Mark Chapter 14

Dearest Grace Family, 

I was wondering, could we pause together and imagine? A contemplation from the woman with the alabaster jar of perfume…

I am imagining a fragrance called Grace. A people generously giving Jesus the full benefit of a year’s labour in the Spirit.

Consider your calling as you become more like Jesus. What if, starting today, the gathering of God’s children known as Grace Church Port Macquarie, pursued and persisted to lavish a years worth of love and faithfulness on Jesus so that Jesus can reap the benefit? Imagine the fragrance: remarkable in our generation. I’m about it. 

Carin Bohlscheid’s teaching from Mark 14 centred on generosity and humility, on Jesus discipling those who would abandon Him in His darkest hour: knowing His obedience would lead to reconciling them and many sons and daughters to God. This is love in action: purposeful, generous, powerful in impact. 

Grace, your love for God and each other is showing…

…in the way you showed up as family on Saturday to clean and clear, weed and prune, patch and paint at the Working Bee: above and beyond measure…

…in your smiles and cheers as we reunited with Pastors Greg and Amanda in fellowship Sunday morning…

…in Monday’s funeral and afternoon tea and the many who came to honour our beautiful Nancy Trounce and surround the Trounce family with love in a time of grief. 

Thank you for being love in action. God promises that those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed. (Proverbs 11:25)

We stand in the realities of earth while experiencing the joy that is Jesus. With that in mind, we are looking forward to celebrating 30 years of God’s faithfulness to Grace Church this weekend. 

This Sunday our testimonies of God’s greatness will be the message.  Come ready to share. 

The table is set. See you there.

Love & Grace,

Debbie-Ann Bax

Mark Chapter 13

Dearest Grace Family,

Listening to the livestream of Paul’s message from Mark 13, I was mindful of its amplified significance given world events and events closer to home on Sunday.

On Sunday morning the Trounce family and others were called to Nancy Trounce’s bedside to say goodbye. After a full day of talking, watching, praying, and worshipping Jesus in the hospital together with us, Nancy went to be with Jesus on Sunday the 10th August 2025 at 5:00PM.

The day and the hour. 

"However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows. And since you don't know when that time will come, be on guard! Stay alert!

You, too, must keep watch! For you don't know when the master of the household will return-in the evening, at midnight, before dawn, or at daybreak. Don't let him find you sleeping when he arrives without warning.  I say to you what I say to everyone: Watch for him!" 

(Mark 13:32-33, 35-37 NLT)

Church, receive Paul’s encouragement to keep oil in our lamps at all times. This is Christ’s will for you. At our Tuesday morning prayer we prayed for Holy Spirit to fill every Jesus follower  in our region: that we would overflow with the oil of God, watch and pray, walk in purpose, and keep our lamps burning brightly. 

On her appointed day and at her appointed hour, our beautiful Nancy walked from this life into eternity worshipping Jesus and singing “I am a child of God.”

So let it be. Amen

Church, you are in Christ. Called. Chosen. His holy temple. The apple of God’s eye. Blessed. Loved. He is able to make us stand firm in Jesus regardless of current events. 

The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord shine His countenance on you, and be gracious to you. The Lord give you peace. 

In Love & Grace,

Debbie-Ann

Mark Chapter 12

Dearest Grace Family,

You are remarkable for your love and genuine dedication to Jesus. Thank God for your hearts towards Him, your genuine love for each other, and your desire to lead others to follow Jesus.  

Sunday’s message was ”Mark 12- Bad Actors and Genuine God Lovers”

Ross’s title says it all! Some people engaged with Jesus to trap Him. Others engaged from hearts seeking God. Reading along, we saw earthly powers confronted by God’s authority. 

Thanks Ross, for a brilliant (light-imparting) message.

Holy Spirit highlighted so many things. 

Three of my takeaways:

• As disciples of Jesus, we live towards God alone, unshaken by the majority, standing humbly in His authority.

• Give God what belongs to God. What belongs to God? (#everything)

• The faith of the poor widow who offered God #everything she had to live on while being observed by Jesus who was literally about to give #everything for her… for us. 

