GOODBYE 08 - WELCOME 09

One year drawing to a close....the turning of a page to the opening of a new, blank space. 2009 is approaching fast, and it is usual to reflect on what has gone before and to anticipate what might come. I don't know about you, but the page for 2008 was a bit of an emotional rollercoaster - lows (loss of dear ones,added pressures and expectations of others.. highs - news from a far land, unexpected blessings (my red Forester!) travel to people and places I love (Thailand, Cambodia, USA)....good friends, Southern Cross Kids' Camps... along with the aching of joints that used to work smoothly. What will 2009 hold for all of us? World finances topple....nations continue to war....millions starve or subsist...children are still in enslavement and deprivation. I don't have the answers - I do know that all I can do is my bit. To help where I can. My Compassion boy "Ton" will be educated, fed and given some spiritual input this year, because God faithfully provides for me so that I can provide for him. There is an old song that says "Because He lives, I can face tomorrow, Because He lives all fear is gone, Because I know He holds the future, And life is worth the living just because He lives." [Bill Gaither] It pretty much sums it up - as the psalmist says "My times are in His hands." Psalm
31:14. So I choose to look forward to the year ahead with its challenges, blessings, unexpected surprises. I look forward to deepening relationships, to new friends, new travel experiences and new growth. (Inward growth that is, not a widening girth!) :) To everyone who checks on this blog from time to time - may 2009 be a great year for you and for the ones you hold dear.

The Great Gift Exchange

Christmas in Australia means many things - family time, food, decorations, church, shopping...shopping....shopping. The giving of gifts has overshadowed the greatest gift of all - that of God Himself coming as a child to live among us, experience the challenges, joy, tears and fears that is life, and finally to give Himself to take our punishment, to give us the gift of life. Life now and life eternal. Now that's a big gift! Yesterday I had the privilege of sharing on this aspect at Northside Christian Church in Bundoora. I had two 'bad news readers' come up to read the headlines of today - mostly doom and gloom, tragedy and loss. Then chose a child to be the angel reading the Good News of Luke 2. Finally I chose two boys to represent the two groups of people who knew of the event of Jesus' birth before anyone else - shepherds (the lowest of society of that time, often scoundrels, rough and ready) and wise men (I had this young man wear a mortarboard and hold a diploma - the Bible says they were "wise' not necessarily kings). The two extremes - rough, uneducated, to highly intelligent and capable. One of the messages of Christmas is that God's gift if for everyone and all who will accept it. He offers unconditional acceptance, unconditional love and through His Son, eternal life. WOW! What on earth can I give to match that? The simply answer to this - I can choose to live to serve Him, to live life through His eyes, to accept others, to curb selfishness, to make a difference in this world, not to earn salvation (acceptance of the gift does that) but to seek to see others discover the same gift. Christmas - Christ in our world, our life. Consider this quote from Charles Swindoll: “Emmanuel. God with us. He who resided in Heaven, co-equal and co-eternal with the Father and the Spirit, willingly descended into our world. He breathed our air, felt our pain, knew our sorrows, and died for our sins. He didn't come to frighten us, but to show us the way to warmth and safety.” 

Fund-raising

Southern Cross Kids' Camps benefited from CityLife Church's Christmas production "Finding Christmas" which ran last weekend. Krispy Kreme Donuts and SCKC Calendars helped bring in some much-needed funding for the new camp starting in the Knox area and I got a chance to spruik. "Getcha calorie-free calendars here!"

A RARE SIGHT IN MELBOURNE...

When my friend from Singapore called to say she was in town, it was a great chance to catch up in the city, and I took this photo while waiting to cross the road. The glorious rain sent me (and hundreds of others I am sure) scrambling through closets and car boots (trunks) to find an umbrella, remove any spider webs and then enjoy the sound of rain splashing all around apart from my own personal cone of dryness. With rain scheduled on and off for the next week, there is a chance of good falls in our water catchment areas. At time of writing the dams are just 34% full for the greater Melbourne drinking supply. Water - the most basic of needs, now treasured as something precious. I am reminded of the story in John 4 where Jesus talks with a woman at a town well. She comes from a background of promiscuity, and of great need, and Jesus cuts to the chase when he tells her "I have water that will satisfy. Drink from me and you will never thirst again." Sometimes it takes something as natural as a rain shower to remind me that I do have a well that goes deep and is filled with living water - and I need to dip into that to fully satisfy the thirst within.

