Grace Baptist Church!

I spent a lot of time in prayer last week for the fellowship I would be involved in here in NZ. At times I worried Grace Baptist Church was too far away from the Brandt's house for me to make it to services. Other times I worried that I wouldn't be well received or that I would disagree with important matters of practice. In the end my first Sunday at Grace Baptist went even better than I had prayed for.

The first person through the door that I introduced myself to just happened to be the pastor (Rob Harrod). We talked shop for just a few moments before me introduced me to his son-in-law (Dwayne). We chatted for a bit before I asked him who the guy would be to talk to about hiking/camping/surfing etc. and he pointed out the young guy walking through the door (Jono) carrying an ESV Reformation Study Bible. Johnny is the Pastor's son and happens to be a very good photographer seeking to establish a profession. Check him out: http:jonathanharrodphotography.blogspot.com.

We had a guest speaker who preached a sermon from Matthew 9:35-10:16 about Christian work and service. Our speaker highlighted verse 38. Ask the Lord of the harvest and then act in faith. GBC takes communion on the first Sunday of the month and before administering the sacraments Pastor Rob issued a solemn warning to those about to take communion about the seriousness of identifying with Christ's broken body and shed blood and the need to be in a right standing with God before taking part. This act instantly gave me greater respect and appreciation for the ministry of GBC because I feel that far too many Christians casually participate in communion and much too many unbelievers are allowed to take communion without being reminded of the symbolic nature of the act.

The first Sunday of the month GBC also has a potluck. I was without a pot but in luck. This afforded me an opportunity to meet many of the members and I felt very welcomed and invited.All in all it was a great first service and I must take this opportunity to give thanks for God's goodness and provision and thank you to all who petitioned on my behalf in the regard, thank you.