CMWDT Wellington : Encourager 104

( August 2004 )

First things first -

God

PRAYER NEEDS
	Uphold the recently appointed committee of Wellington branch of CFFD - Ron Blackwood, Sharon Blackwood, John & Lyn Hawkins, Chris Lusk, Kay McCullum, Janet & Mike Meehan, Teresa Stuart and Tony Voss. Pray for wisdom, energy and focus as they lead the branch in the coming year. For "Up the Ramp", the branch's drop in centre, held on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month : Pray that it would meet needs and encourage those who come. Pray for vision and energy for Lyn Hawkins as she coordinates the programme. For Lesley, from the Philippines - the child the Wellington branch sponsors each month : Pray especially for her education and her teachers at the centre in Hebron.

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News from earth, August 2004

Wellington Meetings
	MAY MEETING.
		The speaker was our Spiritual Advisor, Helen McGhie. She mentioned that although we are in the "last days" we don't need to sit and do nothing, indeed we can't. We need to take responsibility - to be lights in the darkness. As the darkness increases, the light of the righteous gets brighter and brighter. Isaiah is a good example. He lived at the time of Uzziah, King of Judah. The king generally did what was right in God's eyes and thus prospered. But when he sought other ministries that were not deemed for him, such as burning incense that was a job for the priests, these failed (see 2 Chron 26:1-23). Isaiah had a vision of the house of God filled with the glory and presence of God (Isa 6:1-13). He prayed for the king and other leaders. We, too, are called to intercession, to pray for those in authority - especially our MPs, that they will do what is right.
	JUNE MEETING.
		Our June meeting began with a good time of worship, led by Ron and Sharon. Kay McCullum gave the Gospel message, which reminded us all of God's perseverance with each one of us. We broke for lunch and came back to a game found on the internet. A person was blindfolded, then had to find their way along the paper path with one person acting as the voice of God, and the rest of us competing for attention. This is the way it should be, but is often reversed, with God and his voice being drowned out. It illustrated how we often have to really stop and discern God's voice in the myriad outside influences in our lives. We then discussed how the person being led, along with the person playing God, each felt in the progress of the game. John Hawkins went on to talk about God's voice and plan for everyone's life and how God has revealed His plan for Lyn's life in opening and closing doors. Up to the top
UP THE RAMP
	UP THE RAMP SPEAKERS.
		Janice Reid, along with husband Colin, spoke at the meeting on 20 May. Janice's early life, with no support group base and a round of hospitals and doctors was not easy. She was one of five children who all went to Sunday School, so she knew the comfort of seeking God in prayer. She received encouragement from Rick Warren's "The Purpose Driven Life". She knew who she was in Christ - the best self-esteem : "Christ in me, the hope of glory"(Col 1;27). The power that raised Jesus from the dead is in her, and us! Other helpful Scriptures include Phil 4:13, "I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me", and Rom 8:28, "that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him". Colin spoke about verses; "I will keep the Lord always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken". Isa 41:10 says, "Fear not for I am with you", also an encouragement. Faith is spelt RISK. Meditate on the Scriptures, God never lies. Prov 17:22 says, "a merry heart doeth good like a medicine". John Wordsworth, our speaker, tried various jobs ranging from Air Force cadet, to police officer, to detective, to Armed Offenders Squad, and now to Salvation Army officer. He and his wife, Linda., had a daughter (Olivia) and then a set of triplets; one, James, died in the womb, and the other two, Andrew and Matthew, survived. Life was not easy, especially with Matthew who had a serious mental disorder and died after only a few years. The last eighteen months have been unsettling for the family. Andrew developed diabetes and John suffered a ruptured disk. John hangs onto verses such as Phil 4:6-7 (not to be anxious, but to be prayerful and thankful to God, and be at peace with God) and Heb 11:13-16 (although the promise may not be realised, it could be visualised - and held on to). Although we live in a beautiful country, it is still not as beautiful as it could be, but it will be really beautiful one day. We must look forward, but be grateful for what we have now. We must submit to God's sovereignty. Up to the top
THE NATIONAL CMWDT LEADERSHIP CAMP
	This last month, six members of the Wellington committee attended the National Leaders meeting held in Matamata. We flew this time (thanks to funding from COGS Wellington and Whitireia). We however, were not impressed with Air NZ service and offer these slogans as a tribute to Air NZ and their interpretation of OSH regulations. I'd be better off as a piece of luggage. Being there is everything, acording to Air NZ Getting there is highly unlikely if you are disabled and need help transferring into your seat. As Air NZ says "You'll never know" ... especially if you are a disabled traveller, as you will never get there if you need their help. Qantas does it - why can't Air NZ? Getting there with Air NZ if you are disabled and need help transferring into your seat is unlikely. Suitcases get treated better than Disabled Travellers. (courtesy of DPA, national office) Up to the top
PHOTOGRAPHS from the leadership retreat If you look carefully you may be able to pick out John and Lyn Hawkins and Mike and Janet Meehan shown here at the Leadership Retreat. ( If you want to look even more carefully, click the picture for a bigger version. ) Another photo taken at the Leadership Retreat showing the six from the Wellington Committee. Up to the top

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