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Dire Situation at Burma Orphanage

GOD'S PEOPLE IN DESPERATE NEED

 

Last night (Mon. 12th May), I had a 40 minute conversation (miraculously) with one of the leaders of the Orphanage. The information that came out has shown to me that we as Christians are called to dig deep not only for the 200 people whose lives were spared by God's grace at the three orphanages, but to several other struggling Christians whose lives are at the brink of death. 

We estimate at least $100,0000 to repair damages and rebuild buildings that have been destroyed by Cyclone Nargis. There is no electricity, no public transportation, no telecommunication and no internet. All prices of food, medicine, building material, hardware has sky-rocketed. The orphanage has enough money to see them through for maybe 2 months - only to buy food to feed the 200 people  as well as the 70 neighbouring homeless people.  Currently they are suffering torrential rain as well. For this reason their needs are very urgent... 

However after my conversation last night, their situation looks wonderful compared to the one that follows: 

One of the cooks at the Orphanage has his family living in the Delta region, the region most affected by the tidal surge that occurred. His family live in a Christian community of 300 people in Sar Thyu Su Village. Yesterday, the leaders of the orphanage managed by the grace of God to reach this village. The military set up road blocks for any aid to get into this region, but it is also not accessible by car.  They drove for a distance, then went by a very small boat, and then transferred into another little boat and found their way to this village. The situation there is critically desperate: these people have lost everything - all food, shelter, clothing. They have not had food since the cyclone hit. They are drinking water that they have boiled. Sickness is everywhere. So many children are orphaned. They are in desperate need of water sterilisation tablets, food, shelter, medicine, candles or torches, fuel for the little boats. 

There is absolutely no way that International aid can get into this community.  But I believe that God has found a way and that is through these people.  They are making the 3 to 4 hour journey again today, going past the military checkpoints posing as "family members" and are travelling through these disease ridden estuaries of water with a little boat carrying rations of food and medicine. (Barely enough to feed 300, but enough to sustain them for a  time.- by the grace of God). This is a community of God's children that would probably not get a glimpse of the International Aid. It is because these people are Burmese, that they can get through. 

I pray that the little they have brought "The little 'bag of rice' will not be used up and the bottles of water will not run dry until the Lord rescues them from the land.'  just as Elijah said to the widow at Zarepath, "For this is what the Lord of Israel says; "The jar of flour will not be used up and the jar of oil will not run dry until the day the Lord gives rain on the land".  1 Kings 17:14. 

Please Pray!

 

To all of you who believe, I plead with you to urgently pray

* for these struggling believers in Burma. 

* for the Military regime that runs this country that their hearts will be softened to the needs of these people

* that God will show you how much you can give on Sunday to help these 300 plus 200 plus 70 people that God has placed in our radar. 

"Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the Lord Almighty," and see  if I will not open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it."  Malachi 3:10

Janette Hemelaar

Feedback: bos@royalfoods.com.au

 

 

 

 

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Redlands College 20th Anniversary

Redlands College 20th Anniversary Celebration

Whether you're a Redlands College supporter, an ex-student, or a parent of current or past students, the School has invited you to attend a special celebration service from 8:45am on Monday, May 19.

The service will go through to about 10:00am, and refreshments will be served afterwards.

As the service will be held in the sport centre, ladies are requested to wear flat heels to protect the flooring.

The College is a great blessing to our community, and we warmly encourage support of this special celebration. - DG

Enquiries: Redlands College 3286 0501 

 

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Websites that will fuel your prayer life

Hi Church,

This morning I mentioned a few websites you can regularly visit that will wonderfully expand your understasnding of what God is doing in his world, and how you can make yourself part of it. You can listen online at www.redlandscrc.org.au/sermons

In reality, there are many of these websites, and I only mentioned a few. Even so, they may be a good place for you to start, and then, not just a good prayer habit, but a redemptive use of the Internet, or a Coffee ministry (sounds great!)

Check out the following:

• www.tear.org.au  Tear Australia is becomeing a leading voice in projects sensitive to local culture and biblical values. Inventors of the original Alternative Gift Catalogue...
• www.compassion.com.au  Compassion Australia is known to many of us for its child sponsorship programs. Melody Groenenboom, Suz Faulkner and Heather Zerk are all compassion ambassadors. they would love to tell you more about that work
• www.ijm.org  The International Justice Mission was started by Gary Haugen and others to assit people trapped in modern contexts of slavery. They do outstanding work, and will reframe your understanding of mission and the call of the church. Gary Haugen will be speaking at this year's Leaders Summit (Oct 10-11, Gateway Baptist Church)
• www.worldvision.org.au  World Vision Australia, has been a long term player in child sponsorship and relief work. They also have a great link that will tell you all about the need for Fair Trade Coffee, Tea and other products. Check it out at www.worldvision.org.au/coffee

Feedback: dave@redlandscrc.org.au

 

 

 

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Your Prayer Lists...

OK, so how did you go?

