Hi Church,
Family services are such fun, always full of laughs and very special moments where your heart gets filled with joy and love. Last Sunday was no exception. A confident Ashlee Klomp led the service with our youthful team on the platform leading in worship, with a special appearance (whom I forgot to mention) from my son Caleb Campion on guitar, making a home visit from Uni. Then of course there was a big bible reading time from Harry Bollard, a sensitive communion from Mathea Betenson, a very engaging Kids talk from Graeme Wright and who could forget the inspiring first time preach from our Children’s Ministry Leader, Carin Bohlschied, who just nailed it. But what was truly a very special Holy Spirit moment was the faith journey shared by Kara and Josh Teisen and the response from the congregation to rise and spontaneously bless them with dollars and help them to purchase air-tickets to Redding California, to attend the Bethel Ministry School.
I was blown away by the love shown in that moment and so parent proud of the abundant generosity shown by Grace Church family. That’s what family does, we rise up for each other. In that moment we also proved again we are a sending church. An apostolic church that releases people to the nations. So we pray for Josh and Kara that every faith step will be made clear and that every obstacle will be removed for their going.
Now unsurprisingly but amazingly the Holy Spirit was speaking on Sunday through everyone’s input and as Kara and Josh Testified of big faith steps, Carin got up and preached on being strong and courageous through the life of Gideon. Some of her thoughts included:-
That we need to be a church that’s stands on the promises of God and put our trust in Him not on our circumstances.
God is calling out those who are hiding in caves to come out and lead into the victory that God promises.
Is 43:2 reminds us that through fire and flood and every attack of the enemy God is with us!
Phil 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me
You are all called anointed and equipped!
God has used shepherds, stutterers, murderers, little boys, the lame, the leper, a prostitute, the least in a family…….. so he can use you!
A timely word in a season of challenge!
Let’s stay positive, loving, courageous and connected Church.
Please keep this week and weekend in your prayers as we take the men and mostly young boys of our families away for a fun time on the beach. Pray for hearts to be connected and vision expanded and safety for all activities.
Please consider going to the EDM movie night. It’s a big fund raiser at Majestic cinema, dealing with a very sensitive and dangerous topic in our modern times; Rescuing Children from Sex trafficking. The ticket price includes a contribution to Every Daughter Matters (EDM)
Loving You
Ps Greg and Amanda
22nd August 2023