Friends.....

Today I lunched with two "old friends" - old not so much in years, but friends I have known since they were University students, and who now I see only occasionally. However, whenever we meet it is as if we have never been apart. It was good to reminisce, to catch up , to anticipate each others' future plans. It made me reflect on other friendships - some I am unable to contact, others who fail to respond when I do. I do not take friendship lightly and my thoughts are spelled out below.

FRIENDS...
Faithful......consistent
Realistic....accept you as you are, no undue expectations
Interested...in your life and what makes 'you' you.
Enjoys.....your company, communications, opinions
Natural....no pretences, masks or 'game-playing'
Determined....to fight for a relationship that is valued
Share...hopes and fears, aspirations and dreams, heartaches and joys

SOUTHERN CROSS KIDS' CAMPS CHARITY GOLF DAY

As you know, SCKC is a cause close to my heart. These camps seek to assist children within the social welfare system, many of whom are in foster care. A new camp is starting in the Melbourne area of Knox and I am heading up the new team there for this first camp. There are 7 camps now in Australia and one in New Zealand. If you want to know more, check out the camp website at www.sckc.org.au

The first golf day, while not as big as we had hoped, did raise significantly the profile of the organisation and the kids we hope to reach with a hope for the future. I am pictured presenting an award to our third place winner.

My MIracle Car

 

In the last CCM newsletter we mentioned that my car (in its 10th year with well over 200,000 kms clocked) would need replacing at some stage. We asked people to pray about this. When I travelled over to the US this last summer (winter in Oz) I was amazed when cheques began to arrive - some from people I had never met. Then when I came home I found that God had been moving in a number of ways, going ahead of me and preparing an incredible blessing. Today, with both joy and tears, I took delivery of a beautiful Subaru Forester that 'fits me like a glove' and will enable the ministry of CCM in Australia to travel safely and well! THANK YOU LORD - thank you to all who are a part of this miracle. I have to keep pinching myself to know it is real - IT IS!

Melbourne Spring.....

Ten days home - Spring weather's ups and downs, bulbs blooming, blossom just breaking though on barren branches. Sometimes things are never what they seem - my backyard has the remnant of a nectarine tree, and a young cherry. I was delighted to see blossoms on the nectarine - amazing as these flimsy branches have sprung up from a seemingly dead tree. Then the cherry - no sign of anything, and I presumed it was a victim of the water-shortage Melbourne is experiencing. But then, on closer inspection I saw them - the tiniest buds, and today, a tiny green shoot of a leaf. the miracle of life. John 10:10 says "I have come to give you abundant - overflowing - LIFE". I am thankful that I found the LIFE that Christ offers - that when I was DEAD in my own selfishness, His love penetrated the dead wood in my heart, and, just like my cherry tree, He brought forth NEW life. I love the deadness of winter springing into life, to action, to beauty - welcome SPRING!

When I boarded the plane in Seattle to head for home, I was seated next to an elderly couple, both of whom had arrived at their seats in wheelchairs. As the plane began its descent into LA, the lady remarked how much she was looking forward to being home again, as they had flown all the way from Denmark, where they had been on holiday. I was stunned - so far and so old! Then as we waited to deplane, the man told me that they actually lived in Palm Springs, but that he hadn't felt like DRIVING the three hours and so they would pick up their car but would overnight in a hotel. He then went on to say they he thought they had overdone the travel this year by taking three separate trips - South America, Alaska and now Denmark. I looked at him more closely - if he had said he was 90 I would have believed him. What tenacity! I walked behind them as they were wheeled off the plane, pulling my carry-on which now felt quite light! What an encouragement! Pastor Ron Peretti prayed for me on my last Sunday in Seattle and one of his prayers had been for renewed strength and more opportunities to minister. Hey.....if THEY can do it, it's a cinch! Asia....Europe...AFRICA....I'm ready to get ready!