Last week I asked you to keep a list of all the things you prayed for during the week. Now's the time for you to review your list. Here are a few guiding questions:

1. What do you notice about your list?

2. What does it tell you about your prayer life?

3. What does it tell you about God?

Feel free to send your comments through to dave@redlandscrc.org.au

Many thanks,

DG 

 

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Mid Week News

 Sunday

9am: The Pattern of Prayer

With all the calls for us to have ‘devotions' and ‘time with God', and that those times should be sustained, informed and worshipful, how can we actually make it happen? What concrete steps can we take? How do we move beyond the stale air of self centeredness? If you observe some of God's praying people in Scripture we see something very enlightening: they hardly ever prayed for themselves! OK, so what did they pray for? (Read ahead: Ps 72, Col 4:2-6, Amos 2, John 17)

5pm: To be perfectly honest, I have no problem with God announcing and bringing judgment on bad, sinful people. Not nice for them, sure, but it kind of fits. But the problem I have with Amos is that it is written to people who were Old  Testament "Christians." People who thought / assumed /believed like they were safe from the judgment of God. Now that is scary, because it makes me ask the question, "if that happened to them, can the same thing happen to me?" This Sunday as we look at Amos 2-3, we are going to look at the differences and similarities between 'covenant' and being 'saved', and be asked a very important question, are we really saved?

Boundary Rd

Last week Frank Hemelaar chatted with the real estate agent  to check on the current status of the due diligence on the Boundary Rd sale. He made the following observations:

 "It appears the purchaser has had on site meetings with council, and is working through the probable processes for their preferred property use.

It's not an easy and straight forward process for them, but I was reassured  that they are still keen to move forward. Maybe we could look at donating the cows to them so that the property remains a ‘rural' operation."

 As I have stated before, there is every reason for this to fall over and not work, so please continue to uphold this matter in your prayer diary. (Add it to your diary note as requested by Dave).

 In Christ, Frank Hemelaar

 
YAK on THIS FRIDAY!

Bowling for $16!

Includes 2 games, shoe hire & fries+burger+coke!!

Friday 9th May - 6pm

 RSVP to Bonnie at funky_foreva@hotmail.com as we need at least 20 people to get discount rate!

 PS. Yak is not a ‘Christian Club' so bring your other friends too!

 India Mission Trip

Hello family in Christ!  We have had quite an adventure thus far!  Sardine packed buses, crazy busy streets with only one road rule, HONK YOUR HORN if you have one or get out of the way quick!  Spending a day at the police station for sharing the Gospel and making sure we were not in connection with the Muslim Terrorists!  We have tried every flavor of rice in India by now!  We have had awesome opportunities to preach, share testimony, SING - quite a motley crew of singers we are but GOD is getting the glory!  TOO FUNNY!  We have never met so many Chrisians that are ON FIRE for JESUS!  And have great Passion for the KINGDOM!!  There seems a very true Spirit of unity among believers and churches!  It was really sad to see some of the living conditions here, made our hearts ache.  We sure feel grateful for our humble home.
     People living on the streets to having a little palm branch roof over their head proped up by sticks.  But the smiles on the faces would make you think they are some of the happiest people in the world.  They are very generous to us and take such good care of us.
     The educators convention was great, Ruth shared the Gospel, knowing that the WORD of GOD is what is needed in the schools.  And Lance will be sharing on Monday and Tuesday night at the crusade, so please keep him in your prayers!  And that many will come to the saving knowledge of our GREAT PRECIOUS GLORIOUS SAVIOUR!
     We sure have been blessed in our walks with the Lord since being here, GOD has shown us so much and spoken to us about so many things!  Ruth has been amazingly brave through morning sickness and not wanting to rest cuz she doesn't want to miss out on anything! 
      One of the things that touched our hearts was taking children toothbrushes for the first time, and seeing their faces light up.  And watching the kids receive the colored pencils as a reward for the end of the school year!  We have loved the sights and colors, the monkeys and the stories of cobras.  Eating fresh coconut and the juice! 
       A big thankyou to all who donated items for us to bring the love of JESUS to India!  Thank you to those who so generously provided landscaping work for Lance at their home.  God has provided in many wonderful ways as we have stepped out in faith to serve HIM!  You are awesome!  Continue to keep us in prayer!  We will be returning to Brisbane on May 12!  And back to work with a new perspective on life!
       Eternally serving HIM,
Lance and Ruth Bishop

GARAGE SALE AND SAUSAGE SIZZLE

Saturday 14th June
Gates open 7am-12noon
 
MOPS, GEMS and YAK are planning to hold a garage /carboot sale & sausage sizzle in the church carpark in order to raise funds to send leaders and girls to conferences and camps, to support TEAR Australia. We would love the support of our church community.
 
HOW CAN YOU HELP!!!
- Collect items to be sold on the day - clothes, furniture, nik naks, toys, tools etc
- Help with the stalls on the day
- Help with set up and clean up
- Prayer,  for fine weather and a positive witness to the community.
 
Please see Wendy Hammond, Margaret Bos or Bonnie Sikkema for more details
 
or contact us
Wendy Hammond 0400197208  or mops@redlandscrc.org.au
Margaret Bos 3286 5272 or gems@redlandscrc.org.au
Bonnie Sikkema -  funky_foreva@hotmail.com 
 

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New LIfe Orphanage

Hi Church,

Great News!

