Under Sail

It has been a few weeks since we last came your way with Under Sail. We have cared for the “after camp” details, and enjoyed some vacation time. We were able to spend some time with family in the Maritimes and Ontario, as well as have some personal “R & R” time by the ocean. It’s pretty hard to beat that! Our grandson, Owen, turned two August 5th, and we were able to be present with family and friends to celebrate this occasion with him. He’s a big “Bob the Builder” fan!

Joanne and I were in the Jonesport Wesleyan Church the last weekend in July. I never cease to marvel at the beautiful settings of our coastal churches. It was wonderful to see long-time attenders and members, and also faces that are new in recent weeks to this congregation. We had a good visit with Pastor Rich and Katie Thomas. We had to “endure” the lobster! It was a tough job but somebody has to do it!

Pastor Vaughn Martin (Easton Wesleyan), who worked with children at both Beulah and Riverside Camps, shared with me one of the most important highlights from both camps. Eleven children came to Christ during Beulah week as a result of the morning services held for them! Additionally, ten children accepted the Lord as their Saviour at Riverside! That’s what camp is all about! As Pastor Vaughn says, “The Holy Spirit is at work in our young people. Praise God!”

Bethany Bible College is pleased to announce that Campus Challenge will be held November 8, 2008 on BBC’s campus during Encounter Weekend (Booster). Campus Challenge is a competition for Wesleyan youth between the ages of 12 and 19. It is an amazing opportunity to win significant dollars that can be used at any of the five Wesleyan colleges/universities! For more information about prizes, rules, and categories visit www.wesleyantalent.org Students can register online at www.encounterbethany.ca

Pastor Raymond Fancy reports that Amherst Wesleyan held a baptism service Sunday, July 27th. Fifteen people were baptized ranging in age from 7 to 73. There were new commitments and some re-commitments as well! Over 90 people gathered at the riverbank to share in this special service!

Dr. Clint Curle, Director of World Hope Canada, reports that over $22,000 has been received from all sources for the Sierra Leone pastors to address the food crisis in Sierra Leone. This is more than enough to meet the present need of every single Wesleyan pastor in that country! With what is left over, World Hope Canada has created a special benevolent fund for Wesleyan pastors in Sierra Leone which will be held in reserve to address any future emergencies that arise. This will allow these pastors to do the work of ministry without fear of how they will provide for their families tomorrow. The Atlantic District contributed $18,539 to this offering. Thank you very much!

Pastor Denn Guptill shares that Hammonds Plains – Cornerstone now has a paved parking lot. The $75,000.00 job was done without borrowing any money. Way to go!

St. John’s Avalon – Third and Fourth Preview Services: The water pipes were fixed at the Rabbittown Theatre, and the third Preview Service held July 27th was a success! Three new people came out to the service, and others not only returned but were involved in different areas of ministry. The word about the church is getting out. Pastors Darren & Janel have been getting good feedback about the services from those who are checking it out.

The fourth preview service was this past Sunday night (August 10). Seven people were there for the first time to see what Avalon Wesleyan is all about! Many have stayed around for the food and fellowship after the services. This has given good opportunity to get to know those who have come in for the first time. The Clarks are excited to see what God will do in the next service. Thank you so much for your continued prayers.

Pastor Darren shares: “The purpose of these Preview Services is not only to ‘get the word out’ that Avalon Wesleyan is in the city of St. John’s, but to find people to help form the Launch Team – the core ministry team of people who will help ‘run things’ when we move to weekly services in the fall. These folks will be responsible for things such as greeting, refreshments, set-up & clean-up, children’s ministry, sound, music, and so on. Already, there are those who have stepped forward to help out and serve in Avalon’s ministry.” Fantastic!

Barry & Beth Gould happily announce that they are packing and getting ready to go to Haiti this month. Their tickets are booked for the 25th. They leave from Halifax, and will arrive on the island of LaGonave the next day. The director Dan Irvin, and his wife Joy, will be meeting them at the airport in Port-au-Prince. The Goulds still have $11,000 needed to fulfill their funding requirements for the year. Anyone who has been thinking about getting on board with some financial help – now is a good time! You can send your support through your local Wesleyan Church, marked for Global Partners-Goulds WM29-0050-Haiti, or you can send it through the Amherst Wesleyan Church. Call Pastor Raymond Fancy in Amherst (902-667-9126) for further information. Tax receipts will be given for all donations.