Missed the message or want to watch it again? 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UlSOxt85rAE

• And then on Monday…

Thank you church being present for Carol Edwards’s funeral service on Monday. Ron and all the Edwards family were completely blessed by your thoughtfulness and love. 

Remember Amanda & Greg and all the Campion and Dart families in prayer this Friday as they lay Mum Marie to rest. 

God bless you, fill you with great grace and peace and unfailing love, and surround you with songs of victory. 

Love you all,

Debbie-Ann

Mark Chapter 11

Dearest Family,

On Sunday Holy Spirit led us to experience Jesus’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem in a new way as we contemplated our cloaks and laid them down in allegiance to Jesus our covering and King. We as you King Jesus to ride into our city using everything about us. All we are is Yours. 

The triumphant entry is happening today. It’s the one where you allow Jesus to enter your heart, your life, your circumstances, your talents, your identity. The triumphant entry is the one where Jesus is enthroned on everything about you. The triumphant entry is the one where Jesus shakes what can be shaken, cleans out His temple and fills you with His word and the person of Holy Spirit. Then you will triumph over the things that used to drag you under. You will live in victory and God gets the glory. 

Missed the message or want to listen again? 

https://youtu.be/u6PPcdEoFNE

Next Sunday we will continue with Mark chapter 12 with Ross Nancarrow. So excited to see what Jesus does next and what Holy Spirit does as we gather. 

Church, thank you for your love and generosity. On Sunday we collected almost $1600.00 towards SRE (special religious education) in our Port Macquarie region. Amazing! God bless your hearts for local mission and multiply a harvest of righteousness and salvation in children in our region.

God bless you and personally inspire you as He speaks life and vision into you: engaging everything about you to the praise of His glory.

Love you all,

Debbie-Ann

Mark Chapter 10

Dearest Grace Family,

We are blessed in Jesus and in each other. Thank God for you and for your daily life in Jesus. Holy Spirit is increasing in our gatherings because of your midweek faithfulness:  living in communion with Jesus in the everyday. 

During Sunday’s communion, Carrol highlighted daily recalling Jesus’s death and resurrection. Are you going through a difficult season? Take communion as an act of faith, a daily reminder that you are of the blood and body of Jesus,  chosen in Him, a carrier of resurrection life.  Be encouraged. 

Kerry’s message -Mark 10 - highlights Jesus’s wisdom, God’s heart, childlike faith in God, Jesus’s ability to discern and call us higher, losing to gain, and Jesus’s commitment to His mission. 

Watch again: 

Mark Chapter 10 | Ps Kerry Medway | 20th July 2025 | Grace Church Port Macquarie

https://youtube.com/live/OHzVyV1eyr0?feature=share

Recall The Testimony: 

Testimony is holy. Speaking what God did brings Him glory and increases faith in others. 

As we move toward 30 years of Grace Church let’s recall the testimony.  What was the circumstance? What did you ask God by faith? What was your step of obedience? How did God show up? Let’s glorify God for doing what only He could do. 

Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. [27] But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. [28] God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, [31] Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.

(1 Corinthians 1:26-28,31 NIV)

With Love & Joy,

Debbie-Ann

Zanardos visit

Dearest Grace Family, 

We can truly say we have been with Jesus. I pray the radiance of Christ and the person of Holy Spirit is evident in you and on you as you walk through the everyday of this week. 

I have no better words than these sent by Paul and Monika Zanardo:

“Monika and I simply love being with you at Grace. A formidable kingdom Church at the forefront of revival….

… As Greg and Amanda prepare to return home and take up their shepherding roles, they will come to a healthy and spacious place where love and honour are central. 

I encourage you in Christ in the following as a sum up of our apostolic ministry:

• His presence is indispensable. 

• Love for Him and one another is essential.

• The fire on the altar must never go out. 

• Everyone has a role in keeping the fire alive.  

• A culture of discipleship is key to kingdom expansion (disciples who are discipled and who disciple others). 

