Vital Statistics for June
The Power of the Gospel
I have never seen such power. As Marion, Des and I preached the Word of God, people leaned in silently under the conviction of the Holy Spirit. This otherwise unruly rabble were cut to the quick. And we are encouraged to keep fasting and praying, sharing the gospel and loving the locals.
We provided a free BBQ with hot sausages, bread, sauce and cans of drink. This was a simple way of expressing love that was well received. We had 30 locals and 10 leaders.
God is answering prayers
Several leaders from Pop Up Church have been praying for Mark and his two sons who were recently evicted from their home. We were praying because it is very difficult to find affordable housing in 3214 and we believe God will do miracles when we love each other in Jesus’ name. We are so excited that a perfect house came up just two blocks down from their old place and we helped them move in because they don’t have a car. And we got to bless their new house and pray for them in their new home!
Called to Help with Housing…
This journey with Mark and his sons has highlighted the lack of affordable housing in our area and I want to share that we are increasingly feeling called by God to do something about it. The church has always cared for the poor by bringing God’s justice in ‘ , society but today, in our area, there is not much going on in that department. We will begin by researching the housing crisis here in 3214, the opportunities and barriers and ask you to pray for God’s solutions. More next month.
Bus Stop Cafe
Praise God for this heavenly appointment! It works so well and we’re so thrilled we’re taking up a vision that started about 5 years ago. We found out several Christians had the vision years ago to “open up the church, begin a cafe and spoil the locals with free coffee and hot chocolate”. They’re the ones who installed a new doorway and stairs into the church. One of these visionaries, John Bennet, is now on our Board!
We have decided on the name “Bus Stop Cafe” and our main job is to provide a warm and friendly welcome to the children and families. We give away coffees and hot chocolates and chat to the folks coming in. We remember their names and coffee orders and also provide activities such as table tennis, music, craft, caricatures, sewing, English and help with computers. We really believe God wants us to develop this into a busy Community Centre run by Christians with a heavy focus on welcome and friendship.
After the locals leave, we have dinner on site with the leaders (and anyone who wants to follow) and study the Bible and pray for God’s kingdom to be manifest in our personal lives and in the lives of those we’ve met that night. This is a fabulous ministry which lovingly supports Christians who want to reach out to unchurched Corio folks with the most basic expression of Christianity: WELCOME! Praise God!
We love this model of ministry as it provides a compelling landing place in church for new people, then provides multiple points of engagement, then provides opportunities for people to immediately go deeper in relationship together and to find out more about Jesus Christ and his power through prayer and studying His word. It also strengthens the leaders with food, friendship and prayer. Thank you God, for Bus Stop Cafe.
Reaching Out to the Broader Christian Community
One way to get more people sharing the gospel is to promote evangelism on the radio, so we’ve teamed-up with 96Three (Geelong Christian Radio) to have a monthly update from Little Miracles. Our focus is to offer Christians opportunities to support evangelism in Corio and Norlane by either joining us in frontline ministry or by donating to fund Little Miracles Community via our website – soon to be equipped with Pay-Pal.
Eric’s Funeral
Angus was asked to arrange the eulogy for Eric Dixon, who died in May. It was a massive funeral with over 250 in attendance.
Leadership Development
Angus went to a leadership conference run by CCCVaT in Melbourne which highlighted the need to actively develop leaders through one to one coaching. We are committed to employing two new leaders this year and to closely mentor them to be evangelism warriors for the seasons ahead.
Prophetic Word about our Finances
Two different people gave us the same scripture, so we share it with you:
2 Corinthians 9: 8-11
And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written:
“They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.”
Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
Final Word
Thank you for being part of this exciting journey.
Bless you
Angus, Christine and the Little Miracles Team