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New Beginnings
I commenced ministry in November with a preoccupation on new beginnings. The message was burning in my heart and spirit. God has new beginnings for each of us. No matter how much water had passed under the bridge, no matter how bad it had been, no matter how we failed, God always has new beginnings for us - a freshness, a new vitality, a renewal and a new start.
God had new beginnings for Gideon when he found him hiding in a winepress (effectively a hole in the ground!); He saw his potential and his future and addressed him, "You mighty man of valor!" Judges 6:12 Isn't it great that God always look forward? He sees the possibilities of our future rather than the limitations of our past.
So do not be afraid to change - change is healthy and is to be embraced. New beginnings bring change. God brings change. He said the old has gone, the new has come!
Lighthouse Community Church, Keysborough
It was a privilege ministering in Ps Richard Warner's church on the first Sunday of November 06. What did I speak on? New beginnings, new mindset and yes change.....embracing change.....hmmm...I thought that was my favorite topic.....yes it was.....
We had a great time of ministry, especially to the young people at the altar on Sunday evening. Ps Sally Goode, Youth pastor had this to say, "It is always so encouraging to hear prophetic words for the young people....and as their pastor, I was so blown away by what God did. I know your ministry impacted many lives yesterday."
Pastors Warner & Pauline
Personally that Sunday was a milestone - it was in this church office that I was interviewed (by Ps Warner) for my A/G credential - and in a true sense I had come full circle with God affirming my calling and ministry. Ps Richard was really blessed.
It was also in the church (rather at Lighthouse Christian School) that Joses, my son had his first 5 years of primary education. We were then very new to Melbourne (1988) and the School was just starting. All they had were portals - and today the infrastructures are awesome!
God does connect people.....for new beginnings - always.
North America
For the first time, I was ministering in North America! Toronto is a beautiful city; full of variety and diversity.
Downtown Toronto is beautiful
I saw plenty of new beginnings in my Canadian ministry trips - people getting saved, healed, touched, changed and transformed; ministries being birthed and little "miracles" abounding. There is plenty of changes taking place in the Sri Lankan community in Toronto! (There are more than half million Sri Lankans in Toronto itself.) Awesome God
Living Word Harvest Missionary Church
Pastor Yoga Thomas (brother of Ps BG Thomas of Hope City Church, Dandenong) was a wonderful, encouraging host. He organised numerous ministries for me in the 10 days I was there.
Sunday morning congregation
I ministered in his church, Living Word Harvest MC. This church is on the brink of "exploding"; it had witnessed many miracles in the last couple of years. Something is shaking here....for the next generation.
Ps Yoga and family
We had a combined Youth Rally on Saturday night with the young people of Living Word Harvest and that of Miracle Family Church - it was a wonderful service. The altar was full with young people responding to the Word and the prophetic; it was three rows deep!
Section of Combined Youth Rally
I also ministered in a church at Brampton on Sunday night. God's presence was awesome - just about the whole church came to the altar to be prayed for, including the pastor and his family!
Touching lives is about meeting needs - Pastor Yoga and I visited many individuals in their homes to lay hands and pray for them. I also prayed over the phone for a few people - including Rathiha Egbert (living in Ottawa) (daughter of Kumar and Gandhi) and her medical examination came off without a single hitch! Praise God!
Compassion Lanka
It was good to meet with Ps Thurairajah - a Sri Lankan Canadian citizen having moved back to Sri Lanka to run Compassion Lankan - a Christian Charitable ministry feeding, helping and reaching the poor who are caught up in the civil war.
Ps Thurairajah
The current war situation had affected his ability to return to the field but he was a determined person - he has set his sight on returning before Christmas! The Word was that he would return sooner rather than later!!
Cell Group - many contributed to Compassion Lanka
I hope to meet Ps Thurairajah before the end of 2007 - in Sri Lanka. In the meantime, I am determined to contribute to his work by offering an oil paint for sale sometime early next year. This is to raise support for this needed work. Any takers? I can paint what you want and we can agree on the amount for this wonderful work? PS: minimum A$1,500!
Lankan Hospitality
Ps Prince and his family (Leela, Roy & Mark) were great hosts. I thoroughly enjoyed staying at their home. The weather was cold outside but on the inside, it was warm hospitality.
Ps Prince, Leela, Mark and Roy
Besides, I have had great times dinning in various homes of the leadership and cell groups - Kumar, Daniel, Felix, the pastors and others....and having wonderful dinners with Pastor David Loga and many others....what a wonderful time hearing their testimonies of living faith.
LA California
I had a great time in LA, California doing strategy work and ministering on the weekend. I was there for seven days....in which I laid steps for my return to North America in 2008....I also went to the beach, relaxing before I ministered on Sunday evening!
Ps Steven at Seal Beach
Beautiful California beach homes
Abrabic Christian Perspective (ACP)
I met Ps George Saieg of ACP through Dr. Kameel Majdali. George has a unique ministry in reaching the muslim community for Jesus. It is not an easy work as you might well imagine.....
Ps George has unique qualifications....
Ps Steven and his whiteboard!
My strategy work with Ps Geroge was to help him obtain clarity and ensuring that Abrabic Christian Perspective is both sustainable and methodical in its approach to the missions of the ministry. I had a very good session with the team - I believe ACP will move on to the next level....methodical, thorough and financially sustainable...
Ps George, Jeff Mayo and Joe
Where I stayed with George - in Anaheim
Joe Miller
This young man from Columbus, Ohio is a great guy. He has a tender-heartedness about him. He was my driver for the whole 7 days - fetching me around, even to the Bank so that I could lay hands on some US$ coins.
Joseph Miller with Ps Steven
Joe came to assist ACP on a volunteer basis. He has a real servant heart. I know that God will move him to greatness.....take care Joe and keep in touch...you never know what God is going to do....
Ministry in Anaheim
I had a wonderful time ministering first at Calvary Chapel among the Singles and then on a Sunday evening meeting. Many people were touched and many came to be prayed for, in particular I prayed for a young man called Desmond. I believe God has called him to ministry and in time, this young man will do exploits for God.....
Desmond during service - centre
I am looking forward to ministry in LA again....
Thanksgiving
I have had a most wonderful Thanksgiving lunch - yes turkey and all...at Mark and Rhodie's place at Corona. This couple is kind and generous....it was a great afternoon. Rhodie invited me to stay at their home on my next visit to LA!
Mark with Ps Geroge
Meeting Pastors and Friends
Although I did not have many opportunities for ministry during my short stay, I had the privilege of meeting many pastors and leaders. It was good to meet Evangelist Milton Alvarez whom I met in Melbourne (and assisted in some strategy work).
Lunch at a Thai Restaurant in Hollywood Blvd
Evangelist Milton on extreme left front.
Ps Eugene and wife
We had lunch at a Thai Restaurant - thanks to Ps Eugene Montilla and his wife. It was the best Thai food I ever tasted. Thanks guys; thanks for your generosity - and I hope we catch up soon and connect for Jesus!
Beautiful Hollywood road....
I also met Nabil and Susan Butris - they are a wonderful couple who loved the Lord. I hope to connect with Nabil for ministry among the young people the next time I am in LA...thanks Nabil for dinner.
2008.....North America...
My wife and I are looking forward to a 6-8 weeks ministry trip to North America....sometime in 2008....the Lord willing. Wow!
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