• “What if” is the language of fear.  Faith is needed in this season of revival.  

• There is a window of unprecedented favour for the Gospel and signs and wonders.

We treasure and honour you. 

Paul and Monika Zanardo”

I will add the words of Jesus. It is time to “Raise your eyes and look at the fields, because they are ready for harvest.” John 4:35

Church, we are in exciting days! If you were away from our gatherings last weekend let me encourage you to listen and implement these key messages in your daily discipleship to Jesus. Let’s move forward together. 

Whatever Wherever Courage https://youtu.be/8ZdSKkZK_0o

God, the Holy Spirit https://youtu.be/Jb_n1AMKSuM

Love you Grace Church. 

Thank God for all He is doing. 

Debbie-Ann

Dearest Family, 

Thank you to everyone who fasted and prayed during Alive in Prayer! God truly showed up last week! Amazing breakthroughs are happening in God’s people and we are in loving awe of Him. 

Wait! You want us to be plugged in AND switched on? 

On Sunday Holy Spirit brought a dynamic word through Robert Harrison looking at the disciples and their interactions with Jesus in Mark chapter 9. There is a difference between being a believer in Jesus and living out discipleship to Jesus. There is a difference between reading the Bible as a good book and reading the Bible in the transformative power of Holy Spirit. As Robert demonstrated, to live for Jesus, it’s not enough to be plugged in. We need to be switched on. 

Prayer: Jesus, you are my life so fill my life.  Shape me into your image by Your word and Holy Spirit.

Missed the message or want to watch again? https://www.youtube.com/live/Y-0G_YL3ss0?si=ikzFrT-kcCRKIPhw

Love you all,

Debbie-Ann

Mark Chapter 8

Dearest Family, 

Jesus is asking each of us “Who do you say I am?”: a huge moment for reflection from Paul Betenson’s message on Mark 8. So who do you say Jesus is? Who are you allowing Jesus to be? Is he Jesus but really Moses? Is he Jesus but really Elijah?  Moses and Elijah were great in their time but only the blood of One man redeemed humanity for all time - Jesus Christ the Son of the living God. He is the Messiah, King of kings and Lord or lords. In righteous relationship, we crown Jesus King and allow His redemptive grace to transform everything about us until we are shaped in His image.

Family, our Alive in Prayer: 3 days of prayer and fasting has already begun and I am undone. God is undoing what is unnecessary so we can be fully clothed in Christ. Our gatherings continue tonight and Wednesday night from 5PM - 6PM. See you there. 

The following is the testimony of you: an entire congregation on one accord, seeking the Lord - 

On Sunday we had a visitor at the 9:30AM and again at the More service. She faithfully attends church in Queensland. After More, with tears spilling down her face, she said she hadn’t sat in God’s presence in church for 20 years but had experienced God’s Presence during both worship services. She is determined to find a new church when she returns home. Let’s pray for Holy Spirit to guide her…

Thank you Abba God for being with us. Thank you God for an entire congregation who seek Your face. Thank you Sloan, Joanne, Josh & Amanda for leading us into God’s presence. Thanks to all of you who continue to wait on the Lord in the everyday and rest in Him in the secret place. 

I am thankful for what God is doing. Let’s keep our eyes on Jesus. 

Midweek let’s read ahead into Mark 9. Looking forward to seeing what Jesus does next. God bless you. Keep loving and praying for each other. Faith is rising and God’s Presence is increasing. 

Love & Grace,

Debbie-Ann

Living in Right Relationship Part 2

Dearest Grace Family,

We are nearing the halfway point of this year. How are you going?

I am thankful for God’s word in season. Thank you also for your love and generosity towards our visiting Pastor Peter McHugh.

Meanwhile back in the book of Mark… How are you going with being discipled by Jesus?

This Sunday we resume our study of Mark Chapter 8. Will you join me and read ahead?

Then let’s gather to hear what Holy Spirit is saying to the church.

Extraordinary days…

We are living in extraordinary days and we are rising in extraordinary prayer and worship.

