Over the past year Wesley Mission and I have been in talks. They have approached me to be the Chaplain at Edward Eager Lodge as the current Pastor their will be relinquishing his duties next year. We are still working out detail about all this. However it is confirmed with Wesley and myself that I will be there. This will begin as part time capacity (probably 2 daysa week) as CPC (my current Church) still requires my services, at least in the interim. Hence I will possibly continue working for CPC probably 1 day a week.
Please pray for wisdom in these areas. There is still much detail to work out including how Thursday Bible study may fit into this.
Wesley has communicated to me that they happy for and want to encourage other people/congregations to take part in the Tuesday night ministry.
Please pray that God will use me to achieve his will in these areas.
If anyone has questions or comments email , sms or phone me.
Thanks again for your prayers.
Michael
0417 455 292
This site will normally be updated weekly Email Contact: michael-tang@optusnet.com.au
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Have a joyous Christmas 5th Dec Thursday 2013
Hi everyone,
Thanks for your prayers throughout the year. Today was
the last Thursday Bible study meeting tell next year. I will still be meeting
people on Tuesdays in between being away.
13 people came through our doors. We had a celebration
lunch today. In typical Chinese fashion we provided dim sum, har gau, char sil
bau and noodles.
10 people stayed for Bible study and everyone was in a
good state of mind. I also gave out presents.
I would like to take this opportunity to Thank all who
have participated and supported SHUM
throughout the year. This mission
can only continue with your support, through prayer and participation. This I
believe is a partnership just as Paul refers to in his letter to the
Philippians.
Phil 1:4 In all my prayers
for all of you, I always pray with joy
Phil 1:5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the
first day until now
To everyone out there
have a joyous Christmas that may grow you even closer to Him.
Thanks
Michael
Thursday, November 28, 2013
November SHUM Team
Hi everyone.
Thanks to the November SHUM Team. Thank you for their participation and support. I look forward to serving with you next year. I hope you were challenged, encouraged and learnt many things during the month.
Thanks
Michael
Thanks to the November SHUM Team. Thank you for their participation and support. I look forward to serving with you next year. I hope you were challenged, encouraged and learnt many things during the month.
Thanks
Michael
Peace Thursday 28th November 2013
Hi everyone
Today 7 people attended bible discussion. We were
short a few regulars and people are probably at other functions as well Thank
and praise God that the guy who wanted to pick a fight with me a few weeks ago and whom met up with me on Sunday came today in a good state of mind. He stayed and participated in the bible
study and enjoyed himself
Continue to pray for him and the rest of the group that God's word will transform their lives.
Next Thursday will be our last meeting for the year. Pray that God will continue to sustain the group through the break.
Faithful helpers today were Margaret and Ann.
Thanks
Michael
Monday, November 25, 2013
Gracious God Sunday 26th November
Hi
everyone,
Just wanted to share with you that
the guy who I told you about a couple of weeks ago who was disruptive and tried to pick a with fight me, came to
the service at Edward Eager on Sunday. In fact by God's grace he arrived just as I was about to preach. He listened and learnt and concentrated intently. I could see this by his responses. Later that
afternoon I returned to the church I attend for a meeting. After the meeting he up with me again.We spent time
together and spoke more about the passage I talked about at Edward Eager Lodge.
He was also sorry for his previous behaviour. I think it took him a lot of
courage and some alcohol to get over the shame and guilt and return to see me. I
encouraged him that the past is the past and there will always be times like
this but he must remember he will always be welcomed back when he was in the
state of mind he was in on Sunday.
Thanks for your prayers
.
God is gracious and continues to
work in people even when they are not with us
PLEASE PRAY
Next week I am meeting up with Wesley mission, who own Edward Eager Lodge. I will be meeting with the two top people who run Wesley. This meeting has the potential to impact SHUM, I hope in a good way. Please pray that this meeting will be productive and serve to grow God's kingdom. Pray also for myself that God will give me wisdom in the way I respond to questions and proposals.
Thanks
Michael
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Thursday 21 November 2013
Hi everyone
Thanks for
your prayers. Two guys who can be a handful did not attend today and a couple
of other regulars were also away.
Despite
this 12 people came through our doors today. However 3 were late and came in at
prayer time which also meant they stayed longer. God was gracious to me,as I
was feeling extremely tired today but picked up fine in order to lead the
study/talk. Danielle and Ray whom some of you have met on Tuesday nights were also there
today.
Please
continue to pray for the group especially the two guys I have mentioned previously who can be a handful.
Margaret and Ann were faithful helpers today with Roxan cooking a great lunch.
Thanks
Michael
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Welcome Peace Thursday 14th November 2013
Hi everyone
Thanks for
your prayers. They were definitely answered. In comparison to last week, today
was relatively peaceful.
11 people
stayed for Bible Study and this did not include two people who came in and
then left. I will mention more later.
A lady whom
I know, who has not been before. came in but was put off by a guy I have spoken of previously, who has a very sharp tongue. She left, after a comment from him. This
happened before our meeting had started. People were sitting around chatting. However
she did say, that mentally she was not going too well and that’s why she
was leaving. She did not think she could handle any more comments like that.
The other
guy who last week wanted to pick a fight with me did not attend today. In a way I am thankful as he is still
probably not going well and God is being gracious to me amd the Thursday group
in his absenteeism.
Please also
pray for another guy who attended and then walked out. He used to come very
regularly on Thursdays and Sundays and meet with me . However since then his
mental state of mind has deteriorated. Please pray he will recover and return
to the Lord. He says he will try and
come on Sunday to meet up with me.
Faithful helpers
today were Margaret, Ann and Thomas. Please thank God for their support
Thanks for
your prayers they definitely make a difference.
Michael
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
A Tough Day 7th Thursday November 2013
Hi
everyone,
Thanks for
your prayers. Your prayers were answered regarding Matthew he behaved today
10 people
attended Bible study.
Unfortunately
one guy who came was mentally, not doing well. He arrived very early and
fortunately after encouragement sat outside for most of the Bible study. However
he did come in at the end during prayer. He stayed for quite a while and I had
to ask him to leave which he was unhappy about and then wanted to pick a fight
with me.