Today we have spoken with Bella and Israel, and both say all 170 of the children are safe.

However, there has been major property damage.

The staff quarters are destroyed. (no wonder, a grass hut doesn't stand up to strong winds..it needs replacing)

The boy's dorm has lost its roof (this is also a bamboo hut), and at the Hope Orphanageand the main building has had major structural damage.

The children who have lost their accommodation, are now living in the dining quarters.

Please remember to pray for the whole country, Those who have lost loved ones, those suffering the loss of homes and livelihood,  and also for the leadership of the country, that they may have a compassonate heart for their people.

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Burma Orphanage Update

We are so grateful to hear that everyone at the Orphanage is safe and well. We thank God for this.

Most of you are aware that the children of the New Life Foundation are in 3 different locations, called New Life, Hope and Charity. Considering the enormity of the Cyclone, the damage done at the Orphanages is either repairable or replaceable.

At New Life, the staff quarters were destroyed and the boys' dormitory roof has gone.
At Hope, the building suffered damage, but we don't know the extent.
We have not heard from the Charity Orphanage which is 50 kn away from New Life.

Thank you for your prayers for these special people. We will continue to inform you as more news comes to hand.

The New Life Trust Committee

Feedback: Eddie Bos bos@royalfoods.com.au; David Groenenboom dave@redlandscrc.org.au

 

 

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Burma Cyclone News Update

Cyclone Update-  New Life Orphanage- Yangon Myanmar

As you would have seen in the media, cyclone Nargis has devastated areas of Myanmar, particularly in the southern areas. Reports to date, suggest more than 15,000 people have lost their lives and 100,000's of homes destroyed.  All general communication lines are down and it is anticipated that it will take at least 3 weeks to restore.

Israel, the Orphanage Pastor, emailed prior to the cyclone that the children from Hope orphanage would join New Life for safety at the main compound. We have been attempting to contact the New Life Orphanage in Yangon since with no success.

Jon Amiss, one of the Australian supporters of New Life Orphanage is currently in Burma, and we have not been able to contact him. Please pray that Jon is safe, and that he can return home safely.

The following email has just been received from the Australian Ambassador,  Bob Davis, in Yangon.

Dear Eddie

Veronica and I and all our colleagues at the Embassy are safe.  Please let Frank know and that we have not been able to contact Bella as phones are still inoperable and traffic hazardous.  Will let you know if we come across Jon but we have no contact details as he did not register with our on-line consular system.  

Best wishes   Bob

Please pray for Bella, Israel, their family, staff and all the children for their continued safety. Please also pray that aid organisations will gain entry into the Country to assist the many thousands who are now homeless. The next few months will also be very challenging as water and sanitary infrastructure has been damaged.

We will advise as further information comes to hand.

CRCA World Relief will be promoting a special appeal for relief funds this coming Sunday (May 16th). More information will be released re: this as soon as it is at hand.

Thanks for your prayerful support

Eddie Bos

Feedback: dave@redlandscrc.org.au bos@royalfoods.com.au

For a general news update on the situation go to: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/news/national/fears-cyclone-toll-could-echo-2004-tsunami/2008/05/06/1209839604671.html

 

 

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Burma Cyclone update

While we have no specific news of the New Life Orphanage, this general news report comes from www.news.com.au Monday morning:

Hundreds killed as cyclone toll rises

From correspondents in Rangoon

May 05, 2008 03:54am

Article from: Agence France-Presse

MORE than 350 people have been killed after cyclone Nargis tore through Burma this weekend, an information ministry official said.

"According to the latest information we have, altogether 19 people were killed in Rangoon division and then about 222 people killed in Irrawaddy division,'' the official said last night.

Nargis made landfall around the mouth of the Irrawaddy River, about 220km southwest of Rangoon, late on Friday before hitting the military-run country's economic hub of Rangoon.

More deaths were reported this morning.

The cyclone has ripped down power lines, battered buildings and left uprooted trees and other debris scattered across the streets of Rangoon.

Five central and southern regions and states - Rangoon, Irrawaddy, Bago, Mon and Karen - have been declared disaster areas, the official said.

Police and army have been deployed throughout the worst-hit areas to start the clean-up operation.

The information ministry official said that seven empty boats had sunk in the country's main port, while Rangoon's international airport was closed until further notice with flights diverted to the city of Mandalay.

The storm cut most electricity and telecommunications in the nation just a week before a crucial referendum on its new constitution, the first polling in Burma since general elections in 1990.

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,23646211-401,00.html

May 05, 2008 06:30 

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Cyclone Approaches Burma Orphanage

Hi all,

Just received this email from Israel this morning. New Life Orphanage and the people of Yangon are in desperate need of prayer as Cyclone Nargis hits the city. Bamboo houses  with leaf roofs will not stand a chance in these sorts of winds.

Please pray for these people   They are already desperate to survive.

Thanks

Janette

(Message from Israel below)

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Dear Janette,

Greetings in the precious Name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

We have received information about Cyclone Nargris heading toward nearby Yangon. The whole city is preparing for it.

We moved the boys to dining hall (concrete building) from their dormitory which is temporary bamboo tent. We are worried for the children from Hope too, so, we asked them to come and sleep at NLF.