MORE begins this Sunday night at 5 pm.
Alive in Prayer: three days of prayer and fasting: next Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 5 to 6pm.

Let’s step into this extraordinary opportunity to be the church gathered on one accord to the heart of God to receive His power for these extraordinary days. 

Thank you for the love you continue to show to each other.God bless you to carry His light, life, and hope in the every day.

In Grace & Love,

Debbie- Ann

Living in Right Relationship Part 1

Dearest Grace Family, 

What can I say?

God is in this house. I am so thankful for His presence and for the privilege of gathering together in Him.

It was a powerful Sunday in worship and in the word delivered through Peter McHugh - Living in Right Relationship. 

Preserve and Protect or Compare and Compete? The tree of life or the tree of the knowledge of good and evil? 

Only one leads to restoration and the heart of Abba Father. 

There was so much wisdom inside the message: opportunity to pause and reflect with Holy Spirit. Midweek, let’s take the time to sit in the word. God is working a work in us. 

https://www.youtube.com/live/D5wfcIjvwHI?si=-Z0sPyVjqqqj-Mi7

This Sunday Peter will deliver Part 2: 

Living In Right Relationship: Postures and Characteristics of Love

Looking forward to it. 

Church, I am quietly excited about who you are in the everyday… you are doing the work with Holy Spirit, reaching out with the love of Jesus. 

The body of Christ is rising together and walking out resurrection life. Greater things are coming…

God bless you. Receive His grace in the everyday, the daily bread of God’s word, and His new mercies each morning. 

Jude 1:20 MSG

But you, dear friends, carefully build yourselves up in this most holy faith by praying in the Holy Spirit, staying right at the center of God’s love, keeping your arms open and outstretched, ready for the mercy of our Master, Jesus Christ. This is the unending life, the real life!

Love  & Grace,

Debbie-Ann

Mark Chapter 7

Praise God for Pentecost! 

On Sunday, Jane Bax beautifully journeyed us into Mark 7 where:

• A persistent and eloquent mother engages with Jesus and receives healing for her daughter. Mark 7:27-29 (I see Jesus as approachable: regarding this Mum with welcome, happy for her to win this debate). 

• Jesus heals a deaf and mute man with spit in the tradition of the firstborn son (a display of power from the only begotten Son of God). Mark 7:32-35

• Jesus declares outward rituals have little value. Our proximity to God is determined by our inner spiritual life. Mark 7:18-23

This transformation, this Spirit life is what Jesus died to give us. The promised Holy Spirit, Comforter, our Teacher, the Spirit of Truth. 

At the close of the message we lingered, we came to the altar to be anointed with oil, to receive Holy Spirit, to commune with Him in worship, to be filled again, to worship, to go out into all the world and carry His image.

Sunday 15th June we will welcome the word of God through Peter McHugh, from Stairway Church. It’s going to be a powerful teaching on Relationship with God and others. I believe it will be a word in season. 

God bless you this week. Jesus is with you. 

Grace & Peace,

Debbie-Ann

Mark Chapter 6

Dearest Grace Family,

How great was the gathering last Sunday? Thank you Pastor Kerry for showing us that Jesus experienced and overcame the same challenges we do when carrying the gospel to those around us. As we carry His Word, He is able to carry us “From Rejection to Faith (to Revival)”.

Church, one of the most beautiful things on Sunday was listening to our congregation as the Scripture was read aloud. You could hear a pin drop. It is beautiful to walk alongside hearts that are hungry for the Word of God and His Presence. Know that God is watching over His word to perform it in you, in us. Only believe and we will see.

Josh and Amanda led us in a deep place of communion in worship: a place where Holy Spirit is calling us to linger…

This week, in the everyday, Holy Spirit calls us to linger still…

Next Sunday is Pentecost Sunday and we are journeying into Mark 7. Holy Spirit, come. Thank you Abba Father for everything you are up to. We are waiting on You.

Love

Debbie-Ann

Mark Chapter 5

Dear Grace Church Family,

God is good all the time. All the time God is good. I’m thankful to God for His grace and mercy in carrying us safely through this last week of torrential rain and flooding.

