Drive to Survive

The whole-day safety driving training that Jewel and I attended on 23 May, courtesy of the company we are working with, is called “Drive to Survive”.

On the training’s practical side, we were asked to drive at different speeds (50, 55, 60, 65, and 70 Kph) and upon reaching a point where the trainer stood, he blew a whistle that signalled us to step on the break and navigate the car to avoid hitting a row of barriers (plastic buckets).

Many of us might have experienced this when somebody suddenly crosses the road, and you must break suddenly. The one-day “Drive to Survive” training built up our confidence in what cars (with ABS technology) can do to avoid hitting a barrier, which could mean saving lives, property, and pockets.

Philippians 4:13 reminds us that we can do all things through Christ, who strengthens us.

1 Year at OBC – Strive to Serve and Glorify!

The first Sunday of June marks my start of pastoral ministry here at Oamaru Baptist Church, and it feels like we have been here for many years now.

Perhaps, the many beautiful things that have happened in the last 12 months at OBC and Oamaru, in general, make us all wonder how it all happened in one year.

Again, Philippians 4:13 reminds us that we can do all things through Christ, who strengthens us.

The challenge for all of us is this – Like our cars that we can’t discover what they can do until we test them, we need to launch our ministry ventures further to learn and experience the vastness of “doing all things” through Christ who strengthens us.

After a year in our ministry journey together, let us strive to serve and glorify!

Shared lunch on 11 June

There are many reasons to celebrate under the loving and merciful blessings of our Lord Jesus Christ. Birthdays, wedding anniversaries, OBC victories, fellowships, and many more.

Thus, we are holding a shared lunch on Sunday, 11 June. Bring your food to share.

Weekly Reminders

• Youth Ministry – Monday from 7:00 to 9:00 PM
  NOTE: No youth meeting on 5th June, King’s birthday holiday.
• Prayer Meeting – Thursday from 3:00 to 4:00 PM
• Music Jam – Thursday from 4:00 to 5:00 PM
  We invite our young people and anyone in our church to come and sing, play an instrument, and even just be there to listen.

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 jot down your names on the rostering sheet on a table in the tea area.

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

Prayer for comfort and strength

Let us pray for the Yumo family as they go through grief and sorrow for the death of their beloved wife/mum. Please pray for safe travels and provision as the children go home on 5th June and Joel at a later date.

5 Takeaways from the 26-27 May 2023 Otago and Southland Regional Hui

I attended the Otago and Southland Regional Hui on 26-27 May at Alexandra Baptist Church for the first time.

The Regional Hui is a gathering of Baptist pastors and church leaders in the Otago and Southland region held twice a year.

Please read more about the valuable takeaways from the regional gathering by clicking on the title, image, or button below.

Seeking external supervision support

As a requirement in my Baptist Registration Development Agreement 2023, I meet with an experienced Baptist pastor for accountability and seek external supervision support every two months.

My 17 May meeting was a treat because instead of meeting with my external supervisor alone, I got to join and meet six more pastors in their cluster’s meeting at Oxford Baptist Church.

The trip to Oxford (a two-hour long drive one way) was worthwhile. The sharing, encouragement, and praying brought much nourishment to my spirit. Also, meeting pastors and hearing their trials and triumphs assures me that I am part of a broader community in God’s vineyard. To God, our praises!

Writing and sharing testimonies

We are moving to the next topic on Sunday, 21 May, “Testimony Writing and Sharing.” I will preach on testimonies as the buried treasure we must dig and celebrate.

We’ll have Malcolm preach about its role and importance on 28 May. On 4 June, Tom will share how we can present testimonies creatively.

I’m sure that sharing testimonies is not new to all. Thus, I look forward to hearing your testimonies in the next few Sundays. We will also learn how to harness its power in the church and personal life; how it can impact the community.

Weekly Reminders

• Youth Ministry – Monday from 7:00 to 9:00 PM
• Prayer Meeting – Thursday from 3:00 to 4:00 PM
• Music Jam – Thursday from 4:00 to 5:00 PM
  We invite our young people and anyone in our church to come and sing, play an instrument, and even just be there to listen.

Pastor’s Activities on 26-28 May 2023

I am sharing these dates for your information and guidance.

• 26-27 May – I will attend the Otago and Southland Regional Hui at Alexandra Baptist Church.
  
  
• 28 May – I am scheduled to present on Philippine Missions at Gleniti Baptist Church, Timaru

Joining the Editorial Advisory Group

I am deeply grateful for the new opportunity to serve the Lord through the NZ Baptist Union’s Editorial Advisory Group – an excellent avenue to share my God-given talents. To God be the glory! Click the button below to read more.

Giving

Thank you for your continued support for the ministries the Lord God has entrusted us with. Your generosity means a lot for the development and progress of His work.

If you want to set up an automatic payment for regular giving or make a one-off donation via Internet banking, the Oamaru Baptist Church account number is (ANZ) 06-0941-0015036-00.

May the Lord God bless you and keep you.

Past Sermons

Please browse and read past sermons by clicking the button below.