25th January 2024
Thought for the week - Pastor Rachel:
To think that the first month of the year is almost over, it has been a whirlwind of a ride to start the year with so much happening from going on holidays, keeping kids occupied, and starting all those new hobbies that you have always wanted to begin. To now come down to the reality that our jobs are starting back, school is just around the corner and there is still so much that has to be done!
It can sometime be so overwhelming when you think about everything that you have to accomplish this month, this week or even today. That we sometimes forget to take that step back, stop and pray over what we are about to do or that problem we are struggling with. We forget that we cannot do everything on our own but that we need to trust in God fully in everything we do, in those fears as we go into the unknown or even our children that are going off on their own for the first time.
I would like to remind you of the verse Deuteronomy 31:8 “It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”
God is with every day in every situation, he will be with your children as they start their new adventures. He HAS go before you and he WILL be beside you.
New year, new serving opportunities!
Meet Colin! Colin and Christine have been part of NVBC for 7ish years, and if you've ever appreciated the fresh cut grass around the property, Colin is one of the guys to thank! Coming into the new year Colin was looking for further ways to serve. With some reflection and a little prompting from the Lord, Colin felt led to the Kingdom Kids ministry. He has loved seeing his own grandkids be so blessed by the ministry at NVBC, and felt it was time to be part of the amazing team that helps make that happen every week.
When asked what he's most looking forward to, Colin shared his heart to help the kids learn more about Jesus and what he has done for us. With 40years experience as a High School teacher, and lots of past experience serving in kids and youth ministries in previous churches, we're stoked to have Colin join the Kingdom Kids team!
If you are looking for ways to serve this year, please chat to any of our pastoral team or express interest in finding out more about a particular ministry through our serve with us page.
Thailand Short-Term Mission Team
The STMT have spent the last week in Chiang Mai, connecting with Muana and Villy and the faith communities they are connected to in the area. It has been so encouraging to meet with these people and bless them in many ways, from giving beauty treatments to running kids programmes.
They have now moved to Chiang Rai, and on Saturday (27th of February) they will help Liz Black (one of the missionaries there) when she runs the regular English Program at Ban Sawang. The team will be staying at the Guesthouse on the Ban Sawang site and will be running activities with the kids all morning. Please pray that this is a great experience for all.
Later this week the STMT will be returning to Chiang Mai and visiting ZOE and the Leadership Training School that NVBC supports (Thursday and Friday). And thank you to everyone who gave to our Christmas Appeal for the ZOE Leadership Training School - a total of $1950 was raised! It will be great to visit there and hear about how this valuable ministry is going.
Look out for more updates and prayer requests in our Newsletter each week.
 This Sunday AM we celebrate and pray for our kids who are starting school this year (in their new uniforms!). Travis will be speaking and we will also pray over some of our ministry teams as many of our programs resume for 2024. . |
 This Sunday PM we are having a worship, prayer and communion night in the PM Service before our regular PM Services resume from next week. Come along to spend some unhurried time in praise of our great God, and to rededicate ourselves to God for the year ahead. |
 Vision Sunday (4th Feb) We invite you to join us as Travis speaks into our vision at both services, sharing our theme and focus for the year ahead. Plan on staying back after the services to enjoy morning tea (AM) and supper (PM) together too! Kingdom kids will resume for the term at both services. |
