In a State of Prayer
answers to prayer
Central Focus for the Synod:
Margaret Reeson's article in IASOP is worth repeating:
'Who was – and is – praying for you?'
"This is a question that I have asked other people who have experienced something life-changing. It is also a question worth pursuing when exploring (as I love to do) the stories of people in the past whose lives have been transformed. It has usually been a slow process, with the God who never gives up waiting for a runaway to come home, and someone has been praying. This is not something that we can explain. Yet we see the fruit of prayer. It may not be quick. We may never know the results of our prayer, in the sense that if one person prays about a particular thing, they will see a direct answer to their prayer.
But in the mystery of God, the prayers of god's people are answered. We are encouraged to keep on praying, even for the most 'hopeless' people and situations.
SHARE JESUS MISSION
A personal reflection. Meredith Bryce
(forwarded to us by Ross Neville, Rural Evangelism)
As a ‘first time’ participant in a Share Jesus Mission, I am greatly encouraged by the ‘team’ – that is, those sending us out with prayer and practical support, fellow team members, those in the home church, and finally and most importantly the folk with whom we interact and share our journey of faith. In attempting to describe the short time I spent in “Taree, words such as fun, hectic, profound, laughter, contemplative, stretching, spontaneous, creative, sharing, confirming, affirming and blessed spring to mind. I have a sneaking suspicion that I have received far more than I have given during this time – but isn’t that God’s way, as we seek to serve him we are blessed abundantly.
I learnt my first spiritual lesson before I even went on team – ‘That God calls us for specific things for which he has already prepared.’ The choice we have is whether we are willing to hear and respond to this call. I thought I would support the Share Jesus Mission through prayer, which I did for several weeks – our team leader gave me prayer points and as I prayed I considered going to Taree just for a day. I received a Share Jesus newsletter and on the top was a verse from John 15:16 “for you did not choose me, I chose you… to go out and bear much fruit.”
This passage came up some days later as a set reading in a daily devotion – I felt God was calling me and confirming that the choice to be on team was not mine to make – only the response to go. This passage also mentions pruning of vines to bear fruit – we actually did physically prune trees at one home. I did entertain thought of staying home for reasons of – lack of confidence in what I have to offer, physical rest I thought I needed at this time and simply a sense of God doesn’t need me. However, despite these doubts, the reality is that God wants willing and available hearts. So I put my hand up.
The second spiritual lesson I learnt was that: “God uses individuals and groups of people for his purpose at precisely the right time and in the right place.” We visited a local hostel and while sharing with one lady I learnt of the huge personal losses many folk had experienced in recent weeks. This lady shared her own sense of isolation and loneliness and confirmed that for the Share Jesus team to visit on that day was so important for people in that village because on this day one person had died and a funeral was held for another. This lady stated that the personal message shared by a team member that day really encouraged her in her faith despite feelings of grief and loss. For me this confirmed several things – that God meets people at their point of need, his timing is perfect and that by simply sharing in people’s lives we can encourage others in a powerful way.
Another spiritual lesson I learnt is that: “God has a plan for individuals and communities.” This became evident to me after my first visit to Cundletown kids club. To see the faces of the so many children, keen to participate in everything (especially the talks), the involvement of older folk in ministering to the children, the way things flowed so smoothly, the way the sun shone and precious moments arose to speak to people one on one. How amazing to find out that this is a very small congregation, something very special was happening. I believe God has a plan for his church at Cundletown and give thanks for the faithful people there.
The Share Jesus mission has been hugely encouraging to me personally, I am encouraged by the tireless efforts of so many people to share their lives and their faith so generously. The Taree Uniting Church is located in the heart of the town and I believe is pivotal in being ‘light’ to the community there. The Red Dove Café is a busy little hub filling the tummies of hungry people while simultaneously providing rich spiritual support for many. I was only in Taree a short time yet found the range of activities planned for the Share Jesus week amazing. The Share Jesus team was incredibly complimentary – people of different ages, interests, gifts, skills and experiences to share. This team – those ‘on mission’ those in the home area, those upholding the whole week in prayer, supported and encouraged one another in many ways.
I believe by the blessing of and to the glory of God. Do I have any regrets? Yes only one – that I wasn’t there for the whole week. I would love to go again next year and will definitely plan on going for the whole time. Thank you to all who have prayed, planned and participated in this sharing of lives. Your are truly special.
FEEDBACK (November Issue of IASOP)
NorthWest Uniting Church give thanks that the life of the fledgling congregation is becoming busier as another new home group has begun and people are beginning to take a more active part in gatherings – a sense of community is beginning to form.
John Thornton writes: “Jesus tells us in Mark 11:22-24 to have faith in God, to believe that what we ask for in prayer will be done. As you pray I invite you to picture in your mind a gathering of hundreds praising and worshipping our God who can do immeasurably more than we ask, the God who makes the impossible possible.”
The Holiday Program at North West has been greatly supported and appreciated by many parents. It confirms our thinking that young families are where our main mission lies.
Aug 15: Tilba Street Berala praises God that the successful Street Stall held in Berala shopping centre was not manned by the older ladies but by the young Tongan mothers from two Auburn Churches who now hold a weekly Playgroup in the Tilba St Berala Hall.
Dee Why Parish gives thanks for their 2 ministers and their wives – David & Marguerite Milliken & Rod and Sarah Mitchell (who commenced Sept 03). May God inspire and guide David and Rod in their service to Him in our Churches & community. May they be blessed & protected in their commuting and scooting around Dee Why.
Sept 13: Dee Why Parish gives thanks for their AGM, for the fellowship, fun and food. We give thanks for the love and faith of all our members and for the devotion and anticipation of our church office secretary – Ann Lovelace, and of all church officers.
Port Macquarie was ever so grateful to God for a wonderful day for their Annual Spring Fair with many, many people attending so that in excess of $11,380 was raised, while we all had fun especially the children. The joy and celebration was evident next morning in the worship and fellowship of the services.
Sept 30: Port Macquarie is delighted to praise God for a wonderful, well organized day with up to 130 children (with their parents) everywhere across the property and for the outreach by Christian young couples who did the organizing. There were also many who cooked or were on a prayer roster.
9th July: Thanks for the successful LIFT program to Fiji. All participants learnt a great deal and bonded well through the experience as donations were made to place visited. Narrabri congregation gives thanks for the ministry of Rev. Vernon and Mrs Pam James who are retiring at the end of the year.
Rockdale gives thanks for increased numbers in the Sunday School and Kid’s Club.
Denistone East Uniting Church give praise for the Congregational Discernment Mission Meeting “Keep on Travelling” and for harmonious discussion in forward planning and agreement. For the continuous growth of Beyond the Matrix group and the enthusiasm of so many new families who attend. For Korean congregation meeting at Denistone East. For the continuing success of our Market Day for Exodus and for the support of people from outlying areas. For all these we give thanks to our loving God. We give thanks for the soaking rains and pray for continuing relief for the farmers and their families facing a meager Christmas.