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October 2011
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Out of the Pit's vision is for Christians, Ministries and Churches associated with the mining industry to connect and share a vision. Our vision is for miners everywhere to know and follow the real Jesus.  |
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Welcome
Hi everyone! I hope you are well. May God fill you with His grace and peace as we approach the end of the year. In this newsletter I thought you would like to have some highlights from the conference, as well as some spiritual encouragement.
Annual Conference Highlights
The conference was a great blessing. Folk from around Australia flew in to attend. The fellowship was great. It began on the Friday afternoon with a session for chaplains working in the mining industry. The discussion was invaluable. People shared the blessings and challenges of ministering to miners. Throughout was highlighted the key role that chaplains have on the mine site. Simon Pillar from Pacific Equities, spoke at the Friday night dinner. The meal was sumptuous! Simon shared of how much more value is our salvation than anything this world has to offer. On the Saturday Ian Powell shared from the book of Job. He talked of his personal experiences of suffering. Our faith, although tested by the fire of trials, is far more precious than gold. Kara Martin shared about viewing our life as a whole, and not dividing the spiritual and the secular. Jesus Christ is Lord of our lives and is to be at the centre of all we do. Aleida Fawkner gave a wonderful session on spiritual warfare. She emphasized that we all need to put on our spiritual armour. It was a great reminder that not only are we in a spiritual battle, but we also have the victory in Christ. At the end of the day we had some great skits about ministry on a mining site. People showed real talent! For photos and more go to www.outofthepit.org and click on stories.
Bible Nugget
The testing of our faith Have you ever been through a time of testing? Perhaps it was a sickness, or a job problem. Often we focus on the problem, and try to figure out a solution. The Bible teaches us that we are to keep our eyes on Jesus. He is the Author and Perfecter of our faith. The real testing is of our faith. In the trial may we be steadfast in our faith. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while you may have to suffer various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold which though perishable is tested by fire, may redound to praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:6-7 Jesus said to Peter that Satan had demanded to have him. Why? It was to sift his faith like wheat. Jesus told Peter that after he had gone through the time of spiritual warfare that he was to strengthen the brethren. When we come through a trial we can then encourage the faith of others. "Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail; and when you have turned again, strengthen your brethren." Luke 22:31-32 What is truly precious is not our car, house, money or education. What is of great value before God is our faith.
Prayer
Give God thanks for:
Please pray for:
Contact Info
Rosie Da Costa: rosie@outofthepit.org Mark Hemans: mark.hemans@outofthepit.org If you're keen to contribute to the newsletter, with something about your part of the world: e.g. your town, workplace, family, ministries you're involved etc. or how you came to Christ, please drop us a line. Constructive feedback on the newsletter is also welcome! To unsubscribe to this newsletter, please click here. |