Penguin

In the community of Penguin on Tassie's North West Coast, even the Community Rubbish Bins have Penguins on them.

Here Gwyn is dwarfed by a 3 metre Penguin in the Town Centre.

Chains

A photo of Chain restraints used at the Port Arthur Prison.

Meditation: What are the things that imprison, or restrain us?

Acts 12:7 (NIV)

Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. "Quick, get up!" he said, and the chains fell off Peter's wrists.

Faith

God wants us with the Amen that never knows anything else than Amen - an inward Amen, a mighty moving Amen, a God-likeness Amen. That which says, "It is, because God has spoken. It cannot be otherwise. It is impossible to be otherwise."

Smith Wigglesworth

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

Hebrews 11:1. (NIV)

St Marys

Yesterday we drove up into the clouds and over the mountain to St Marys. On this route we had some dirt road over the mountain top before regaining the bitumen into St Marys. Amazingly, the damp on our side of the mountain, disappeared on the other side of the peak. A most enjoyable drive, as the road surface was firm for most of the dirt section.

Once at St Marys we shared a wonderful afternoon arranged for the young people and families by Envoy Melanie. Beginning with a sausage sizzle, and a bouncing castle, and squirt the clown making things out of balloons for the children, the afternoon concluded with an indoor spectacular, with illusions performed by the ‘Amazing’, the ‘Wonderful’, the ‘Athletic’, ‘Squirt the Clown’.

The children’s faces told a story of amazement, and enjoyment, as the interacted with Squirt. A great afternoon!


Psalms 16:11 (NIV)
You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Store and Staff

Recently in a Worship Service, we recognised the valuable staff and the support given to the Community through the ministry of the Scottsdale Salvation Army Store. This store has a great position in the main street of Scottsdale. It is well managed, with an amazing group of volunteers. The community enjoy the spacious interior, and also, the often heard laughter from the staff as they go about their duties.

This is definitely a place to shop with high quality stock at good prices for the thrifty shopper. The weekly window displays, give a first impression of the clothing quality available on the spacious racks throughout the store.

Psalms 126:2-3 (NIV)
Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them." The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.

Gum Boots

Having spent many years in arid environments through-out Australia, it is quite a contrast to be in the moist environment of Tasmania. Although it was relatively dry during the summer and autumn months, there has been sufficient rain to catch up and exceed the average rain fall for the year thus far.

Walking through wet grass is quite a novel experience, along with frosts that only clear where the sunlight reaches with a warming ray. As my garden boots had cracked soles they have finally been discarded to the rubbish bin, and replaced with a good pair of Gum Boots. It is now possible to stand in deep wet stuff and still have dry feet.

Preparations for the vegetable garden are progressing well, with the weeds now under control. In the next few weeks the earth will be turned over again. The possibilities of a good harvest from this small patch should become a reality with good foundational work done.

We are becoming known in the area, and are looking forward to our work and ministry expanding. There are many opportunities presenting with the establishment of the 'Doorways Programme' (Welfare Support) and also further developments as Employment Plus consolidates their work in the Corps Building.

Matthew 3:11-12 (NIV)

"I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire."

Toadstools

All that looks appealing is not profitable for your soul.

Be on the alert for deceptions!



1 Peter 5:8 (NIV)
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

Palm Sunday @ Scottsdale

For worship this week, we opened up the hall area by moving out most of the seats. This was to give the feeling of being out-door, after-all, Palm Sunday was an out door event. There were clothes on the floor leading to the Cross.



John 12:12-15 (NIV)
The next day the great crowd that had come for the Feast heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, "Hosanna!" "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Blessed is the King of Israel!" Jesus found a young donkey and sat upon it, as it is written, "Do not be afraid, O Daughter of Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey's colt."

What a privilege!

On Sunday last, I met the Anglican Priest who travels to Scottsdale from St. Helens each fortnight to conduct the worship service. In the few moments we had together, we shared a common love of our calling to the Lord’s work. It is a very precious ministry as we share in the lives of the Lord’s people.

Max, who is a senior member of the Scottsdale Corps, has mentioned to his wife Dawn over the past two months, that it may not be long before he is called home to be with the Lord. The day is drawing nearer as he has been in Hospital for the last two weeks. This once strong independent man is resting with little movement. Yesterday we got a big smile, and today he was sleeping, exhausted from his bath.

Each visit we share in a Psalm and a prayer. The normal response is that it was either a ‘good’, or a ‘great’ Psalm. Today as Max was sleeping, we read Ephesians 1:3-14 beside his bed, along with Dawn, and prayed together.

What a privilege!




Ephesians 1:11-14 (NIV)
In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession--to the praise of his glory.

Scottsdale

Scottsdale, a great place to be!

The Corps has a building that is more than adequate for the present ministries. The people have a wonderful spirit, and are encourager’s to whom-ever they meet.

The Thrift Shop is well organized, with excellent stock, and is welcoming as you step into it’s spacious interior. The Staff are also a great advertisement for The Salvation Army.



John 15:12 (NIV)
My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.

Tassie's North East

Today, we spent some time investigating some of our area in the North East of Tassie. There is such a wide diversity of country, from the mountains with their valley’s, to the flat coastal plains.

It is a great challenge to befriend the population in each of the small communities and make connections that will draw people the Lord.


Psalms 91:1-2 (NIV)

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."

1950 Ford Mercury

Now that we have settled into Scottsdale, it was time to unpack my Christmas Present from Gwyn, a radio controlled ‘1950 Ford Mercury’. The headlights come on when in forward motion, and the taillights come on when in reverse motion. It is so cool!

Yes! That’s correct, ‘I am a FORD Man’ and proud of it!



Psalms 145:1-2 (NIV)
I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever. Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever.

Installation

Today was our installation as the Corps Officers of the Scottsdale Corps conducted by Major Graeme McClimont the Tasmanian Divisional Commander. We are looking forward to the new ministry possibilities within the North East of Tasmania. There are pockets of good things happening within some of the small communities, and to be a part of this work will be of much blessing. To identify other communities for further work to be developed is a wonderful challenge for us, and The Salvation Army.

We were each presented with a 30 Year service badge, within the installation worship service.


Psalms 32:11 (NIV)
Rejoice in the LORD and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!

Journey to Scottsdale

Monday, January 11th we drove up a ramp and into the body of the ‘Spirit of Tasmania I’ to begin our journey from the Main Land to Tasmania. At 8.55am the ship left the Port Melbourne Docks, and arrived at Devonport at 6.15pm. It was a smooth crossing of Bass Straight, and an enjoyable journey. After passing through Quarantine, we set off towards Scottsdale, and arrived at 9.35pm with a warm greeting from our Corps Sergeant Major who showed us through the Scottsdale Quarters.

After a delay of two days our goods arrived on Thursday, January 14th. All was transported successfully, and safely. The two men, who delivered our goods, were as delightful as the two who loaded the container.

I was fortunate to get a game of Cricket with my new club, the Central Cricket Club, on the Saturday. We played at Winnaleah, in misty rain. I was to bat at No. 9, but we passed their total of 174 with overs and plenty wickets to spare. A good win in difficult conditions.


Philippians 4:5-7 (NIV)

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.