. It is good that the Lord Jesus is making his people not only more mature but also more generous. Remember to thank him!

These are just some of the things that happened while we were away. Other things happened too. For example, people came to know Christ and put their trust in him while we were away.

I wonder if there’s a message here for NAC? Perhaps you should send us away much more regularly? Whatever, it’s great to be back where God continues to do his marvellous work.

Neil