Dear Northside
Once again, Sarah and I and our whole family would like to thank everyone for loving and supporting us concerning Alanna’s wedding to Jake. It was very special to experience this from you. Alanna and Jake were very touched at all your messages and gifts. Hopefully they will be travelling to Harare next year so we can all celebrate with them in person. We had a wonderful family time and so saying goodbye was hard for us all. We all travelled well and it is good to be home.
This weekend is our annual Harvest Service. I hope and pray you have been preparing for this. Firstly, we need to prepare our hearts and minds. We give because God first gave to us His Son Jesus to save us from our sins. We do not give to earn our salvation, but in thanks for all that God has done, is doing and will do for us, in us and through us. We give generously because God is generous – Jude 2 may God’s mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance. God’s Word tells us that it is more blessed to give than to receive, and I am sure you can testify to this truth. And so, we are able to give with a cheerful heart because God loves a cheerful giver. Even if things are tough. Jesus says, in this world you will have troubles and tribulations, but be of good cheer because I have overcome the world. We are called to overcome the difficulties we face and one way we do this is by giving. Now that our hearts and minds are in line with God’s, we can start preparing practically. This is why we give you plenty of notice. It takes time to save up or accumulate something to bring and to give.
Every year we are encouraged by the generosity of you, God’s people here at Northside. Let’s do it again church!
Last Sunday Pastor Vere ended our preaching series – 10 sermons from the Book of Acts. We would love to hear how God has used the faithful, clear and relevant preaching of His Word to impact you and your life. It was a great way to end the series. The call to persevere to the end. To be full of faith (faith-full) and full of trust (trust-full) in God. To keep our eyes fixed on the finish line. Even through the tough times. Keep on Making Jesus Known! Like Paul, I want to finish well, what about you?
For I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes! Romans 1:16
Please join us in praying for all our August ministries! We need resources for them all and people to help us. Above all we need God to fill us and our ministries with His Spirit so that lives will be transformed.
God bless, Pastor Gary