By God’s
grace he left without altercation but his verbal abuse continued.
Believe it
or not he does come to see me regularly and does believe but clearly today he
was mentally not well.
Please
continue to pray for the group, as you see it needs more than my help but God’s
intervention.
Thanks
again
Michael
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Peace Thursday 31st October 2013
Hi everyone
Thanks for
your support, participation and prayers this month. I hope that you were
challenged by many things but also challenged to share the gospel with people.
Today God
was extremely gracious
It was a
peaceful and enjoyable day. 11 people attended Bible study today. One guy who sees me regularly has many problems
alcohol is one of them. He was able to concentrate the entire afternoon and
thoroughly enjoyed and learnt from the session. Praise God
Only one
problem occurred which I would really like you to pray about. There is another
guy who comes regularly. He is intelligent quick and has very good knowledge of
the Bible. He confesses to being a believer.
However he
is extremely sharp, even vindictive with
his comments. He only needs to speak a couple of words and those words will
cause damage. Whilst the other guy was sharing during the study (in reference to
living a life worthy of Jesus) , he said to him ‘pity that does not work with
alchohol’. God was gracious and the other guy either did not hear him or
ignored him. However if he had not been in such a good mood and heard him, world
war III would have broken out.
Please pray
that God would silence this man’s tongue and that God would work in him to
transform his life.
Thanks
Michael
October SHUM
Thanks to the October SHUM team for participating and supporting the ministry this month. It was great to meet and serve with you all. I look forward to serving with you in the future.
Thanks Michael
Thanks Michael
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Thursday 24th October 2013
Hi everyone
Today 10
people attended Bible study. I was really thankful to God as two people who
had been regulars and who had not been for the past two months attended today. Please
pray that God will stabilise their mental state so that they will
continue to attend.
One of them
stayed behind to talk to me and share what has been happening with him. Pray
that God will give him strength to overcome the temptations which face him
daily at the place he is boarding at.
Please also
pray that God’s Word will transform the group and that God will use
me to speak to them.
I look
forward to seeing you on Sunday and thanks for your prayers, God continues to
answer them.
I Thank God
also for helpers today Margaret, Ann and Thomas. Their help is invaluable to
me.
Thanks
Michael
Thursday, October 17, 2013
God's Grace Thursday 17th October 2013
God’s Grace
It was an
interesting day today with 4 women arriving at 12 to attend today’s meeting (we
don’t start unitil 1pn). Another woman also attended as well as a couple of
guys who had not been for a year. Hence there were 5 new people. God was
gracious as many regulars were away today. Which menat with the extra people we
would have enough food. However this
meant that 13 people still came through our doors
3 of the
women did not stay for Bible discussion. Most were staying in women’s refuges.
One of the
ladies who did stay though spoke to me after and was interested on meeting me
on Sunday for Bible study. Please pray she will attend. She also had with her
two children who were so well behaved I could carry on with our meeting as
normal. Again praise God for His grace.
Please pray
also that the regulars will return as well.
I was also
fortunate to have Ann , Margaret and Thomas as helpers. Another lady from
another function on at Church today also helped me out before Ann , Margaret
and Thomas arrived.
Praise God
again for His grace.
Thanks you
for your prayers
Michael
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Thanks SHUM September Team
Hi all,
Just wanted to thank the September SHUM team. Please forgive my tardiness. The last few weeks has been a little hectic.
Anyway through Lei we also have a new trolley which I was thinking of replacing. So God provided this through Lei and the September team. We also have more gospel books which is great.
Thanks
Michael
Just wanted to thank the September SHUM team. Please forgive my tardiness. The last few weeks has been a little hectic.
Anyway through Lei we also have a new trolley which I was thinking of replacing. So God provided this through Lei and the September team. We also have more gospel books which is great.
Thanks
Michael
We're Backkk Thursday 10th October 2013
Hi
everyone,
Thanks for
your prayers. Today is the first week back after a 2 week recess for the group.
9 people attended with a few regulars still being away. There were 3 helpers
today which is great. Thomas who has become a regular and Margaret and Ann who
have been regular helpers for a long time. Lunch was most appreciated and
provided by Rose from the Church I attend.
I want to
praise and thank God today for bringing back a guy who has been lost mentally
for the past 6 months. He was a s regular to all the Bible studies I was
holding for a long time. His thinking and commitment was great he was just as
you or I. However something happened whether he stopped taking medication
coupled with smoking pot mentally he just lost it. He went from stable job and
home and committed believer to homeless and no job and no consistency with
Bible study. Today he stayed for almost the whole session. Praise God who has
answered our prayers.
Please
continue to pray for him.
Today was
relatively peaceful and we also shared in communion
Thanks
again
Michael
Thursday, September 19, 2013
A peaceful day 19 Sept 2013
Hi
everyone,
Thanks for
your prayers! Today was a much quieter and peaceful day. I prepared a few
passages on forgiveness I was hoping that would sit well with everyone. God was
gracious and I had planned to talk more sternly about last weeks mess but this
seemed unnecessary today. God was gracious I just hope and pray that they
understand about the forgiveness we have in Jesus and if we truly are grateful
for this then we will treat others the same.
Realistically
they have probably already forgotten about last week.
I have also
told them we will be in two weeks of recess from Thursday Bible study and will
be back on the 10th of October. Pray for their return. I have others
ministry matters I need to attend to during these next couple of weeks.
Today 10
people entered through our doors. One guy was new but unfortunately could not
stay for Bible study.
Pray he
will return another time. Another guy who regular comes called me and said he
could not make it today.
One lady who has recently been attending from the Tuesday night crowd came again today. She even brought a friend. Pray she will continue to attend
Thanks for
your prayers everyone. Your prayers are critical and vital to this ministry.
Thanks
Michael
Thursday, September 12, 2013
Prayer Needed as war breaks out in our group 12th Sept 2013
Thanks for your prayers. However please
continue to pray this group definitely need
PRAYER.
Today the Presbyterian General assembly was
meeting at our Church. This did not necessarily help matters as we had to use a
smaller room and many people were walking around asking where things were.
