Sorry about the lack of blog posts. We have been sending out email updates to those on our list so if you missed this and are interested I have posted it below. I have also included a few photos of some different happenings.
Greetings all in the precious name of Jesus Christ
We do hope that this e-mail finds you all well and rejoicing. According to Heb 3, the church is vital in helping the saints keep going in the faith. You all in different ways are helping us to keep going. We know, and we experience the very real hardening nature of sin. One of the ways it does not consume us is your standing in the gap through prayer and encouragement. We are deeply grateful to you all. Listed below are a few of the recent happenings, some things coming up, and some ways you can be praying for us.
Recent Happenings
1. The family are all well and growing up. We had both of our girls at work the other day; at the same time. Rachel has got her life guarding qualifications recently and is employed at Naenae pool. Praise God for that! I also redid my qualifications as that is my background. For me it is preparation for a time coming when we will need to help support ourselves, but at present I will be working at Stokes Valley pool on a casual basis.
2. Anna-Marie has recently passed her restricted drivers licence and is often out with the car (during the allotted hours and by herself!). Another indicator of a family growing up.
3. We had our biggest turn-out on Sunday at our Naenae drop-in centre. Around 60 from the community came, it was a great after-noon.
4. Mark has had the joy over the last several weeks to preach at different churches; Heretaunga, Onslow, and the Kings Arms.
Things coming up
1. This Thursday night we begin a three week life group for those interested in the church plant. At the moment about 4 families have voiced interest with at least 2 of them very keen on a church plant. After the three weeks it will turn into a Lower Hutt life group with several families interested.
2. The Lower Hutt city council are starting a program in the 4th term that provides breakfast for school age children. This will be at the community hall in Naenae and Mark is going to get involved in that.
Prayer Requests
1. That the Thursday night studies on the church plant would solidify a team that is eager to reach out with the gospel.
2. That our Sunday afternoon drop-in centre would see many people saved. That the women's Bible study that has come out of this would continue to grow and meet the needs of those coming.
3. That, even though the little church in Naenae said no to merging with them and beginning a new work, God would continue to put us on their hearts and bring them to the place where they change their mind.
4. That God may give us the grace to break down the destructive sin of drunkenness which is rampant in this community. That these women; G and S and J would respond to the gospel. That their children would be saved and spared from continuing the cycle. That Mark's mentoring of some of these women's son's; F, T, and T, would go well and produce much fruit.
5. That Anna-Marie would be healed of her sickness. Even though she has continued to function she has been unwell since the open heart surgery. She is low in iron, has been coughing now for some weeks and is generally unwell.
Thank you all for your friendship, love, and support.
May God richly fill your lives with His supernatural joy!
The Gordon family
Joel and his friends ready to go paintballing on his birthday.
Rachel and Anna-Marie ready for the school ball/prom.
Rachel represented the Hutt Valley in their under 17 basketball team. Her team did well in the regionals and went on to come 8th in the Nationals.
Mark, Joel, Rachel and Matthew after taking part in a half marathon (Mark) and a 5km run.
Mark playing table tennis at Naenae for Christ.
Rachel serving food.
