News
Whybrows at Hillston: news update and prayer requests
17 Sept 2010
Dear friends and supporters,
Greetings to you once again in your role of supporter for the work of the gospel in this part of country New South Wales.
It was a great pleasure to us to visit Sydney for a surprise 60th birthday party for Lindsay in July. So many friends from all parts of his life. It was certainly encouraging.
On the home front, I want to thank those of you who prayed especially for our Lay Conference which has just occurred. The main speaker did a good job and the workshops were surprisingly beneficial. There was a lot of interaction between the 30+ participants. A lot of good contacts were made.
So too are we thankful for the formation of a youth group which has finally got off the ground. Nine young teenagers and four leaders have met weekly for the past three weeks.
It started with a post-Confirmation evening for former Confirmees and their parents. It was a worthwhile night, and I challenged them to consider an on-going meeting. This then embraced some of the young folk from the other churches, and it all came together. Praise to God.
This Sunday (12 Sept) we are running with BACK TO CHURCH SUNDAY, along with the other churches in the Diocese. It provided a good opportunity to invite all kinds of acquaintances around the town to a special service. The service itself may not be all that special but it is a one-off opportunity. We are praying for a real outreach this weekend.
I'm wondering whether Goolgowi Anglican would respond to a Back to Church Sunday. So far this year there has been no opportunity either at Goolgowi or Ivanhoe.
Keeping your eye on the weather, you will no doubt be aware that there have been good rains throughout western NSW, and the crops at this stage are beautiful and strong. Problems of disease have caused concern, which is what happens when the crops are exposed to excessive rain. And perhaps you will pray for the locusts to be smitten before they hatch out and cause untold damage.
On Monday 13th Sept. we will once again man the canteen at the annual sheep sale. It will be hard work, when we consider the diminishing number of people we have available to help in such things.
I am currently negotiating a return visit of a team from St Matthews West Pennant Hills, who are keen to provide a Scripture seminar for the High Schoolers at the local school. They will probably come in late November. Please pray for the effect of their visit. They will be seeking to have a bit more exposure than just the Scripture seminar, as they are aware of the need to build relationships.
Perhaps you would also pray for our Bishop and a focus group he has formed, to wrestle with the role of the the church in Riverina over the next few years. These are serious issues.
Finally, from something I read this year, there is a formula which stands out. It said that we are attacked from three things in ministry which we should pray against : temptation, distraction, and unbelief. That is spot on.
Greetings to you all from Lyn. She has struggled with some family issues and extended health problems this year, but has contributed so much to the spread of the gospel of our Lord.
The Lord be with you indeed.
Lindsay.