The end to a great summer....

Back in Seattle there is so much to do - people to see (some for the first time in 08), last-minute curriculum changes, the September newsletter AND "The Pack". I'm sure I didn't buy much...but there's certainly more than I arrived with! There's much to be thankful for this summer: time with family and friends, great responses from the kids we minister with, the beauty of this north-west corner of America, and the never changing satisfaction of knowing you are where you are supposed to be, ministering with a great friend and anointed ministry. Then there's the way we have been ministered to also - through churches large and small, fellowship with pastors and others who worship at the churches we visit. We hear God's voice in the encouragement we receive, in the way the children respond, in God's word as we prepare our messages, and through sermons when we occasionally have the opportunity to simply sit and enjoy. One great source of ministry to us is in the prayers of many of you who read this blog a(and Sue's), through phone calls, Skype chats, email and snail mail. Thank you! As I prepare to head for home to a new set of challenges, I look back at the US summer with thankfulness and fulfillment. Good times. [Photo: Payette River, Idaho]

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

SUE's MUM and DAD (Bertha and Dale) celebrated 59 years of marriage on August 18.
The day started with Dale giving Bertha a beautiful bouquet of roses as I played "Always" by Harry Neilsson on my laptop (That was their special song!) Then followed "breakfast by demand" - Dad chose scrambled eggs, a sausage and a pancake and so that set the menu! Once that had digested it seemed no time before we headed out to lunch at The Golden Star Chinese Restaurant - I think this was the first restaurant in Boise that I went to with the Carpenter family all those years back! It was hot - in the high nineties - and we were glad of the cool van as we headed home. Dale to bed, Bertha to enjoy her cards and gifts, and Sue and I to take a quick breather before the physio came for Dad. Marriage takes two people who are committed to each other, and in this case, to the Lord. Dale and Bertha's faith has certainly enabled them to rejoice in the good times, and trust during the bad. Do keep them both in your prayers. CONGRATULATIONS - you are loved!

A BIRTHDAY MONTH.......

WOW! Is August a month of celebrations and merriement????? For me it surely it, although I do miss out on a lot of cake (probably that's a blessing in disguise) Photos show: Seb (on right with Sarah and Edward) Marissa, and below Thomas next to Sarah and Jaymie in front. Top of the page Jenah is talking to two birds! One is very rare!
SO HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO...
August 4th - Sue's dad (78) and my godson Sebastian (19)
August 6th - Jenah - one of the coolest kids we know from Idaho City
August 7th - Sue (#*)
August 10th - Nieces Jaymie (9) and Marissa (4)
August 13th Adopted brother Joe and great friend Marilyn
August 15th - Friend Kathy Peretti (a BIG one this year)
August 17th - Nephew Thomas turns 21 - congrats Tom! Amy Tobeck shares this day too! Friends Garry and Lai Eng close the month! PHEW!
and there maybe others who have slipped my mind!
MAY THE LORD BLESS EACH ONE OF YOU, HOLD YOU CLOSE TO HIS HEART and OPEN MANY DOORS DURING THE COMING YEAR. Love to all.

Make a Smilebox greeting

Birthdays......

Left: Sue's dad Dale celebrated his 78th birthday on August 4. Sue celebrates August 7 and is pictured picking up her BIRTHDAY i-phone at the Apple Store. She hasn't stopped smiling!

