Impact 2014

The busyness of life and ministry doesn’t seem to slow down, even when a big event like Impact Bible Conference is done and dusted.

Impact was a fantastic conference and was well attended by some 700+ attendees from all over NZ and Australia. This was Greg’s first year as organizer, so there was a huge learning curve (and an army of helpers needed to pull it all off).  One of the changes made was to remove the registration fee that was required in previous years.  Some thought it wasn’t possible to conduct a conference for 'free'.  But, the Lord abundantly provided and the church came out in the black by several thousand dollars!  Many attendees commented how thankful they were for the opportunity to attend, something that was prohibited when there was a registration fee.  Instead of a registration fee, attendees were given opportunity to make a donation.  And, as you might expect, some gave nothing and others gave generously.  There were a number of other changes to the format, which were appreciated by those in attendance.  This year’s theme was: Preparing for Battle.  To God be the glory, great things HE hath done!

Youth Session

Greg has also been busy with other teaching opportunities.  He taught a block course in Rotorua June 27-29.  He then preached there on Sunday morning.  He also preached at Riverbend just before Impact and will again this Sunday.  He makes frequent trips to Auckland and Wellington for meetings and continues to take on other ministry opportunities as the Lord allows.

Traci started swimming two mornings a week, having had numerous medical personnel over the years suggest that she do so.   She has found it to be tremendously beneficial for her back and seeks to encourage her 70-something friend (also with scoliosis) who joins her for the same purpose.  She continues to do some proofreading when opportunities come and has just finished a project for a publisher in Texas.

Micah is putting in more effort at school and is seeing the benefit of doing so.  He has also had to accept more to his medical routine, which has presented a challenge for all of us.   He has enjoyed playing soccer for his school this term.  He’s also looking forward to biking Whistler (BC) on our upcoming trip.

Micah in the center.

We are still awaiting word on our residency application (submitted Nov ’13).  We have requested a medical waiver since the concern is Micah's medical condition.   Please pray with us as we trust the Lord for the outcome.  We are also busy preparing for our trip to the US in less than two weeks.  Our itinerary has us flying into Vancouver BC.  After a few days holiday, we’ll drive down through Washington, seeing friends in the Puget Sound area, then drive down to Portland.  We’ll spend several days in Portland, seeing family there.  Greg will also preach that Sunday (July 20) at the church Traci was a part of when she lived in that area.  Then, we’ll fly from Portland to LA, stay a few days with Greg’s mom (seeing other family as well), then attend the Grace Community Church conference for GMI missionaries (Oxnard this year).  Once the conference is over, we'll have a couple more days with Greg’s mom before returning home to NZ. We would love to see any of you in the US while we are there.  Please get in touch and we will see you soon!