Gail’s Message for Us

And friends are friends forever, if the Lord’s the Lord of them
And a friend will not say never ’cause the welcome will not end
Though it’s hard to let you go in the Father’s hands we know
That a lifetime’s not too long to live as friends

“Friends” By Michael w. smith

Those words above have been in my thoughts since two Sundays ago when Gail announced that she is moving to Nelson to be near her sons.

Please allow me to share Gail’s farewell message, which she delivered on 14 April Sunday.

I believe that the Lord has something for me. I’m going to live in Nelson. I’ll be nearer my boys. My time here has been successful.

I’m looking forward to seeing what the Lord has for me, for you, you know.

I want to share a passage of Scripture that means a lot to me. It’s John 3:16. For God loves the world so much that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him might not perish but have life everlasting.

That is the first verse I learned, and I learned it 44 years ago. Some of you might haven’t even been born then.

I leave this church with so much love and best wishes for everybody.

Look for your purpose. Fulfil what God wants you to do because each of you is special to the Lord. Each of you has something that only you can do for the Lord.

The other thing that I would encourage you to do is, first of all, read God’s word. Don’t just wait until Sunday to hear the sermon. That is good. They are good. You will learn.

But read God’s word daily. It’s your daily reading, not your once-a-week hearing. Believe in God’s word. Believe and share it. Share God’s word.

May God bless you all! Even if we never meet on this side of the world, we will spend eternity with each other.

Gail Jacob

When I started at OBC in June 2022, Gail proposed holding a weekly prayer meeting. We have held prayer meetings every Thursday. Gail would come to church to pray even if no one arrived or I couldn’t travel to Oamaru. My sickness around October-November 2023 disrupted the weekly schedule.

While I’m sure we are holding our individual and family prayers, let us commit to reviving our weekly corporate prayer meeting as soon as possible.

Below are photos of our fellowship lunch with Gail on Sunday, 21 April.

As Gail travels to Nelson with her family today, 25 April 2024, let us pray for travelling mercies and a safe arrival at her new home.

Learning How to Use the Faith-Wisdom Tool

I am tapping the shoulder of individuals with pastoral ministry gifts who could work alongside me to enhance our pastoral care ministry. Please pray and consider if this is something that the Lord wants you to do.

As I introduced last year, it is a simple tool that can profoundly enhance one’s understanding of faith and wisdom as an individual, a church, and a community.

OSBA EVENTS AND TRAINING

I receive Rachel’s Regional Leader Roundup each month, which features news, events, and training in the Otago and Southland Baptist Association (OSBA). I am sharing the events and training below.

Regional Hui 2024 – 23-25 May (Thurs to Saturday mid-PM)
River Ridge Retreat, Catlins
Options to stay on or offsite.

This is an opportunity for pastors, elders, and ministry leaders to come together to listen to God and others, reflect, learn, dream, worship, and pray, strengthen relationships and connections, envision together for the region, have some fun, and take a couple of days off from the usual activity.

*Registrations are now open, and a separate communication has been sent with all details.

Jewel and I have registered and will attend the Regional Hui on 23-25 May.

Child Protection (under 18) Training – FREE
1 May; 10am-12noon. Register Here

Several of our region’s people attended the first training option in February. There is still time to sign up for the second webinar, which will provide the up-to-date version of the Baptist Union Child Protection Policy, written in consultation with Child Matters. Once the training has been completed, you will receive the editable template policy document. Register Here

OSBA plans to conduct further training for those involved with under-18s, focused on awareness, actions, protections, etc. Watch this space.

Autumn means change is inevitable

As I passed Enfield last Wednesday, I stopped to capture the beautiful autumn colours in a photo. Autumn reminds us that change is inevitable and something we can embrace.

Art and his family moved to Windsor last week. Jewel and I are in the process of moving to Oamaru. Gail has moved to Nelson. The Casitas family are travelling back to Oamaru in a few weeks. Some of us are looking for work opportunities. Some are going through challenges and trials.