TRUE TREASURES

Treasure....those who know me know I live in an aging house (provided by my parents), don't have a large bank account, or a regular salary, but in my mind I am rich beyond measure. Not only do I have the Lord in my life, but I have been blessed by some wonderful friends and mentors over the years. Two of these have now 'finished their race' and have left this world. The first (see earlier blog entry) was Ps. Richard Holland, the second - pictured - is Earl Murphy who passed away earlier this week. I first met Earl and his wife Nancy in the early sixties, when I was fresh out of college and teaching in primary school. They became friends, mentors, prayer partners. Each year I send them newlsetters and schedules, knowing that wherever I am, they would be praying for both Sue and myself. I will miss Earl's cheeky grin, his love of gourmet foods, particularly the 3 C's - coffee, cheese and chocolate. I feel so far away at this time - I pray for Nan to know God's comfort and love, and look forward to seeing her when I return. Thank you Lord for Earl - I will miss him very much.

LIGHTS - CAMERA - ACTION!

Gracie and Tom - aka Minnie and Mickey

Everybody loves Rainbow - even Dillon!

Carolyn, Larry and Rainbow

We always try to plan new and relevant programs for those we minister with. This year we developed the Lights-Camera-Action theme. Light - God's light in our lives. Camera - He is watching us to care over us and direct our steps. Action - our response to fulfilling His purpose in our lives. The week long VBS with the Nazarene Church at Colfaz was filled with fun, great music, excited kids, and amidst all the fun and games the "Quiet on the Set" segment some relevant stories from the Bible. Each night children responded during prayer time ...and even some adults joined in, inviting Christ into their lives or joining in a prayer for help in times of challenge and the storms of life. We enjoy the people of Colfax, their great hospitality, and the way EVERYONE gets into the act! The Palouse is a unique area of the northwest - rolling hills of oats, hay, wheat, lentils and more, a patchwork quilt of provision. And the Nazarene Church is a great place of provision too - love, joy, peace, compassion - a church who places value on youth and kids.

KIDS in TOUCH with GOD

The New Hope International Church (Mercer Island, WA) holds their Family Camp at Warm Beach Conference Center, Stanwood. We have a great relationship with these kids, and many of the first children we ministered to in this camp are now leadership material in the youth group. This year we included a segment on "How God Speaks To Us Today". The children entered into worship and prayer and many drew visions and dreams that the Lord had placed in their hearts. It was powerful stuff! Justin explained his drawing to Sue: "God is simple, not fancy." And went on to explain his drawings: "Wind = calmness Water = wiseness Rock = power Trees = friendship Sun = holiness Grass = sweetness Flowers = love."

On the Tuesday the children went up onstage to sing and share with the adults. To our surprise we were asked to stay while the church honored the senior pastors, guest speakers and us. We were given Hawaiian orchid leis (beautiful) and then the song "Thank You " by Ray Boltz was sung by Vangie, the worship leader, accompanied by a powerpoint with photos of us all. It was quite overwhelming and the first time this has happened this way. It culminated in all the kids surrounding us with hugs (Sue ended up on the floor!) I wouldn't miss this for the world! :)

A CAMP FULL OF "KEEPERS"

"It's a keeper!" was the catch cry at the annual fishing trip half-way through the RFK Camp in McCall, Idaho. Every child caught a fish - amazing! - with the help of a great band of volunteer counsellors and staff. This camp is the model for the camps we commenced (with a great team beside me) in Australia. Children within the foster care system are referred to camp via case workers. These kids have very diverse backgrounds - abuse, family breakdown, abandonment, inoccent victims of broken relationships. At camp they experience an environment of unconditional acceptance and trust, 'safe' people who genuinely care, and the opportunity to enjoy a week of childhood - something many of them have almost forgotten. Sue and I are privileged to be the speakers at this camp and we are always blessed by the way the children connect with the stories and the life-lessons they provide. We think THESE KIDS ARE "KEEPERS" - filled with the potential to be the person they were created to be.
Check out the RFKC blog at http://www.rfkcboise.blogspot.com/

Camps that give hope...and a whole lot of fun!