We are thankful that although many in our region have suffered great loss, most of the Church is safe and well: positioning us to extend help to others in the name of Jesus. We are thankful that God is already making provision for Mandy’s house to be restored.  

Can I encourage you to please look at what you can give (prayers, financially, and volunteering) to the efforts of Samaritan’s Purse to help people in Taree and the Manning Valley as they extend help in Jesus name.

Sunday was an awesome Family Sunday in GOD‘s house! Family, you truly outdid yourselves.

Jess, Benji, Sam, Bree, Kaidee, all the kids and youth in the skit, Ben on the game, Alex, Joel McK, Joel B, Elise, Neve, Sloan, Ruth and Michael. Thanks to Bob & Katie Young for creating a wonderful BBQ afterwards and for everyone on coffee and tea and cleanup.

Together, you made the day so much fun and revealed God’s heart in an uplifting way. Laughter truly is good medicine and I believe that the word Carin brought was able to go deep into hearts wide open and ready to receive.

Thank you so much, Carin for your powerful word on the authority of Jesus Christ. All authority is given to Him. We can trust that when we go out in obedience to God, we go out carrying Jesus’s authority and the power of His name.

What does God want to do this week with the authority that He has invested in you?

I’m excited to find out.

Love and Grace.

Debbie-Ann

Mark Chapter 4

Dearest Grace Family! 

Were you in church on Sunday?

Did you come away fully inspired to read the Bible again?

I know I did!

Praise God for Randolph’s message from Mark chapter 4: The Power of the Imperishable Seed. The living word implanted, watered by prayer and praise and multiplied as we stand on it, trust God, and do what He says.

Church, let’s actively apply the word to our lives and grow in discipleship to Jesus. Receive the living and active gospel. It is able to save your soul. 

This upcoming Sunday is a Family Sunday!  Let’s gather and experience every generation of God’s family ministering Jesus together.

Meanwhile, this week our region is experiencing torrential rain. It affects all of us but some of us actually live in flood zones. Family, please reach out if you need help, are isolated and alone or just need someone to talk to. Let’s check in on each other and on our vulnerable neighbours. 

Know that you carry the love of God and bear the image of Jesus. Christ in you is more than enough. 

In Jesus’s Name

Debbie-Ann 

Mark Chapter 3

Dear Grace Family, 

Praise God for family. 

Thank you everyone who worked behind the scenes and all around to help us celebrate Jesus and to honour our Mums on Sunday. Family is God’s creation. The family of God, redeemed by the blood of Jesus, is so precious. It was beautiful to celebrate both together with you all.

Meanwhile on our discipleship study…

… And so it begins… people wanted to kill Jesus after he healed a man on the Sabbath. What?? Why?? Jane Wright’s teaching on Mark chapter 3 showed us that without intimacy with Jesus the human heart looks at God’s goodness and calls it evil.

How is your intimacy with Jesus? Time in dialogue with God in prayer… Time in studied meditation on the living Word… time being with Holy Spirit. 

Living Bread, Living Water, Inextinguishable Light are yours in Jesus. As a disciple of Jesus, your daily choice to top up, to be filled, to abide in the vine is what keeps you spiritually alive! 

So be filled. Abide. Live. 

Love and Grace, 

Debbie-Ann 

Mark Chapter 2

Sunday was Week 2 of being discipled by Jesus through the Gospel of Mark

We learned Jesus is a verb - sōzō - to save, heal, deliver, make whole and that the whole point of Jesus is salvation from sin.

Below are 4 things Jesus said: Holy Spirit highlights from Mark chapter 2.

 What do these reveal about the heart of God? What do these reveal about who Jesus is discipling you to be?

Statement 1

Mark 2:10 NIV

But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.”

(Forgiveness of sins and freedom from sin is the good news, the gospel - the crowd missed it in the spectacle of healing. Have we missed it too? )

Statement 2

Mark 2:14 NIV

“Follow me,” Jesus told him, and Levi got up and followed him.

