Hi there once again!

“And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” Romans 5:5

So who are you rooting for now to win the World Cup? There have been a lot of surprising losers this year. The players and fans alike get so upset and disappointed when their particular team didn’t win. I like that verse above because of God’s provision of hope and love when all else can so easily fail.

Continue to remember Richard and his daily ministry needs. Pray that he will be able to set up a self-sustaining business to be an example for many in the rest of Myanmar.

Our son, Rob, and his music team arrived safely in Kazakhstan on Tuesday but no further reports on their ministry. It isn’t very safe to communicate much by the Internet. Please pray that this team of about one dozen will work together and impact many lives for Christ. Could you also please pray for our other son, Lee and his wife, Melissa upon the birth of their first baby (Aiden Jackson born July 5 - both mother & son doing well)? They will be moving back to ON from BC the end of this month. Please pray for a location to live and employment.

Home Group happens this coming Thursday at 7:00 at the Burton Home. Come study the Bible and pray with us.

Have a good week if you enjoy the heat!

Wendy

wendy.carter@kainos.org; garyvcarter@kainos.org; 905-230-8116
www.heartlandfellowship.ca; www.the-music-project.com; www.fellowshipnetworksradio.org; www.myanmar.kainos.org; www.cafeontheway.org; www.ttcbiblereading.org; www.dtfbmusic.com; www.gvc.name; www.compasscoachinginternational.com. This newsletter is always located at www.blog.heartlandfellowship.ca. It is a summary of our Sunday morning church service which takes place at 9:00 a.m. at 7777 Churchville Rd., Brampton, ON.

Salting our Good Land by Gary Carter: Canada is 143 years old. Does any of her birthdays stick out to you e.g. her 100th in 1967? Where were you at the time? Even in those 43 years we have seen tremendous changes. The Carters received a new programmable thermometer the other day for their furnace/ac which is hooked to Hydro One via satellite so that if need be the city can change the temperature in our home in relation to electricity requirements for the day. Some changes may be good, some bad. The plastics in our oceans don’t decompose. Vast areas of the ocean now have water without oxygen. Apparently the water can recover itself with proper care. What can we do? We must become more serious about our world physically and spiritually. This week Gary hopes to obtain an appointment with our local city councillor to see if something can be done about speeders coming down the hill near us in Churchville and spinning out. One day a pedestrian will be unexpectedly hurt or killed and it will be particularly sad if that person is walking with a baby carriage. Since 1985 when the Brampton recycle program began we now recycle 70% of our garbage. Will our society get better? If Christians live as they should then yes. Jesus is recorded in Matthew 5: 13-16 (His sermon on the mount), “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. You are the light of the world … let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”

Hiding in Thee by Chris Burton: Are you acquainted with the old hymn below? It was written by William O. Cushing who lived from 1823 - 1902. He was born in Massacheusettes. He attended the Unitarian Church and tutored by the pastor; however later on he joined the Christian Church. At 18 he began to prepare himself for the ministry with his first pastorate being in Searsburg, NY where he met his wife, Hena Proper. They married in 1854 and served in different places in NY. He was a noble, sweet-spirited pastor, loved by young and old alike. Unfortunately, Mrs. Cushing’s health failed and she died in 1870. Then Mr. Cushing contracted a creeping paralysis so he had to go into retirement. He started writing Gospel poems as he needed to find something to do with the remainder of his life. This particular song began his hymn writing career. It grew out of his own sorrow and suffering. Mr. Sankey, well known for his hymnal at the time, had someone write music for it. The last 13 years of William’s life was in the care of others. He had no home but lots of friends.

O safe to the Rock that is higher than I,
My soul in its conflicts and sorrows would fly;
Alone I would perish, undone would I be;
Thou blest “Rock of Ages,” I’m hiding in Thee.
Refrain:
Hiding in Thee, hiding in Thee,
Thou blest “Rock of Ages,” I’m hiding in Thee.
In the calm of the noontide, in sorrow’s lone hour,
In times when temptation casts o’er me its pow’r;
In the tempests of life, on its wide, heaving sea,
Thou blest “Rock of Ages,” I’m hiding in Thee.
How oft in the conflict, when pressed by the foe,
I have fled to my Refuge and breathed out my woe;
How often, when trials like sea billows roll,
Have I hidden in Thee, O Thou Rock of my soul.

My Unique Design – Ephesians 2:10 - by Gary Carter: A book Gary is currently reading called, unChristian, comments that Christians in the US define themselves by what they don’t do. Isn’t it better to be known as a “good works” machine rather than a “non-swearing” machine? Our local mayor is calling for volunteers to help with the restoration of our local historical society. As a Christian would you participate for her sake or God’s? Let’s look at some more verses from the New Testament on good works.

I Timothy 5:9-10: These verses list the qualifications for a widow to receive welfare from the church. Since money was limited it was important that no one take advantage of this service. She was to help bring up children, not just her own (maybe for the people of God); she was to be known for her hospitality which is in disrepute in our day (most just go to Tim’s); there was washing of the feet of saints refers to demeaning tasks and hard work; helping those in trouble; and devoting her time to all kinds of other good deeds.

I Timothy 5:24-25: Good deeds are obvious; good deeds cannot be hidden.

I Timothy 6:17-19: Rich people in the church are often known as not being generous so it was important for this to be mentioned. Christians are frequently afraid of rich people. Rich Christians are not exempt at doing good deeds; they are used to having other people do things. Rich Christians are responsible to be rich in good deeds (above the norm).

2 Timothy 3:16-17: The Bible is inspired by God to equip you for good works. Its purpose is teaching, rebuking, correcting and training. It is not to make you feel better or happier.

Titus 2:14: The word, “eager” meaning zealous is used twice in this book in relation to good works. Our World Cup enthusiasts are a great example of being zealous. Jesus gave Himself to redeem us; Jesus gave Himself to purify us; and Jesus gave Himself to create eager good workers.

Titus 3:8: Good works take devotion (the root word = rule); good works are to be stressed (so you won’t head in the wrong direction and miss opportunities); and good works create excellence and profitability.

Titus 3:14: There are other benefits as well. Devotion to good works is learned. Devotion to good works leads to provision of daily necessities. Devotion to good works is necessary for a productive life.

So what good deeds did you do last week? Should these have been noticed? And what is your schedule like this week? It will get filled up with something. Why not take the rest of this day to figure out your plan for good works for this week?

De-Lighted Words by Steve Macdonald:
1. Isn’t it embarassing to be debriefed in public?
2. By constantly nagging her husband does that default him?
3. Does a butcher deliver a chicken?
4. After choosing the wrong floor on an elevator why can’t you depress the button?
5. After blowing out the candles on a cake, are they delighted?
6. Laryngitis will denoted a good singer every time.
7. If the Sergeant finds a Cadet still in bed, is it necessary to debunk him?