Through God’s grace 12 people attended Bible
discussion. This did not include one who arrived late and left.
Today was a torrid and tough day. One man came
in a bad mood and unstable mentally. At the end of discussion he picked an
argument with another person and that person retaliated. They almost came to blows. There was also another
argument during prayer which developed into some nasty abuse. They guy who was
not going well also picked arguments with others, who responded with snide
comments.
After everyone left I spent some 40 minutes
listening to him but unfortunately he was still angry and aggressive.
The lady who arrived late left as I think
tension and arguments were occurring by then. Pray she will return.
It was a rough day and clearly much prayer is
needed.
Its hard to believe some are definitely
believers and yet are brought very quickly to verbal abuse of each other.
One lady who attended, was her first time
there. Pray she too will return.
Please pray that next week people will attend
in a more stable state of mind with forgiveness in their hearts.
Thanks Michael
Thursday, September 5, 2013
Thursday 5th Sept 2013
Hi
everyone.
Thanks for
your prayers
Today 9 people came through our doors. However 2
had to leave due to previous engagements. It was nice though they wanted to say
hello and we prayed for them.
One lady who
comes regularly each week , has had her
daughter and grandson attending regularly the past two months. Well today her granddaughter
also attended.
Pray that her granddaughter will return sometime in the future as she is travelling to NZ for a
holiday.
Today we
had communion and her grandson would not take communion as her had an
altercation with a friend and he wanted to rectify that first.
I am
thankful that he listens to what I say before communion. As I request them to think
carefully through their sin and seek forgiveness before taking communion.
Praise and
thank God that he is working in their lives and pray he will continue to do so.
Please
continue to encourage people on Tuesday night to attend Thursdays gathering.
I will be
meeting with two others for Bible study on Friday 5-6pm before meeting and
running the youth programme at the Church I attend at 6pm. Please pray for this
too.
Thanks
Michael
Thursday, August 29, 2013
A Busy day Thursday 29th August 2013
Hi
everyone,
Today was a
very busy day with 15 people coming through our doors and all but 1 staying for
the Bible study. However that one person came to see me early and I spent time
with him. He has just came off detox and has been off alcohol for 7 days so
please commit him to your prayers. He has spent something like 35 years with alcohol.
The 15 people did not include faithful helpers Margaret, Ann and Thomas who are of course priceless in the things which they do to help out each Thursday.
The 15 people did not include faithful helpers Margaret, Ann and Thomas who are of course priceless in the things which they do to help out each Thursday.
Things
today ran relatively smoothly. Smoothly but busy with so many people. Strangely enough we are
still missing some regulars.
Please pray
for 3 guys who have been meeting with me regularly for Bible study until
recent. Two are suffering from depression and the third praise God has been
working. However this has been interfering with him being able to meet me for Bible study. Please pray that our times
will sort out and coincide.
Thanks
again for your support and participation
Michael
August SHUM Team
Thanks to the August SHUM team for their support,prayer and participation.
I hope you were all challenged and encouraged. I also hope that I will continue to see you at SHUM in the future.
Thanks again
Michael
I hope you were all challenged and encouraged. I also hope that I will continue to see you at SHUM in the future.
Thanks again
Michael
Thursday, August 22, 2013
A Quiet Day Thursday 22nd August
Hi
everyone,
Thanks for
your prayers. On Thursday we were missing many people. 6 showed for Bible study
and two of them were sick with colds. Others had also not come due to illness.
That time of year I guess. However we still had Bible study and for me it was a
welcomed break to the normal business of the afternoon that 10-12 people generally
brings. Not to mention attitudes and state of mind.
Please
continue to pray for the group and continue to encourage and invite people to
attend from Tuesday night.
If you
could pray for one guy he accepted Jesus earlier this year and was meeting
regularly with me but has not been doing so as of late. It seems he is quite
ashamed of his physical appearance as he has put on some weight and this
coupled with his mental state this is preventing him from attending. Satan will use
any means to stop the gospel. Please keep him in your prayers.
Thanks
Michael
Thursday, August 15, 2013
God's grace Thursday 15th August 2013
Hi
everyone,
Today 11
people attended Bible study not including another person who arrived late after
everyone left. I did a short Bible study with him and then we both left.
One guy,
who comes regularly was in a very sorry state today as he got himself
temporarily banned from Edward Eager Lodge. He came today and I encouraged him
to stay and sit in. God was gracious and despite his mental state he sat
through the whole session. Praise God! Many times in fact he cannot sit in and just
comes and goes when he can handle it and I encourage him to do this.
We also had
communion after Bible study today. He went to sit outside and listened from
there. He felt guilty for his prevous behaviour and did not want to partake in
communion. I encouraged him and took the bread and juice outside where he was
and he ate and drank with us from there. He was very touched and so sorry and
emotional. However he ended up thoroughly enjoying the day and was the last one
to leave.
As I was
driving out the Church I stopped for the traffic and the lady crossing the
street was one who had been to Thursdays and Tuesday’s a couple of times . She
has a very sick daughter. It was hard to recognise her as she was dressed in a
suit like any normal office woman and that’s exactly what she is doing now.
Things are going better for them both. She hopes to catch up with me on a
Tuesday or Thursday. Please pray she has some time to do this.
Thanks
again for your prayers and praise God as he indeed is very gracious.
Michael
Thursday, August 8, 2013
Wet and Cold Thursday 8th August 2013
Hi everyone
Thanks for
your prayers. Please continue to pray for Thursdays meetings and the people who attend.
Despite the wet and cold weather today 12
people came through our doors. One could not stay for the Bible study as he had
a doctors appointment. Most were in a good state of mind and those who were
not, were not disruptive at all. Praise God.
At present
we have a mother her daughter and her grandson attending regularly. Today one
person who attended had not been for well over a year. It was good to see her
return
Please
continue to pray for the group.
Rose from the Church I attend provided lunch and faithful helpers were Margaret and Thomas.
