The good news

Just in case there is anyone reading this blog who might want to know something about my life and that of my family , here's an update.

I've resigned from the Rotary Club of Forest Hill effective tomorrow. I am hoping to join the Rotary Club of Manningham, which will give me more networking opportunities and thus more witnessing opportunities in the area in which I live and minister. I've spent almost 6 years as a member of Forest Hill and served as president in 2005-06. It has been a difficult decision to make, but I believe it is a God directed one.

On Monday night I was presented with the regalia that goes with being named as a Paul Harris Fellow. This is recognition of my service as a rotarian and a salvationist. I am both honoured and humbled. I was even more humbled when a rotarian described me as having put a human face on religion. I hope that he means that he could see something of Jesus in me. That is always one of my aims in rotary; to let people see Jesus through me.

Both of our sons now have jobs although Ben's is only temporary. At least they will have some money and some activity during the day. Catherine will complete her secondary school career this year. Each of them are involved in the corps they attend, which is great for us to see. We have no desire to win the world and lose our children. So far God's grace has been sufficient.

And finally the air conditioner still isn't fixed, but at least it looks like we may be able to afford it now.

Adventurous living

Today we were privileged to have our Divisional Leaders Majors Ron and Robyn Clinch as our guest leaders. Robyn led worship with energy and enthusiasm and sensitivity as well. Ron used John 10:1-10 to urge us to live adventurously with and for Jesus. At the end of the address one of the newer members of the congregation knelt to pray with a salvationist at the Mercy Seat. Praise God!

It was an average size congregation. The significant factor was that a quarter of the congregation had only commenced attending since January 2006. The interesting factor for Major Ron was the spread of nationalities amongst these new people; Malaysian, Greek and Morroccan and Chinese with the Sudanese family absent.

Our previously very white anglo-saxon congregation has changed significantly and I don't even think we've noticed. God has brought these people to us and has helped them to fit in, despite our many failings.

Now if only people would stop aging and being sick and have other interests, the corps attendances might actually increase. I guess that's all in God's hands.

Yesterday I wrote a long catch up post that has completely disappeared. Hopefully this one survives!