This morning, we bought the thatch leaves for the building repairing for the temporary building and Hkawn Nang house.

We have had constant rain for 2 days already and some parts of NLF have been flooded. We pray it does not get worse.

Please pray for us. I am not sure how many days the cyclone will take to pass. I am so sure that God will take care of us, but still we need much of your prayer.

Pass our love and thanks and our prayer requests to all our Aussie friends and families.

May God bless you all.

Thanks

Israel 

 

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Melody on the Move...

Dearest everyone,

Time is zipping by way too fast these days, so I'm sending out this little update to you- unlike my uni assignments of olde, I will not leave this until 10:30pm the night before.

So as you might be aware, or perhaps not- either way- in a little over three weeks I am heading on a very exciting, challenging and eye-opening adventure across cultures, oceans and customs checkpoints. I'm going to Durban, on the coast of South Africa, for four months, to volunteer with a Youth for Christ project called the Youth Development Centre. You can check out their lovely informative website here: http://www.youthkzn.co.za/index.html ... but the basic run down is that these people exist to serve and address the needs of kids and youth- really massive needs like homelessness, family breakdown, poverty, HIV and AIDS, gender inequality and life skills. The particular facet of the project I'm volunteering with is called Tennyson House, serving homeless youth through things like drop in centres, street outreach, short-term residential care, and prevention and intervention.

I'm really excited about being a part of the work that is going on there, and four months should be plenty of time to settle in, develop a heart for the beautiful people there and allow God to use me in His mission. There are going to be a lot of challenges to face, like working in a completely new environment, with completely new people, in a completely new country. And I'm a bit of a softie and will probably get a bit homesick, too.

So I would love your support in this, and if you would like to pray for me, here are a few things to start you off at this stage:

Preparation: I'm still waiting on my Visa to be approved, am yet to finish my immunisation shots, and of course would love prayer that God will prepare me physically, emotionally, and spiritually for my time in South Africa.

Safety: South Africa can be a dangerous place, and where I am going there is a fair bit of street crime. I'll be fine though.

Health: steering clear of any nasty viruses etc. so I don't have to waste any time getting better!

Purpose: that this won't just be a time-filler or something to fondly look back on, but that I will truly grow from it, and might be a blessing in the work that's bring done for God's glory.

And finally, I would love to see each and every one of you before I head off, so you're invited to a bit of a farewell shindig: Saturday 10^th May (I leave the following Friday) at my place (8 Kerby Place, Wellington Point) from 7pm. I really would love it if you can make it, as this might the last time we ever see each other... I could get eaten by a lion or become the bride of a maasai warrior. So write it in your diary in big red letters, maybe add a little bit of highlighter for extra effect.

I love you all, and will be in touch again soon!

In Christ,

Melody

 

 

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Prayer Diary

Rachel Barham

Rachel Baraham was admitted to Redlands Hospital today, and later transferred to the PA this afternoon. It appears she has developed hydrocephalus. She will be in theatre this afternoon where a shunt will be inserted to relieve the pressure on her brain. Please pray for David and the family remembering that Suzy is also in Belmont Hospital at present.

Prayer exercise

With my current series on prayer starting this Sunday morning, I wonder if I can ask you to keep a list of everything you pray for between now and May 11. Just write down what you pray for, irrespective of what it may be. You just have to keep the list yourself, you don't have to send it to anyone. At the end of next week, I ask a question for you to consider. Thanks, DG 

 

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Midweek News

 Sunday

9am: What could be more irritating than trying to satisfy a whole bunch of people clamouring for what they want? That's what people at Dominos get paid to do - so keep me out of it! Why should I do that? More: why should God do that? Does he ever get sick of hearing all those prayers? What hope have we got? Just think for a moment: if you were God, would you answer prayers like the ones you offer?

5pm: The Lord God, the roaring Lion, is Sovereign over all the earth. 
That's the first thing that becomes clear in the prophecies of Amos: 
God is our all-powerful God. Every person in the world is under his Lordship, under his love, and under his judgement. And everyone is expected to live responsibly as his image-bearers. This means loving others and treating them as Jesus would. While plastic religion is all about going through the motions, Godly faith is all about caring for everyone else in God's world. As the church, we need to be extra vigilant about setting an example in relationships and calling the 
world to Christ's Lordship. Amos 1:3-2:3.

 CRC Women's Conference

We need the support of all the ladies of our Queensland Churches, of any age, but especially of the younger generation between 20 and 50 year, to attend the Ladies Retreat - Convention. It is the 1st time that this convention is held in Queensland. At the moment we have about 175 participants, not many of Queensland yet!
It promises to be a very good program, with excellent speakers. Give yourself a treat and come away with us to get encouraged, enriched and relaxed.
Sign up for the whole 4 days or for 2 days, you wil be greatly rewarded. Enrolment forms are on the table in the foyer.
Any questions ? Ask Emmy Warren.

YAK News

Bowling at AMF Capalaba

Fri 9th May

Dinner time

Stay tuned for more details

 

Also, don't forget to set aside 11-13 July for the YAK camp.

TLF campsite again.