Thanks
Michael
Sunday, August 4, 2013
Encouraging
One guy who
I met early in the year has come to
accept Jesus. Since then he has been meeting with me for Bible study either on
a Tuesday or Thursday. He recently acquired accommodation at Maroubra. Another
guy I met while speaking at Edward Eager lodge also recently accepted Jesus. He
also has been coming on Tuesdays or Thursdays to Bible study. By God’s grace he
also recently found accommodation and it was in the same place as the guy I
first mentioned. They now pray and read the Bible together at their new home.
Others from
the same block have also been asking them questions about Christianity. Some of
these people asking questions also know me from Tuesday nights. Now what the
two are doing is taking the Bible study we do on Thursdays making notes and
taking some of the other people from their block through it when they have
questions.
Praise God.
Michael
Thursday, August 1, 2013
Follow up on the man who needed the Ambulance
Two Tuesdays ago A man passed out in front of me. We called the ambulance and by the time the ambulance had arrived he ahd passed out another 3 or 4 times. Speaking with him recently his fainting were due to hearts attacks and when he was in the ambulance he was defibrillated as his heart stopped. Last Tuesday during the day he called me and he could find no accommodation so he wanted to travel to Melbourne where he could rent a friends place. I met him later and bought him a train ticket to Melbourne.
We spoke and prayed. I encouraged him to attend a Christian group and Church as his friend it seems is a believer. I emphasised that God had saved his life for a reason and part of that was to know and be in a relationship with him. He an has understanding of the Bible and Jesus and says he believes.
Please pray for him that he will return to God and renew and or follow up his relationship with the Lord.
Thanks
Michael
We spoke and prayed. I encouraged him to attend a Christian group and Church as his friend it seems is a believer. I emphasised that God had saved his life for a reason and part of that was to know and be in a relationship with him. He an has understanding of the Bible and Jesus and says he believes.
Please pray for him that he will return to God and renew and or follow up his relationship with the Lord.
Thanks
Michael
Peace Thursday 1st August 2013
Hi everyone
Thanks for your prayers as well as supporting and
participating in SHUM with me. I hope it was a beneficial experience for you
and encourage you to continue to fuel your enthusiasm for seeing the gospel
proclaimed.
Today 14 people came and stayed. Out of those 14 were
two new people. One I met at Edward Eager Lodge on Sunday and invited him the
other came from an invitation from one of the regulars. Today we also had 3 of
the regulars missing from sickness and doctors appointment.
God was so gracious that he brought all these people
and on top of this most were in a good peaceful state of mind. Another guy who
attends regularly but is normally unable to sit through the whole session
stayed the entire time today.. Praise
God for these few gems.
Zacky from the Church I attend provided a great lunch.
Margaret and Thomas (recent helper) again provided invaluable help.
Praise God for today
Michael
July SHUM
Thanks to the team from July SHUM.
It was great having people from UTS Credo particpate. I hope this is a pattern for the furture. I hope you learnt many things and were challenged by just as many. Thanks also to Benny who has help out the last 2 months.
Thanks you for your support and particpation everyone.
Michael
It was great having people from UTS Credo particpate. I hope this is a pattern for the furture. I hope you learnt many things and were challenged by just as many. Thanks also to Benny who has help out the last 2 months.
Thanks you for your support and particpation everyone.
Michael
Friday, July 26, 2013
Rescue Friday
Hi everyone,
Here is an interesting update to the guy I placed in the ambulance on Tuesday Nightl. The guy we put in the ambulance called me yesterday . He has been moved to Gorman house but will have to there upon Doctors approval.
He was very grateful to me as the ambulance officers said he would have died if we had not got the ambulance . In the ambulance his heart stopped again and they had to defibrillate him.
He is trying to get and needs accommodation so I referred him to Edward eager lodge so I should see him on Sunday as I will be at the lodge this Sunday. He does not get paid till later in the week so I said I would pay for his first week at Edward eager lodge if he can get in. He could be pulling a swifty but clearly his health is bad so I am willing to help out.
I think he is a believer and he intends to come on Sunday and to bible study on Tuesday and Thursday. However I have heard this all before so let's just see if he fronts on Sunday.
Please pray for this situation.
Also on Friday I had to see a regular to bible study. He was depressed with the flu and had not eaten for 2 days. So I took him so food and panadol and prayed for him. Also gave him money for the train so if he is well enough he should be there on Sunday too.
Please pray for both these people. Another person also rang me on Friday needing help but I had to reorganize my times and due to this we missed each other by an hour is so. Must have been rescue Friday
Please continue to pray that God works in the lives of these people to bring them to a saving knowledge of him.
Thanks Michael
Here is an interesting update to the guy I placed in the ambulance on Tuesday Nightl. The guy we put in the ambulance called me yesterday . He has been moved to Gorman house but will have to there upon Doctors approval.
He was very grateful to me as the ambulance officers said he would have died if we had not got the ambulance . In the ambulance his heart stopped again and they had to defibrillate him.
He is trying to get and needs accommodation so I referred him to Edward eager lodge so I should see him on Sunday as I will be at the lodge this Sunday. He does not get paid till later in the week so I said I would pay for his first week at Edward eager lodge if he can get in. He could be pulling a swifty but clearly his health is bad so I am willing to help out.
I think he is a believer and he intends to come on Sunday and to bible study on Tuesday and Thursday. However I have heard this all before so let's just see if he fronts on Sunday.
Please pray for this situation.
Also on Friday I had to see a regular to bible study. He was depressed with the flu and had not eaten for 2 days. So I took him so food and panadol and prayed for him. Also gave him money for the train so if he is well enough he should be there on Sunday too.
Please pray for both these people. Another person also rang me on Friday needing help but I had to reorganize my times and due to this we missed each other by an hour is so. Must have been rescue Friday
Please continue to pray that God works in the lives of these people to bring them to a saving knowledge of him.
Thanks Michael
Thursday, July 25, 2013
God's grace through a brother Thursday 25th July 2013
Hi
everyone,
Thanks for
your prayers. I managed to struggle through Bible study which was good and God
was very gracious. One guy was not going well and attended and started arguing
with others in the group. He walked out. Fortunately a friend through SHUM
turned up today to help out and he spent time talking to him while I took the Bible
study.
Then after
Bible study I was able to speak and share with him and he left later in good
spirits.
God
provides.
