Another week almost gone. I am forever wondering how a week can go so fast. God is gracious in that He gives me the blessing of plenty to do to fill my time. During times when Ted and Bruce are away, I usually have a chance to get some of the "To Do" list done. When they are away, the phones quiet down significantly. I'm not sure how people know that they won't be able to talk to them, but it happens every time. So I've been tidying up the website, filing items that have been piling up, cleaning up the stock room, and generally finishing projects that were needing attention. When the phone does ring, it's nice to hear another human voice. It's a good thing I'm catching up, because when Ted and Bruce do get back, it will get hectic again.
If you have been following the blog from Australia, you know that the Church Reconciler Training (5-day event) is finished and Bruce and Kathy are taking some time off in Australia. They will sightsee and relax until coming back on June 11. I spoke with their son, Mark, yesterday and he says they are enjoying all of the different animals, birds, trees, etc. We pray that Bruce and Kathy will be rested before having to make the long trip home. When they get back, it will take a few days to get over the jet lag from changing so many time zones. We pray for God's protection and blessings for them as they return.
I spoke with Ted on Monday when he Skyped the office. The marvels of the new technologies are very amazing. Being able to see him through the cameras on our computers is so helpful. I can show him things as well as see his expressions while talking. You really can pick up the excitement.
He is absolutely pumped about the Australian Church and expects God to greatly bless their efforts. He says the leadership is fully behind everything AoR has been teaching, and is drawing up plans for the future which implement what they are learning. We pray for the Australian church, that they will be wise and deliberate in cultivating lifestyles of reconciliation. We also pray that God will bless Ted with strength as he has been suffering with a cold. Ted and Francis are in the midst of a three-day event with the Queensland district. We pray for them as they learn. Ted will speak to the Queensland District Synod this weekend and we pray that God will bless his presentation. We also ask for God's direction for the Synod as they gather in convention. Ted, Francis and Angela (Francis' wife has joined him in Australia) then travel to Rockhampton for the last training event with the Victoria and Tasmanian districts' leadership. He and Francis will then fly to Sydney for a meeting with the College of Presidents (District presidents and Synodical officers) to debrief the AoR training events. We pray that God will bless their time together. Then on June 14th, Ted, Francis and Angela all begin their journey home, for which we also ask for God's blessing. I also thank God for the blessings of technologies that make our labors more productive.
Ted has also been commenting on the beautiful churches they have seen. I have uploaded a
picture of a particularly beautiful altar from one. If you click on it you will see it enlarged and how truly unusual it is. Throughout the world, God's people strive to bring Him glory in every way.
We continue to pray for conflicted congregations. Many have been in contact with us about how to bring about reconciliation. We pray that God will guide them and bless their efforts to deal with confession and absolution issues. We also pray for those who give guidance to conflicted groups and individuals. May their efforts bring God glory and peace to those in conflict.
And my dear brothers and sisters, I pray also for you. May you all be strengthened and empowered to do His will. I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus. 1 Cor.1:4.
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