Booth Broadcast

Since I last wrote to you, life has been a challenge. My Dad lost his battle with congestive heart failure a month before his 91st birthday. A great innings I know. However, having him and Mum with us for all our lives makes it hard in its own way.

The day he died, I had begun two days of trainer training with my team for this year’s Caleb Leadership Course. I elected to continue the two days and then to do a consultation with a Pentecostal Church Eldership before joining my Mum and wider family to work through all that must happen after someone dies. I was asked to take Dad’s funeral which I considered to be a privilege. For my message to those who would be attending, I spoke about the legacy Dad left not just his sons and our families, but to a huge number of people from his time as a school Principal in Otara and to young men from the football club which he coached until he was 86 and managed until 90. It made me reflect on the truth that we all leave a legacy of some kind. I got the impression that my wise Dad didn’t leave it to chance but strategically set to leaving a positive legacy starting by giving us opportunities to explore the truth about Jesus.

At the funeral one of the soccer guys spoke of how Dad encouraged each one to go beyond what he thought he could. He commented that Dad took an interest in what was happening in their lives outside soccer. The fact that over 80 people attended Dad’s funeral and over half were young men under 40 from many ethnicities and religions is testimony to him. One huge aspect of his legacy was the near 69 years of marriage to Mum whom he adored. I believe my birth may have been one of their major highlights! They set a great pattern for their four sons.

A question I asked at the funeral I’d like to ask you. Are you being strategic about your legacy, or are you leaving it to ‘chance’? Yvonne has been a wonderful help mate and given me good guidance and encouragement throughout. Thank you my precious wife. In my quiet time one morning I read Psalm 62 “My soul, wait in silence for God only, for my hope is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation my stronghold; I shall not be shaken.” I have held onto that truth during this time. I must admit though, I have felt very tired indeed and peoples prayers and support have been a strength.

Straight after the funeral, I raced to complete prep for the Leadership course in Nelson. Jill Burrows my administrator did an amazing job getting us ready to serve. I left a week after the funeral to run the course with 16 participants from 3 nations. The training team were brilliant especially as many were relatively new trainers. They were dedicated and delivered to a high standard. I was exceptionally proud of each one of them.

Here are some responses from the graduates.

It’s been a great course for me – I came in not knowing exactly what to expect but so many aspects were just where I needed to be challenged on or helped in. A lot of food for thought and a lot that will give a good framework for doing better what I’m doing already! A big thank you for your time and effort and the quality input you give in to our lives for an intense 2 weeks of our lives.” Nathaniel – Anglican Vicar

I have loved this course and it has impacted me greatly. I believe I came at the right time as it has invigorated me, encouraged me and placed me back on my feet, facing the right direction.” Pat – Children and Families pastor

“The course is fantastic! Everyone in leadership should be doing it!” Pip – Baptist Missionary

Coming up

In three weeks I leave for Nepal to help on a Leadership Matters course. There are 35 participants from various mission organisations including Nepally nationals. It will be empowering for local mission. Please pray too for good health as hygiene etc is always risky. Pray also for Yvonne and Hannah as I will be away three weeks.

Oh the Home front

My Mum is bearing up but needs our prayers and support as you’d expect. She is an amazing Mum and with wonderful strength is facing the challenge of being on her own.

Rachel is now 30 weeks and better not have the baby early while I’m away or I may have to stay away. She, the baby and Jonny are doing well. Jonny has started his new library job in Pukekohe and is settling in well.

Jeremy and Sakura are planning a trip to France and England and will be away while I’m in Nepal. Please pray for their safety.

Tim and Aimee had a friend’s car shunted through their front fence. No one was hurt PTL. They are both working long hours. Tim was able to get the Caleb Leadership Course Participants manuals printed through his work place. They were really high quality. Thanks Tim. Aimee got us other material through her workplace so thank you too Aimee.

Hannah is doing ok and has had orthotics made for her shoes to try to adjust for her flat feet.

Yvonne is doing well although she is tired after supporting Dad and Mum. The BnB has been quiet but is now beginning to pick up PTL.

For me it’s been tough and I’m pretty exhausted. One weeks leave has helped but when I get back from Nepal I hope to have another weeks break. My leg is still stalled so hopefully the long flights won’t be a problem.

Your faithful prayer and support has enabled us together to deliver an exceptional leadership course.

Blessings,
Rex, Yvonne, Rachel, Jonny, Jeremy, Sakura, Tim, Aimee and Hannah.