RAISING THE BAR ON LEADERSHIP
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14) It never ceases to amaze me as we head up to Christmas and the celebration of Jesus birth, how the retail trade get right into it with the huge Christmas tress, decorations and Santa. I saw one Santa down in Hornby. She looked bored, struggling to keep her lambs wool beard in place. Awesome! The Apostle John declared, that Jesus was life and that life was light of us all, yet as the Light shines in the darkness, those fixated on the dark, don’t understand the Light. However, there are those for whom the Light has begun to penetrate the darkness. Let me share one. On my recent flight back from Christchurch, I sat next to a young Chinese woman who lives in NZ. Using what we learn in Bridge Builders, I began a convo. When she asked what I did, the door opened. For the next forty minutes she asked about God and what Christians belive. I was shared about God’s love for her. She didn’t back away, but continued to ask questions about Jesus, giving me an amazing opportunity to share the gospel and the hope she could have. As we landed, she said she really appreciated the conversation. I gave her my card and suggested she call me when she has more questions. I am praying for her this week. Divine opportunities are out there even when society celebrates X-mas – we can put the Christ back.
The Leadership Matters Course in Nepal went very well. As Trainer coach I was kept busy with new trainers and my own workshops. We had 24 participants from 4 countries and 10 Trainers from 8 nations. Sadly the two participants who went missing were both found dead. It is believed that they got lost in the hills and died from exposure.
There were many stories from the Pakistani men, of Muslims having dreams of Jesus coming to them telling them He loves them and pushing them to go get prayer. They come to these Christian workers to discover who Jesus is and give their lives to Him.
It was a privilage to work with these fine men and women and see them grow in their abilities as leaders. One highly qualified participant wrote; “This course is surely one of the best and standout experiences of my life.”
My room mate an Australian pastor, is keen to come on our Kiwi training team and bring a couple of his associate pastors to CLC. He did Caleb in Australia many years ago. He and I will be looking at how we can extend Caleb NZ into Australia and work together to see where this might go. Please pray that we can reach Australian Pastors. Our rooming together seems like a divine appointment.
I came home to continue to work with the church in Papakura helping them as they selected their new pastor and helping develop a Position Results Description for him. I also continue to work with a pastor and one of his team to sort out some conflict. They were both very willing to work through the issues. I have preached at a couple ofd churches and have some more preaching lined up.
I flew down to Christchurch to visit with one of our graduates from this year and a Minister who is going to be the new moderator of the Presbyterian Churches. It was a very good meeting and we will be working on how to promote the Leadership Course among Presbyterian Ministers.
The Auranga church plant is now meeting regularly around a shared meal. Last Sunday I shared the mission God has laid on my heart. The mission is; “Disciples of Jesus expressing His love through building relationships which develop Christian community.” As a result, we have begun sharing our testimonies so that we can get to know each other better. We now have 18 people coming.
Next Tuesday I leave for Nelson to visit the new Bishop of Nelson. It will be an important meeting. I will also be catching up with other pastors while there. I come back to complete supervisions for the year and prepare for January sermons.
I have taken on leading a team to review the LMC curriculum. It will not be a short exercise. The team are gifted leaders and it’s a delight working with the four of them. I’m also part of a team that is adapting the LMC for pastors from the Christian and Missionary Alliance of Canada. Because of how CLC NZ is run, I’m able to help in the rework. Both ITA responsibilities will help me re-design the NZ course.
Rachel is pregnant with their second child due early April. Maybe on my birthday! She is doing well. Caleb turned two and very active. Jonny really enjoys his work down there.
Jeremy, Sakura and Kayla are all good. Tiredness is part of their life right now however, Sakura and Jeremy are doing well as parents. Jeremy finishes his grad dip in business by mid December and is looking forward to having less pressure.
Tim and Aimee are preparing for their exciting 3-week trip with Aimee’s parents to Canada and the west coast of America. Tim is still excelling at university. He finishes for the year tomorrow.
Yvonne is working hard with the BnB as it is the busy season. She has had a great opportunity to share about Jesus with a Jewish couple who stayed two nights. She does it so sensitively yet confidently. They were touched by her understanding of the Old Testament and stayed engaged in the conversation.
Hannah is coping with the influx of guests although the last couple of nights she’s seemed unsettled. We keep an eye on her responses and try to give her periods without guests.
May the Lord richly bless you as you share Christmas with family and friends. Thank you for your continued love and support. we greatly appreciate it.
Every blessing
Rex, Yvonne, Rachel, Jonny & Caleb, Jeremy, Sakura & Kayla, Tim & Aimee & Hannah.