Stories of Blessings
Sunday, 17 June 2012
Last year the Lord told us to 'prepare the way' so any hindrance
to people coming to worship with us would be removed. During the
last 12 months the Holy Spirit has wonderfully freed us.
The generous giving by many has resourced some very important
developments…
1. The renovations on The House have provided us with
a great facility for our children's and youth ministries. It has
freed the use of the Chapel for services; it has provided much
needed additional room for GiG and it has meant that the crèche
ministry now has sufficient room on Sundays. We realise that our
children are walking a distance but we pray the planned walkway
will help and that the future solution will come as soon as
possible. (See vision and Finance booklet)
2. We have also been able to substantially expand our video
facilities which has given us the capacity to stream live to
The Chapel. This means an additional 250 seats are
available at our services. We are currently using this regularly at
the 10.00am service and at special services where large crowds are
present.
3. The use of The House property has also made a
tremendous difference to the parking problems we were facing.
Whilst it is still far from ideal, it means that people are no
longer driving off because there is nowhere for them to park. We
look forward to when we are able to construct the planned bitumen
car park.
4. The completion of the road works around the church have
also made a tremendous difference. The Main Auditorium has
become much more obvious and recent signage (and more is planned)
is helping the 10,000s of people who drive by every week to know
that there is a place where they will be welcome and can find life
and hope in Christ.
5. The Easter Live tent meetings were also another way to
prepare the way as the community saw so clearly, with fence
panels removed, lights blazing and the big tent looming large, that
they are welcome to hear the good news.
Many stories could be shared which powerfully confirm that the Lord
is pleased with our commitment to obey Him over the past financial
year. Some will be heard in the baptisms over coming months but let
me briefly share two…
- Recently a young man, who lives outside of Brisbane, came up to
me after the service and said he was in The Chapel
that morning. He wanted to pass on his thanks for the Yes we Care
team who visited his parents' home, offering practical help and
passing on a Bible pack. He has been praying for them to come to
know Christ. What a blessing that there was room for this young man
to worship with us and to know the Holy Spirit is opening doors in
the lives of those he loves.
- During this past week a man arrived in the office from the
community wanting to talk to a pastor. He was holding in his hand
the 'Take Heart' invitation to our Easter services. He mentioned in
the midst of our conversation that he had attended many of our
carols and garage sales. What a blessing that those around us know
we are here and that they feel able to ask for help and
prayer.
There is more our heavenly Father is calling us to do in the new
year ahead.
What blessings await, if again we will humbly
obey.
Peter