LIVING WITH THE FAILURES OF THE PAST

One of the most fascinating creatures to ever walk this planet was the Thylacine.. the Tasmanian Tiger, presumed extinct since 1936 when the last known animal died in captivity. Hunted and killed because they were proving to be a pest to sheep farmers in Tasmania. The Thylacine was a marsupial and carried its young in a pouch similar to a Kangaroo. It resembled a large, short-haired dog with a stiff tail which smoothly extended from the body also like a kangaroo. The Van Diemen’s Land Company introduced bounties on the so called blood sucking ‘vampire dogs’ from as early as 1830, and between 1888 and 1909 the Tasmanian government paid £1 per head for dead adult thylacines and ten shillingsfor pups. In all they paid out 2,184 bounties, but it is thought that many more thylacines were killed than were claimed for. Its extinction is popularly attributed to these relentless efforts by farmers and bounty hunters. We seem to destroy what we fear. The sad story of the extermination of this species leaves a blot of regret in our national history.

Because of our sin God could have wiped us out long ago…. yet He has chosen to build His kingdom with people like you and me. He calls us to ‘live’ and to be more than conquerors in this fallen world.

“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:37-39

This is the amazing truth of God’s heart for us. We may fail but He makes a way every time. I love the good news of Jesus!!

“But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

Thanks for your prayers as we serve on tour throughout the State of Tasmania at this time. Believing for salvations and transformed lives!!

Godspeed,

Pictured: The last known Tasmanian Tigers. Circa 1936.

GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

The new Heritage Hymns Volume ll CD is now available for sale in Australia and on iTunes. This amazing collection of ancient songs arranged and produced by my good friend Bob Somma in California has been a real faith project from the beginning.

When we stepped into the studio in February 2011, most of the funds we had saved to begin recording were stolen from our bank account. We had musicians to pay and studio costs that added up to thousands of dollars. But rather than cancel our plans we took the matter to prayer and although dealing with some righteous anger and that ugly feeling of being violated.. we trusted that the Lord would make a way.

The weekend before the recording sessions were to start Pastor Rick Stedman from Adventure Church in Roseville California invited me to sing ‘one’ song in his three morning services. The song was ‘Blessed Assurance’. That morning we sold hundreds of CD’s and all the money that had been stolen was returned by the generous donations of people who were so encouraged by that ‘one’ song I had sung.

We were in awe of what God can do when you just keep pressing on and serving, and grateful to the church that had welcomed us to take part in their meetings.

Since then many more miracles have taken place to see the Heritage Hymns ll finally become a reality. We are so grateful to those who have partnered with us in the vision of redeeming some of these incredible old songs from the past!!

Let us keep serving Jesus and living our lives in a way that brings Him all the glory. We all make mistakes and we all hit some road blocks at times… But don’t ever give up!!

To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy—  to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen. Jude 1:24-25

Thanks for standing with us and supporting the ministry when you can. We love having you on this journey with us.

Godspeed,

Pictured: Taken last week by Ian Bail. The old St Thomas Anglican Church at Condah, Victoria. This church is featured on the new Heritage Hymns CD.

THE LIGHTHOUSE AND THE PERFECT DAY

Throughout history countless people have lost their lives when ships attempting safe harbour during violent storms have come aground on shallow reefs and been destroyed. Men make perilous decisions when they are surrounded by the storms of life and blinded by darkness. We take risks that in times of crisis can bring disaster to those around us.

The truth is we need a light house to warn us of eminent danger and guide us in the ways that are right.

“During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the water. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake they were terrified. “It’s a ghost” they said and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” “Lord if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”

“Come,” He said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Matthew 14: 25-30

As soon as Peter, a bold and courageous man of faith, a leader of men, a tough fisherman, took his eyes off Jesus his world fell apart. His mighty step of faith out onto the water in the midst of a wild storm became a humiliating moment of extreme fear and failure. Jesus in His grace and compassion reached out and caught him before he went under. That is the character of Christ. To redeem us before we are lost. When we are looking to the ‘light of the world’ our world will be filled with His glory and light… even when we face stormy and difficult times.

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the Cross, scorning its shame and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12: 2-3

The Lighthouse was never built for a perfect day. It was built for the darkest and most violent of times, the times when you are lost in a sea of uncertainty and filled with fear for tomorrow. Jesus came to be our Lighthouse for every season of our lives!! Thank God for Jesus!!

Godspeed,

Pictured: The Cape Jaffa Lighthouse. Kingston South East is a farming and fishing town on the barren weather coast of South Australia. An amazing region famous for Lobster and Cray fishing… The Cape Jaffa Lighthouse was constructed in 1868 on the Margaret Brock Reef, a dangerous reef for passing ships. In 1975 the ageing Lighthouse was dismantled and transported back to Kingston to become a museum.