In whatever situation you are in right now, my prayer for all (based on Isaiah 41:10) is: Fear not, for God is with you; be not dismayed, for He is your God; He will strengthen you, help you, and uphold you with His righteous right hand.

Let us pray for one another. When you can, take the time to pray with someone beside you. Thank you!

The Drums Started Playing

You wouldn’t have missed this incident if you had been at last Sunday’s worship service.

We were singing our closing song, “Power of Your Love”, when suddenly we heard the drums playing, accompanying the musicians in near-perfect tempo.

Asher, who will be turning three in May, picked up the drumsticks and started playing the drums. May the Lord prosper Asher’s gifts and all the other children as they grow.

One day, children were brought to Jesus, hoping he would lay hands on them and pray over them. The disciples shooed them off. But Jesus intervened: “Let the children alone, don’t prevent them from coming to me. God’s kingdom comprises people like these.” After laying hands on them, he left. (Matthew 19:13-15)

We thank the Lord for blessing OBC with children.

Weekly Youth Meeting

Our youth group meets every Thursday from 7:00 to 9:00 PM. Please ask Tom or Bevan for more information. Invite young people you know to join.

Join the Tasks Roster

The tasks roster is an opportunity for us to participate in the function and operation of our church in the areas of worship and service. Please feel free to write your name on the rostering sheet on the table beside our tea area.

Don’t hesitate to ask Bevan, the pastor, or anyone else about the tasks you are interested in or if you need further information. Thank you!

Join the church tasks roster where the only qualification is availability.

Learning How to Use the Faith-Wisdom Tool

I am recruiting people with pastoral ministry gifts to attend the orientation/training on using the Faith-Wisdom Tool. As I introduced last year, it is a simple tool that can create a profound understanding of faith and wisdom as an individual, a church, and a community.

We need this for a sustainable pastoral care ministry for OBC.

Abundant Life Bible Study Sessions

Let us resume our Bible study sessions using the Abundant Life of Christ workbook on Sunday, 21 April 2024, at 1:00 PM. Please answer Lesson 10 on your manual and be ready to share and discuss.

OSBA EVENTS AND TRAINING

I receive Rachel’s Regional Leader Roundup each month, which features news, events, and training happening in the Otago and Southland Baptist Association (OSBA). Sharing the event and training below.

Regional Hui 202423-25 May (Thurs to Saturday mid-PM)
River Ridge Retreat, Catlins
Options to stay on or offsite.

This is an opportunity for pastors, elders, and ministry leaders to come together to listen to God and others, reflect, learn, dream, worship, and pray, strengthen relationships and connections, envision together for the region, have some fun, and take a couple of days off from the usual activity.

*Registrations are now open, and a separate communication has been sent with all details.

Child Protection (under 18) Training – FREE
1 May; 10am-12noon. Register Here

Several of our region’s people attended the first training option in February. There is still time to sign up for the second webinar, which will provide the up-to-date version of the Baptist Union Child Protection Policy, which was written in consultation with Child Matters. Once the training has been completed, you will receive the editable template policy document. Register Here

OSBA plans to conduct further training for those involved with under-18s, focused on awareness, actions, protections, etc. Watch this space.

Resurrection Sunday and Fellowship Lunch

On Sunday, 31 March, we will hold a regular worship service focusing on the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Let’s share our “resurrection” stories or testimonies as part of our celebration.

We will continue celebrating the Lord Jesus Christ’s resurrection with a fellowship lunch.

Good Friday Reflections

Listening to the various reflections last Friday from different speakers has brought encouragement and joy to many of us.

Below are three short messages on Jesus’ sayings from the cross.

• Mary’s Thoughts at the Cross
• My Thirsts and What Jesus’ Thirst on the Cross Means
• Nothing But Love in His Heart for Us

Good Friday Service at 3:00 PM

Let us commemorate the suffering and sacrifice of our Saviour Lord Jesus on 29 March, 3:00 PM at the OBC auditorium.

We will listen to several speakers who will reflect on the seven sayings that Jesus uttered on the cross.