God brought 12 people through the church doors today with 2 people having to leave before we
started. However we prayed for them as usual and it was great to see their
commitment to want to come and spend some time with us today.
Please continue
to pray that God and his word will speak to their hearts and transform their
lives.
Thanks
Michael
God's grace even when we do not deserve it Tuesday evening 23rd July
Hi everyone
Last
Tuesday evening- though it has been cold people have still been meeting us on
Tuesday nights. One fellow I met on Tuesday night who was not so familiar with Sydney came straight from
hospital. He was upset and was suppose to meet up with the Mission Beat bus but
was not sure of the meeting point. I calmed and rang mission beat they knew of
him and the bus had been but not found him. I told them where he was and gave
them my contact number and they would send a bus in 20-40 mins.
The man was
grateful and relaxed and we prayed. 5 minutes later whilst talking to him he
blanked out with his eyes open I searched for a pulse and tried to snap him out
of this state. I quickly got someone to ring for an ambulance while I was doing
this. Fortunately he came to. However this happened another 3 or 4 times before
the ambulance arrived. In between time Mission
beat also arrived.
By God’s
grace the ambulance arrived and the man was taken to hospital. He is ok and has
since been discharged.
Praise God for he watches over us constantly
Thanks
Michael
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Thursday 18th July 2013
Hi
everyone,
Thanks
for your prayers.
On
Tuesday afternoon 2 people came to have Bible study with me. It was a good time
of fellowship.
Today
(Thursday) 12 people came to Bible study today. However one left before we
started . He did the same last week. He was not going well mentally. Please
pray for his mental state as he will see the doctor to review his medications
this week.
Praise
God also for a guy who attended from Tuesday nights invitations. It was his
first time with us today.
One guy who have I have been blogging about and has
been struggling the last two months managed to sit through some of the study
today. He listened and enjoyed his time with the group today. I also spent some
time with him after as well. Please pray for him too as he with a friend of his
maybe going to by themselves try and detox him.
Praise
God also for 3 other new people whom attended today. One of our regulars brought them. Pray that they may return.
Praise
and thanks to God who brought people in today as well as everyone attending in
a good state of mind. I was very grateful.
I
thank God for the opportunity to speak from God’s word which highlighted it is only by faith in Jesus
that we are saved. Pray that God may impact the lives of the new people that
attended today.
Thanks
for your prayers as today again they were answered.
Thanks
also to helper Margaret from my Church and Roxan who provided a great lunch
Thanks
everyone.
Michael
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Thursday 11th July 2013
Hi
everyone,
Thanks for
your prayers. Today started slow but by the time for Bible study started 7
people had arrived and stayed. Two others also came to see me but could not
stay for the study. They normally do but one of them did not feel well. We
studied Galations 4:8-20 and could see how hard Paul was working to bring the Galatians
back to Christ. This prompted us to pray for those semi regulars who had not attended
today. As we counted the list there were at least 10 people we needed to pray
for who were semi regulars through our doors. Some like some of the Galations had also gone astray, some mentally, some physically and some both.
One fellow
who has been experiencing many problems and sees me regularly was not there
today and this is a worry so please pray for him. I also visited a person I had
lent a camp stretcher to because she had just got a place through DOH and had
no bed. I then found out through her that a couple of people who recently have
been coming to Thursdays Bible study and were not there today, were very ill.
Fortunately I had some left over food from today, so I asked the lady, I lent
the stretcher to, to give it to them. God was truly gracious.
Please
continue to pray for these people as it is clear that much prayer is needed for each person’s
life and for them to either accept Jesus or continue in him.
Thanks
Michael
Thursday, July 4, 2013
Thursday 4th July 2013
Hi
everyone,
Thank you
for your prayers. They were certainly answered. After Thursday Bible study
being in recess the last two weeks, today was our first week back. Its hard to
know what to expect. Today started very slowly with 4 people arriving by 1pm.
However by the time we began Bible study 12 people had entered through the
doors.
We had
Bible study and communion today. Today ran relatively smoothly, Praise God.
This was however quite different from the last few times we have met.
Please pray
for one guy whom I managed to convince to come early and then return to speak to me
after people left. He returned near the end in group prayer. He even apologised
to another fellow there that he had picked a fight with a couple of weeks ago.
However he is not well mentally and hence
also physically. Pray that we can have wisdom to encourage him to receive the correct help he needs.
Praise God
for His guiding influence today and your prayers.
Thanks
Michael
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Thursday 13th June
Hi everyone
Well today
was as always eventful. Today 10 people came through the doors 1 of them turned
up late. We shared in the Bible study as well as communion. One guy who
attended was there in very bad shape mentally and physically.
Unfortunately
he picked a fight with the guy who arrived late and I needed to intervene. Fortunately
no fighting took place.
Please pray
about this as this is a real concern as the guy he had the altercation with may
not return because of this. Please also pray for wisdom for myself so I can
seek some resolution to this as it is happening quite regularly. I will be away
for a week and a half so Thursdays will be in recess for two weeks. Hopefully
this will calm things down.
Out of the
people who attended today 2 were new and one guy has not been for a while. He
only comes when he is not at work. However he has been retrenched and not well
as he has cancer and it is advanced.
Pray that
he will return when I come back from holidays and that his cancer if not healed
will not bring suffering.
Please pray
that God will sustain the people who attend Thursdays and that they will
remember to return when I return.
Thanks
Michael
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Sunday and Tuesday (9th and 11th June)
Hi everyone,
The Church I attend currently is undergoing renovations. On Sunday morning two people turned up to see me. Both were distraught and 1) I did not know if they both could tolerate each other in their currect mental state 2) where could we meet privately to pray and if possible read God's word and 3) were the number of people at Church going to increase their anxiety
As it worked out it was a sunny day and we moved off Church premises to the street. Here we chatted I shared from some passages and they shared their thoughts . It was a great time of fellowship reading and discussing God's word together then ending in prayer. Praise God.
On Tuesday I normally open the afternoon for if people want to meet to have biblestudy and prayer. Normally it is only 1 person at the most 2 today 4 people decided to come. Praise God again.
Where this will lead I do not know but pray that God's word will transform lives.
