It seems that everywhere you look today people are taking a stand about something and passionately showing what’s important to them. Debates and discussions arise over many issues…carbon tax, the right to die, gay rights, poverty, protection of the … Read More
Jesus said, “Have you never read, ‘Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have perfected praise’?” (Matt. 21:16) What a joy to see children loving God and worshiping and praising Him with all their heart!
This is what we witnessed at iSOW Dapto on the weekend with Brendon and Cathie Clancy, founders of “Overflow Kids.” It was wonderful to watch children connecting with God through praise and worship…then they listened – intently – for His voice and what He would say to them…
He responded with love, warmth, peace and pictures or visions…they sensed His presence…they felt His love…they heard words of encouragement. You could visibly see in each child that they were personally touched and spoken to by God Himself. Healing took place, children were baptized in the Holy Spirit and one child was given hope that her Dad would come to know Jesus for himself. Each child realized that this was not about religion and not about just what their parents believed – this was real…real to them. They could have a meaningful relationship with Jesus Christ…and that’s exactly what they are doing! They even wrote a song together.
At The Crossway, the spiritual development of children is important to us. That’s why we are joining with iCentral Church of … Read More
As the residents of New South Wales approach a state election, I would like you to consider whether or not you are a ‘responsible voter.’
At every level and in every arena of life, power struggles occur – everyone wants to be in charge. Men and women wrestle over control of relationships; parents and children struggle with who will rule the house; siblings quarrel over control and supremacy; businesses connive to control various consumer and investment markets; sports teams and athletes compete for first place; political parties strive for the domination of a state or nation; nations war over control of lands, people and wealth. It’s very easy to get caught up in the ‘crossfire’ and just throw up our hands and cop out.
So what will you do on March 26? Will you just vote how your parents vote or how you’ve always voted before? Will you bury your head in the sand by submitting an invalid voting paper? Will you get caught up in the hype of one party or another without looking at the facts – ALL the facts. If we all bothered to take some time and research certain parties, I think we would be surprised at the secrets and hidden agendas that are never exposed to the public!
On the 10th of September I had the privilege of being involved in a great ministry called “Jesus Cares” with three of my friends from The Crossway. This beautiful experience began with a teenager, Laura, who decided to make a difference with her Commerce Project.
We started the evening by making numerous sandwiches to give to the homeless and disadvantaged people of Waterloo, Woolloomooloo and Belmore Park areas. As we all hopped on to the bus, none of us could have imagined what we would encounter and just how much this ministry really brings, not just food, but LIGHT and hope to these people.
Our first stop was a housing commission estate in Waterloo. Like the rest of the places we went to, this one really struck a chord with me. These people were not homeless, but they were living in poverty. They were gathered around the vans waiting for some sandwiches, hot soup and coffee. Everyone was so friendly and chatty, and despite their poverty, still managed to have a smile on their faces and greet us with such joy. There were men & women who seemed to have some form of mental illness and it saddened me to realize that so often they are overlooked as just crazy, when they are actually just misunderstood or victims of their circumstances and environment.
On Saturday, March 27, the women of The Crossway got together for coffee and fellowship, but it was fellowship with purpose. So many times we forget how blessed we are to live in a country where we are free to worship God as we choose. There are hundreds of churches in the Illawarra alone and I think we can sometimes take this freedom for granted. Every day there are women somewhere around the world who are being persecuted, imprisoned and even tortured for their faith. So while we were having coffee and enjoying each others company, we took the time to remember those less fortunate than us. We listened to their stories, prayed for them and wrote cards of encouragement to cheer them up. We were inspired by their stories, motivated to give as well as write, and now we will always be truly connected even though we may never meet.
On December 12, 2009, almost four thousand people gathered on the lawn of the Dapto oval to celebrate Christmas as a community. It was the seventh year of the event, which included face painting, sausage sizzles, camel rides, laser skirmish, jumping castles, a special appearance by Ronald McDonald and several talented local musicians and dancers. The evening culminated with carols sung by a choir made up of a group of Dapto residents, and a shimmering fireworks display.