 

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Mid Week News

 Redland City Youth Services - Friday Night 7:30

The first of these exciting services will be hosted by us on Friday evening 25th April, 2008. Please pray for the team as they prepare for this Youth Service.

Sunday

9am:  The Westminster Catechism (17th century) asks the question: What is the chief end of man? The answer: To glorify God and enjoy Him forever.
This morning our focus will be on the glory of God as well as on the amazing truth that God's people already in this life are reflecting some of that glory. But how do we, in the nitty-gritty of daily life, bring God the glory in everything we do?

5pm:  We often hear that we should read the Bible more. But is this really what God wants, more and more reading? Proponents of Plastic Religion, such as those in the time of Amos, and today, make a great deal of reading the Word of God, knowing lots about the Word of God, but yet still come under the judgment of God. Why is this? This Sunday night we begin our series in the book of Amos, looking at 7:10-17, and being challenged to consider our response to the Word of God. Are we simply going to listen to it, be wowed by it, or are we actually going to live it?

New Small Groups Getting Started

We would like to kick of two new Small Groups in the next few weeks.

 1)      Thursday night for ladies (mixed ages)

2)      Men's Group (night negotiable)

 If you would be interested in being a part of either of these groups, we would love to hear from you. Please contact Clinton (clinton@redlandscrc.org.au; 0424 477 487)

Support your local Soccer Team!

Redlands Crusaders v Enoggera B

Game starts at 3:00pm on Saturday, 26th April, 2008 at Clarks Road Soccer Club, Clarks Road, Loganholme.

Come along and cheer our team on.

How they're doing so far this season:-

Redlands Crusaders Results

29-Mar-08
 1 vs CCC United (A)
 won 3 - 2
 
12-Apr-08
 2 vs Caboolture (H)
 draw 0 - 0
 
19-Apr-08
 3 vs Victoria Point A (A)
 lost 2 - 3

 

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Opportunity - Seniors Outreach Ministry

Redland Residential Care, the nursing home attached to Redland Hospital, is seeking assistance with brief - but very necessary - monthly devotional services for the residents of the home. These would typically comprise of

• Opening prayer
• hymns interspersed during service
• Scripture Reading
• Devotional reading
• closing prayer
• Individual prayer for the residents
• Holy communion could also be offered after each service.

Could this be a great ministry for seniors to seniors?

Something that interests you, even if you are not representative of the youth of yesteryear?

Please prayerfully consider this, and if you would like to be involved, please email dave@redlandscrc.org.au or phone 0418 383 055

Prayer Update

Bob Ireland was readmitted to hospital yesterday with more chest pain. PLease remember Bob & Willie in prayer, and ask especially for healing and recovery after Bob's bypass operation last week.

 

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Carlee Spiers (Update)

Apologies...

Carlee's opertation was a cornea transplant (sometimes I just write stuff too fast...) Even so, please keep praying for a speedy and effective recovery - DG

 

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Thursday Tune Up

Plastic Religion?

Godly faith for God's World - Studies in the Book of Amos

Imagine a society that is just growing in wealth. Resource stocks are up, inflation is not too bad, the majority of people own their own home, many are even thinking of a second home - just because they can. Then image that just about everyone in this society is religious. They go to church, they sing their hearts out, they attend Bible studies, they give to the cause of the church. This society has everything that it needs, peace, prosperity, culture, religion, leadership, everything they could imagine, everything that indicated that the blessing of God was on them.

So imagine Israel's surprise, when 3000 years ago God sends them the prophet Amos and says, "Your Religion is plastic, your past is an abomination and your future is destruction." Not a message that gets well received. The prophet Amos hits hard, he calls it as it is. He shows us that below the surface, the plastis veneer of religion, Israelite society was sick. The poor are abused, the wealth is horded by the rich, the religion is merely for show. And he makes God's promise clear - if you go this way you have defiled the promises of God, used them for your own benefit and are going to be destroyed.

Amos calls us, today, to examine our lives, our hearts and our church. God calls us, and invites us into change, real change. God's call, through Amos is for a Godly faith, founded and built on Jesus. Because this is God's world, and his church has a role to play in making the greatness and the goodness of God known.

Starting on Sunday 27^th April, for 6 weeks in the PM services, Dan and Clinton will be preaching through this book. We want to really encourage you to read through the book in the coming week, individually, as families, and in Small Groups. As you read, if you come up with anything that sounds strange, out of place, or you just don't get, email us (kroony@mac.com; clinton@redlandscrc.org.au) and we'll endeavor to address those issues through the series.

Small Group study material will also be made available. If you would like to make use of this email clinton@redlandscrc.org.au

Sunday PM - What's the big deal?

This is the question we ask when we really want to get to the bottom of something: the missing money, the broken window, the stain on the carpet. Our hope is that there is an acceptable explanation.  What about life? Can we ask that question about life? About being a follower of Jesus? About the church? Sunday night we ask this question from God's perspective. When you understand the answer, it may just change your life. Want to read ahead? Go to Eph 2:11-3:21

New Elders

Marcel Doedens and Cameron Nugent will be installed as elders on May 11, 2008 in the AM service

Outreach @ Redlands CRC: Let's go!

