Dear Friend

There is nothing quite so exciting as learning of people becoming followers of Jesus – it is truly heart warming, especially when those people are the fruit of the life of one’s own church family. It is wonderful for the whole church community to share the joy of these new brothers and sisters in Christ, and to see the difference that is occurring in their lives.

Sure there have been a few people who are significantly connected and who have been the active hands, feet, and heart of Jesus for months or years journeying with these newly born again companions, but it is the Holy Spirit guided work of the total community in many ways that has provided the loving environment, prayer backing, support services, and decision making opportunities.  So the much rejoicing in heaven is accompanied by similar expressions on earth.

That is what church is supposed to be all about and Father God is glorified when his new daughters and sons tell their stories.

Almost as magnificent is hearing the stories of ordinary people as they simply walk daily in faithful  obedience to the promptings, nudges, and whisperings of Holy Spirit so they experience the extraordinary, or have revelation of truth that determines the foundations for their decisions, and can identify answers to the prayers they have worked at for others and themselves.

Over recent weeks our church family has known both of these phenomena which has been truly inspiring and encouraged oneself to look more intently for what God is about in and with me. And it becomes humbling and gratifying to examine my own story, while at the same time it is challenging to make sure I am alert to the people and opportunities where God is wanting to use me as an instrument in his hands in some way as each day rolls round.

The Gathering takes place next week (4-7 Nov) in Tauranga. It is shaping up to be another worth while experience. Can I ask you to pray for all who will be joining for short or longer periods, even if you are not doing so. We want to clearly discern what God is saying to us through our theme “Incarnation – He entered our world” as the scriptures are opened by way of the preached Word and as stories portray the experienced Word.  We celebrate 125 years of the life of tranzsend – NZ Baptist Missionary Society (it was 14 October to be exact) and learn of the new directions that will start the next era of life for this portion of our movement. 

On 1 November 83% of the year will have passed – what do you still hope to achieve in the remaining 17%?

If you are goal driven that may be a good question, but if not then please don’t take umbrage. Whatever, enjoy your walking with Jesus wherever that takes you, smell the multiplicity of flowers that are around you, and “delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart” Psalm 37:4

And remember Christmas is only 8 weeks away, so make the most of preparing for and working through Advent, starting 28 November.