Resurrection Sunday and Fellowship Lunch

On 31 March Sunday, after our regular worship service, we will continue celebrating the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ with a fellowship lunch.

Our Resurrection Sunday will feature singing original songs and sharing of testimonies.

Stories to Build Your Faith

The Buses in Oamaru and a Woman’s Faith Renewed

Last month, I meet with David Bruce and a visiting Korean friend. While having a cuppa and sharing updates, David brought out an index card and read a story.

It’s a testimony about a trainee missionary when his cousin was the OBC pastor. It was about the buses in Oamaru and a woman’s faith.

Please read David’s short testimony by click on the button below.

7 Good Friday Short Reflections

When Good Friday comes, we are constantly confronted with, “How can the death of the one, Jesus Christ, be redemption for all?”

That question, especially from a non-believer’s point of view, is usually followed by another question, “Why the crucifixion of Jesus Christ more than 2000 years ago has relevance and an important impact on our lives today?”

Trust in the LORD

Last Monday, we went to Dunedin, bringing Jadyn’s stuff. She is moving into the Hope House, where she will stay while studying at Otago University.

Reflecting on the new life chapter our family is embarking on, I remembered Proverbs 3:5-6. These are our dad’s favourite verses to share with us when my brother and I started university life. He would share this each time significant events were happening in the family.

Now, it is our turn to share Proverbs 3:5-6 with Jadyn and all the other students returning to their respective university courses. Let us pray for them all.

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6

Family Love Sunday on 18 February

On Sunday, 18 February, we will focus on the Christian family. We aim to provide life lessons to young parents, especially migrant parents navigating two cultures in their family life in the context of the Christian home, church, and New Zealand culture. 

We have invited five resource persons to compose our panel who will share about parenting, discipline, lessons learned, and how we can strengthen the Christian home.

Train children in the way they should go; when they grow old, they won’t depart from it.

Proverbs 22:6

Fellowship Lunch on 18 February

It’s time we gather together for lunch after the worship service on 18 February.

Let this be a time to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, milestones, fresh beginnings, and many more.

As our first fellowship lunch this year, let us celebrate the new people who have joined and rejoined us.

MUST-ATTEND TRAINING FOR OBC

Child Protection (under 18) Training – FREE

This webinar will provide the up-to-date version of the Baptist Union Child Protection Policy written in consultation with Child Matters. It will cover:

• Child Protection in Aotearoa NZ
• How to use the policy
• Key points in the policy
• Child Protection Designated Person(s)
• Q&A Session

If you have children or youth ministries – within or beyond the church, please take up this opportunity and have at least one key leader in these areas (or all of them!) jump on this, too.

Churches are not immune to things happening, even unintentionally. This is essential stuff, and it’s only 2 hours of your time.

20 February, 7-9 PM or 1 May, 10 AM – 12 NN. 

“Making Sense of Admin and Compliance”
with Wayne Schache (BU Operations & Finance Director) & 
Catharina Siraa (BU Administration Advisor) 

Saturday 2 March; 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM
Lunch provided
Dunedin City Baptist Church (19 Main South Rd, Concord)

REGISTER HERE or contact Rachel – by 23 February for catering planning.

• Overview of structure and connectedness – Structure of the Union, key documents, etc.
• Property – buying/selling, anti-money laundering, development, leases, maintenance and planning, insurance, mortgages, the role and obligations of the Union, etc.
• Church Compliance – Health and Safety, Fire Evac, BWOF, Seismic, Legal, etc. 
• Church Policies – intranet, leadership hub, model constitutions, policy templates, reviews, the church policy group, human resources, etc.
• Finance – church budget, aligning vision and budget, Charities reporting, audits/reviews, investment, etc.
• Keeping Connected – updating contacts, statistics, regional vs national, reaching out, ensuring info is with the correct people, etc.

For anyone involved in administration, finance, elders/hip/governance, property management, pastoral leadership, church HR. 

