Hi Church,
I pray all is well with you and your family. This week I have been challenged as I presume many of you as well, as we reflect on the words that were shared with us through Marty Burrows update on the situation in Zimbabwe. No water at the tap and limited unreliable electricity is a situation very few of us could live with for any length of time. Yet the millions of people in Zimbabwe where Martin has his ministry are facing this every day. They also face drought, corruption and poverty of the most extreme kind.
We could sense the overwhelming magnitude of Martin’s work, doing his best to try and make a difference in a nation he has given everything to. Yet we also felt his hope that if we save one from starvation and rescue one baby from being abandoned and we educate at least one child, we make the world a better place because it made a world of difference to that one that was saved.
Church we are so blessed to live in Port Macquarie, in NSW in Australia. Yes we have our troubles but as someone said “What we experience on our worst day is more than what they have on their best day”. But we can make a difference as we generously give to the work Martin is doing through https://ourneighbours.org/ If its possible look at what you can do, it will be a great encouragement.
Ps Kerry also shared some good encouraging thoughts with us regarding the story of the Ten Leppers found in the scriptures Luke 17 :11-19.
1. Jesus is a Healer and He is willing to heal as seen in Luke 5:13, He is willing to touch your life no matter how unclean it is. 2. There is a danger of just looking for kingdom benefits and ignoring the King of the Kingdom. 10 Lepers were healed and 9 went on with their life without thanking Jesus. 3. Only One Leper is healed/saved becauseHe is the only one who came back and thanked Jesus for His healing which showed he had faith to believe Jesus as Lord. As such the former Leper received the best healing … eternal life. Kerry reminded us that thanks giving was so important in our relationship with Jesus and we need to make sure we take nothing for granted but rejoice daily in all the blessings we have received from God.
Also on Saturday the men gathered for a great breakfast morning with Richard Gray sharing his testimony of persevering faith in the face of trials. Many were touched by his story which led to good moments of prayer together.
Give thanks with a grateful heart.
Ps Greg and Amanda.