Hello Elevate Family!
By the time you read this article we would have celebrated Easter, the death and resurrection of our Lord and Saviour Jesus. A wonderful time to reflect on the cross “For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life.” John 3:16
Early in February, we welcomed everyone back after a long Christmas break.
Sadly, a week later we farewelled our beloved Joy Pollock who went home to be with her Lord and Saviour. We were honoured that the family asked to have the celebration of Joy’s life here at the centre.
We were blessed during the term with a visit from Children’s Bible Ministries.
Several students came and shared about their time in NZ. They have been in the country doing a 16 week training course in Children’s ministry. Hearing them speak about having to leave their families and children behind for this long period was hard ,but they believed God called them here to learn many skills they can then take back home to serve in ministry. Donna Funk who works at CBM came with the students to the centre. Later in the program she did an art activity with our Tuesday Group, always fun and inspiring as Donna is a gifted lady.
Our verse for this term – “Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6
Unfinished projects? A hobby you started, knitting, a book you were reading you never finished, a DIY building project, an exercise routine. I think if we are honest we have all started things and then given up!
I have some art on my walls at home. I often think an artist looks at a blank canvas takes out a pencil and starts to sketch some random looking strokes onto the canvas. If I was to ask the question part way through “what is that?” then the artist might tell me, but I’d probably say, “really, I can’t see it”?
Maybe the artist would then say, “It’s coming along, it’s a work in progress, I have a vision, a plan.” The artist is seeing the end result, even though only a few sketchy lines may have been drawn at this stage.
Each one of us is a work in progress. God is the master artist. He knows what he is doing. We need to trust the artist. God who began his work in you will continue it until it’s finally finished on that glorious day when Jesus Christ returns. Aren’t you thankful God never gives up on us or abandons his projects.
When life feels out of control at times remember God is in control.
He's still working on me
To make me what I ought to be
It took him just a week to make the moon and stars
The sun and the earth and Jupiter and Mars
How loving and patient He must be
He's still working on me.
(Song by Hemphills, 1980)
Lastly I want to say I have had the privilege of being the Drop In centre Activities Coordinator for the past 7½ years. It truly has been an honour to serve at the centre. It was hard recently saying goodbye, each one of you have blessed me in so many ways over the years. I want to leave you with this verse.
“I give thanks to Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength for my work. I thank Him for considering me worthy and appointing me to serve Him.”
1 Timothy 1:12
Written by Sarah Houston, former Drop-in Centre Coordinator
Sarah Houston has since resigned from her role as Drop-in centre coordinator with Elevate CDT and is greatly missed. Please stay tuned to our website and social media for an upcoming article on her contributions to Elevate CDT, honouring her seven and a half years with the organisation.