Yesterday Jennifer and I were able to travel to the South Barwon corps for the Retirement Celebration of two fellow Proclaimers of Salvation, Majors Adele and John Vale. This was led by Lieut-Colonel Carl Schmidtke. Now retired Carl and Val had moved on to the Training College staff at the start of our second year, later serving as Divisional Leaders to both the Vales and Andersons.
It was good to be able to salute our colleagues for their outstanding service. Their humility prevented their true worth being expressed. I'm sure that many of their achievements were downplayed or even not mentioned due to their wishes.
It was also good to be able to celebrate Salvation Army Officership and even better to rejoice in the greatness of God.
Sunday 22 February 2009
Wednesday 18 February 2009
The harsh reality of life
2 days after my last post the day dawned very hot and very windy. Anyone who has lived in the rural parts of Victoria knows what such a day may bring. Fire! Black Saturday as it has been termed will long live in the minds of Victorians. 200 people lost their lives on that fateful or should that be fatal day. Over 7000 have been left homeless. Salvationists along with many other agencies and services have been working ever since to bring relief to those affected.
Jennifer and I live in suburban, almost beachside Melbourne, but along with other officers and soldiers we have had a small part to play. The reality of life is that we have many other things to do, but helping out in even small ways helps. Being able to listen to a 9 year old talk about taking their pets with them when they were being evacuated was just one highlight. Seeing the look of joy in her eyes at being given a teddy bear for her and one for each of her siblings was matched by her sheer excitement at receiving a new toothbrush. The look of gratitude on Dad's face means that he will not only remember that the Salvos helped them, but also that they took time to be interested in his child's story.
The harsh reality is that many of the survivors need someone to listen as much as they need the money and material goods we were giving out. "Thank you for validating my experience" were the heartfelt words from a young businesswoman who had told us of her guilt at not losing her house even though her business has come to a grinding halt.
I wonder what Jesus would do. I suspect we would find Him playing with the children or trying to relieve the guilt felt by those who are in reality guiltless. Proclamation of the love of God is best done at such times by showing that love. The joy of the little girl at receiving a toothbrush and the relief of the lady at having someone listen was matched by the older couple who having lost everything were given a Bible.
One day's labour in no way matches the selfless service of many of our colleagues who live in these areas and spearhead the relief and recovery operations. They have our prayers and our support.
Spare a prayer for them now!
Jennifer and I live in suburban, almost beachside Melbourne, but along with other officers and soldiers we have had a small part to play. The reality of life is that we have many other things to do, but helping out in even small ways helps. Being able to listen to a 9 year old talk about taking their pets with them when they were being evacuated was just one highlight. Seeing the look of joy in her eyes at being given a teddy bear for her and one for each of her siblings was matched by her sheer excitement at receiving a new toothbrush. The look of gratitude on Dad's face means that he will not only remember that the Salvos helped them, but also that they took time to be interested in his child's story.
The harsh reality is that many of the survivors need someone to listen as much as they need the money and material goods we were giving out. "Thank you for validating my experience" were the heartfelt words from a young businesswoman who had told us of her guilt at not losing her house even though her business has come to a grinding halt.
I wonder what Jesus would do. I suspect we would find Him playing with the children or trying to relieve the guilt felt by those who are in reality guiltless. Proclamation of the love of God is best done at such times by showing that love. The joy of the little girl at receiving a toothbrush and the relief of the lady at having someone listen was matched by the older couple who having lost everything were given a Bible.
One day's labour in no way matches the selfless service of many of our colleagues who live in these areas and spearhead the relief and recovery operations. They have our prayers and our support.
Spare a prayer for them now!
Thursday 5 February 2009
The supremacy of Christ
Well we've arrived at Bentleigh to find some great people who have welcomed and encouraged us as we take up our new appointment. Major Graham Buckle invited my cousin and a former Bentleigh CO Major Stacey Cotton to share our installation with him. This was a very pleasant surprise for the congregation and us. It also meant that three of our former Planning Giving team were reunited for the occasion.
The next Sunday saw us leading worship and preaching ourselves. My subject was the supremacy of Christ. The Holy Spirit was evident from the start of the meeting and at the end of the address 4 people came to the Mercy Seat. They were supported by others and the tears were flowing down my face at the sight of this response to the leading of The Holy Spirit. It was just like we had come home. "Christ is all, yes all in all" was the triumphant sound ringing in our ears and hearts. We serve a risen, loving supreme Lord. May He and He alone be praised.
The next Sunday saw us leading worship and preaching ourselves. My subject was the supremacy of Christ. The Holy Spirit was evident from the start of the meeting and at the end of the address 4 people came to the Mercy Seat. They were supported by others and the tears were flowing down my face at the sight of this response to the leading of The Holy Spirit. It was just like we had come home. "Christ is all, yes all in all" was the triumphant sound ringing in our ears and hearts. We serve a risen, loving supreme Lord. May He and He alone be praised.
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