As I write this I am back in Seattle (having flown over mid June) after two camps and a Vacation Bible School in Idaho and Washington states. At the Mountain Kids' Day Camp held over a week in Idaho City (a town totally out of the wild west!) the theme was "Construction - Strong Foundations" Held in the wilds of Camp Ivydale the chapel area is outdoor - a rough built stage with a pine tree backdrop, the chatter of squirrels and birds - beautiful!
Sue (picture) and I were joined by a great team who provided music, a great construction site drama, and fun activities and crafts. Our job was the storytelling, some puppetry (Larry Funzel) and object lessons all pointing to the importance of making good life choices and building lives that are strong and grounded. As Christians we understand the sure foundation of Jesus Christ in our own lives - storms come in all shapes and sizes, and without Him, I don't know where I would be. But my conviction is that HE is my rock and my deliverer (see Psalm 18) and He has proven never to fail.
By the way, the camp director is Michelle Alden - check out Isaiah's Ranch at www.isaiahsranch.org providing great options for kids of all ages.

Indy Cracks it Again

It's been 20 years since the last Indiana Jones movie, but now he's back. On a spur of the moment thing I found myself sitting alone in a local cinema the day of the opening in Melbourne. I laughed, I gasped, I worked stuff out before it happened, I revelled in the often corny script and the crazy events, and came out having been entertained and transported back a decade or two. For the price of three coffees I had a great two plus hours of rip-roaring adventure, and I can't wait for the next! Had to admit I was impressed with Harrison Ford still doing his own stunts (when for me a stunt is simply getting up the stairs!)

So these past few weeks have included....a course on children's counselling, a day seminar on Spiritiual Abuse, several board/committee meetings, an office move and one fun movie! Just what the doctor ordered. Now where's that whip?

RUBY WEDDING CELEBRATION

40 Years of Marriage!

Congratulations to my 'sister' Hilary and her husband Pier who celebrated forty years of marriage last Sunday. They have been a real example of commitment to each other and to the whole concept of marriage "in richer, in poorer, in sickness, in health". Their motto would be "In WHATEVER situation we find ourselves in, we will make it work because we trust God and love each other." Proud parents of Matthew and Sally, and even prouder grandparents of Kirrily and Brianna, they are pillars of faith in the church we attend. I pray that the Lord will continue to bless them as they have blessed so many with their wisdom, advice and generous spirit.

Richard Holland: "Going Home"

On Monday, May 12 I visited Richard in hospital. He was not doing well and didn't not talk as much as he had the day before. However, one thing he did say very defiinitely was "I'm going Home" and that night at 9 pm he did just that. His passing was peaceful for which we are so thankful. Over the past months he had struggled with pain in his back and legs, walking was difficult and he was relying on a wheelchair for most movement. His daughter and son-in-law, Hilary and Pier Van Netten, had moved in with him at the beginning of the year and had cared for him so well. However, as people visited and came to pray for him, he would often respond and pray for them. He was still vitally interested in what we were doing and what was happening in the church. He called Sue's parents shortly before going into hospital, just to encourage and pray for them. This past Tuesday, a Celebration Service of his life was held at CityLife Church with over 1200 people in attendance from all across Australia. Tributes and flowers poured in from around the world: Indonesia, New Zealand, the U.S., Canada, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore....and the list goes on. Several of Richard's family and friends shared at either the graveside or in the church and I have attached my comments. The church did film the service, and there was a wonderful collection of photos shown. If you would be interested in seeing the dvd, please contact me. Richard was a unique person - a man of great passion, vision, faith and compassion; one of the people whose face shone with the love of Christ. I will never forget him, never stop missing him until the day when it will be my time to 'go home'.
[Photo: Richard with daughter Hilary and myself] Check out Mark Conner's blog (go to http://www.citylifechurch.com and click on Mark's blog) to read his comments on Richard, plus Hilary's memories of her dad. There is also a link to a newspaper press release I put together.
Also check out my blog entry on Richard - January 25, 2007
Memories of Richard: Carolyn Boyd
THE HOLY SPIRIT:
I first met Richard when I was 19 and he came to speak at the teacher’s college I was attending in Frankston.
A Christian, I was seeking something more, and when I met Richard, saw the light in his eyes and the enthusiasm he had for ,His Lord I knew I wanted what he had. There is head knowledge and there is heart knowledge, and I soon discovered that Richard knew not only God the Father, and Jesus, he had a vibrant relationship with the Holy Spirit and that made the difference. Travelling home from a Bible Study one night the Holy Spirit came and touched my life as Richard prayed, and yes, I was filled with the Spirit in the PINK Falcon! HOO 708 Richard had a tenacity for the things of God that wouldn’t give up. Interestingly, during that time five students at Frankston were impacted through Richard’s ministry and dynamic enthusiasm and today all five of us are still serving God. I started to attend the church he pastored in Dandenong and his daughter Hilary became a best friend. I should say that Rob and I became “Verbal Swordsmen” and practiced sharpening our wit. I think he won.

