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

My God, My God, why have you forsaken me? Matthew 27:46

Now, I am old school. I don’t have access to a computer or a talking relationship with Mr. Google or Facebook, and I don’t own a laptop.

When I need to know something, I go to Collin’s Dictionary.

The word “forsaken” means abandoned, deserted, disowned, lonely, outcast, and so on.

Let me read from the Bible, Matthew 27:45-46.

From noon until three in the afternoon, darkness came over all the land. About three in the afternoon, Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lemasabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”).

The same people who welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem are the same people who now wanted to see and have him crucified for crimes he did not do.

However, Jesus, being Jesus, had nothing but love in his heart for all of us.

Let us pray.

When our pastor asked me to speak today about the verse “I thirst,” my brain suddenly went blank. Then I thought, “Why did he have to choose me?” A little inner voice said, “He didn’t choose you. I did.” So, here I am.

Has anyone here ever been thirsty? I mean, really thirsty?

I recalled one incident when I was about nine years old, biking home from school against a strong, hot northwest wind on the outskirts of Christchurch. I was so thirsty. It was awful.

The next time was many years later, and I was on the ferry “Rangatira” going from Lyttleton to Wellington (the ferry left Lyttleton in those days; now, it leaves from Picton).

From Wellington, I was to catch the train to Hamilton. I was going to visit my sister, who lived in Hamilton.

Well, I suffer badly from motion sickness, and this particular crossing was extremely rough, to say the least. I spent all the time on my knees with my head over the toilet. I was so sick even when there was nothing left to sick up, I still kept retching.

Eventually, I arrived in Wellington, where the train was waiting. My throat was hot and dry and burning. My lips were sore and dry, and I kept licking them, but that did not help.

I knew there was a dining car on the train and thought at least I could get a drink, a cup of tea or something. I was desperate for a drink as I was totally dehydrated.

When I approached the stewardess on the train, I was told that the dining car would not be open for another hour. I was in agony.

That was the worst thirst I had ever experienced and the best cup of tea I had ever tasted.

Now for the “thirst” that caused Jesus to cry, “I thirst.”

The last time Jesus had had a drink was when celebrating the feast of the Passover in the Upper room.

It was later that evening that Jesus was arrested and treated so very badly by the soldiers, by the High Priests, and by Pilate and others.

He was punched in the face with a closed fist. He was spat upon, his beard was pulled, his back was laid open with a leaded whip, and the soldiers made a crown of thorns and placed it on his head.

All these things fulfilled the prophecy. See Psalm 22:15 (NIV) – My mouth is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; you lay me in the dust of death.

Then Psalm 69:21 (NIV) – They put gall in my food and gave me vinegar for my thirst.

Jesus lost so much blood. His strength was gone. His body was so weak naturally. He was so very thirsty, and He endured it all for us.

But note that Jesus didn’t say, “I am thirsty.”

He said, “I thirst.”

To thirst for something is to have a strong desire or to crave something. King Solomon had a thirst for wisdom and knowledge. Einstein had a thirst for Physics, etc.

Today, Jesus still says, “I thirst.”

I thirst for your love.

I thirst for your company, your companionship, and your friendship.

I thirst as a Bridegroom for his Bride.

NOTE: Mary wrote and shared this reflection on John 19:28 during our 29 March Good Friday service.

I like to read. And write stories mostly.

If I am unable to sleep at night, I begin a story in my head. It may eventually get to written form, but most don’t get past being a possible story idea.

I have often wondered what Mary was thinking as she stood long hours at the cross, so I’ve come up with a possible conversation she may have had with herself!

“Is this what Simeon meant? That lovely older man who met Joseph and me at the Temple the day we took Jesus to be dedicated when he was just days old. He made sure he told me that “sorrow like a sharp sword would break my heart.” 

That’s what it feels like today, a sword twisting a little bit more every time Jesus groans in pain or struggles to breathe.”

Minutes slip by as Mary wipes away a few stray tears. The conversation starts again.

“It was interesting that when the sky darkened around noon, the rubberneckers and most of the verbal abusers drifted away. I was pleased the soldiers had kept most of those people from getting too close to the cross, and once the darkness had fallen, there wasn’t so much to see. The sudden darkness frightened many, and they anxiously headed home.

Mary Magdalene and Mary of Clopas are here with me, as are John and his mother, Salome, who comes and goes from time to time. Others are still standing vigil, the disciples aren’t too far away, and some women who travelled from Galilee with us are huddled in groups just out there.”

