Last Sunday was our special offering for the church. It is always a joy to see folk come and generously give into the work of the Lord. We get no outside support and no financial support from the Government for our college land and buildings; but we have amazing facilities because of the faithfulness of God’s people. Thank you for your faithful giving.

Today the floor is being poured for the administration block of the college. Even though it is winter the builders are right on schedule for us to open first term next year. We have worked hard with the Council to ease residents’ concerns by providing a robust traffic plan, but there is still the occasional inflammatory letters from some residents. One silly letter in the local paper this week claimed there would be traffic mayhem stretching as far as Pakuranga, Highland Park, Howick and as far away as Manukau City with our 200 cars. There are 20,000 cars on Botany Road alone each day.
Still, I guess that even though the land was always intended to be for a school, some hoped it would never happen. I’m sure the college will be a good neighbour, and our desire is that the football field be open to the community so that families can still enjoy kicking a ball around together.

Marilyn and I are back from a great holiday in Hawaii. We had a really good time. On the day before we were to come home we received a call that Marilyn’s mum had passed away. She was 97 and it was not unexpected, but it is never easy when you lose a loved one and she was the last Great Grandparent alive. I will lead the service on Friday at Resthaven Funeral Home at 1.30pm.

On Sunday afternoon I went up to Whangarei to lead the first Introduction to Elim since the church became part of Elim Christian Centre. I then stayed over and spoke at the night service. There was a great turnout at both events. Steve and Becs have settled in really well and love the church.

This week we have our Miracle Breakthrough Offering which goes towards helping us to expand the vision God has given to us. If you haven’t got an envelope, grab one from your church office. Without your sacrificial giving what we have today would not exist.