BRISBANE NORTH & SUNSHINE COAST ZONE Wed. 4th Sept 2024

Hosts: St. Mark’s Ladies Fellowship Caloundra. Theme “Reaching out with Love” Prov. 31: 8-9.

In the absence of Pres. Ruth Geitz – Caloundra Pres. Narelle Jefferd read greetings from Ruth and the LWQ Sec. Avalon Hall. The morning opened with singing “How deep the Father’s love”

Pr Ray Morris in his Devotion encouraged us to be strong – stay alert – Stand firm – Reaching out, let all that you do be done in Love. Pr Ray told of the lady who lives across the road and tidies the outside of their church. She does this with love AGAPE – meaning love that Christians show for all people.  

Each Fellowship explained the meaning of their Banner. Who made them and the year they were made. Also the Zone Banner designed by graphic designer, Mike Seaman, Vi Lange’s son-in-law.  Meaning the silhouette of the church is taller than the backdrop of the Glasshouse Mountains and the strips of sand and water represent the lifeblood of nature and the Church. 

Guest Speaker:- Nerilee Sowter, a partnership manager working for Destiny Rescue here in Qld. While the trafficking of children still exists, she wants to keep being a voice for vulnerable children and encouraging Australians to become a part of the solution and not a part of the problem. She outlined the horrors of the sexual exploitation and trafficking of children. Destiny Rescue began in 2001 with founder Tony Kirwan after listening to stories knew God put the vision in his heart, he dreams of a time when children can go to bed to sleep, and not “work”. Today the campaign has grown into a worldwide organization dedicated to rescuing children and helping them stay free. Together fighting through rescue and reintegration programs in lots of countries. Statistics show 59 percent of children trafficked are from the Asia Pacific region. $99 billion is generated each year.

The offering of $817.00 was given to help the work of Destiny Rescue.

“Reaching out in love” was Spiritual Advisor Jill Schefe’s theme for closing devotion. Today we have been given an S.O.S. alert on the vulnerability of children. “Who are these tragic and needy people” we ask. The truth is we are all poor, when it comes to God.  But we are forgiven and rescued through Baptism – where we confess our sin, we are forgiven through the water of the Holy Spirit.  As a response to God’s great love for us, we reach out in love, we speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves for the rights of all who are destitute, We speak out and judge fairly, defend the rights of the poor and needy.

Reporter: Pam Flesser.