First Day In Chennai India

Ps Kumar, Ps Graham Lee, Ps Bruce Monk, Ps Nick Klinkenberg, and Ps Colin Henderson

Today, a group from NZ commence a few days of ministry in Chennai India. Ps Kumar has gathered together all his strategic leaders, so I have a strong expectation that this will be a signicant time for Harvest Churches. Today we will be ministering to about 50 key leaders from the Chennai churches

Ministry In India

Today Graham Lee, Colin Henderson and myself have left for a few days ministry in Chennai India. I will be in India until Thursday, and then travelling to London and Germany.

Equippers Church Auckland Vision Retreat

Ed, Wayne and Zac in Rotorua for Equippers Auckland Vision Retreat. Amazing time of preparation and team building for the year.

DOING LIFE TOGETHER

This year Helen and I will have been married for 39 years, and what wonderful years they have been, doing life and having fun together. I honour her for her love, integrity, charm, beauty, generosity, strength and for an amazing serving heart. She is not only a great wife, but also a fantastic mother and grandmother.Here are some things we have learnt on the road together that may help your relationships and marriage:

LET NOTHING GO UNDER THE CARPET

We have always been good at dealing with issues quickly, and having no secrets. Hidden things become the ground for problems and allow issues to fester. Withholding, sulking and bad moods are all forms of manipulation just as being angry and overbearing becomes controlling. Unforgiveness, offenses, bitterness and resentment are all breeding grounds for betrayal.Therefore be open and do not let the fear of rejection rob you from walking in the light.

A helpful Bible verse is:

1John 1.7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.

LOVE UNCONDITIONALLY
A book I read many years ago defined Christain love in three words:

COMMITMENT - ACCEPTANCE - FORGIVENESSI am so thankful for Helen's unwavering commitment to me, and even when the closet door of my soul is open, and she became aware of my humanity, she still accepted me and forgave me. The first part of traditional Christian vows is to love honour and cherish.When love breaks down, it is often because of anger, bitterness, unforgiveness and control. These issues must be addressed, otherwise the relationship will become oppressive and dangerous when the power is one sided. Domestic violence is an ever increasing concern in our society.Love will always seek to understand the other person's need, honour is to value and place ones weight behind, and to cherish is to look after the other persons wellbeing, both practically and spiritually.

A helpful Bible verse is:

1 John 2.5 But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in Him. By this we know that we are in Him

WALK AS ONE

It’s amazing how opposites do attract, but yet the Holy Spirit can weld two different types together as one. Even the way male and female respond can be quite different, but as we seek to understand one another, God builds us together as a powerful team. Discord in any relationship is an abomination to God, and the lack of unity removes God's hand of blessing. That is why we must sit down and work on things we can agree on, and be united together.

A helpful Bible verse is:

Amos 3.3 "How can two walk together unless they agree."

LIVE WITH ADVENTURE

In the year 2000 Helen and I moved to London to establish what is now Equippers Church in London. We have found the adventures of faith like this, continue to build our lives together and keep us from being boring and predictable.One day, when taking our son Sam to Heathrow, Helen said, "I feel disappointed that I am not in New Zealand for your children." Sam in his wisdom replied to Helen, "Mum, the greatest legacy you can leave my children, is that you are still prepared to take risks for God."Faith, in it's very nature is an adventure, and keeps us in a healthy place of trusting God.

A helpful Bible verse is:

1John 5.4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world - our faith

HAVE PURPOSE

Helen and I throughout our marriage have walked with Godly purpose. We share the same passion for the House of God and love seeing the Gospel of the Kingdom of God established in peoples’ lives. Even though our functions may be different, we hold the same purpose. Because of this, we are able to work together in areas of giving and serving without friction. In fact, I believe this is one of the contributing reason why all our children love the House of God.

A helpful Bible verse is:

Philippians 3.14 I press towards the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus

May our relationships and marriages be linked together in 2009, so the blessing of God may continually be upon us.

SHOUT CONFERENCE 2009

Dont forget to register now for SHOUT CONFERENCE 2009 at http://www.shout.org.nz/files/home.htm

Family BBQ

Make the most of family and friends.

Helen enjoys gathering our family around for a meal (BBQ)
Little Joel Monk is fitting well into the activities of life


Kids love to play

Sam and the girls

Keeping in Touch

WOW!!! HOW BLESSED WE ARE

Beginning with our daughter Rebecca and her children for Christmas in Sydney, the past three weeks have been filled with many blessings and fun activities. We have enjoyed fishing (last count 43 snapper) golf, BBQs, walking, bike riding, birthday parties and not to forget great church services that have been inspiring, worshipful and very Christ Centred.

Last Sunday, Ps Lyle Penesula from the Hawkes Bay preached at Equippers Auckland. Many people gave their live to Christ and his messages had a strong prophetic edge to them. In the morning Service, he emphasised how we need to move from 'Strength to Strength,' from Psalm 84, 'Faith to Faith,' from Romans 1.16-18, and 'Glory to Glory,' from 2Corinthhians 3.18.

I feel replenished and my cup is overflowing.

Auckland

Yesterday, Helen and I spent an hour sitting on one of the lovely beaches five minutes from our home. We are blessed to live in such a beautiful city. Over the past week we have caught 32 snapper. We leave home at 515 and by 550 we have launched our boat, travelled to our fishing spot and lines are out catching fish.

As I enter into 2009 my heart overflows with praise for God's faithfulness and the joy of sharing about His wonderful miraculous acts.
Last year, Helen and I saw God's miraculous answer to prayer in so many areas, but especially in the area of financial provision. Moving out from the security of a regular salary that is provided as Senior Pastors of a local church has been an exciting journey of faith. We are incredibly indebted to the Equippers Churches for their loving support.
One morning Helen and I prayed together asking God for $10000. We both attended a meeting that day, and left with $15000. We were again overwhelmed by God's goodness.
Last year had it challenges, especially with the breakdown of our daughter Rebecca's marriage.
In simple terms, 'life together became too difficult.'
I am praying constantly for Rebecca and the children, and as for me I find regular strength from God's Word.
The Holy Spirit continues to open up doors of opportunity for Equippers Churches and Equippers Network International. I am confident that we can continue to build on the strength of strong foundations that have been established. I am continually praying for labourers who will take up the cause of Christ, and His Great Commission. 
I have just read Psalm 9 for 2009 and found it as a real source of inspiration and encouragement.
Looking forward and believing for a great Year.