By Faith

By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had embraced the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, even though God had said to him, “It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.” Abraham reasoned that God could even raise the dead, and so in a manner of speaking he did receive Isaac back from death. (Heb. 11:17-19. NIV)

By faith! What an amazing challenge! To live our lives with the same foundational faith, that sustained life of the patriarch Abraham.

The fundamentals of this type of faith may seem easy.
a. Hear the word of the Lord.
b. Understand your part.
c. Fulfill your responsibility.
However, uncertainty in any area will not allow, the required trust to develop or flourish. Possibly the most difficult area, is hearing the word of the Lord, through the distracting noise of the world.

Lord, help us to be quiet, so we can hear what you are saying. Amen.

YOUTH

Wow, what a great week!!!!

The Quarters was filled to the brim, with a team of 5 youth and plus a leader from Melbourne to run the School Holiday Programme. An extra 6 in the house, was nice and cosy, if not loud. It is Saturday afternoon, and the house is quiet, just the two old Majors left.

It feels a little like a recuperation day, as I averaged 5 hours sleep per night. I think that is just a little short of what is best for me to be at peek condition.

What a privilege to see young people grow in confidence, as they are involved in ministry, expressing their love of the Lord with energy and enthusiasm. Each day their confidence was impacting the children, and relating to them the wonderful love of the Lord.

It was also good for Daisy to share her sacrificial life, (the youth will understand this) which is continuing today.

2 Thes. 1:3 (Message) You need to know, friends, that thanking God over and over for you is not only a pleasure; it's a must. We have to do it. Your faith is growing phenomenally; your love for each other is developing wonderfully. Why, it's only right that we give thanks.

DAY 5

The eagle has landed.

The conclusion day was filled with mixed emotions, from the children, leaders, and parents.
It has been such a good week for the children, that they did not want it to stop.
Leaders and children formed some great relationships, which is real Kingdom stuff.

A possibility for the future, is that our Kids Klub could double in size.

We appreciate the young leaders who have stretched their missional wings, and had a ball at the same time. We trust that the experience will be of benefit to them, and the Kingdom, in their home Corps.

Well after the clean up, now back at the quarters, it is sooooooooooo quiet.

Hebrews 10:24-25 Let's see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching. (Message)

DAY 4

Another great day at the Holiday Programme. Although there were a few who were a little late arriving.
Some of the Leaders were a little lethargic at the start of the day. Could have been, because of the Youth Ten Pin Bowling, or the McD's after, or the Movie ~ Sister Act 2 which followed, or the excitement of hi jinks, or the egg timer that went off in some one's room.

There were responses to a call to be Jesus friend. This was a great day, the leaders prayed for each child, after the hall had emptied.

Romans 1:16 It's news I'm most proud to proclaim, this extraordinary Message of God's powerful plan to rescue everyone who trusts him, starting with Jews and then right on to everyone else! (Message)

DAY 3

Another exciting day at the Holiday Programme.

Music, Craft, Singing, Story, Games, and an outing at a fun Shed.

There were some 3rd day blues, a few tears, however it was still all go with enthusiasm, and energy. After a big day, the tired bodies went home to energise for tomorrow. Also today there was an extra person added into the programme.

Prayers arrived from DHQ Staff for each of the Leaders, which were much appreciated.


2 Cor. 5:7 It's what we trust in but don't yet see that keeps us going. (Message)

DAY 2

Children's Holiday Programme. Today was a little quieter than yesterday, as the children viewed a movie. Everyone from yesterday returned, and parents noted the excitement of their child. Most slept around 10 hours, and some were ready to go at 6:30am. We also had three extra children join the festivities. The activities, songs, games, etc. were all entered into with enthusiasm.

Acts 4:12 Salvation comes no other way; no other name has been or will be given to us by which we can be saved, only this one." (Message)

DAY 1

Blast Off!!

Excited children, energetic young people, craft stuff, solid beat music = fun & laughter.

One report was of a child going to sleep in the car on the way home.
One parent was sorry that she was could not stay, as it looked so very interesting, and lots of fun.

Psalm 18:46 Live, God! Blessings from my Rock, my free and freeing God, towering! (Message)

Prepared

The young people arrived from Melbourne, in time for the monthly Corps Prayer Tea. Following a snack, we shared in meaningful time of prayer.

Tomorrow, the Children’s Holiday Programme will be launched. The Hall is decorated, and set up ready to go. Now we just need the children. 19 have booked in, so we are hoping that they will all front up tomorrow.

The teaching will focus on Peter, with tomorrow’s launch, reflecting on Peter’s call and his launch into ministry as Jesus friend.

Passing along the beach of Lake Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew net-fishing. Fishing was their regular work. Jesus said to them, "Come with me. I'll make a new kind of fisherman out of you. I'll show you how to catch men and women instead of perch and bass." They didn't ask questions. They dropped their nets and followed. (Mark 1: 16-18 Message)