Seizing the Day
Its great to be back in Dapto! The mission in Carnarvon was a wonderful opportunity and God used our team in ways that just exceeded any reasonable expectations. The final day of the mission saw 25 people come to breakfast in a Caravan Park and hear the gospel, 67 children and youth attend the holiday club (only 3 children had any previous connection with the church) and a dozen parents stay for the whole morning enjoying a Devonshire tea and conversation. The minister and congregation of Carnarvon were massively encouraged and are talking about taking the next steps in reaching their community. A lady called Tabatha and her daughter Samara, came to events through the week and shared her struggles and problems. By the end of the week she had committed herself to finding out more about God and regularly attending the church. She wasn’t the only one to be so moved.
The team itself was an absolute testimony to the graciousness of God. They worked hard in unity and love and persevered through the hardships and challenges. God used the team to make an impact on Carnarvon but also through Western Australia. Churches and their leaders throughout the North West were greatly inspired that God had brought us across the continent to share with them. Three Churches in Perth have also verbalized their encouragement and inspiration. Who knows what God will make of these blessings.
Returning to Dapto I marvel at how God has blessed us. He has showered us with resources and people. He also placed us in a situation where we minister amongst 30 thousand people (almost equal to the population of the whole of North West Australia).
August will give us the opportunity to seize the day. We will have the opportunity to commit to the next stage of our vision and start developing the Ministry Centre. We will have the opportunity for training in ministry. We will have the opportunity to enjoy community at the Sausage Sizzle and Bush Dance, we are rescheduling the Men’s Dinner to another night so that we can seize the evangelistic opportunity more effectively. Every week we will have the opportunity to hear God’s word and be transformed.
Stephen Semenchuk