Hello:

“… God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them, and He has committed to us the message of reconciliation.” 2 Corinthians 5:19

Prime Minister David Cameron from the UK visited Prime Minister Stephen Harper in Ottawa last week. Gary and I were both struck by the commitment these gentlemen have for the good of each of their countries along with the precision performance of the soldiers outside at the War Museum. I am extremely grateful for the country I live in and for the Christ I serve Who is totally committed to you and me.

Please remember William. We have not heard from him in several weeks which may be good or bad news. He may have traveled to Chin State in northern Myanmar, his home region. We were able to send money to Richard this week for his son’s health needs and other ongoing financial concerns.

Our son, Rob and his music group (about 10 members) have been traveling throughout Turkey and have performed about ten gigs in shopping malls to crowds of 3-500 people and sometimes larger. Approximately 10% of listeners have filled out surveys for more information. On October 1 they move on to Kyrgystan for another two weeks before he heads home to Moosonee. Internet connection has been great for chatting with his family. Pray for ongoing safety and positive response from the people.

Home Group continues at the Burton home this Thursday and the following Thursday at 7:00 p.m. with prayer and the viewing of a new video on how to understand Islam better. Next Sunday’s service will carry on as usual even though Gary and I are away until October 8. Please e-mail Gary at gvc@kainos.org if you have a concern.

Are you available to attend a special meeting sponsored by Compass Coaching International on Tuesday, November 8 at 7:00 p.m. in Scarborough? Guest speaker will be Dr. Richard Swenson, a medical doctor with specialties in stress and the future, along with comedian Bob Cates. Why not invite a friend to come along with you? More details to follow.

Hope you enjoy the beauty of Fall this week since it has officially arrived.

Wendy

The Importance of Every Body Part by Frances Kerr & Gary Carter: Since we were discussing the planting of seeds last Sunday, Frances presented the following poem she likes.

The parts of the rosebush were deep in debate,
Over who was important and who really great!
Said the bloom to the rest, “I’m better than you.
I’m prettily scented and lovely to view.”

“Humph!” said the leaves. “You exist on our skill.
You couldn’t live long without our chlorophyll.”
“You dolts!” cried the stem. “You’d be dragging a mile
If you didn’t have me to support you in style.”

“Without us,” the roots scoffed, “you’d not be around.
We pipe food and water to you from the ground.”
Offended at not having fared quite so well,
The rose shook with rage ‘till her petals all fell.

The leaves turned their back to the sun
To create the green stuff that everyone used.
The stubborn stems sulked and vowed, “We’ll sag or bust.”
Then sent every bud toppling down in the dust.

Where upon the roots shut their valves off and said
“Rot! We quit – work for such ingrates – no we will not!”
A bug who had listened and thought well upon it
Said stingingly, “You have bees in your bonnet.
You are all important – you all must rely
On each part to do its job – else you’ll die
The weed will take over and years hense who knows
Perhaps no one will ever have heard of a rose.”

According to I Corinthians 12:12-31 we are all members of one body: everybody is their own gift. We all have a part to play in the life of our church particularly for integration of each other and ideas. Even 3-year old Carleigh Burton greets Frances with a “Good morning, Frances!” And Frances misses her small contribution when she is not there or forgets. Several years ago Gary lost his gall bladder which is a booster to the liver to help break down extra fat. Often after the loss of this little organ he would suffer instant diarrhea due to excess fat in food. That little organ was missed. What have you got to contribute to our church life? In the New Testament believers ate together which helped them to grow together. This is an important aspect of The Breakfast Church of Heartland Fellowship Baptist.

On The Mark by Debbie Macdonald: Prayer is the communication with God. Prayer is not principally for us to selfishly ask God for things (as in “give me this”), but to honour and glorify God by spending time with Him. In the Gospel of Mark, we see Jesus pray five times (Mark 1:35; 6:46; 14:35; 14:39; 15:34). In these examples of Jesus praying in Mark, twice we do not know what His prayer is about (Mark 1:35/6:46). Twice He prays that God’s wrath be taken away from Him, yet He submits to God’s will (Mark 14:35; 14:39). And the final prayer while on the cross, He is speaking to God asking why He has been forsaken (Mark 15:34).
Prayer, properly understood, is a conversation with God. Jesus demonstrates that prayer is not to be a big display of pomp and circumstance (Mark 12:39-40), just a conversation between you and God. In Mark 1 and 6, He either gets up before everyone else to pray or He finds a place where He can be alone. In both instances where we see Jesus pray in Mark 14, He is once again alone during His prayers. Although He brought some of His disciples with Him, they are told to stay at a distance. In Mark 15, Jesus again has a conversation with God, asking God why He had been forsaken - not asking to be spared, to have the torment end or the pain go away. It was just another simple conversation. Even in a weakened state, beaten, crucified and near death, Jesus’ first priority is to have a conversation with His Father.
In Mark 9:29; 11:24; 11:25; and 14:38, Jesus teaches us the “how or what” of prayer. He tells us that anything is possible if we believe that through prayer we will receive what we are asking for (faith in the Father); whether it is casting out demons or telling a mountain to move through His authority and our faith in Him - His will be done. We are also taught that we should forgive others so we too can be forgiven (love your neighbour as yourself). As well, we gain insight into the fact that if we spend our time in prayer, we will not fall into temptation (14:38 - fellowship with God). Prayer is a conversation between you and God. It is not for the purpose of asking for anything for you, but for you to have fellowship with Him. It is not a one way conversation; you speak to Him, His Spirit speaks to you. (if you listen). Prayer is not meant to draw attention to yourself; it is a quiet time between you and God. Through regular prayer, you may be able to resist temptation through being strengthened by Him. All things are possible through belief and prayer; nothing is impossible without prayer. Have you had a good conversation today?