CHARTS: Richard was a CHART MASTER! Any surface that could be written on was fair-game and many charts began their life on the back of a serviette or paper tablecloth! I remember once when he was teaching using a chart in an outreach church in Seville. Families gathered in a farmhouse and kids were everywhere. (This being before the time of children’s programs). Richard made sure all the kids were involved, and this night as the taught on the words of Jesus to the seven churches in Revelation, he called out seven children and gave each of them the name of a church..”You are Ephesus, you are Smyrna” and so on. At one stage, he turned to the little girl who was Ephesus and asked "Now which church are you?" Startled, she blurted out “Church of England”. Richard had the ability of drawing in and communicating with people in all stages of life, and those kids never missed a meeting.

FAMILY:
Richard and Garry took me into their family as another ‘daughter”. He called me Shorter Daughter in those days! My parents became best friends with Richard and Garry, and we would often holiday together. Those of you who know Richard know that he didn’t like to sit idle for too long, and so whenever we went away, I would become the Tour Guide and dutifully produce an itinerary with almost every hour accounted for. I would be sure to include “Rest Hour” somewhere in the afternoons for everyone’s benefit and he would reluctantly comply, appearing one hour later walking up and down outside our rooms and looking at his watch. It was time to go again.

In the early days, Hilary and I would take notes copiously, and amongst those notes were some of the RJH bloopers. When praying for a very pregnant lady who had a severe headache, he said, to our horror “Lord deliver her NOW” to which she exclaimed – “No, not yet!” Another time was during communion when he asked the Lord to bless the broken bed. Hard to concentrate after that one.

I don’t think I knew anyone so generous. There are countless individuals and families that he has helped. That was his nature and both he and Garry enjoyed doing this. Richard gave not just of his finances, he gave of his life. I recall many times when he would leave in the middle of the night to visit a sick child or pray for a family in turmoil. It was never too much trouble. He beat the ambulance to my house the morning my mother collapsed and saw her ushered into God’s presence.

CHURCHES:
For some ten years, I had the privilege of serving on church staff, first as Richard’s PA. There was a steady stream of people making their way to his office for words of counsel, common sense advice, prayer and encouragement. He had a gift for believing for barren women to bear children – and there are many here today who would acknowledge the power of those prayers. [Sadly, he didn’t have the gift for finding husbands!]

Over the past fifteen years, I have been involved in travelling to many nations. I visit churches in Malaysia, Thailand, Canada, the US, and others who have been touched by his ministry. He believed fiercely in the miraculous power of God and his greatest desire for the church has been to see this restored. People in Seattle still tell me of the time oil appeared on his hands and he felt the Lord tell him to pray for the church leaders. He did so, and the Holy Spirit fell in an amazing way. That fervency he imparted remains in that church and amongst those leaders today. I also remember a time when he was in Indonesia and was asked to pray for an elderly blind lady. As he began to pray, the Lord gave him a different language. The lady was astonished – Richard wasn’t speaking Indonesian, he was speaking a village dialect, the dialect of that lady. In addition, yes, she was instantly healed.

I still visit a church in Boise, Idaho where Richard preached in the 60’s. There are people there who still talk of this man from Australia whose face shone with the light and love of the Lord and who brought healing and deliverance to so many. To quote Sue Carpenter “For Richard, miracles were the expected heritage of any child of God. Cancer, infertility, pneumonia, were not challenges to God's power, just vehicles to demonstrate it”. Only two weeks or so ago he and Hilary rang Sue’s dad in Idaho to encourage and pray for him. Sue says her family have been so ministered to over the years by his warm Australian voice and prayers at the end of the phone.

