Booth Broadcast

I continue to work on prayer in my life and have begun to try to sit focussed on Jesus with my mind still and silent listening for His voice. I began with 5 minutes a day as part of my prayer time. I must say it’s proving difficult. If my mind wanders, I’m supposed to call it a distraction then focus back. What I’m finding is that I’m saying the word ‘distraction’ a lot. Oh well, it will take time. (moves mind into neutral for a moment – distraction!!)

The Papamoa Bridge Builders course went very well. The numbers were ok although the Pastor was a bit disappointed. The group was quite diverse in age. They were keen to learn with one or two having to climb over some high ‘fear’ hurdles to do some of what was required in speaking from the front.

I went off to Zambia in Africa on April the 4th. I was still flying through April 5 which was Yvonne and my 38th wedding anniversary. I mentioned it to the steward on the plane but apart from a smile, there was no upgrade. The following day was my birthday and then a week later it was Yvonne’s birthday. The training team in Zambia gave me a birthday cake to celebrate both.

The course in Lusaka had 25 participants in the finish from 6 different organisations. Only three were from outside Africa. Similarly the nine trainers were mostly from Africa with only two of us from outside. All in all there were 14 different nations represented.

There were many in the group who were country or regional superintendents from different denominations. Some were area and country leaders for Operation Mobilization and Global Partners.

A couple of testimonies:

“Wow! This course is literally one of the milestones in my leadership journey. I cannot recommend it with just words. I always used to see hurdles and barriers, but this course has renewed my resolves. It is possible to be the man / leader that God is calling me to be.” – Ofhentse Piet, OM Tanzania.

“This course will help build leadership who will be deliberate in the execution of the vision of the ministry and influence more lives in doings so.” – Emmanuel Forson, Fountain Gate Chapel, Ghana.

My role was to coach the Lead Trainer and develop the depth of skill of the training team. With your prayers and support I was able to do this and the Lord gave me the insights and wisdom to grow the team.

I came home on the Monday and on Saturday took a wedding for a couple from Manurewa Baptist Church. Even with the hostile weather, the wedding went really well.

A week later I took a Men’s camp for Waiuku Christian Fellowship. The group responded well to all I taught on having a God given target in your life. On the Sunday I preached at the church and got a good response to my message. One woman came up after and reminded me that she had worked for me when I pastored the Manurewa church. She told me that my support of her family after the tragic death of her brother was what made her give her heart to the Lord. It was such an encouragement to find out that something I did in serving the Lord and His people had such an effect. PTL.

Coming up:

Tomorrow I will be taking a day’s consultation for One Mission Society. We will be looking at their mission and vision and the way forward for them. Please pray that it goes well and is transformative for them as a mission organisation.

I have to continue to try to get people on the Leadership course and that is proving very hard. We have 12 so far with 7 trying to come from overseas. Please pray that they get their visas and are able to come. They are from Africa, India, Myanmar and Abu Dubai.

I have an ITA skype Board meeting on Wednesday and in early June I will be preaching at Connect Baptist Church.

On the Home front

The family are doing pretty well currently for which we are grateful. I missed them while I was away. Yvonne’s BnB has slowed down with winter approaching but it’s good to have a rest from people.

On the 22nd of this month, Yvonne Hannah and I will take a well-earned week’s holiday. We will be going down to Ashburton to visit Rachel, Jonny and Caleb our grandson. It will have been two months since I have seen them.

Thank you for your continued prayers and support it is as ever deeply appreciated.

May Christ dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Blessings

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