RAISING THE BAR ON LEADERSHIP
I am writing this lettter during the Caleb Leadership course which we are running in Blenheim. We are currently at Curious Cove Camp in the Marlborough Sounds. The weather is very cold and wet and so the 24hr solitude is inside. There are 8 on the training team with one coming from Australia. It’s an interesting ride as one trainer got sick and went home after day 2 and now at camp another trainer has got sick possibly exhaustion (not all my fault). He remains with us as there is no way out of here but by boat. There are 14 particpants from various denominations, para-church organisations, a guy who owns his own business and two youth leaders from Australia. They are all fully involved and last night we had a ministry night for them which lasted until way after 9.30. It was a delight to me to see God touch many of their lives very deeply, healing deep hurts and giving clear guidance. We sail back to Blenheim tomorrow to continue with the management aspects of the course.
Yvonne and I have done the Bridge Builders course with two Presbyterian churches. One in Pukekohe and the other in Te Kauwhata in the Waikato. Both were well attended and were a success. In each case I preached before the course and that seemed helpful. Yvonne did a great job as a trainers with people responding readily to her teaching.
I have begun a one on one series on leaderhip and management for a Veteranarian. We do this on Zoom. It is a first and it is going very well. His feedback is very encouraging.
After the Leadership course I get a short break before continuing with supervisions and preparing for the Bridge Buiders in Greymouth.
The ITA committee I chair still works toward the contextualisation of the LMC plus we’ve broadened our brief a little and are making suggestions on re writing other aspects of the course.
I have and ITA Council meeting in Bangkok coming up in October. If you would like to assist in funding my trip there I would greatly appreciate it. My tickets alone cost $1900. (06-0222-0104470-00)
We have a Bridge Builders course in Greymouth with the Anglican parishes down their. It’s a first to take a course on the West Coast.
You won’t believe this but on August 5 we are celebrating Hannah’s 30th birthday. She is a wonderful young woman. Rachel is coming up to be with us and we are grateful to Jonny for letting her come. We are celebrating Rachel’s 40th birthday the next day. Her actual birthday is 11 September but the family up here will celebrate early. Yvonne, Hannah and I are flying down to Ashburton 8th September to celebrate with Jonny and the family and friends down there on her actual birthday. I am very proud of who Rachel is and the way she serves her family and the Lord.
My injuries from the fall are still causing trouble. I’m having physio for my shoulder, which is much better and my sciatic nerve and spine issues aren’t so good still. I have faith that they will come right soon. My sprained thumb is much better but gets sore easily. Otherwise, I’m doing well. The rest of the family are going well too. Yvonne led worship at our church today and it went well. Hannah put her arms around Yvonne while Yvonne sang and played. As they sang, Hannah put her face against her mum’s face while they sang into the mike together. Wish I’d been there. Rachel has published her third novel through Amazon and it’s a cracking read. Her family are doing well and Caleb seems to be enjoying school. They are still waiting for an appointment with the specialist for Ada to find out what is the real issue for her. Please pray that the appointment comes soon. Jeremy and his family are ok although consistent sleep is a problem. Sakura has begun studying for a certificate in Early Childhood education. She would become an assistant/teacher’s aide. Tim and Aimee are all good. Aimee is considering doing some training/course to work toward a new job. She is in the process of trying to discern what that might be. Please pray for her in this regard.
As always we are very grateful for your faithful support of our ministry and family. We pray that you are being blessed by the Lord. He is the centre of it all.
Every blessing
Rex, Yvonne, Rachel, Jonny, Caleb & Ada, Jeremy, Sakura, Kayla & Chloe, Tim & Aimee & Hannah.