To Rome by Steve Macdonald: Paul travelled to Rome via Caesarea, Sidon, Myra, Cnidus, Fair Havens, Malta, Syracuse, Rhegium, and Puteoli. This journey is described by Luke in Acts 27:1 to 28:16. The trip began during the fall season in 59 AD and they arrived in Rome in 60AD. Some say the trip was between 60-61 AD. In Caesarea Luke is with him (Acts 27:1 – “we”) plus Julius (centurion - Acts 27:1), Aristarchus (Acts 27:2), Philip the evangelist, and maybe his daughters and Mnason. In Sidon there were Luke, Aristarchus, Julius, friends, and how about Sidon church people? Paul spent a week in Tyre while returning to Jerusalem on his third mission (Acts 21:3-4), only 20 miles south of Sidon. Paul also travelled this region with Barnabas just after his first mission and prior to his second mission (Acts 15:3). What were the fruits of these travels? No one is mentioned in Myra, Cnidus or Fair Favens except for an angel of God (Acts 27:23-24). In Malta there was Luke (“we – us”) and Publius (Acts 28:7) and possibly Aristarchus. No people were recorded from Syracuse, Rhegium or Puteoli.
In summary Paul’s companions or associates were Luke, Aristarchus, Julius, Publius and family, Philip and family, numerous un-named friends, and 276 ship mates. He travelled 2,250 miles, encountered a hurricane at sea (Acts 27:13-26), participated in a 14 day fast (Acts 27:33) and suffered a ship wreck (Acts 27:41) and a snake bite (Acts 28:3). After all of the things he has endured Paul can state in the middle of the storm to 276 people who have not eaten in 14 days, and have been battered on a ship for 14 days, that he has faith in God (Acts 27:25). Faith is a confident belief in the truth, value, or trustworthiness of a person, idea, or thing. It is a belief that does not rest on logical proof or material evidence; it is a loyalty to a person or thing. It is used 254 times in the New Testament and 16 times in the Old Testament (New International Version) or 245 times in the New Testament and 2 times in the Old Testament (King James Version). Check out Romans 3:24. We live in an incredible world compared to days gone by with resources such as Strong’s (every word numbered), Young’s or Cruden’s Concordances to learn these details.

Obstructed View by Gary Carter: Peoples’ views are obstructed by themselves or by others. Even though they are broken they can be renewed. Paul was not ashamed of the Gospel (Romans 1:16). He went through many valleys and came up the other side. Unfortunately at the end of this chapter (verses 28-32) we read that man is filled with much evil and wickedness. A list of 22 items follows: wickedness, evil, greed (manipulate the world to get), depravity, envy (wanting to be in different circumstances), murder, strife (one upmanship), deceit, malice (deep-seated meanness), gossip (idle talk without facts), slander (misdescribe), God-haters (don’t want a relationship with God), insolent (insulting), arrogant, boastful, inventively evil (e.g. homosexuality), disobey parents, no understanding, no fidelity(no loyalty), no love, no mercy, and approval of evil. We shouldn’t be surprised by what people can do. In our world people don’t believe they need a Saviour. Disgusting behaviour will sneek out of their brain cells. Many look for approval and are dressed up in a nice veneer. Pray that we all may be able to show them how much they need salvation.

They Were Punny Yesterday by Steve Macdonald:
O What a Relief! by Al Kaseltzer
It’s a Shocker by E. Letrizity
Passing Gas by Aida Burrito
Lewis Caroll by Alison Wonderland
Bit on the Leg by Anton Manie
Golfer’s Sandwich by B.L. Tee
I Love Wills by Benny Fishery
Houses, Offices and Apartments by Bill Ding
A Boxing Cornerman’s Story by Dawson DeTowel