CMWDT Bay of Plenty :
Encourager 111

It is more desirable than fine gold and sweeter than honey.

For His love endures forever.

He is the Rock, His work is perfect for His ways are just, A God of faithfulness. (Deuteronomy 32)

It is the saving Life of Christ.

My name is Sara Ash. I am vision impaired and have a guide dog called Destiny. I was brought up in a Christian home and went to church with my parents and my brothers and sisters. We were all told about Jesus and saw His provisions.

When I was a little girl He was my best friend and we played and talked together. But when I was 11 years old I asked Jesus into my heart and He became more than just a best friend beside me.

When I grew up and left school, I started fossicking about in places where I should not have. I was on the wrong road, which caused many hurts and heartaches, not only to myself, I'm sure. But how great the Father's love for us. He was there waiting for me. He set my feet on the right path; on the path of righteousness for His name sake.

After much brokenness, there seemed to be nothing left in my heart. In fact I said to the Lord I could not tell Him that I loved Him until I knew I did, and the Lord had always said to me the truth will set you free.

I was given a book to read called 'Christianity' written by Bob George. I started reading it along with my Bible, really wanting to know the truth. One night while reading, after telling the Lord I couldn't tell Him I loved him, He filled me up with His love so I COULD love Him.

It is not what we can do for Christ. It is what He can do for us. He first loved us so that we could love Him.

The Lord changed my life around. When you love Jesus there will be times of stillness and times of strife, but know He will always be with you. He will never leave you or forsake you.

I'm grateful for my friends and family's faithful prayers. But most of all, I am thankful for what The Father did for us by sending his own Son.

John 3:16 -

For God so loved the World that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.

Ephesians 2:4-5 -

But God, being rich in mercy because of His great love with which He loved us even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ. By grace you have been saved.

Psalm 18:30 -

As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is proven. He is a shield to all who trust in Him.

I could not imagine a life without Christ and I look forward to His return. Because the best is yet to come.

It is wonderful to be part of CFFD. I particularly love the saying 'The only ones that are disabled are those that don't know Jesus'. You may think 'How can the Lord use me ?' but He can. It is Christ who works within you mightily.

Always remember : in all cases preach the gospel; if necessary use words.

APRIL MEETING

About 30 people met at Mavis Jenkins' home on 8th April. Our chairman, Cees, welcomed us and said grace. After we had enjoyed a great meal, Sheila welcomed our speaker, Phil Martin, who began by sharing a little about his life and his experiences in the work of God.

For six years he was a Chaplain in Tauranga Hospital, and, even after that, he was a frequent visitor in the hospital and in several of the local Rest Homes. Although he is now suffering from bone cancer, he still visits several days a week, as God gives strength. He said, "A lot of people need to know the way to God. What are we as Christians doing about it?"

Phil then shared a message based on the verse, "I have plans for you says the Lord .... plans to give you a future and a hope".

HOPE -

H	for Hearing - Hope comes through hearing the Word of God and how God has helped other people through their struggles. When we read promises in the Bible, HOPE begins to flicker in our hearts.
0	for Options - There are choices we can make. Options turn over hopelessness. What action is God requiring of you?
P	for Persistence - Continue to share your faith. We shall reap if we faint not.
E	for Enter - Enter his gates with thanksgiving. Praise dispels hopelessness. Stop and think what life is all about.

( These are just a few thoughts from Phil's message. )

NEW FACES

CEES AND LYNDSAY

ANDREW

THE CLOCK

The clock of life is wound but once,
And no man has the power
To tell just where the hands will stop,
At late or early hour.

To lose one's wealth is sad indeed,
To lose one's health is more;
To lose one's soul is such a loss
That no one can restore.

The present only is our own -
To seek to do God's will:
Tomorrow holds no promise,
for the CLOCK MAY THEN BE STILL -

So why not this very minute,
prepare for your eternity
by trusting your soul to Jesus Christ
Who died at Calvary.

It only takes a sincere minute
to confess Who He really is
And then when the clock of your life stops,
Your eternal peace will be.

- Anon.