We are seeking to make the value of outreach, and our actual involvement in this ministry, more prominent n every area of church life. For that reason Dan Neville has been welcomed into the Ministry Team as Outreach Coordinator. Dan and Gayle are keen to see this critical area of ministry gain a real lift. To that end, they would like to hear from any people interested in discussing how this can be done. This is not a sneaky way to ‘put you on a committee' - it really an opportunity to develop some exciting ideas and gain some common vision for outreach.

Dan & Gayle would love to hear from all you interested people: please contact them on 3824-4084 or dnev@bigpond.net.au

Prayer

* Carlee Spiers' operation (retina transplant) went very well. Please pray that the Lord will work through this and beyond it to bring healing and recovery to Carlee

* Please keep those older people in mind who are suffering reduced mental faculties in old age: Alf Tasman, Aad Mostert, Wia Bos, Tood le Clercq. Keep asking that even as their mind unravel they may know the nearness and goodness of the Lord in the land of the living

* Remember the people currently in Burma: Frank and Janette Hemelaar, Rowena Forno, Allete Visser, Bev Heazelwood. Give thanks for the safe return of Eddie Bos last Tuesday. Pray for peace in Burma and for freedom to carry on the work at the orphanage

* Clinton's parents arrive in the next few days. They will be staying for a week or so. Give thanks that they can celebrate the wonderful goodness of God in Clinton's recovery

Feedback: dave@redlandscrc.org.au

 

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Tuesday Update

New Elders affirmed!

We're very pleased to announce that Marcel Doedens and Cameron Nugent were both overwhelmingly affirmed as Elders last Sunday.

Please pray for Marcel and Cameron as they settled into their servant-leader roles. They will be installed as elders on May 11, 2008

Boundary Road Sale

Last weekend we made the congregation aware that we have received a very attractive offer on the Boundary Rd property. After negotiations and initial discussion among the eldership, we now want to bring a proposal to the congregation for the sale of that property.

Background

The Boundary Rd Property was purchased by Redlands CRC in June 2005 for $750,000.

As a congregation we have already agreed in principle in November 2006 to sell the property. That much of the question has already been settled. What we need to agree on now is whether to accept this current contract.

Details of the current offer:

Price: $1.6 million

Terms:

• Settlement: 30 days
• Due diligence: 14 days
• Finance: 21 days

The eldership therefore will call (very) brief meetings of the congregation after both the 9am and 5pm services on April 20 to consider the following motion:

That Redlands CRC approve the current contract of sale for the Boundary Rd property

While this seems like (and is) a huge amount of money, we remind the congregation that we do have outstanding debt, and a building extension program to finance. Sale of this property does not mean there is less of a need to be cheerful, regular and resolute givers. There is much to be done in Redlands.

Further, one of the pressing issues is that the relevant financial institution approves the sale.

So we urge the congregation to prayerfully consider this matter, and respond with a strong, clear and united voice.

Dave Groenenboom

Ministry Administrator Appointed

We are also happy to announce that  Margaret Nugent has been appointed Ministry Administrator. We are very thankful for answered prayer, and continue to pray that as Margaret settles into her role she will be used by the Lord to assist our mission and ministry.

We do want people to be aware that this appointment will not replace volunteer tasks currently being undertaken. This position is designed to expand our ministry effectiveness.

Please pray for Margaret as she plans to commence duties on April 28.

REFF Thank-you BBQ

For all those volunteers who helped out with the Redlands Easter Family Festival, you are being treated to a BBQ lunch at the Wellington Point reserve on Saturday April 18 from 11:00am - 3:00pm. Feel free to roll up...

Feedback: dave@redlandscrc.org.au

 

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Boundary Road - Proposed Sale

During the past week we have been approached by a potential buyer for the Boundary Road property. After negotiations and initial discussion among the eldership, we now want to bring a proposal to the congregation for the sale of that property.

The Boundary Rd Property was purchased by Redlands CRC in June 2005 for $750,000.

As a congregation we have already agreed in principle in November 2006 to sell the property. That much of the question has already been settled. What we need to agree on now is whether to accept this current contract.

Details of the current offer:

Price: $1.6 million

Terms:

• Settlement: 30 days
• Due  diligence: 14 days
• Finance: 21 days

The eldership therefore will call (very) brief meetings of the congregation after both the 9am and 5pm services on April 20 to consider the following motion:

That Redlands CRC approve the current contract of sale for the Boundary Rd property

We urge the congregation to prayerfully consider this matter, and respond with a strong, clear and united voice.

Feedback: dave@redlandscrc.org.au

Dave Groenenboom

 

 

 

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Elder Affirmations

The eldership of Redlands CRC places the following names before the congregation for affirmation: Marcel Doedens and Cameron Nugent. We ask the church family to prayerfully consider these men. The affirmation will take place with a vote of the membership on April 13 in the AM & PM services. Election as Elder requires a majority of at least 80% of all votes counted.

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Mid Week News

Sunday

9am: Miracles - Their Effect and Purpose: We all know about the parable of the talents: we are called to be courageous with the opportunities and gifts God gives. You also see this when God works in wonderful ways: given that God has done this, what does it mean for us, for ministry, for Gospel work?