Thanks and Praise to God and also for your prayers
Michael
The Church I attend currently is undergoing renovations. On Sunday morning two people turned up to see me. Both were distraught and 1) I did not know if they both could tolerate each other in their currect mental state 2) where could we meet privately to pray and if possible read God's word and 3) were the number of people at Church going to increase their anxiety
As it worked out it was a sunny day and we moved off Church premises to the street. Here we chatted I shared from some passages and they shared their thoughts . It was a great time of fellowship reading and discussing God's word together then ending in prayer. Praise God.
On Tuesday I normally open the afternoon for if people want to meet to have biblestudy and prayer. Normally it is only 1 person at the most 2 today 4 people decided to come. Praise God again.
Where this will lead I do not know but pray that God's word will transform lives.
Thanks and Praise to God and also for your prayers
Michael
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Tuesday and Thursday 6th June
Hi everyone,
Tuesday
After speaking at Edward Eager Lodge in May I connected with one guy who has recently accepted Jesus. He has many questions and so he came to meet me on Tuesday and have Bible study. Unfortunately timing is not right for him for Thursdays but Tuesday's timeslot seems to fit well. It is encouraging to see he has questions and wants to learn from the Bible. God has brought our paths together and so we shared a great time of Bible study together and will hopefully continue to do so.
I have continued to leave a timeslot open for people to have bible study with me. This is a small number but always the time has been good. The number of people who come are from 1-3.
Tuesday
After speaking at Edward Eager Lodge in May I connected with one guy who has recently accepted Jesus. He has many questions and so he came to meet me on Tuesday and have Bible study. Unfortunately timing is not right for him for Thursdays but Tuesday's timeslot seems to fit well. It is encouraging to see he has questions and wants to learn from the Bible. God has brought our paths together and so we shared a great time of Bible study together and will hopefully continue to do so.
I have continued to leave a timeslot open for people to have bible study with me. This is a small number but always the time has been good. The number of people who come are from 1-3.
Thursday
Thanks for yours prayers for today's Bible discussion. Today 6 people attended Bible
discussion with another two people arriving late. Today’s bible discussion was
good with people participating.
One of the late comers was not in good shape and I spoke with him the
moment we finished bible discussion. 40 minutes later he was calmer and left
more at peace but cannot communicate in the group. God was gracious , however when
he is like this I cannot speak and catch up with others after Bible discussion
has finished.
Please pray for him as it is extremely hard to manage
him and he gets aggressive and this scares people.
Please pray for wisdom as I continue to deal with this situation which unfortunately over the past month has become common place each week.
Thanks
Michael
Friday, May 31, 2013
Thursday 30th June
Hi everyone
Last Thursday was a strange
day 10 people came. Out of those 10 were 3 new young people who had not been
before.
They chatted stayed for
some lunch were not really hungry but had to leave to see Dept of Housing. They
said they would return next week. They got on well with everyone. Please pray that they will be reminded to
return.
2 of the regulars also had
to leave early. Then during Bible study one guy who meets with me regularly (at
least twice a week) got frustrated and angry during the study. I managed to
calm him and he stayed till the end and was a lot more stable. Its not the
first time I have had to do this with him. Pray for his mental stability and that of the group.
PRAISE God as he has supplied a team of people to participate in SHUM in June.
As always thanks for your prayers
Michael
Thursday, May 23, 2013
A Peaceful Thursday 23rd May 2013
Hi
everyone,
Thanks for
your prayers. Today it was pouring with rain but 5 people braved the elements
to attend Bible discussion. It was actually a welcome relief after the last
couple of weeks with many people and problems.
Our small
group was peaceful today without incident and everyone participated in Bible
study. Such a welcome relief. God probably new I had, had enough after some of
the torrid moments I have had over the last month or so.
Please pray for the service at Edward Eager Lodge this Sunday. Pray that people will
attend in a good state of mind and that God will give us wisdom as we speak and
encourage others in Him.
Please also
pray for a dinner I have invited 8 people to on Sunday night. Pray that they
will attend and not be intimidated by the number of people present.
Thanks
Michael
Thursday, May 16, 2013
A Chaotic day Thursday 16th May
Today 11 people came to attend Bible discussion and 1 left before lunch
and just stayed for a couple of coffees. Please pray for this man he is not
going well and used to attend regularly every week.
One other guy, who comes regularly but does not always stay because of
his mental state got into an argument with someone else this almost resulting
in a fight,. The other guy was angry at him and was going to leave but he is a
believer and God worked in Him and I managed to convince him to stay. Many of
them were unsettled today. One other man I meet with regularly, whilst we were almost through
the study, said he could not concentrate and he left.
Strangely enough a couple of others wanted my attention after the
meeting even though it was clear I had to deal with the guy who was drunk and
in a bad mental state.
The guy who was drunk was angry at some of the group and was swearing at
them. I had to spend time with him after and walked him out and across a busy
intersection so he could get to his destination safely. Please pray for him.
As you can see Thursdays need prayer. Satan seemed to be working hard
amongst the group today as one of the people who got angry and almost in a
fight is one the most passive gentle people I know.
Please continue to pray for the group
Michael
Monday, May 13, 2013
June SHUM prayer request
Hi everyone
I am struggling to find people to participate in SHUM in June. So if you know anyone who is interested get them to contact me. Prayer for this would be most appreciated.
Thanks
Michael
I am struggling to find people to participate in SHUM in June. So if you know anyone who is interested get them to contact me. Prayer for this would be most appreciated.
Thanks
Michael
Thursday, May 9, 2013
A Busy Day - Thursday 9th May 2013
Today 17
people came through the doors. One person came early to see me but had to leave
before we started but we spent time together which was great. Another also left
before we began Bible study. It was a bit of a torrid time with so many people
and trying to keep their interest and attention.
Praise God
that he brought so many people and pray that God will continue work in them so
that their lives maybe transformed.
2 of the
regulars will be travelling overseas for the next month please also pray for
their safety.
Lunch provided and was more than enough for everyone. Thanks also to helper Margaret form
the church I attend, who I so appreciate particularly on days like today.