Beulah Wastewater Project: We received word that the application process is now open and we can re-apply for the funding from the provincial and federal governments under the Building Canada Fund – Communities Component. We are working on the application which is quite extensive, and hope to have it ready to submit this week. We will then have to await word on the outcome. We have the support of the Brown’s Flat Local Service District (LSD) and we are prepared to do our part financially to accomplish the successful completion of this project. As most of you know, we are responsible for one-third of the costs, and the Province of New Brunswick (PNB) will care for one-third, and the federal government the other third.
I will be holding a public information meeting on Saturday, August 30th from 10 am – 12 Noon, at the Beulah Hotel. It is open to anyone who wishes to attend. At that time, I will give an update on the project, and there will be an opportunity for questions.

153 registered for the Atlantic District BYF weekend at Beulah Camp, Aug. 8-10. Rev. Bob Beasley, CEO for Back to the Bible Canada, was the special speaker. Rev. Wayne Briggs, District BYF Director says, “This weekend was a time filled with great fellowship, fun, good food, and faithful preaching from the Word of God.” Pastor Wayne appreciates the co-operation of the 50-plus people that took responsibility for events and the various “happenings” across the weekend. This year’s group took on the challenge of a $2,000 project for Haiti, and made that the emphasis of the Sunday offering. The goal was exceeded and to date $2,175.00 has been given. PTL! Pastor Wayne says it looks like we can match this from our BYF funds, so Haiti should get over $4,000.00 when all the bills from the weekend are paid!

This past weekend, I spoke in the Bristol Wesleyan Church in the morning service. Philip Davis, a layman in the church, did a great job leading the worship. Joanne and I always enjoy renewing old acquaintances and making new friends. We certainly were able to do that in Bristol. Following the service we had a great time of fellowship with Pastor Mark and Vicki Thompson over the noon meal. The Thompsons have served this congregation for 13 years.

Sunday night, we attended the closing services of Riverside Camp in Blaine, ME. Dr. Paul Hontz was the special speaker for the week. His ministry was well received and greatly appreciated. A number of people can trace their spiritual roots to Riverside. It’s a place where many people have made life-changing decisions in their faith journey with Christ.

The first person I ever led to Christ one-on-one was a friend I had invited to Riverside back in 1972. During the altar call, I asked this person if they’d like to go forward. They said “yes.” I accompanied them to the front, and then had the privilege of taking them through the plan of salvation. It was a great night for both of us!

Atlantic District Ministerial: Pastors, and all Atlantic District ministry personnel – mark your calendars for February 3-5, 2009. These are the dates for this year’s District Ministerial. It will be held in Moncton, NB. I’m pleased to announce that our special speaker will be Dr. H. B. London, Jr., Vice President of Pastoral Ministries for Focus on the Family. You will not want to miss this event. It will be relevant to where you are in your personal journey, pertinent to local church ministry, and to ministry in general. Hopefully, if your spouse is working, they will be able to plan for those days and accompany you to this event. This will be a great time for us to come together as a District Team. In the next few weeks, I will send you the details as far as accommodations, registration, and all that other good stuff, so you can make the necessary plans.

The Gathering ’11 is a Wesleyan Ministry Conference that will be held in Jacksonville, FL, January 4-7, 2011. This powerful three-day experience is sponsored by The Wesleyan Church Board of General Superintendents. It will bring hundreds of Wesleyan ministers together for a concentrated time of revival built around vital topics, anointed speakers, Spirit-filled worship, and practical networking with ministry partners. It will be held at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront Hotel. For more information visit www.wesleyan.org/Gathering

“In times of change, learners inherit the earth, while the learned find themselves beautifully equipped, to deal with a world that no longer exists.” – Eric Hoffer