Prayer
Sunday, 30 October 2011
We are excited today as we launch out on our week of 24/7
prayer. We will be praying continuously around the clock for
the next 7 days. I heard this week about the Moravians who prayed
continuously for 100 years. That makes 7 days sound easy! Thanks to
everyone who has already signed up. There are still some time slots
to fill so make sure you have a look at the signup sheets today or
jump online at http://www.24-7prayer.com/signup/30f8c5.
Our prayer events have always been significant markers in the
history of this church where God has led us forward. We have some
very exciting visions for the future to pray over and some
challenges to cry out to God for His help with. Most importantly we
want to continue to pray for a reviving work of God in this
community and beyond. I know that through this week much blessing
will flow to individuals and to us corporately. Don't miss out on
being part of what I believe will be another historic marker in the
life of this church and a week full of His blessing.
I read an encouraging testimony this week from somebody in the
church that reminded me again of the power of prayer. This person
is a type 2 diabetic who attended a prayer and healing service last
year after a bad fall. They wrote the following a few weeks ago to
give thanks to God: "I thank the Lord for His wonderful healing
I received from the healing service last October 2010. By October
last year the trauma and pain in my body caused by the injury,
caused my blood sugar levels to go haywire. I came to a healing
meeting and asked for prayer that my blood sugar readings would
stabilise. After my turn out the front for prayer, I felt a deep
sense of calm and well-being. I knew the Lord had heard. During the
next week my blood sugar readings that had been unstable over four
months or more, stabilised. My specialist doctor was extremely
pleased and very, very surprised. I told him the reason why."
We praise God that he continues to work in amazing ways among
us. I also heard the story this week of another person who
committed their life to Christ and they were filled with great joy
as they shared their story. God is good!
Last Sunday around 200 ministry helpers gathered in the chapel for
a meeting to prepare for the trial of our new morning service
arrangements. There was a real sense of anticipation and excitement
at the meeting at being able to make space to welcome more people.
There is a lot of energy and work going into the preparations for
this and I want to thank everyone for the part they are playing. I
also want to say thanks to the team of people who helped with the
working bee on Saturday up at the house. Weather permitting some
fencing work was completed as well as some new grass put down in
the courtyard. The house is now getting very close to completion
ready for our trial services on the 27 November and the 4 December.
We continue to praise God for the provision of this extra
space.
The other big event happening next weekend is our very first
Christmas Markets. There will be 30 stalls represented so make sure
you come and have a look and help spread the word this week. This
is a great bridging event to bring people along to and an
opportunity for them to meet some people from the church.
Finally, I want to say thanks to the team who organised the trivia
night last night. As I am writing this we are looking forward to
another great night packed full of fun and trivia. Special thanks
to Leanne McDougal, Angela Parry and the team of helpers who helped
make the night possible. I love how Psalm 127:1 puts it. "Unless
the LORD builds the house, its builders labour in vain. Unless the
LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain."We
live in a city full of people that desperately need Jesus. So let's
together seek God with all our hearts this week as we look to Him
to do great things in and through us as His people and to pour out
his blessing on this city and beyond.
Nathan