5pm:  So is God a hard task master, or more like a gentle giant? There are two ‘versions' of God that we often hold on to. One where he is stern and mean and punishing (that's the God we would like to unleash on all the bad people out there) The other is where is forgiving, loving and welcome (that's the God its good to come home too). Is it possible that God could be both at the same time? Could he even be both to Christians and non-Christian alike?

 Kids at Church & Nite

 Hi Church family,

It holiday time again and Kids at Church and Kids at Nite will not be on this Sunday (13th) or the following Sunday (20th).

There will be a holiday kids program for the little kids in kindy to grade 1 run by Jan Hughes & Suz Faulkner over the two weeks. For the older grade 2-7 there will be activity sheets and pencils at the welcome desk.

Kids Church and Kids at Nite will kick off with our new program "Body Worx" on 27th April. See you then!

Memorial Service

The memorial service for Jo Haase will be held at 3pm on Monday at St Stephens Anglican, Cnr Chatsworth and Cavendish Rds, Coorparoo. Please continue to remember the Haase family in their time of grief. Jesus is resurrection and life.

 YAK 's Excellent Bill & Ted MOVIE NIGHT!

DATE: 11th April 2008 Friday night

TIME: 7 pm

WHERE: At the church.

WHAT TO BRING: Food, drinks, pillows,etc.

HOW MUCH $$$: no cost, only your time.

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Kids Holidays

Hi Church family,

It holiday time again and Kids at Church and Kids at Nite will not be on this Sunday (13th) or the following Sunday (20th).

There will be a holiday kids program for the little kids in kindy to grade 1 run by Jan Hughes & Suz Faulkner over the two weeks. For the older grade 2-7 there will be activity sheets and pencils at the welcome desk.

Kids church and Kids at Nite will kick off with our new program "Body Worx" on 27th April. See you then!

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Prayer

  

Dear church,

Please pray for Bill Hughes' father, Peter, who has been admitted to hospital with chest and heart concerns.

Continue to uphold the Haase family in prayer (Maria and David, Lindsay and Rachel) as the mourn the loss of their daughter and sister Jo. Pray that the message of the gospel would be their strength and comfort in this trying time, and that God would surround them with love and his people. 

Also remember those who have travelled to Sydney for the church planting conference. Pray that God may use this time to increase the ministry of our church to the community.

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News from Burma

New Life Orphanage - Myanmar (Burma)

Please find attached the latest newsletter on the orphanages in Myanmar. RCRC remains very supportive of this ministry, and we commend this newsletter to the congregation.

Dr Maria Haase and Beverly Heazelwood have been in Yangon assisting the setting up of a medical clinic.

We ask you especially pray for Maria, as her daughter Jo died suddenly last Saturday. Maria is currently travelling home to be with her family (David, Lindsay and Rachel). Please surround them with the care and support of the body of Christ. May the Lord grant them every grace and strength in this time of grief.

Eddie Bos
David Groenenboom

 

 

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Mid Week News

Sunday

9am: Skimming through the Gospels we see pretty quickly that there is often a connection between miracles and faith. Often, but not always. But often enough for us to observe the connection. Whether we understand it well, though, is another question. So Sunday, we're going back to Mark 5 - same passage as last week - to ask ‘what makes miracles happen'? There is hardly a more difficult or more important question. The week after we'll be looking at the general effect of miracles in the Gospels and acts: plenty of comfort and no small amount of challenge.

 You may have your own questions about miracles: feel free to email them through: dave@redlandscrc.org.au

5pm: We've come to the last (and 9th!) sermon dealing with the Lord's Prayer: 'Yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory'.
Is that what we see in this world? Is God recognized as King; do people revere Him as all-powerful; does He get all the glory?
Sadly, the answer is so often in the negative. There are so many others in our world, competing for power and glory! Nevertheless, in FAITH the church continues to praise God, and says: "Yours is the kingdom, the power, the glory."
And God's people say "Amen" to that!

 Next week:

There's a church planting conference in Sydney, and a team of eight, including Clinton, Dave and Rod will be heading south to make the most of it. The conference is being run by the people Rod visited in the UK last year, and we're excited about learning from those who have such a great track record. It would be great if you could uphold us in prayer as we get further resourced in this critical area.

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Can you help with home items?

 Dear Church family,

We have a new family who have moved from South Africa and have been living with Craig and Kerry Jewel the past week. They have now found a home to rent and move in this weekend.

Can you lend them things to fit out their home for about 2-3 months until the container arrives from South Africa? They have matresses already, but anything else that you could lend them would be appreciated (fridge, washing machine, chairs, table, kettle, pots/pans/trays, iron, linen etc).

If you can help please call Craig Jewel on 3822 5535 or 0421 965 934 and he will arrange to collect it.

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Burma - how you can help...

New Life Orphanage- Myanmar (Burma)

A small group of people are planning to visit the New Life Orphanage in Myanmar during April.

Israel, from the orphanage, has requested a few items which are difficult to purchase there.