As you can imagine dealing with all these people, their
insecurities , their concentration spans, their mental state requires more than
me. It requires God to be at work
So please continue to pray for the group and that the
people who come will come in a good state of mind. Pray also that God’s word
will speak into their hearts and transform their lives
Thanks
again
Michael
APRIL SHUM TEAM THANKS
Thanks to the April SHUM team for their prayers participation and support. Sorry I have been slack the last week or so with my updates but its been really busy.
I hope I will serve with you all some other month.
Thanks Michael
I hope I will serve with you all some other month.
Thanks Michael
Thursday, April 18, 2013
A tough day Thursday 19th April 2013
Hi
everyone,
9 people
attended Bible discussion yesterday. It was a very tough day with one person
being a bit difficult during the study and another attending later in a very
unstable state of mind. He was angry and aggressive but fortunately sat down
with me after and talked and calmed down. He was punching the wooden table with
his fist to the point of bleeding. Please pray for him and the group as you can
see it does not take much for things to
a little awry.
Two praise point though one lady whom I have not seen for over a year came in to see me. She could not stay but wanted to say hello and that she would return in a couple of weeks. Please pray she does.
The other praise point is for another person who attended yesterday. I had met him when we first started SHUM and he was the first or
one of the first to attend the Thursday Bible group. Then he dropped out I had
not seen him since 2008 he says. It was great to seem him and he is still in
the Lord. He says he will return please pray he does.
Please
continue to pray for the group and pray that I may be able to present the
gospel clearly without distortion despite events that occur.
Thanks
Michael
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Thursday 11th April Birthday week
Hi everyone
Today was a
busy day 13 people attended Bible discussion only 1 had to leave before we
started. However he arrived early about an hour earlier and normally does this.
Please pray for him.
One fellow who attended today it was his birthday this week his name is Michael. It was also my Birthday this week and you already know my name. What a pleasant coincidence.
The 13 who attended today did not include myself and two faithful helpers Ann and Margaret. God was
gracious and most people were in a good frame of mind. However I did have to
exercise teacher like control as little
conversations pop up between people during the study.
One new
fellow attended and thanked everyone and said he had enjoyed the afternoon.
Lets pray he will return as he had suggested.
Please pray
for one guy who attended today. He has bad depression and is hopefully
attending on Sunday to meet up with me for further Bible study. He also
frequents Tuesday nights. Another fellow rang me later after we had finished to apologise that he could not make it today.
Your prayers
play a critical part in this ministry
So thanks again
for your prayers
Michael
Thursday, April 4, 2013
A slow start Thursday 4th April 2013
Hi everyone,
Well today
started very slowly 4 people arrived early and it began to rain and rain hard. By
1.00pm no others had arrived but in the next 20 minutes people started to
dribble in. In the end 11 people attended Bible discussion. It was great to see
they braved the wet and cold conditions. The 11 did not include myself and
helper Margaret.
Unfortunately
1 guy left in the middle of Bible study because others were talking offering
their opinion and this confused him. He was struggling mentally today please
pray for him.
We also celebrated one members 60th Birthday today. We did this without cake as he cannot have too much sugar due to dietary restrictions. So he asked for fruit-we brought and he ate apples. Healthy!
Thanks and
please continue to pray for the group.
Michael
Friday, March 29, 2013
March SHUM and Thursday 28th March
Hi everyone,
Thanks for the month I
enjoyed meeting and serving with you guys.
I hope you found the month challenging,
encouraging and informative.
Thursday was a relatively
quiet day, not many people around the streets and missing a fair few regulars.
I think many were off to other Easter functions.
8 people attended Thursday Bible
discussion with 1 new person coming and really only looking for lunch.
Helpers were Lisa(my wife)
Ann and Margaret. Reverend David also joined us. Sandy from Church provided a great lunch for us.
We also had communion
together.
Here is a picture of what
the people in March thought about SHUM. I filled in the letters JUST in case you
could not make out what they were doing. J
Thanks again for your
support, participation and prayers.
Please pray for the people
who attend Thursdays group that
1) Their relationship with God will grow
2) That God’s word will transform their lives
Michael
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Thursday 21st March
Hi everyone,
Thanks for
your prayers and thanks to those who have sent me a couple of paragraphs on
SHUM
Today 11
people attended Bible discussion with one leaving before we began. This guy
comes each week an hour before we start but because of mental illness cannot
concentrate during the study. Praise God that he continues to attend and feel
comfortable and welcome. The 11 did not include
who arrived when we were ending in prayer but stayed and chatted after.
It was a
good group today with people in a relatively good state of mind. God was
gracious.
Roxan from CPC provided a great lunch today and Margaret was again agreat help.
Please pray
that God will continue to transform the lives of the people who attend.
Thanks again.
Michael
Thursday, March 14, 2013
In and Out Thursday 14th March 2013
Hi everyone,
Thanks for your prayers. It was a strange day with 6
people staying for Bible discussion and another 4 people coming to see me
during this time but not being able to stay.
3 of the 4 were semi regulars and one was a new person
who had not previously been
The other person of the 4 had an appointment later, but came early and stayed
for an hour or so. It was good to see him and he needs lots of prayer. However
he has been very regular in turning up on Thursday or Sunday even for a short
time.
Please continue to pray for Tuesdays and Thursdays and
the people who attend. Pray that God will work in their hearts and that they
will come to know Jesus as Lord and Saviour.
Thanks
Michael
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
March SHUM Team
Hi everyone it is great to serve with the March SHUM team this month.
Last night (tuesday 12th) was a very busy night. We ran out of supplies including cups. God brought many people across our path last night, please pray that their hearts will soften to accept him. Pray also that they may accept the invitations offered to them regaurding Bible study.
Thanks
Michael
Last night (tuesday 12th) was a very busy night. We ran out of supplies including cups. God brought many people across our path last night, please pray that their hearts will soften to accept him. Pray also that they may accept the invitations offered to them regaurding Bible study.
Thanks
Michael
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Thursday 7th March 2013
Hi everyone,
Thanks for
your prayers. Today 10 people attended Bible discussion. This did not include
another person who came in stayed for a while and then had to leave.
