A LETTER FROM A FRIEND

Dear Friend, How are you? I just had to send a note to tell you how much I care about you. I saw you yesterday as you were talking to your friends. I waited all day hoping you would want to talk to me too. I gave you a sunset to close your day and a breeze to rest you -– and I waited. You never came. It hurt me -– but I still love you because I am your friend. I saw you sleeping last night and longed to touch your brow, so I spilled moonlight upon your face. I have so many gifts for you. You awoke and rushed off to work. My tears were in the rain. If you would only listen to me. I LOVE YOU. I try to tell you in the blue skies and in the quiet green grass. I whisper it in the leaves on the trees and breathe it in the colours of the flowers shout it to you in mountain streams, give the bird love songs to sing. I clothe you with warm sunshine and perfume the air with nature scents. My love is deeper than the ocean and bigger than the biggest need in your heart. Ask me, talk with me, please don’t forget me. I have so much to share with you. It is your decision. I have chosen you and I will wait – because I LOVE YOU. Your friend, Jesus.

Our aim at BMC is to be a Church where all people are drawn closer to Christ.

The obvious challenge of this is that all people are not the same, and do not have the same needs; this is particularly true of pastoral care. We have members who appreciate the congregation praying for them personally in times of need and showing their support, and others who find this very intrusive.

I as your minister would like to know when you are in need so that I may visit and pray for you. As always this would remain in confidence.

In an attempt to meet all our members’ expectations, my humble request is that you or one of your family contact the Church Office or myself, or fill in a pink slip if you are in need or going to hospital or have pastoral news. Thomas or I will take down the details, and ask if you would like them to be published in the Church Bulletin. Each Sunday we will publish the names of those who have requested it in the Bulletin under the heading Pastoral News.

May I encourage members to pray for the people listed, and show your support in what ever way is appropriate.

God bless you all!

Kevin

With the 2010 Fifa World Cup a thing of the past, it's clear that the financial profits were nowhere near what had ben promised or predicted. But South Africa hosted such a successful event, and the boost to our national psyche was so much more beneficial to this country in its coming of age than a short-term cash windfall. We need to continue to pray for our country!

Our Father, almighty creator of heaven and earth, we glorify your Holy Name. We honour you and acknowledge that you love us and are always with us. Praise you Lord.

Father, we humbly pray for your forgiveness in being discouraged as a nation, for not loving as You have instructed. We have not honoured Your blessing of peace that was given to us in 1994. Father, heal our land.

We pray for a change of heart in our people. We pray for our leaders in government, business, education, communities and all families. We pray for justice, honesty and accountability. We pray for a halt to the abuse of men, women and children; for a halt to crime, corruption, violence, intimidation, alcohol and drug abuse. Please relieve poverty, HIV/AIDS and diseases that affect so many. We ask for Your protection of all people in South Africa, and for the wisdom and courage to stand up for what is right. Instil in us all a sense of community, integrity and compassion. Father, heal our land.

We pray that You will guide our nation to peace in all communities and to a better life for all. We thank you for the life we have in Christ and for Your everlasting hope, love, peace, forgiveness and healing. Father, heal our land.

In the name of Jesus Christ ... Amen.

if my people, who are called by My Name will humble themselves and pray and seek my Face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from Heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
    ... 2 Chronicles 7 : 14.

Bless you all. If you would like to be a part of this commission, please contact Pam Warburton on 021-674-2831.

If you are going into hospital, have lost a loved one or are concerned about your family or maybe you need some encouragement, please phone Pat Watson on 021-712-7327.

Should you be in need of prayer, please remain behind at the conclusion of the service and a member of the prayer team will gladly pray with you.

To request prayer for the sick and/or those suffering any other adversity, please phone one or both of the following below:

• To post into the bulletin, phone Thomas Odendaal on 021-715-3045
• To post into the prayer chain, contact Pat Watson on 021-712-7327