I can hear Jesus struggling to breathe again, so he shifts his position, but that only brings soft moans of pain, and so it goes on a never-ending cycle. He has been up there for hours, and it could be many more hours. What then?

Life after today isn’t going to be the same, is it? Where to from here?

I know Jesus spoke of his death; he’d talked to me about it a few times, as he did with his disciples. I also know he talked about being raised up. I’m not quite sure what he meant by that, but I do know he won’t be here. What do we, his followers, do now without him to lead us?

Where will I live? I’m probably not welcome to live with my family now; they don’t think much of Jesus and his ministry. Perhaps some of us women followers could make a home together. Oh, dear Joseph, what would you have made of all this?”

Mary stops the conversation in her head to listen to Jesus.

“Woman”, Mary looked up to meet  Jesus‘s  gaze upon her, “ Behold your Son.” Then his gaze shifted to John, who was standing beside me, “ Behold your Mother.”

John laid his arm across my shoulders, and we both nodded in acknowledgement.

In those few words, Jesus had secured Mary’s future physical and spiritual well-being, the last act of a first-born son for his Mother.

We shall leave Mary to her thoughts now as she waits for what will come, perhaps soon.

NOTE: Marcia wrote and shared this reflection on John 19:26-27 during our 29 March Good Friday service.

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?”

A trainee missionary was doing pre-missionary work with my cousin Hector Bruce, the minister of Oamaru Baptist Church (1974-1980).

Each Monday morning, he was assigned to go and visit a grumpy old lady who complained every week about the buses in Oamaru that park outside her house, screech the brakes as they stop, vibrate the land and then blow out clouds of toxic diesel fumes, when they leave.

She spent the whole visit talking about the buses—they became a real “thing” in her mind—and she could not focus on any other subject.

It really became a psychotic mountain she could not cope with. If she does not get help, she will end up in a mental institution! – It became that bad/serious!

One visit, after listening to this diatribe, the young trainee had enough to blow his brain, and he spoke sternly to her: “Do you believe that God could move those buses?” (He really meant, “Do you think God could take those buses out of your brain?”)

Being a church member for decades, she had to agree that God could do anything.

“Well then, let us pray and ask God to remove those buses from this Oamaru street,” the trainee said.

He was surprised to see her at church next Sunday. She was so different.

She told him excitedly that, since he had prayed for the buses to be removed, “NO BUSES HAD BEEN ON THE STREET!”

Not only that, but the council had erected a big sign at the end of the street that said, “NO HEAVY TRAFFIC ON THIS STREET.”

Her faith in God was transformed, and she saw God’s power, interest, and love for His hurting people.

The missionary trainee told this story at Church Street Bible Chapel (in Timaru).

I have no reason to doubt a word: “WHO IS SO GREAT A GOD AS OUR GOD? Nothing is too hard for Him.

Wearing Jesus

Dusk was setting in when I took this photo while waiting for our orders. Oamaruvians know where this is.

We can see darkness enveloping at the background as the last burst of sunlight brightened the street across us. The photo creates a contrast between darkness and light.

Romans 13:12-14 gives a strong reminder about casting off the darkness’ works and how we can survive its evils by wearing the Lord Jesus Christ.

The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armour of light. Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarrelling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.

Romans 13:12-14

Easter Camp 2024 Fundraising

We are raising funds for youth delegates to the Easter Camp, which registration costs $250/person.

You may give through the church’s online account with the reference “EasterCamp.” Those who want to give via our Sunday offering pouch, please put your donation on an envelope with the label “Easter Camp.”

Let us support our youth. Thank you!

NOTE: Please send your support on or before 12 March 2024.

Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2024 Notice and Documents

I sent the notice and documents to your email on Saturday morning, 2 March with the message from our Regional Leader, Rachel Murray.

Printed copies will be given to the few who are not using email.

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.

Believer’s Baptism Campaign

Why should we be baptised? Because the Lord Jesus commanded it. Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” (Matthew 3:15)

The Oamaru Baptist Church believes that the immersion of believers as the only scriptural form of baptism.

Our Youth Group had been studying Baptism. I conducted one adult Baptism enquiry class.

Please approach Jonan and Bevan if you want to follow Christ’s through the Baptism.

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 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 one regarding the tasks you are interested in and if you need further information. Thank you!

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

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.