Dear leaders/colleagues at Glen Eira Christian Community Church,

God was with us yesterday. That was the first time I'd heard Danny speak, though I've been advocating prayer for him for some time in various parts of the church... Thanks Ramona for doing the groundwork to invite him, and entertain him and his family afterwards. I was caught up with several people after the service, and so was Danny, so I couldn't get to greet him personally. (I've spoken at the Lighthouse Church a couple of times in the past, though I'm not sure we've met on those occasions either)...

Two things I learned yesterday: I had no idea that a group of 500 people could worship the Lord together in Saudi Arabia - generally acknowledged as the most repressive regime in terms of persecuting Christians on the earth. And I knew the Saudis were paying people in Britain, Europe and the U.S. to 'defect' to Islam, but that's the first time I've heard of it happening in Australia.

(One of the precious/interesting things about GECCC is our diversity. Some said to me later 'Wasn't that wonderful?' Others: 'I'm happy we're not Pentecostal like that every Sunday!' I hope you see that diversity as a strength: the early Christians were a diverse bunch too! The devil doesn't like diversity: he wants people arguing with one another about the 'best' way to relate to the living God!!!).

See the two links below from our website for some of the information I've posted there about Danny for the wider church.

http://jmm.aaa.net.au/articles/10311.htm

http://jmm.aaa.net.au/articles/117.htm

I had a 15-hour day of meeting people yesterday, from leaving home in the morning to getting home at night. Spent a couple of hours last night with (previous pastor/s): very helpful. Thanks to those who have opened their homes and their hearts to me. God is doing some gentle healing among us, I believe... I'm a little behind schedule in my quest to sit down and have a meaningful conversation with every person who regularly attends, before the end of February, but we'll press on. (Next Sunday is full, and there's the cricket match the following Sunday (what's the time-frame for that?).

Next Sunday I'll conclude the mini-series on 'What is happiness?' Let's adopt a 'seeker-sensitive' mode for that service. If there could be perhaps three worship-songs at the beginning (could a multi-generational hymn be included?), and few 'extras' (except maybe a quick interview with Rev. Geoff. Leslie, an intercessory prayer, and a brief greeting-one-another-time) that would be good... Invite a friend/relative/neighbour/enemy/past member - anyone!

Let's keep praying for Mick as he enjoys a well-earned short holiday...

See y'all Thursday night. (Ramona or Dot: could you email some simple instructions about how to find your place? Thanks).

I hope you and your loved ones are in a cool place on this hot day...

===>>> Here's a prayer-request. Had an urgent phone-call Saturday from the ex-wife of a high-profile Christian worker in another State. She asked if she could come to Melbourne for several days to do a retreat with me to sort through her very considerable pain. The cost (which my Board decrees!) is normally a $750 donation to John Mark Ministries, but I've said to her if somehow any amount can be found, that would be O.K. She and her children are in dire straits financially, emotionally, and spiritually. Appreciate your prayers. This aspect of my ministry happens in one way or another every week. I'll share some of it with you as my praying colleagues. Thanks! (BTW, see the Retreats section of our website for details about happens: they're intensive and very healing times for God's people).

===>>> Appreciate your prayers too for the writing of the BUV Code of Ethics for Pastors (to be completed in draft form this month). I'm a bit behind schedule there too...

Shalom - and Happy New Year!

Rowland Croucher

January 13, 2003.