Growth
We are well and truly into the tourist season and the Lord has been bringing along many visitors to share in fellowship with us. Every week there are a number of new families and individuals. Two weeks ago we had our largest congregation in 7 years (53 people)!But alas, we know that the tourists will not stay. Our hope and prayer is that they will have been encouraged in their faith as much as they have encouraged us! We know that was certainly the case for one couple who had been going to church all their life, but had never heard a sermon from the Old Testament (Lachlan was preaching on Ruth). Nor had they understood that the whole Bible points toward Jesus as Lord and Saviour. They were so excited that they came up to us after the service and asked us to explain more of how the bible fits together!
Likewise there was a family of 5 who visited us last Sunday who are taking a year to travel around Australia (they began in Victoria). They shared with us the excitement they had when
the gospel of salvation through Jesus death and resurrection was first explained to them a number of years ago. They too had been going to church for many years and had never heard the gospel – their church was doing some wonderful things in the community and was keen on social justice issues, but neglected to explain the core issue of eternal salvation. They had visited many of the Anglican Churches through the North West and were overjoyed to hear the gospel clearly explained in every one of them.
Visitors aside, we have also welcomed a number of locals who have come to see and hear what we are about. In the last few months 7 new adults and 4 new kids have now committed or recommitted to being regular at church! We have also recently begun a 17-30 year old bible study group, that meets around the bible and food. This group enjoys discussing how the bible is relevant to their lives. Pray for David and Heather as they lead that group. A men’s breakfast group has also recently recommenced. Last Saturday, after a great full cooked breakfast, we prayed for God’s kingdom work in our town. We are also greatly encouraged that the Tuesday night Bible Study & Tuesday women’s prayer group are still going strong.
New opportunities for ministry include discussions with the school and other significant community members about placing a Chaplain in the school. We just need to find the money (around $20k pa) and the right person now. We are also planning to take part in the “Jesus, All About Life” media campaign and hope to put on events that will be an avenue for people to respond to the gospel message. As a church we are praying earnestly that we will know His plan for this opportunity to outreach. We can see so many things we could do – but what does he want us to do?
the gospel of salvation through Jesus death and resurrection was first explained to them a number of years ago. They too had been going to church for many years and had never heard the gospel – their church was doing some wonderful things in the community and was keen on social justice issues, but neglected to explain the core issue of eternal salvation. They had visited many of the Anglican Churches through the North West and were overjoyed to hear the gospel clearly explained in every one of them.
Visitors aside, we have also welcomed a number of locals who have come to see and hear what we are about. In the last few months 7 new adults and 4 new kids have now committed or recommitted to being regular at church! We have also recently begun a 17-30 year old bible study group, that meets around the bible and food. This group enjoys discussing how the bible is relevant to their lives. Pray for David and Heather as they lead that group. A men’s breakfast group has also recently recommenced. Last Saturday, after a great full cooked breakfast, we prayed for God’s kingdom work in our town. We are also greatly encouraged that the Tuesday night Bible Study & Tuesday women’s prayer group are still going strong.New opportunities for ministry include discussions with the school and other significant community members about placing a Chaplain in the school. We just need to find the money (around $20k pa) and the right person now. We are also planning to take part in the “Jesus, All About Life” media campaign and hope to put on events that will be an avenue for people to respond to the gospel message. As a church we are praying earnestly that we will know His plan for this opportunity to outreach. We can see so many things we could do – but what does he want us to do?
Our building program is continuing. Plans have been finalised and are now at the Shire Council for approval. We have purchased a block of land in town on which we will build a new church building consisting of a 100 seat meeting area, meeting rooms, office and kitchen plus a new residence – all under the one roof. It is an ambitious program for such a small congregation. (Total cost $950,000 – Expensive land, Cyclone rating, and transport costs add around 80% to the cost of building in Exmouth). Thank God for the generosity of many from around Australia who have made donations to our building fund. At this stage we still need to raise around $235,000. Unfortunately we were unsuccessful in securing a $149,500 Royalties for Regions State Government Grant that we applied for earlier in the year. This may put our timing back a bit as we continue to seek further donations.
Weddings have been another highlight of our ministry here. Lachlan has conducted 5 so far this year, with another 4 booked in. They have varied from a country wedding on a cattle station 300km East of Exmouth, to a number on the beautiful Exmouth beaches and one on top of a spectacular gorge at sunset.
On the family front... The kids have been enjoying fellowshipping with the new kids at church. This has been a real answer to prayer!
The kids also took part in a recycled boat regatta where they and some friends (with dads’ help) built a rather seaworthy craft out of old PVC pipes, duct tape, and wire. The boat was called the “Wreck Creation” and won a prize. A week later Tim dislocated his right knee cap playing soccer (he had only just come out of a brace for his left knee which was dislocated last year!).Finally, we thank God for your partnership with us here. Your prayers and support a highly valued. May God continue to work amongst you.
Check out our new podcast site. It contains podcasts of recent sermons at Exmouth Anglican Community Church:
http://www.ourchurchlink.com/profile/view.action?id=4007
posted by Lachlan Edwards @ 10:23 PM
<< Home