WHERE THE RUBBER MEETS THE ROAD

Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. – Acts 2:44-45

And great grace was upon them all.  Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold. – Acts 4:33b-34 

A few weeks ago, I shared a testimony that came to us through the ministry of Paul and Pam Hunter in Uganda.  It was a glowing report of kingdom advancement among previously impoverished people.  Paul and Pam have a unique apostolic grace that carries much farther than simply teaching and giving money.  The region where they labour is being transformed, one person at a time, through their exemplary approach to relational discipling.

Paul and Janet Galligan forwarded another heart-warming testimony to us from Australia (below).  These accounts, along with many others, prove that believers are still being inspired to carry God’s love in practical ways where the rubber meets the road.  I hope that you will take the time to read it.

If it were not for Christ and His family, our hearts could fail us for fear in these days of uncertainty and economic downturns.   But, kingdom people subscribe to an economic system that is authored in heaven and uniquely inspired both with individual and corporate vision.

The first-century church set the pace (above Scriptures).  I expect to see believers respond to this present crisis in the same way—selling extra homes, lands, vacation cottages, time-shares, boats, jet skis, motorcycles, four-wheelers, antique and unique collections, “toys,” etc. 

Kingdom-minded, Spirit-led people will be moved to give up their luxuries so that they may help others with their necessities.

This will not be because of some rule or law or socialistic movement.  It will be by inspiration because of the Seed of righteousness within us.  New days are bringing new circumstances and new opportunities for the rubber to meet the road.  May the Holy Spirit lead each of us to know and do the right things at the right times.

Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. – Matthew 6:19-21

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The BBQ break in the Centenary Lakes park went well on Sunday morning.  Doug and I arrived 7am as Kathleen and Vicki were unpacking and cleaning down the BBQ’s.  Unusually, there was nobody there at that time.  Kathy spoke to folk whose car had broken down and invited them to breakfast – indigenous couple.  After awhile they joined in and later on we had a chat with the mother who came to assist them. 

Doug saw a man in the distance hanging clothes on the footy stand fence, so went over to speak to him.  Doug invited the chap to breakfast and the response was, “God has sent you.”  Wayne came back with Doug, along with his wet clothes and sleeping bag, towel etc.  He said that Saturday night there was a heavy downpour, which soaked his sleeping bag, clothes etc., so he spent the rest of the night freezing cold and wet.  A very despondent Wayne saw Doug approaching him Sunday morning and thought he’d be chased away.  Instead, Doug invited him to breakfast.   

Wayne says he couldn’t cope with life as a chef at Surfers Paradise, and the crowded, dirty living conditions where he flatted with others, Last Tuesday he cracked, and walked out of work and flat to catch a train to …..??????  Heading towards Brisbane he decided to go to Nambour at the end of the Brisbane line.  He ended up at Ipswich, then went back to Brisbane and on to Caboolture.  He didn’t know how to get to Nambour (often the buses run instead of the trains to).  A kid directed him to the Centenary Lakes Park where he slept Tuesday to Saturday night.  On Saturday folk were having the usual BBQ’s in the park and he longed to be offered something to eat, but no.  Saturday night there was a heavy downpour, which soaked his sleeping bag, clothes etc., so he spent the rest of the night freezing cold and hungry  

After talking and eating (lots of folk were turning up), Doug took him the four blocks away to our home for a shower and to wash his wet clothes.  Then they returned as we packed up.  Doug and I decided not to leave Wayne at the park but to invite him for a drive around some of the beautiful sites of Caboolture Shire, and then see if we should offer him a bed or drop him off at the park again.   

We visited elderly Esme at the Home for a sweet sharing in the Lord and Bible re Olive Trees etc.,  & to encourage her on as she comforts, prays for and loves so many people there and staff invite her to visit dying folk.   

On we went up the Wamuran hills for a look over the Glasshouse mountains out to Caloundra beach.  Several new houses have been built up there which blocked our view a little.  Returning to Caboolture was passed a tall gum tree on fire!!!.  We phoned the Brigade; another car pulled up and he “happened” to be head of the Fire Brigade, so he phoned the Brigade; the property owner came out on his tractor (he had lit the fire) and Wayne spoke to him.  Then the property owner was trying to beat the fire out with a blanket or something, so we drove on.  The head of the Brigade told Wayne that the man would be charged.   

We continued on and arriving home invited Wayne to spend the night.  He had spoken to Doug and then told me quite a bit about his past life and how he’d been given a wake up call at the park (including a deadly snake next to where he was sleeping).  I exhorted him re the need to repair the damaged relationships especially with his boss; children; etc.   

Wayne is sleeping downstairs in the van and things have been put in order for him under the house.  The last 2 days he’s been up early; off to Centrelink; to Social workers (we conversed with one on the phone and he’s to return Thursday); Medical check-up; collected a food package; contacted the restaurant where he worked on the Gold Coast and his boss is open to him returning (he’s a chef, though not fully qualified as yet); checked out work here and so on.  Tonight he cooked Doug and I dinner – delicious.  Doug and I were fascinated to see a chef at work.  Wayne has also offered to help Doug in some house maintenance, but we’ll take that slowly as we see the need for him to have peace and quiet and rest as much as possible.  I don’t believe he has mental illness, but has come close to a break-down. 

Wayne’s been reading the Gospel of Mark; asking Doug or myself questions about what’s he’s reading in the Bible; asking for prayer before he goes out each day, and is amazed at the goodness of God at a time in his life when he contemplated suicide. 

It’s been a joy to have him with us.  But we are still playing it one day at a time as usually our encounters with people are brief.  Well, this has ended up being a long “note.”  I had intended writing a little on Hebrews.

Doug is so delighted to have Wayne here and Wayne is awestruck with reading Mark's Gospel and with the doors God has been opening for him.  He's been sharing what he's learning with others he's met, and with Doug when he reads something about Olives in the Gospel.  Wayne was upset today when on a walk he saw rubbish laying around in one park.  He went to the Council and complained, but didn't get anywhere.  We pointed out that if he saw a need, then he should have picked up the rubbish himself!   He said that had come to mind later on.  We gave him a new cassette player today and the N.T. on tape - NIV.  What we've noticed is that he's a hard worker; doesn't have to be told to do anything; quick minded, and knowledgeable in various practical areas.  He's also very caring with our pets.   We're thankful to the Lord for entrusting Wayne into our care for a few days.

Love

Margo