Prayer was at the head of God's agenda when the elders met last Wednesday evening. We had all agreed to bring our own role and call as elders before Him in prayer.
Although we all felt we had failed many times and in many areas, it was also clear His call of leadership was still upon us. Some real honesty revealed that, for most of us, prayer was the area in which we failed most often, in quantity and quality. It is hardly surprising therefore that the church as a whole is weak in this area. We are much better than we have been, but there is still a long way to go. For this reason the emphasis on prayer, in our individual lives, within the body and as a way of reaching out to others will continue. We will try to incorporate prayer as part of our worship.
Talk without action is of little worth, however. Fortunately, the opportunity for action was quick in arriving. The leadership of GCF(Queanbeyan) met with us to share what is happening there. The fledgling body has almost tripled in number since its inception a year ago, mostly by the addition of Christians from a diverse range of churches though there have also been several people saved. The people have grown in faith and in worship too. But at the same time they (and in particular the leadership) have "copped it". Satanic opposition and oppression has been apparent in illness, the loss of people and stress. As one said it is "wonderful and terrible"! They, like us, felt their greatest need is for intercession. Oh! that God would raise up people prepared to do battle in the heavenlies for his purposes and people! What followed was a time of worship, prayer and intercession during which a number of words of encouragement were given amid the laughter and tears of the Spirit's work.
Encouragement was also given to the people involved in the negotiations with the Uniting Church regarding the school. Although they were not 'successful' in having the governance of the school transferred to GCF, the level of integrity and love they have shown despite the stress of the situation has been an honour to us all. They can be described in Paul's words about the Christian warrior "and after you have done everything, to stand (Eph 6:13).”
Ruth and Jamie were affirmed as elders as the opinion of the people of GCF confirmed (93% affirmed Jamie and 88% affirmed Ruth), what God had said to the elders and the roles in which both were already filling. We will be praying for and welcoming them into the eldership in the next few weeks.
Our submission to the Canberra Labour Club may have been refused, but after a talk with the Manager, we have been asked to submit another application - the reply to which we await with confidence in God's provision.
Finally we are looking forward to a time of prayer, fasting and hearing from God as we spend ANZAC Day together at Tomakin. Please pray for us. We need acute hearing!
Kevin Grant
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