CMWDT Bay of Plenty : Encourager 116

( August 2007 )

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At the June meeting, everyone was given a chocolate on arrival, and more chocolates were given to those who had birthdays. The room was beautifully decorated featuring red roses.After an opening prayer by a volunteer, there was a time of singing with a variety of instruments. Phil tested our general knowledge before introducing Dan the Puppet Man. Old and young enjoyed the puppet's presentation of the message - we are ALL important and each of us has a gift with which to bless others. The gift that was emphasised was ENCOURAGEMENT.

After more singing and a closing prayer, all were treated to an afternoon tea of chocolate cake, grapes and other goodies.A new idea was to give each of the "special" people a plate on which was their share. No doubt that would please parents and carers who have to do the "weight-watching". For information of these meetings, contact Phil at phil@bethlehem.org.nz or Bethlehem Church.

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	He laughed a laugh that was good to hear, It told of a conscience calm and clear, And he said with none of his old time drawl "Why, I've changed my residence, that's all". "Since I found the Lord", said Mr Horner, "I no longer live on Grumble Corner. I've moved and it was a change complete. You will find me now on Thanksgiving Street." Up to the top
ST COLUMBA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH DISABILITY SUNDAY
	The new minister at St. Columba Church, Otumoetai, is Rev. Donald Hegan. For Disability Sunday (after Mavis had spoken to him) he kindly offered to have some people with disabilities taking part. We didn't have much time to organise, but Debra agreed to lead in prayer. At the last minute she was also asked to share her testimony on the way God helped her when she was run over by a truck. She told us that instead of the predicted 17 weeks in hospital, she was only in for five days. Debra also helped take up the offering with a Down's Syndrome man. Percy was invited to carry the Bible into the church. Sheila brought her Guide Dog, which caused a great deal of interest during morning tea. People noticed how his tail wagged when Bob arrived to pick Sheila up! (Bob was preaching in his own church and Sara was on duty with the children.) Encourager magazines were given away and Debra had one of Graham Braddock's pictures and a pack of the greeting cards on display. The couple who provided transport for Noel and Debra took them home for lunch and a little visit to the Mount. Guess who were blessed and want to help again. The speaker was Val Hallam of ADDARDS and much of what she had to share applied to people with any disability and their carers. Up to the top
REPORT OF JUNE MEETING :
	We met at the home of Mavis Jenkins in Otumoetai. Sara sent her apologies, as she had shifted house. We are thankful her phone number remains the same, as now and again someone tries to contact us. Lyndsay began by reading a long, interesting letter from Tammy Andrew, who works with disabled children in Romania at a place called Casa Luminii Centre. Tammy had won our hearts when she spoke at our meeting in February. Her desire is to have a Christian home for people with disabilities. Debs led us enthusiastically in singing "Faith is just Believing" based on Ephesians 2: 8 & 9. Then Percy read a short story called "Unfailing Love". Jean Wilson shared about "Breakthrough Family Ministries" trying to raise money by walking from Eleos in Te Puke to Rotorua, Taupo, Hamilton, Auckland and back to Te Puke through Paeroa. What a walk! They hope to buy their own house as a home for needy young people. They have been based at Eleos, but it is being sold. Breakthrough's slogan is, "From Strife to Life". We joined in prayer for this group, for the needs of CFFD, for absent friends, and other matters. Our group are always eager to pray! And there are always so many things to pray for. At afternoon tea, Lyndsay produced a special, delicious cake for all those having a birthday in June. Our thanks to Mavis for her willing and warm hospitality Up to the top
MY VISIT TO TITOKI
	Some of you will remember that in March 2000, Tauranga CFFD visited Titoki Healing and Retreat Centre. We were kindly shown around and given morning tea before we went on to Ohope. We had lunch at a little church where Pastor Judy Turner brought us a message. We were impressed how well this lady spoke! Situated near Whakatane, Titoki Healing Centre is set in 10 acres of park-like grounds. In May of this year, a friend and I stayed there for 2½ wonderful days of relaxation. The accommodation was excellent, the meals healthy and delicious, and we enjoyed great Christian fellowship;. Prayer and counselling is available. The beautiful old trees were showing off their autumn colours. A tui called from a branch just above my head and stayed around to entertain. The sunsets were quite fantastic. We were invited to sample the variety of fruit in the orchard. At the end of a small lake there is an outdoor chapel with a fascinating old cross. I enjoyed a real country walk past farmlands. Meal times and chapel times are announced by the ringing of an ancient church bell brought out from England. The highlight for me was the beautiful chapel service held on Wednesday mornings. Among those who attend are Pat and Brian Tolley of Ohope, who are involved with Eastern Bay of Plenty CFFD. (It would be great to have contributions for this supplement from that area.) Maybe we could all meet at Titoki for a day visit. As I pulled back the curtains on my last morning there, and looked across the lawns to see the sunrise peeping between the trees behind the chapel, I thought of all the people I know who would enjoy a stay at this very special place. Chaplains and managers Shona and Graeme Birch, along with their dedicated team, are doing an awesome job of continuing Titoki's mission - to offer people opportunities to experience wholesome enrichment and transforming of life through Jesus Christ. Up to the top

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