October 2008

Dear Friends,

Last month we looked at a verse from Matthew 11 which talks about the kingdom of heaven forcefully advancing, and in the last month God has been moving very powerfully amongst us. During the week of prayer nearly 70 people came to at least one meeting, in fact it would probably be better to call the week of prayer an encounter week, such was the powerful presence of the Holy Spirit every time we gathered to pray. When Neil Douglas and the door to door team went up to Fairfield Park they had some amazing conversations with people promising to come to church and Alpha, in fact one couple have already signed up! At the children's prayer meetings there were as many unsaved children as there were church children, there were nearly 140 people at the baptism and many people were challenged by the gospel, one girl came to youth and another one has signed up for Alpha. We have 13 guests signed up for Alpha and we know that more people are thinking of coming. I was so encouraged when I heard that there were 10 new people in church the other Sunday morning when I was at Sandy, surely this is God starting to advance his kingdom in our very midst.

However, the question that we all need to ask ourselves as we see God moving powerfully is, are we ready to welcome those who God brings to us so that we can love and care for them? As God has told us that we need to be a church without walls, and as we are tentatively stepping out, are we ready to lead people to Jesus? As we go about our daily routines, are we prepared to share the hope and the love of God that he has placed into our lives? I know that we have all longed to see the power of God evident in the communities where we live and work, but it is down to us as to whether we co-operate with all that God wants to do through us.

I am so excited as I hear all the different stories that are starting to emerge of people encountering the love and power of God. My prayer is that we will continue to advance wherever God leads us to share the good news of Jesus.

Love,

Philip