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Prayer Letter
December 2005 “Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.” (James 5:7-8) Another two months have flown by bringing with them autumn’s shorter
days, darker nights and beautiful colours. Outside the window, nature begins to
disrobe, anticipating the tough battle with winter, determined to wait patiently
and expectantly for the arrival of the glories of spring. James urges a similar
“expectant patience” on Christ’s church in the passage quoted above. Some in James’ church were struggling and weary, tempted to give up in
the face of the trials and difficulties of Christian living. And to these James
writes, encouraging makrothymia – a patient, expectant waiting on the Lord -
the kind of expectant patience that the farmer displays as he waits for the crop
he has planted to grow and bear fruit. So, not a patience manifested in apathy
and resignation, but a patience alive with expectation, eagerness and activity -
the kind of patient expectation that displays itself in commitment to Christ’s
call despite pressures to the contrary. The author of Hebrews uses this same
word when he writes “We do not want you to become sluggish, but to imitate
those who, through faith and patience, inherit what has been promised”.
(Hebrews 6:12) This Autumn we marked the third anniversary of Christ Church. It was a
lovely occasion! The meeting room was full and we ran out of service sheets.
Admittedly, we had used up more space than usual for the superb musicians, but I
am reliably informed that they are people too! Roger Fawcett was our guest speaker (and guest guitarist). He spoke challengingly to us of the need to persevere and it was a timely message. There is much to give thanks for - and we did, and do! But the challenge now is to keep on going, to display the same makrothymia that a farmer displays as he waits for the crops. This is the same makrothymia, that James called for as we wait expectantly for the coming of the Lord, the same makrothymia that the author of Hebrews saw as a necessary antidote to lethargy. It is also intriguingly the same makrothymia that Paul lists in Galatians 5:22 as one of the fruits of the Spirit and, as such, an aspect of the character of Christ himself. It is a reminder that as we participate together in the planting of a church at Greenbank, God in his sovereign wisdom and power is using that same Church plant to plant his character more fully in our lives! David Christ Church Café
Light
lunches are served after the Thursday service. Give thanks …
·
For many encouragements since September, in particular
the pleasing numbers attending (& little “leftover food”!). It is
lovely to see a significant number remaining after the meal to join in the
‘Christianity Explored’ discussion. ·
For what the Lord has done through the
meetings thus far. ·
For the growing
number of helpers who work well together as a team. Please pray …
·
That
these helpers remain available. ·
Whilst recent
numbers of customers have been pleasing, it would be good to have more,
especially from our outreach area. ·
That God would open the eyes of all
involved to fully understand the gospel message. Christianity
Explored
6-week course (Thurs
evenings) offering the opportunity to discuss the Christian message through the
gospel of Mark. Give thanks …
·
That
people have been able to attend the course regularly and are keen to explore the
Christian faith. ·
For good
discussion within the group and for the searching questions asked. ·
That the new
format of having ‘puddings only’ and not a full meal is working well. Please pray …
·
That people
will complete the full course. ·
That people
will seriously consider how they want to respond to Jesus' claims. ·
That some will
choose to trust in Jesus for eternal life and follow Him. Tots & Co.
Every Friday morning. Give thanks …
·
We have
sufficient helpers until Christmas! ·
For 3 parents
who are currently doing the parenting course at Woman 2 Woman. Please pray …
·
For good health
for the helpers. OnTrack
Every Friday, 6-7 pm during termtime for ages 7-11. Give thanks …
·
For the many families
and children who came to the OnTrack Harvest Lunch (42 fed in total). ·
For the way God has enabled us to increase
the Christian content of our Friday evenings. ·
For the fun we’ve
had. Please pray …
·
That God will continue to work in the
lives of the children we see every week. ·
For the OnTrack Breakfast on Sat 26th
Nov. ·
For wisdom re. discipline issues with two
unchurched boys. The Junction
A meeting point on a Friday night for all those of High School age. Give thanks …
·
For some
of the youngsters joining the leaders for prayer before The Junction starts. ·
For the
encouraging meeting the leaders had with Roger Fawcett in October. There
was unanimous agreement that the gospel should be brought more visibly into Friday
evenings. ·
For the growing
contact and relationships between the leaders and youngsters. Please pray …
·
For wisdom for
the leaders regarding letting some youngsters in early to set up and pray; that
this is not abused by those who have no interest in praying and instead
intimidate the other youngsters and mock the leaders. ·
For the
leaders as they meet again in November to plan a new agenda/format for The
Junction and any associated ministries. ·
For
wisdom regarding activities for the girls that will facilitate conversations
with the leaders. 24/7
Fortnightly socials, bible studies, speakers & discussions for women from all walks of life. Give thanks …
·
For those who have offered their homes
& time to support this ministry. Please pray …
For
the guest speaker and 2nd bible study in Nov and our Christmas social
in Dec.
Further Afield
Those from our fellowship in other places. Helen Greaves (Reading University)
Give thanks …
·
Please thank God that I have been free
from my symptoms of fatigue. ·
Please also thank God that he is helping
me to enjoy my work. Please pray …
·
That God would continue to help me be
content with serving Him through the few things I am involved in. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dave & Jean Jones (Nepal)
Please pray …
·
For
“stamina” and safe travel. ·
For Jean
especially on “interesting bridges”. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Adam & Penny Burt (Singapore)
Give thanks …
·
That they are
both settling in well in their new jobs. ·
That God has
led them to a church they are both happy in. Please pray …
·
For safe travel
and good health whilst on holiday in Vietnam. ·
For energy & good health for Penny as
she struggles to cope with the heat in Singapore. |
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Last updated: October 20, 2006. We aim to update this site weekly.
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