Ministry and the Body of Christ #3

'And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.'

All things? Does that include where we are living, what church we are worshipping at? The good people of Geelong are spoilt for choice in their city with several churches faithfully proclaiming God's Word. We did not know, on leaving Darwin, where we would be worshipping in Geelong, to what congregation He was sending us. Naturally, I wanted a church that would support me in my ministry. But that wasn't the issue, was it? We have six young children who would like to make friends their own age - but joining a church because of the number of children in the congregation is not mentioned in the Scriptures. In fact, the idea of choosing a church by how it can serve you is to completely miss the point. Should we not be joining a church so that we can be better equipped to serve and worship the King? I think so - so we had to let Him who sent us here, send us where He willed.

So He sent us to Reformed Presbyterian Church, less than 2km from our front door, a dynamic congregation across the generations, with - yes! - lots of young children. Where the Word of God is faithfully preached every Sunday.

'Okay, Jo,' you may ask, 'where does your minsitry fit into all this?' Would you believe me if I told you that today I met a couple in this church who had a deep interest in Timor-Leste  and were passionate about the work of the gospel? Would you believe me if I told you they actually read this blog? Yes, maybe you would, if you believed that this was not mine but God's ministry. Yes, maybe you would if you knew that all things work together for good to those who are called according to His purpose. Ah, I love talking about His Providence!

GPS

Yesterday was my last Sunday in Darwin and my family and I said our goodbyes to many dear friends that we have met in our 5 years in the Top End (of Australia). On Saturday we head 4 000 km south to make a new home in Geelong. In this day of almost instant communication, it's hard to imagine such a huge communication void - but the outback of Australia is a desert in more ways than one. Phone reception is in the occassional towns on the way. We won't have much chance of internet either. So this blog may go quiet for a little while.

My friends in Timor-Leste can certainly appreciate that. Communication is available (sometimes) in the capital, Dili, but in the rural areas phone reception and certainly internet access are scarce as hen's teeth.

It is a blessing for me, as for them, that God's Providential Support (GPS) is available everywhere on the planet. He always knows exactly where we are and what we need and hears our prayers.

So please include my family and me in your prayers next week and of course continue prayers for our brothers and sisters in Timor-Leste - particularly those in the remote rural areas.