CMWDT Bay of Plenty :
Encourager 110

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News from earth, March 2006 -

For details contact Sheila Wright.

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OCTOBER MEETING

The Bay of Plenty October meeting was held at the home of Sheila and Bob at 2 p.m. on Saturday 9th October.

It coincided with Sheila and Bob's 39th Wedding Anniversary, so congratulations were happily given.

To mark the occasion, Sara, who also belongs to the Torch Group, had made a lovely cake with 39 on it in Braille decorations.

Bob led prayers, then organised us into groups for a Bible Quiz, one that had been composed by Ken Brown.

That was followed by Wally giving his testimony on how Jesus had helped him throughout his life, and helped him cope with many difficulties.

Mavis Jenkins.

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DECEMBER MEETING

We were looking forward to a picnic, but the weather turned wet. It was the last heavy rain before the summer dry spell. So the venue was changed to the Welcome Bay Community Church hall. Cess welcomed the two dozen people who attended. The carol singing was ably led by Debra.

Percy brought the devotions and followed this with a Bible Quiz. Prizes for correct answers were a wide variety of mystery gifts from a box. Each one was wrapped in brown paper - some large and some small. Much amusement followed, especially when one man got a teddy bear ! Leslie and Bob really shone at answering the more difficult questions.

Strawberries dipped in chocolate and Christmas cake were some of the goodies enjoyed at tea time. We always feel a little sad when we say goodbye and wish each other a Happy Christmas, knowing that we won't meet again until February.

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FEBRUARY MEETING

A pot-luck Saturday night tea is planned as we go to print. It is to be held at Garth's place.

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FAREWELL TO BERYL

November 26th was a bitterly cold day. But when we arrived at Sheila and Bob's in the evening they had a lovely fire going and a warm welcome for all. After a very nice meal we watched a short video of Labour Weekend Camp 2005. We even saw some Bay of Plenty folk enjoying themselves.

Lyndsay presented gifts and a card, signed by all present, to Beryl Greenslade who was moving to Auckland in 2006. Beryl has been the backbone of CFFD in the Bay for eight years. We are going to miss her so much ! She has always been so bright, happy and enthusiastic. Beryl was a very capable secretary. She was also a nurse and never hesitated to take responsibility for any folk needing special care. But most of all we will remember her for her gentleness and love. As a leader Beryl sometimes had to correct. She knew how to do this with tact and in love. Beryl's spiritual input will be missed at our meetings.

The good news is that Beryl promised to come and visit us sometimes ! Several people paid tributes to Beryl and this was followed by a time of prayer. Our times of prayer are special because this is something that even the most disabled person can join in, and their prayers can be so challenging or comforting or encouraging.

God be with you, Beryl, and make you a blessing wherever you go.

Please pray that God will raise up helpers for CFFD, both locally and in other centres.

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KESWICK CONVENTION

It was good to see quite a few people with disabilities at Keswick this year. Murray brought Kirn and Laurie from Auckland. Bradley came up from Palmerston North. A lady brought her adopted Downs Syndrome daughter. Leslie from the Torch Fellowship was there. One of the youth leaders had an artificial leg. He sang on the Sunday morning and Bradley sang at the New Year's Eve concert which was followed by a sausage sizzle and a good display of fireworks at midnight. For information about Keswick, talk to Percy.

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DO YOU REMEMBER ?

• Bay of Plenty CFFD took a service at St. Enoch's.
• A successful sausage sale was held outside the Warehouse in May.
• People knelt and wept after Margie spoke at Te Puke in June.

• We visited Te Toki Healing Centre in March.
• Karen Haakma hosted a meeting at Katikati in April.
• Ken and Julia Brown visited us at Easter.
• We celebrated our 2nd Birthday at Eleos Home.

• Drop-In was held on alternate Mondays.
• Two carloads visited Auckland CFFD centre in March.
• Evan spoke at Te Puke Baptist morning service on Disability Sunday.
• Lillian Sparks visited Tauranga and left us with a tape of her son Bryon singing with his family. Who could forget their testimony ?

• In March, Simon Mackerill, a burn victim, spoke at Drop-In. We were spellbound as he described his escape from his LPG truck when it caught on fire, and how his miraculous healing came about through prayer.
• In April Faye Trethowen from Auckland spoke at a Torch Fellowship meeting at Otumoetai. Everyone had to introduce themselves. When Sara's turn came, she also introduced her "Cane" which she said made her "Able". ( Sara's cane was later replaced by her Guide Dog, Destiny. )
• We began sponsoring a staff worker in the Philippines. This has continued for four years.

• Prayer Meetings were held at Keith and Marilyn's.
• The June meeting was attended by 54 people.
• We had a good year. We prayed and God blessed.

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John 3:16 NIV

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