NOTE WELL: The Assoc Executive has agreed to reimburse those outside Dunedin a portion of your travel costs @30 cents per kilometre. If you bring three or more and fill a car, we’ll increase that.

Weekly Youth Meeting every Thursday, 7:00 PM

Our youth group meets every Thursday from 7:00 to 9:00 PM. Please ask Tom or Bevan for more information. Invite young people you know to join.

Fresh beginnings around us

As I shared last Sunday, the new year offers many fresh beginnings. All we need to do is look around and see these impending changes.

Let me share the outline of the sermon I delivered on Sunday, 4 February.

I took this photo when we stopped at Shag Point’s southern end because of road works. I noticed the new house built on the hilltop. We were following a moving van. Someone or a family might be moving.

Youth ministry resumed on 8 February

Our youth group meets every Thursday from 7:00 to 9:00 PM. Please ask Tom or Bevan for more information.

Invite young people you know to join.

Family Love Sunday on 18 February

On 18 February, we will focus on the Christian Family. A panel of speakers will share about parenting, discipline, lessons learned, and how we can strengthen the Christian home.

Train children in the way they should go; when they grow old, they won’t depart from it.

Proverbs 22:6

Fellowship lunch on 18 February

It’s time we gather together for lunch after the worship service on 18 February. Let this be a time to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, milestones, fresh beginnings, and many more.

As our first fellowship lunch this year, let us celebrate the new people who have joined and rejoined us.

We have an IT intern – Christian Jericho

On behalf of OBC, I have accepted Christian Jericho, or CJ, to spend his internship with us in fulfilling the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science he is finishing at National University, Philippines.

CJ is the eldest son of Art and Kathy Luna. If you can recall, when Art received their NZ Residence Visa, he brought his family to New Zealand in May 2023.

CJ continued with his IT course online. Now, he only needs to accomplish 170 hours of internship to get the BSIT degree.

CJ’s tasks are improving our website and digitalising the church’s photos and documents for our online archive. We will discuss other IT-related tasks more in the days to follow.

Church Tasks Roster

The tasks roster is an opportunity for us to participate in the function and operation of our church in the areas of worship and service.

Please feel free to write your names on the rostering sheet on the table at the side of our tea area.

Don’t hesitate to ask Bevan, the pastor, or any member regarding any task you are interested in and if you need further information. Thank you!

Let me share the outline of the sermon I delivered on Sunday, 4 February.

I took this photo when we stopped at Shag Point’s southern end because of road works. I noticed the new house built on the hilltop. We were following a moving van. Someone or a family might be moving.

We visited Jadyn’s accommodation in Dunedin on 31 January. She begins university next week, a big, fresh start for us as a family.

Yes, there are many fresh beginnings around us. We only need to look around, observe, and ask, “What are the new things around?”

Jesus had impactful fresh beginnings in Galilee after his Baptism and when Herod arrested John.

Fresh beginnings at Capernaum (Matthew4:12-27)

1. Jesus went to Galilee to start His itinerant ministry in that region to continue John’s ministry.
2. Galilee offers a safer place for ministry.
3. Jesus left Nazareth to live in Capernaum because
   • People rejected Jesus in his hometown (Luke 4:16-30)
   • Matthew and Peter live in Capernaum (Matthew 9:1-9; Matthew 8:14)
   • Fulfilment of Isaiah’s prophecy. (Isaiah 9:1-2)
4. Jesus came to preach, “Repent for the Kingdom of God is near.”

Fresh beginnings with Jesus’ first disciples (Matthew 4:18-22)

1. Jesus called, “Come, follow me.” (Matthew 4:19)
   • Brothers Simon (called Peter) and Andrew
   • Zebedee’s siblings, James and John
2. His calling came to busy people.
   • Simon (Peter) and Andrew were casting a net into the lake (v.18)
   • James and John were in a boat preparing their nets (v. 21)
3. The immediate response of these disciples is an excellent example to us.
4. Following Jesus means leaving some things behind.

