RAISING THE BAR ON LEADERSHIP
Over the last wee while, Psalm 121 has become important for me. “I lift my eyes to the mountains, from where shall my help come? My help comes from the Lord…” It has helped work throught he health issues.
The training team and I ran the first week of the Caleb Leadership Course for the Northern Presbyterian Churches. We had 22 ministers, Elders and lay leaders. The majority of those attending were thrilled with what they were learning from the course. The training team was mostly Presbyterian Ministers as we sought to support the Presbyterian group. This was a first for us in that we normaly have the course as interdenominational. Since then, I have conducted supervision for three of the Presbyterian Pastors and run two Cohort meetings. At the meetings the participants have to report on assignments that were set. I was delighted in how well they have grasped the concepts and done the work. I have two more Cohort meetings tomorrow. They have another Cohort meeting in August then the last week of the course in September. I met with the CEO of Northern Presbytery. He was delighted with the feedback from the majority of the participants and wants me to give a report on how I felt the Presybyterian only course went. He wants to take that to his board in October to convince them to let the course happen again next year. Praise the Lord.
I went down to Nelson to work with the Anglican Youth Director on ther Discipleship Pathway programme. We had two days of me being filmed working through a number of workshops in ten to twenty minute slots. It was very intersting as we were using a tele prompter. Never done that before. It seemed to go well and I’m looking forward to seeing how it turns out. While I was down in Nelson I ran a Confident Communicators abridged version for Anglican Youth. They seemed to take it on board well and did their presentations with great enthusiasm. A fine bunch of youth leaders. I met with the new Bishop again. He has agreed to speak at the Nelson Leadership Course graduation.
I’ve continued to do supervisions and preach at various churches.
At the end of July, we begin the 11-day Caleb Leadership course in Nelson. Sadly, four people registered pulled out leaving us with 12 coming. This seems to always happen people who were committed changing their minds. However, we continue to minister to those who come. We have three new young trainers beginning at this course, which is great as we continue to build and refresh the training team. In August there will be four Cohort meetings for the Presbyterian group and then the last four days of the course in late September.
I went to the second specialist who sent me for a CT scan and an MRI. At least he took it seriously! At the follow up appointment, the specialist was more concerned with the prolapsed disc at C5 than the sub lux at C4. He reflected that I’m boarder line (I’ve known that for years!) for the operation. It’s my call. I love the way they won’t make a decision. He did say that I shouldn’t let anyone manipulate my neck nor get a whiplash or fall and hit the back of my head or I could end up quadriplegic. Talk about put the wind up me. He also said that if my fine motor skills get worse or I find walking difficult come straight back. My Physio agreed and I’m now wearing a soft collar doing outside physical work. It helps stops my bad posture or get worse injury. Mind you, I do have to concentrate on keeping good posture and breaking a bad habit. I’ve decided to see my doc before making my final decision on whether to have the op or not. Currently I feel inclined not to have the op and keep praying for healing and safety. I’ve put two great big bumper bars front and back of my car with a sign, “please miss”.
Jeremy and Tim continue to do well in their studies. They are both looking very tired. Jeremy has picked up a cold which is frustrating him with his studies. Tim’s tiredness has led to a sore neck similar to me. Kayla has had a bad inner ear infection and has now swapped it for a chest infection. The rest of the family are doing ok. Rachel is in the Chorus for the production Jesus Christ Super Star for September in Ashburton. Ada is now crawling properly and standing holding onto furniture. Hannah continues to have good days and not so good. Through Hannah’s government funding group, we were able to get her a spa pool. Any time she has had a spa, she seems to really enjoy them. We hope it will relax her in the evening and lead to better quieter sleep. I suppose Yvonne and I will have to be sacrificial in helping her in the spa. I know, it’s heroic.
When we look to the hills, we know the Lord is our help and strength. He made heaven and earth and so He can certainly help us work through each challenge of our lives. May He strengthen your faith and give you clarity in how to work through the issues you face as you journey with Him.
Every blessing
Rex, Yvonne, Rachel, Jonny, Caleb & Ada, Jeremy, Sakura & Kayla, Tim & Aimee & Hannah.