Monday Again

Gloria and I had a refreshing few days away last week. Last weekend I spoke at a Missions Convention at Trinity Wesleyan in Central, SC. Following that, we met Troy and Lisa at the Billy Graham Library on Monday – they were in the area for the wedding of a friend. The two of us then travelled to the Outer Banks of NC where I was able to visit four historic lighthouses – Oracoke, Bodie Island, Curriturk Beach and Cape Hatteras – and to even climb the 257 steps to the top of Cape Hatteras light, the tallest in North America. Beautiful weather and a wonderful few days.

Visiting the Graham Library is a truly inspiring and moving experience. The impact of this humble servant of Christ and his team was/is simply outstanding. An amazing testimony and a visit well worth making. Highly recommended.

A few highlights from last Sunday:

• Moncton launched a new Sunday evening initiative  – the Codiac Cafe at a nearby coffee shop.
• Deep Water was “jam packed” to quote a tweet from an attender, and 7 were baptized.
• Nackawic continued its’ decade long annual Well Walk ministry to raise dollars to drill wells in the developing world.  90 took part and over $7200 was raised.
• Tony Compolo spoke at KV.
• Houlton saw 4 people accept Christ in their early service.

Kingswood saw more than 200 students, faculty and staff involved in Serve Saint John last week. This excellent “cup of cold water” ministry impacts people for the Master and brings KU into the public eye with strong positive response.  Well done.

ENGAGE 2013 coming up at Kingswood on October 18-19. Registration is now live.

Caton’s hosted a men’s weekend over the 21 and 22 with 64 men in attendance. The weather was excellent; the speakers shared their hearts; the spirit was powerfully at work; 8 men from Harvest House in Moncton were a part of the weekend. The highlight was a baptism in the Saint John River when Pastor Jay Guptill baptized a man from his church. Thanks to Rob, Ben and others who helped to make this a memorable event which is certain to be repeated in 2014.

West Head sent a very interesting and creative note this week under the title “baptism by the numbers” – go Bill!

• 22/09/13 – day of baptism
• 1:30 PM – time of day
• 60 – number of witnesses
• 55 – wind speed in kilometers
• 4.4 – ocean temperature  in Celsius
• 30 – time in minutes pastor spent in the water
• 16 – temperature of air in Celsius
• 5 – people who loved the Lord enough to be submerged in the ocean
• 1 – incredible day under God’s sky glorifying the Lord with testimonies of faith

Speaking of the creative and unusual, Miramichi held a No Excuse Sunday last week and provided “excuse busters”, including a nurse present for those who planned to be sick; poinsettias and Easter lilies for those who never see the church without them;  fans for those who were too hot and blankets for those who were too cold; even a bed for those who were tired and needed to sleep in. Everyone made their own sundae in the cafe following church and a number of long-absent families were present.

THOT: Going into all the world is not fulfilling the Great Commission – making disciples is.