1. Piano lesson books or cd's.

2. Dentistry books or tools. (One young man is currently studying dentistry - 4th year)

3. Any Rick Warren books.

If you can help, please contact Eddie. 0416 000 600 Thanks

 

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Correction: Sunday Service Info

The corrected service information for Sunday is:

9am:  What does the NT say about miracles? How does that challenge and/or confirm what we believe and express today? During the next few weeks we'll be look at this issue in the AM services. This week, we want to start with what a miracle actually is, and consider how this influences how we go about life as followers of Jesus.

5pm: Have you ever wondered why we struggle as followers of Jesus? To be obedient, to love, to be as God called us to be? One of the basic problems is that God is too small. He's so limited, he's only interested in our souls, our Sundays and our eternity, he only shows up once in a while. He is just not big enough. But Psalm 29 calls us to be sold out for God, to be sold out for a God who is so massive, so all encompassing, it blows your mind away.

 

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Mid Week News

Sunday

9am: Have you ever wondered why we struggle as followers of Jesus? To be obedient, to love, to be as God called us to be? One of the basic problems is that God is too small. He's so limited, he's only interested in our souls, our Sundays and our eternity, he only shows up once in a while. He is just not big enough. But Psalm 29 calls us to be sold out for God, to be sold out for a God who is so massive, so all encompassing, it blows your mind away.

5pm:  What does the NT say about miracles? How does that challenge and/or confirm what we believe and express today? During the next few weeks we'll be look at this issue in the PM services. This week, we want to start with what a miracle actually is, and consider how this influences how we go about life as followers of Jesus.

Water Tank Funding Approved

Last year Church Council became aware that the Federal Government had started a community water grants scheme; we were encouraged to apply for a grant so we went through the application process. We are pleased to inform the congregation that a sum of $15000.00 has been received to fund the installation of water tanks on the Church grounds. The funding has been granted on the condition that it will benefit the community by allowing the Church to continue with the community car washes that were in place prior to the water restrictions coming into force. We have just started the quoted process and are hoping to have underground water tanks installed as soon as possible.

Peter Goodridge

To all who use the church property:

The Management Committee would like to encourage everyone in the church family to be good stewards of the buildings and property. We encourage you all, especially group and ministry leaders, to observe the following

• After your activity is finished, vacuum the hall if necessary. This is especially important for any groups that distribute food (popcorn, chips, cake, etc). If there is food matter squashed into the carpet, please scrape off what you can, and completely clean the rest with hot water and a little detergent
• Pick up all rubbish lying about around
• If there are lots of food scraps in the bins, empty the bins and replace the liners
• Wash, dry and put away all cups, dishes, etc. in the appropriate cupboard
• If you have used a lot of tea towels, take them home, wash them, and return them clean
• Stack any excess chairs, leaving 6 or 7 around each round table
• Leave the hall like you would want to find it. Treat the church property as your own. Take some pride in the great facility the Lord has given us

Thank you for your cooperation.

Management Committee

Internet Use and Abuse...

Recently, a major Australian newspaper ran an article about a recent study of pornography consumption in Australia. The results indicated that the terrible effects of this industry are being felt more and more in mainstream society and communities like our own. Further, there are occasional stories of how people who would otherwise be regarded as upright citizens being caught in its ugly web. Simply by the law of averages, there will probably be some in every church who also struggle with pornography and sexual addiction.

 

Recently I was asked by someone if I knew of any good internet filtering software that could be used to reduce the risk of pornographic material entering our homes. Here are a couple:

http://www.netalert.gov.au/ - an Australian Government initiative to inform families and individuals about the Internet and associated risks. There is also a link on the main page to some very effective filtering tools

http://www.xxxchurch.com/ - a Christian organisation which seeks to help people trapped by porn, and which also seeks to reclaim the lives of people in the porn industry with the message of Jesus

Some PC utility suites, such as Norton Internet Security have free ‘add-ons' that include parental control for home computers.

In reality, however, none of these tools provide foolproof protection. This is especially the case for adults who are also the ‘administrators' of their PCs. Sometimes, the only affective approach is prayer, diligent self control, and where necessary, a commitment to seeking the help of competent counsellors and therapists.

Redlands CRC is committed to being a safe place for children and families. We also want to be a community where no one who is struggling against these urges should have to do so without sensitive pastoral support. Addiction of any sort can be a very lonely place. Jesus would want that to be different.

If you need to talk with someone about this, you can speak with Clinton or myself. You can be assured of confidentiality within typical professional parameters. We also have excellent people we can refer you to if that is your wish. Please let us know: dave@redlandscrc.org.au, clinton@redlandscrc.org.au

YAK CAFÉ - This Sunday

• Live Music 
• Real Coffee
• Xbox
• So you think you can dance?
• Sweets
• Light meals
• Cold drinks
• All ages

    Sunday 30th March

       Opens 6.30pm (After PM Service) @ Church

To volunteer, email funky_foreva@hotmail.com

 

 

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Accommodation: Michael Rietveld

Hi friends,

Just letting you know that the accommodation needs for Michael Rietveld have been met through a family in the Inala congregation.

Meanwhile, the Venter family from South Africa will also be hosted here with Craig & Kerry Jewell.

Thanks for your consideration and hospitality. It's great that there are open doors and open hearts in the family of God!

Every blessing,

Dave

 

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