Fresh beginnings of Jesus’ ministry in Galilee (Matthew 4:23-25)

1. Teaching in their synagogues (Matthew 4:23)
2. Preaching (proclaiming the good news of the kingdom (v.23)
3. Healing every disease and sickness among the people (v.23), as far as Syria (v.24)
4. Large crowds followed him – people from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and the region across Jordan. (v. 25)

A growing church always faces fresh beginnings, especially when we are deeply engaged in following our Master and Lord Jesus Christ.

Following what Jesus started in Galilee, we as a church or individuals must be able to preach the Gospel of repentance, make disciples, teach them to obey, and bring them to holistic healing in Jesus’ name.

It has been an eventful 2023 for Oamaru Baptist Church. We are grateful for what the Lord has done to His church in the last 12 months.

We have seen how OBC has grown in attendance, believers’ gifts, and giving. We have been blessed with many developments.

I can sum up OBC’s developments in 2023 in two statements. First, rediscovering the church’s mission is primary. Second, the inter-melting of hearts is vital in the church’s life.

Here are some 2023 highlights:

• Sunday worship attendance averaged approximately 50 to 55 people. The total number of people who attended OBC is 80 as of 31 August 2023.
  
• We installed eight new regular members in October.
  
• There are five candidates for Baptism. We will conduct Baptismal classes in January. We are also sorting out the Baptistry.
  
• We held children’s Sunday or children’s church every Sunday morning. Thank you, Erin, Tom, and the team, for leading our Children’s ministry.
  
• Youth ministry restarted in March 2023, meeting every Monday from 7:00 to 9:00 PM, but it later moved to every Thursday. Thanks to Tom and Bevan for facilitating and coordinating our youth.
  
• Dynamic Discipleship TEE Group Leaders Training was held from 31 March to 1 April 2023 by the TEE Aotearoa training team, Ann Borquist, and Lewis Varley. 19 participants came from the Salvation Army Oamaru (7), All Nations Church of Hope (3), Waitaki Life Group (1), and Oamaru Baptist Church (8).
  
• Two Dynamic Discipleship Groups formed:(1) a Multi-generational Group and (2) a Youth Group taking up the “Abundant Life in Christ” lessons.
  
• We are thankful for having four song leaders (Bevan, Tom, Cheryl, and Jewel) in our praise and worship team has four song leaders. Our instrumentalists are a keyboardist, a drummer, a bass player, and a guitar player.
  
• When I got sick in late October and was later admitted to the hospital for four nights, I was not able to come to OBC for five Sundays. Bevan, Tom, and a few others facilitated the Sunday worship services.
  
• Our weekly prayer meeting is on Thursday from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM in 2023. We will change the schedule for 2024. Prayers were answered, such as healing and recovery, successful hospital procedures, and resident visas for migrants.
  
• Based in Timaru, I regularly conduct pastoral care through phone calls and visitation. My visitation time is done on Thursdays or Sunday afternoons.
  
• We have consistently held a shared lunch to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, and victories. On 12 November Sunday, the church had a shared lunch at David and Marcia Sharpe’s place.
  
• OBC and the Waitaki community held a successful fundraising for the Yumo family’s return to NZ in July.
  
• As of the November 2023 financial report, church giving had increased to almost 100% in 2023 compared with 2022. The total amount is not yet enough to pay a pastor. We are praying for God’s additional provision in 2024.
  
• Your pastor received his Full NZ Baptist Registration confirmation and Marriage Celebrant Appointment in November.
  
• We have several church members who are on our preaching roster. There would be more as the Lord provides, especially from the women.
  
• The preaching has been based on the Ministry Appreciation and Participation Toolkit flow chart. We are on “church planning” in November.

• We focused on Christmas in December. Since the 24th and 31st of December fell on a Sunday, we held regular worship services.
  
  The Christmas story presentation on Sunday, 24 December, was a hit. Then we sang carols at the Sandringham House at 2:40 PM.
  
  Twenty-two people attended the Christmas Day service, all remaining for lunch afterward.