McDONALDS: As I said, my parents were great friends with Richard. He and Dad golfed together, argued politics together, prayed together. They visited the sick in hospital and saw many accept the Lord during those times. Perhaps one thing they also did together was vastly improve the coffers of a multi-national corporation. They bestowed their favour on this establishment, visiting several times a week, and in fact in Richard’s later years he carried on that tradition on a daily basis – yes, the establishment was McDonald’s – proving that it’s not just kids that like that place. Vermont South should have a plaque in the wall in his honour – the Friday morning Life Group continues!

FAVORITE VERSES:
Richard was an evangelist – pastor – teacher. He loved the Lord and he loved people and he lived a life of integrity. He often said “It’s not WHO is right, it’s WHAT is right”. In some ways, he gave his life for the people, the children of God, the church. He had a gift of faith and inspired many. Richard had many favourite scriptures, but the two I remember most are:

Hebrews 10:25 “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together as the manner of some is, but exhorting one another and so much more as you see the day approaching.” He believed in the church unwaveringly and was never more distressed when he found people treating going to church as an optional extra in their Christianity.
The other: Hebrews 6:1 “Let us go onto perfection (maturity, completeness) not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith towards God.” That was his prayer for the church – that we might become MATURE in the things of God, not babes, having to be spoon-fed.

CLOSING:
For me, Richard’s passing is bitter sweet – I know he is in the presence of His Lord and has entered into that joy that he spoke of so often. One of the last things he said to me the day he went was “I’m going Home”. However, the selfish part of me wants him to still be around, to hug, to call up and say “please pray” and to know that if Richard was praying then it would be all right. He was my spiritual father, my mentor, my friend, and I know there will never be a day go by without a grateful thought of him.

Thank you Rob and Hil for letting me share your wonderful dad.
Thank you Lord for sharing him with the church worldwide.

Aussie Kids

During our time in Central Queensland we met with some terrific indigenous children.  The church there (Christian Covenant Community - known as 3Ci) busses in local children each Sunday afternoon.   They enjoy some food and a great program.  We  enjoyed being with these kids who responded so well to music, fun and God's word.  Funnily enough, although we have been to many nations, this is only the second time we have worked with aboriginal children in Australia.  Next January we hope to do more in this field, working with children in the Kimberleys, Western Australia.   

Many hands make a new house!

CityLife Community Care (formerly Knox CC) turned out in force to give my aging home a makeover. More than 60 volunteers began arriving from about 8.00 a.m. last Saturday. They were placed in teams: painting, gardening and carpentry. Having prayed for rain for the last several years, it was impossible to ask the Lord to stop it...but it did hold off until around 1 and even then showers were light. What tremendous servant's hearts these people have - I was so overwhelmed by the care shown to me. Verandas, windows and doors painted, gardens weeded and edged, trees pruned, deck steps totally replaced. And as a special bonus, my own bedroom and ensuite freshly painted! Not only did they work through to 4, but a smaller team offered to come again next week and finish off! THANKS is such a little word for all I feel inside - but THANKS to all who came to bless me - you certainly did, and I am praying that in turn you will be doubly blessed.

Picture: the old green going and the new cream appearing!

The Hope of Easter....

NEW LIFE.....

