RAISING THE BAR ON LEADERSHIP
Happy new year amid the trials of Omicron and it’s influence on our lives. In these challenging times it is useful to remind ourselves that the Lord is on the throne and while the threat of getting Omicron is very real, our response is to be one of faith not fear. In keeping on going although tired, I’m encouraged daily by Jesus words recorded in Matthew 11:28; “Come to Me all who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, (I love this training aspect on our journey with Jesus), for I am gentle and humle in heart and you will find rest for your souls.”
Next week I have an important Caleb Board meeting to discuss how we will move forward this year. We are continuing to gradually review and rewrite the different tracks of the Leadership course. What is exciting too is that we will be looking at how we respond to the changing landscape in NZ in which churches operate and looking at what training we can provide and how. For example we will be looking at a series of weekend courses for part-time pastor done regionally with on line group work between the mask to mask meetings. We are also looking at a one day seminar on handling conflict to be for pastors and elders and ministry leaders. I’m hoping to to continue preparing a ‘handling change’ seminar.
Mid March I’m off to Nelson to meet some pastors and hopefully the Bishop to talk about this years Leadership Course. I will also visit a dear friend whose suffering hugely from asbestos cancer. He and his wife were in the church I led and when Yvonne and I went on sabbatical 21 years ago, looked after our four children. They have been important friends for us over so many years.
From Nelson I will be finally going to Blenheim to do a consultation/training with a church’s senior leaders before preaching on the Sunday.
Some of my supervisions meetings are now face to face which is a breath of fresh filtered air. I get the sense that so many people are way over zoom.
The two ITA committees I’m on are progressing well with their delegations.
Toward the end of last year my Mum had an incident that had her spend 9 weeks in hospital. With the lockdown procedures in place, it meant my elder brother and I were the only ones allowed to visit. Mum is now in a retirement village hospital. It too has visiting restrictions but more of the family can visit. Mum has been unable to get over the terror of lying for 6 hours stiff as a board on her couch. Every time she is moved now, she responds with extreme panic which has be so hard to watch. However, I take opportunity each visit to pray for her.
The rest of the family are doing well. Tim is about to complete his degree having just done his final presentation which went tremendously well. Jeremy continues with his MBA studies and will finish mid-year.
We finally met the two new carers for Hannah. It’s been 8 months since Hannah has had a carer take her out. They will start next week doing 2 ½ hours twice a week. We really hope this gives Hannah some good time away from us and for Yvonne and I to get some time out from looking after Hannah. From the very long lock down, Hannah has become much ‘clingier’, sitting with us for long periods and following us around the house quite a lot. However, a wonderful thing happened yesterday. Yvonne was playing some of Hannah’s favourite songs and as she played ‘O Holy Night’ Hannah began to sing. She hasn’t sung for so long. PTL
Rachel flies up from Ashburton today for four days to come visit grandma and see us. We look forward to her being here. Hopefully she won’t get Omicron on the plane.
Thank you for your continued support and love. May the Lord pour His love and joy into your life.
Every blessing
Rex, Yvonne, Rachel, Jonny, Caleb & Ada, Jeremy, Sakura & Kayla, Tim & Aimee & Hannah.