I want to thank the Hopevale Trust for supporting the pastoral ministry financially at OBC, Mark Pavelka and GBC for the guidance and prayers, the Governance Team (Rachel and Bradley) for their leadership support, Bevan Sharpe and OBC for their cooperation, and my Castillon family teammates, Jewel, and Jadyn.

Most thankful and giving all the glory to our loving God, Jesus Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

After the eventful 2023, the challenge is how the OBC ministry can be enhanced to sustain what it has achieved and attain further growth. May the Holy Spirit guide us now and in the days ahead.

Mindset lessons from Bethlehem

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea,
to Bethlehem, the town of David, because he belonged
to the house and line of David. Luke 2:4

Our minds would push us to think about how small and insignificant we are. Let us reflect on Bethlehem, the birthplace of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Below are four mindset lessons we can learn from Bethlehem.

1. God has bigger and brighter plans for us, individually and as a church.
   
   
2. Think of what our Almighty God can do and not what you/we can’t do.
   
   
3. The LORD looks at the heart. (1 Samuel 16:7)
   
   
4. Humble obedience to God is the primary key. (Remember T.A.O. – Trust and Obey?)

Christmas Day Celebrations Calendar

We will hold a regular worship service on Sunday, 24 December. We will sing Christmas carols at the Sandringham House at 2:30 PM.

For more details, read more below.

OBC Christmas Events Schedules

24 December, Sunday, 10:00 AM – Regular Sunday morning worship

24 December, Sunday, 2:30 PM – Carolling at the Sandringham House

25 December, Monday, 10:00 AM – Christmas Day Service

25 December, Monday, 12:00 PM – Christmas Day Family Shared Lunch

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.” – Luke 2:14

Please note that the “Family Shared Lunch” is for those families and individuals whose kin and friends are far away and celebrating alone. Nevertheless, feel free to come and join with your visiting relatives if you want.

We are holding the “Family Shared Lunch” at OBC, weather permitting, in our backyard.

The Best Medicine Tastes Bitterest

Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
    wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Psalm 51:7

I thank the Sovereign Almighty God, our creator and healer, for His grace and mercy through all the trials that we go through, especially in sickness.

Please read the short reflection I wrote hours before being discharged from the hospital on 10 November. May it encourage and inspire all of us.

Working Bee on Saturday, 25 November, 9:00 AM

Please bring your tools, equipment, and anything else to keep us buzzing. We aim to clean and beautify our surroundings while having fun and fellowship.

Thank you!

Life Concert by Neil and Joanna Johnston

Neil and Joanna were the previous pastors of Oamaru Baptist Church. After serving in Baptist pastoral ministry for 26 years, they followed God’s lead into a music ministry for churches. 

Watch their Life Concert on 25 November at 7:00 PM at Reach Church.

Weekly Reminders

• Youth Ministry – Thursday from 7:00 to 9:00 PM
  NOTE: Please ask Tom or Bevan for more information. Thank you!
  
  
• Prayer Meeting – Thursday from 3:00 to 4:00 PM at OBC.

Carols in the Park Oamaru Gardens on 9 December

This Christmas season, we have an exciting opportunity to bring Oamaru the message of love, joy, peace, and hope through “Carols in the Park.”

Tom Francis is the event’s Master of Ceremonies.

OBC Christmas Events Schedules

24 December, Sunday, 10:00 AM – Regular Sunday morning worship

24 December, Sunday, 2:30 PM – Carolling at the Sandringham House

25 December (Monday) – Christmas Day Service at 10:00 AM

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.” – Luke 2:14

Supplementary Food for the Spirit

I am sharing some links to articles about our Baptist faith and life. Please take the time to read. Thank you!

• Church Life Survey: first response
• Prophet or priest: pastoral leadership for extraordinary times

Thank you, Bevan, for sharing this photo with me last week. Perhaps you want to show the beautiful view and animals you have one fine day in Oamaru while I recuperate.

Whenever I see photos of livestock, Romans 8:36 always comes to mind: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”