Easter....bunnies, eggs, chocolate Bilby's (well, we ARE in Australia) almost everything in the stores except anything about the REAL meaning of the season. Oh - unless you count the cross on the Hot Cross Buns! Now while I enjoy a bun or two and a chocolate egg or six, I can't help despairing that the general population in my nation know very little about this time of year. Stats tell us that the majority of people believe in God but for many it doen't go much farther than that. But for Christians (and for myself) Easter reminds me WHY I am a Christian - a follower of Christ - and HOW I became one. Christianity isn't a cultural thing; you are not born a Christian. Heritage and history has no bearing on your eternal state. Rather you are 'born again' when you realise (a) your need of a Saviour (b) that Jesus Christ fulfilled the qualifications of that Saviour and (c) that His Resurrection provides us with not only forgiveness but access to the presence of God. I wonder at the marvels of creation, the universe, the beauty of the world around me and I acknowledge God the Creator. But knowing the reality of Jesus Christ goes beyond that - my errors, failures and deliberate wrong-doings are forgiven and paid for through His death on a cross. And because of the Resurrection I have new life now and eternal life to come. I hear His voice - in music, as I read the Bible, in response to my prayers, through the encouragement of others. I have seen the miraculous - circumstances turned around, urgent needs miraculously met, relationships restored, healings for bodies and minds and wounded spirits ....and the list goes on. I love Easter - another reminder of the greatness of God's love to His final work of creation - human beings! That's you, that's me.

HAPPY EASTER! And may YOU know the reality of this NEW LIFE!

Ministry in Thailand

To the left is part of the group of workers from Hope Churches who attended the training conference Sue and I taught. The conference was open to several churches and it was so good to enjoy the good spirit of cooperation between all. We varied teaching with team building activities, games, and object lessons and the response was good. We so appreciated the hospitality and care for us that the church showed. Special thanks to Pinky and Jippy for transport and help throughout our time there.



Look at the faces of the children to the right (athough the little girl back right looks a bit puzzled!) These children were part of an outreach amongst kids in a poorer area of Bangkok. One man in this location heard the gospel and accepted Christ. He, along with his family, have become a ray of light in this place, and each week a team from Rivers of Life Church visits to minister with the children, and have started a church in this squatter area. We enjoyed seeing the Pastor relating so well to these kids - and they responded well to him.

We count it a privilege to be able to share with churches in Thailand who are making a difference!

Update: Catching Up With Kittiphum

As many of you may know, Carolyn’s on a missionary trip in Asia. This photo and a text message were forwarded on to me on behalf of Carolyn to give us an update on her recent activities. The text reads:

Carolyn shares a meal with Kittiphum, the youth she sponsors through Compassion.

Carolyn and Sue will be flying from Kittiphum’s village back to Bangkok and will be ministering at a church there over the weekend. And then, it’s off to Cambodia on Monday. We’re praying Carolyn and Sue will have a safe journey and God will richly bless them and others through their ministering.

UpDate: Click Here to learn more Compassion International

TIME.........

Christmas - the wonder on the face of a child looking at a star.......the lights and music.......the timeless message of God's Son sent to earth - is over. New Year's Eve came - a fun time with friends and games and sparklers - and went. It is now mid January - my year is planned (God willing), diaries filled in, dates made, travel plans in action. TIME - The Inevitable March to Eternity - is flying by. I look at my little friend in the photo. For him, time is dictated by sleeping, waking, drinking, playing. It will be awhile for him to register the march of time. For his active brother (almost 6) time can be 'forever' (waiting for Santa) or "too short" (playing with his friends). For me time is the inevitable passing of days, weeks, months, years seemingly gathering speed each year. Was it really four years ago that I stood in Bogota, Colombia, watching street children board a bus for the journey of a lifetime - a camp that would offer them hope? Could it be seven years ago that Sue and I shared God's love with 1600 excited, expectant children under a silk tent in northern India? Sometimes it seems like an age, at others just a 'few months ago". Time is the most precious gift that we have - time to be the best we can be, to do the best we can do, to change the world around us, to reach out in relationships, to excel in generosity, to 'stop and smell the roses or coffee', and for me as a Christian, time to learn more about the God I worship. After all, I believe I'll spend eternity with Him! (And hopefully, with many who are reading this) TIME: one thing is sure, you only go on this journey once. My prayer for 2008 is that we may make every day count in some way to making someone's life a little happier, to encouraging more and criticizing less, to laughing more than we grumble, and for living in thankfulness for the life we have been given. HAPPY NEW YEAR!