(Following a Teacher meant living with the Teacher, living as the Teacher, letting the Teacher’s teachings change everything about you.)

Statement 3

Mark 2:17 NIV - Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.

(He is still calling us and transforming us by His grace.)

Statement 4

Mark 2:20 NIV

But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them, and on that day they will fast.

(Have you noticed? We are now in that time and that day.

Church, Jesus is glorious and so are we in Him. God bless us to respond with His ability to His call to carry His name.

Next Sunday is Mother’s Day and we are looking forward to worshipping Jesus and celebrating Mum’s. We will have special presentations, a lovely gift, a Photo Booth, and opportunities to honour the women in our lives. God bless you this week. Let’s invite our families and neighbours to church and see what God will do. Personally, I can hardly wait!

With Joy in God’s Presence,

Debbie-Ann

Mark Chapter 1

Hi Church

It’s finally here: a time of regeneration for Pastors Greg and Amanda. They are released and blessed into everything Abba Father is doing in them in this season. We pray blessing on their journey and look forward to reuniting in August.

At the same time, Holy Spirit is leading Grace Church in a deep dive into the gospel of Mark. Jesus is the best news! We’ve already started. Thanks to Ross Nancarrow for his in-depth, edge of your seat, look at Mark chapter 1. https://youtube.com/live/eHrC4PIucUI

 Let’s grow together:

 Church, I invite you to read and meditate on each weekly chapter alongside our speakers. This week we are following Jesus through Mark chapter 2.

 As you read each chapter, ask yourself:

1. What did Jesus do, say (what happened)?

2. What do Jesus’s words and actions reveal about His divine nature (Heart, Mind, Spirit)?

3. What does this chapter reveal about who Jesus is discipling me to be?

Receive the love of God in the person of Jesus.

Receive God’s living, active word.

Receive God’s transforming grace.

From strength to strength and glory to glory, God is with us on the journey…

Love,

Ps Debbie-Ann

The Triumphant Procession

 Hi Church,

Thank you for joining together for another weekend of encounter with our saviour Jesus and His people.  As I approach my final days before leaving on my regenerate journey I am very mindful of all the different people that play a part in making a Grace Church a wonderful family community.  Last Saturday the Executive Leadership team and the Staff ministry team drew aside up to Eagle Heights at Comboyne to pray and seek the Lord.

It was truly a powerful time of Worship and Prophecy and preparing our hearts in unity for the days ahead. Thank you to John and Annette Ives for providing such a special facility. This sense of unity carried into our time on Sunday where everything flowed so well. The service was led by Bree Brown for the first time, and she handled it like a pro. Josh led us in worship before the King and it was strong and intimate.

The focus of my Message last Sunday was "The Triumphant Procession" out of Luke 19:28-48. It highlights the significance of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, where he was greeted with shouts of "Hosanna" and palm branches, symbolizing the recognition of Jesus as the Messiah.

Passion Week includes the following:

• Sunday: Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem.

• Monday: Jesus clears the Temple, declaring it’s his Father's house.

• Tuesday: A day of controversy and parables, where Jesus avoids trick questions from Pharisees and then prophesies the end of the temple and his second coming.

• Wednesday: A day of rest.

• Thursday: Preparation for Passover and the Last Supper, followed by Jesus praying in the Garden of Gethsemane.

• Friday: Jesus is betrayed, arrested, beaten, crucified, he dies and is buried in the tomb.

• Saturday: Jesus' body is dead in the tomb.

• Sunday: Jesus is gloriously resurrected and appears to his disciples.

The message contrasted between Jesus' humble entry on a donkey and the grandiose processions of earthly kings. It also discusses the reactions of different groups to Jesus' entry, including the Roman soldiers, zealot Jews, political leaders, and Jesus' disciples.

