Children's Workers Conference June 13th-16h in Melbourne

I had an amazing time connecting with children's workers across our district.  Chris and I boarded a plane and flew to Melbourne so that I could start the ground work for what is to come with Children's ministry in our district.  As I had been in contact with the pastor's and ministry workers it had become evident that we do not offer much for children and that we only "run" something if we need to. This is a big worry and fear for me, because families and children are important for our district to grow in the faith and numbers.   I wasn't really sure what God was wanting me to focus on at first but, then He just let my head RUN with stuff and He impressed on my heart 4 messages to share and IW as just blown away at how God wanted to use me to help minister to these churches that are part of our district.   Many of these people I had never met before and so I knew only one person in the room, but God was able to just open up the atmosphere and it was as if I had knows these partners for the Kingdom for forever.  

I was able to share a message that God laid on my heart about children's ministry. And, it was called, God called someone like you!  and, my sermon was basically me giving a share of the people who had impacted my life growing up and what they had done to bring me to a closer relationship with Jesus, and amazingly... NONE of them had been to Bible College, and NONE of them were pastors! and, I was able to share with them the important people of my past.  For those of you in our home church, these names might ring a bell... Luann (my mother),Dana,  Dot, Gloria, Elaine, Barb, David and Carol, Jan, John, Bill, Matt and Carman, Bob, Carol, and Sam.  There were MANY people who encouraged me in my faith and showed me something that has been important my entire "faith walk".   And, it was amazing to see these workers minds open up to the possibilities of the kind of people that can help them minister to children.  

My second message was on the foundation of our children's ministry. Making sure it is founded on the Bible and God!

My third message was on the circles of volunteers!

My 4th message was on the things we fill our ministry with our goals, desires, and passions, to see it become something that just not affects children, but impacts, families, and the church.

God really blessed me, and made me step out of my comfort zone.. I had never done something like this before, But, God knows that I can do this job, I just need to trust and rely on him, to give me all that I need. May God show me how to help minister to the children of the "Southern District ".

Melissa

Busy weekend- National Superintendent Visit!

Pray for Chris and I as we will have been away in Melbourne from Wednesday to very late Saturday night. But, on Sunday our National superintendent will be speaking at our church. Pray that we would be able to get our families out for the evening that don't normally attend church and that God would speak to their hearts!

Flying to Melbourne for District commitments

Please pray for Chris and I as we head to Melbourne to do ministry with the District.  It is a4 hour flight from Perth to Melbourne.  But, this is our district.  The Southern district covers area the size of 1/2 the united states.   As it is so far to go we are not able to take our children with us.  Pray for   Chris as he will be attending the district DBA meeting.  I will be getting to go with him to Melbourne as I am teaching a children's ministry workshop in Melbourne on Saturday for 4 hours.

1. Please pray that we would have a safe trip and that our children will be alright while we are away.

2. Pay that God would use Melissa to minister to the children's workers and that she would be able to start to cast a vision for the urgency of children's ministries in our district.  Pray that God would give her the words she needs to be speaking.

3. Pray that God would be with the DBA as they meet.

FOUNDATION!

To our surprise this morning by 9:00am  our cement pad was poured today!  That is what they call it in Australia as the foundation is not just around the edge, but it I a solid foundation everywhere, because of the sand.  
 God is working in amazing ways in our church. But, the reality of something permanent happening  is just God at work!    HOW exciting!!!! And the forecast for the week is sunshine! Pray that this would dry quickly and that we would have no rain, so we can go onto the next step in the building process.

As I was watching this foundation being poured, I couldn't help But think of the verse where it says.... God's truth stands firm like a foundation.  May God's truth always be taught out from the people who live on this foundation!    May God's word penetrate the hearts of the people Landsdale... May the families in Landsdale  come to a relationship with Jesus Christ! May this house be God's and all that happens in it, be his!

Soccer and Cheerleading Camp registrations!

Today we had registrations for Soccer and Cheer camp.. We had 24 registrations for Cheer and 29 for Soccer!!!! We are super excited. Continue to pray that God would help us to book another 20 or more for soccer at least.  WE have decided to keep registrations open, but pray that God would show us who to talk with and help us to have conversations with people that would draw them to come to this camp...