It was
incident free day. One guy who came in a bit drunk comes semi regularly but even
though he was drunk was able to participate in the study and songs and was challenged
by God’s word.
A guy I met on Tuesday night took up Tuesday nights invitation and was there
today. Praise God!
Another guy
I know who has not been for a few months because of an ongoing feud with someone
else in the group attended our meeting today. Praise God for that too.
I was also
grateful my son could drive me in and home and setup today as my arm is still
recovering. He has done this 3 times since my accident.
Thanks for
your support and your many prayers for me everyone.
Michael
Thanks to February SHUM Team
Many thanks to the February SHUM Team. Although I missed a couple of weeks I enjoyed our time together and it was a pleasure serving with you. Hope you found the month beneficial.
Thanks
Michael
Thanks
Michael
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
A Busy day. Thursday 28th Feb 2013
Hi everyone,
Thanks for your prayers!
Today we had a lot of people return so 13 people
attended Bible study. This is not including myself, my wife and two other
faithful helpers. We also had communion. Unfortunately from Tuesday nights
invitations a few who were expected rl did not show. Although whilst waiting
outside of Church I saw one fellow from
Tuesday night and dragged him in. He was happy to attend.
Unfortunately also one fellow got upset at something
before we began and left. He comes every week and is a believer and a nice guy,
so please pray whatever happens will get sorted out.
Please commit this situation to God.
My wife drove me in and home and cooked lunch for the
group today. I am thankful for her support and commitment. As well as the support of our other 2 helpers Margaret and Ann.
If anyone would like to visit Thursday’s group
anytime when you are free, feel welcomed to attend.
Thanks again for your support
Michael
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Tuesday and Thursday 3rd week of February 2013
Hi everyone
Thanks for your prayers
It was good to return to Tuesday nights this week broken wrist , stitches and all. When we arrived at Central people were scarce but within half and hour many people were arriving and chatting and praying with us. Praise God for continued opportunity to do this.We will be at Edward Eager Lodge on Sunday.
Today at Thursday Bible group
Thanks for your prayers
It was good to return to Tuesday nights this week broken wrist , stitches and all. When we arrived at Central people were scarce but within half and hour many people were arriving and chatting and praying with us. Praise God for continued opportunity to do this.We will be at Edward Eager Lodge on Sunday.
Today at Thursday Bible group
10 people
attended bible study by the time we had finished.
One person
did not stay for the study and that is the guy I have been telling you about he
is not well, Stays for about 15 minutes and leaves.
Two people
attended today who have not been for at least 4 or 5 months.
Please pray
for the group and that God’s word works in them to bring transformation to
their lives
Also praise
God my son drove me in again today and helped setup and serve. Thank you also that someone from my Church cooked a great lunch for us and thank you for the consistent support of Margaret Lo ( from the Church I attend) since the beginning of this year.
Thanks and
please keep us in your prayers
Michael
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Thursday 14th Feb 2013
Hi everyone.
Thanks for your prayers. I had our
smallest number for along time. 6 people attended and two had to leave during
Bible study. However fellowship and the study went well with people sharing and
talking freely I think because of the smaller number. So God was indeed
gracious. Also the guy who I mentioned to you last week, who is not well
mentally, still managed to return today. He still wants me to pray for him and
hopefully will be there on Sunday to have Bible study.
I was also fortunate that my wife had the day
off work and so was able to drive me in, pick up food and help
out.
Please pray that other former regulars will return as there
seem to be a few away still.
One guy who did not attend on Thursday came to see me on Sunday at Church. He is not going so well. Please pray for him.
Thanks also for those who are praying for my recovery.
Michael
Sunday, February 10, 2013
SHUM starts for 2013 and unexpected incident
Hi everyone
SHUM on Tuesday nights has begun.
Just like Thursdays things are a little slow getting started
and people are still getting used to the idea that we are back.
Sorry I have been offline but I had an accident.
I plan to hopefully attend not this Tuesday but the
following. I broke my wrist quite severely and have a plate and 2 screws
holding it in place. I also had 8 stitches above my lip which has just recently
been removed. I also had a lot of bruising on my body but a lot of this has now
gone down. I will be seeing the surgeon and getting follow up xrays this week.
I cannot drive which does propose a bit of a problem.
This is because I often need to cart many things with me whilst doing ministry.
Please pray that I will be able to sort/reorganise this.
I managed to run Thursday Bible study group last week.
My son drove me in and setup and cleaned up and drove me home. One new person
attended which is great but we still have a number of semi regulars missing. We
had 7 people attend. This did not include myself, my son and another helper.
Please pray for one guy who was extremely consistent in attending everything
but has now mentally lost it and with that his life is disarray. Its truly a
miracle that he came on Thursday even though his thinking is all over the
place. Pray that God will work in him and continue to remind him to attend.
Thanks
Michael
Thursday, January 24, 2013
2013 Thursdays Commence
Hi everyone,
After a break today was the restart of Thursday Bible studies.It was a slow start but in the end 7 people attended with another coming to see me after we just finished. Another also SMS in he was trying to make it today but unfortunately could not be there. Roxan provided a great lunch and new helper Margaret from the Church I attend, CPC, also came to help out. It was good to see those who attended today and we have begun the year by studying Romans.
Another person also intended to come today and came the previous week when we were not there. Please pray for this fellow as he admitted himself into rehab and hence why he was not there today.
Please also pray that people will come forward to participate in SHUM on Tuesday nights in February. I am currently a little short in numbers for February.
Thanks for your prayers
Michael
After a break today was the restart of Thursday Bible studies.It was a slow start but in the end 7 people attended with another coming to see me after we just finished. Another also SMS in he was trying to make it today but unfortunately could not be there. Roxan provided a great lunch and new helper Margaret from the Church I attend, CPC, also came to help out. It was good to see those who attended today and we have begun the year by studying Romans.
Another person also intended to come today and came the previous week when we were not there. Please pray for this fellow as he admitted himself into rehab and hence why he was not there today.
Please also pray that people will come forward to participate in SHUM on Tuesday nights in February. I am currently a little short in numbers for February.
Thanks for your prayers
Michael
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