The Message has 5 key lessons:

1. Jesus chooses the common to fulfill uncommon purposes.

2. When Jesus comes, things can get messy.

3. Praise is the correct response to his presence.

4. On the day of visitation, there is prophetic revelation.

5. Let entry be for occupation, not just visitation.

The crux of the message is to be ready to be used by Jesus, to praise him without reservation, and to let him occupy our hearts fully. Letting Him set his culture in place so we are changed from the inside out, to be become like him.

God Bless you Church. See you this Holy Weekend with our special guests Ps Wayne and Jenny Wiliamson.

Love Ps Greg and Amanda

Alive in Prayer

Hi Church, 

Well a lot can happen in a week. Last Monday to Thursday “Älive in Prayer” happened and it was amazing as people gathered each night. Each night people were passionately worshipping, fasting throughout the day, then praying in humble belief in the evening. 

We were praying for souls, we were praying for breakthrough, we were praying for lives to be made whole, we were praying for dead hearts to be revived and most importantly we were praying for lost people by name to come Home to Jesus. Everyone felt the answers were on the way and that we would see people turning back to God soon. It’s in these block-out periods of focussed prayer that significant things are transacted in the Spirit. A corporate anointing is released when we come together in unity for God’s purpose and release His powerful word. So can I thank you for coming Church, but can I also implore those who didn’t make it to come next time. Don’t leave it to the few to bring revival for the many. Let your voice be heard as well, let your “Amen” ring out in agreement. Never think I can’t come because I have kids. No, let your kids be present so they learn how to pray, they learn how to worship, they learn what means to be in the house of God being in a place of prayer for all nations as Jesus said. 

Then Amanda and I went off to Wagga Wagga to witness the march out Parade of our son - it was 22 hours on the road there and back. But it was well worth it as we witnessed our son fully trained and equipped to being a soldier in the service of our Country. I thank the Lord becoming a disciple is nothing as gruelling as soldiering, even though the Bible equates it to holding similar truths. 

Now coming back to Sunday. I believe the prayers from Monday to Thursday prepared the way for powerful encounter on Sunday. The Worship was breath-taking but then life-giving. Literally our breath was taken and our words became few as we ventured deeply into the presence of Jesus. Then He breathed on us and we were silenced by His powerful peace that passes all understanding. Is this not the desire of our hearts to see and know the glory of the Lord. Is that the hunger of your heart? A key question was asked by Jesus. John 11:40 Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”  May your prayer be “Lord, we desire you Lord we believe in you, help us to see your glory.” 

Easter is only just around the corner now it will be a special time of Baptism’s and gathering. Let’s have our hearts open to welcome new people, encourage friendship and be ready to share our hearts about why Easter is so much more than just a holiday from work. Know how to point people to Jesus, remind them it was His love that took Him to the Cross not His judgement. It’s His resurrection that gives us hope for these uncertain times. Spend some time reading the Gospels this week and see how Jesus shed His blood for you. 

Love and Peace to you Church

Ps Greg and Amanda 

Thorn in my flesh

Hi Church, 

I love that when we gather, everyone plays a part and the Holy Spirit stitches it all together in a cohesive and beautiful garment of praise. That’s how I felt on Sunday. There were many different interactions but a continuous message of “Look what the Lord has done and what He can do in you”. 

A couple of firsts worth noting Amanda Thomas did her first service leading and Mandy Dennison led communion for the first time at Grace. Both ladies obviously sort the Lord for their ministry amongst us and it was very uplifting. Jane Wright taught us a new song and we were all believing for breakthrough and miracles by the time we learnt it. Ross Nancarrow shared about all the exciting news in missions and daughter rescues in Nepal.

Kerry Medway’s message titled “Thorn in My Flesh”, detailing the inspirational life of Samantha Patrick who died from breast cancer was challenging and comforting. We had many visitors who came, some previous members of Grace included. I know many people were encouraged by the message, which gave hope that no matter what our circumstances are, all things are possible in God’s strength when we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus.  

As I said last week there are some exciting guest speakers coming with missionaries Kent and Ruth Hodge and revivalist Wayne and Jenny Williamson, over the next three weeks, so you won’t want to miss a beat. 

God bless you all

Greg and Amanda