MISSIONS & OUTREACH FOCUS This week we encourage you to pray for the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan
Quick facts on Afghanistan Population: 29,117,489 Annual Growth: 3.51% Capital: Kabul Christians: 14,559 Christian and 8,442 Evangelical Christian Answer to Prayer The increase of Afghan believers is impossible to document, yet undeniable. At least several hundred Afghans now follow Christ, when 20 years ago perhaps a few dozen were believers. Challenges for Prayer Recovery and rebuilding are occurring in many sectors of society. Among nationals, there is a real mix of optimism and pessimism as to whether genuine improvements can be made. Pray for the following issues: a) Billions of dollars in foreign aid are being poured into the country - Inefficiency and corruption are very real threats. b) A new generation of Afghans with a different attitude. Sixty percent of Afghans are under the age of 20 and have known nothing but war; they long for opportunities in education and employment and some freedom of choice. c) National security. Establishing well-trained, disciplined, Afghan-national military and police forces is vital. d) Physical infrastructure was devastated by nearly 30 years of war. The reconstruction of roads, medical facilities, schools & public service buildings is crucial for the nation’s future. e) Human development is equally vital. The infant mortality rate, although very high, is dropping rapidly as health services improve. A record number of children are enrolled in school. Micro-enterprise initiatives are giving many opportunities to start small businesses, earn a respectable living and provide for others. f) Christian involvement in aid & development. Pray for both courage in the face of adversity and wisdom to know how best to demonstrate Christ’s love to the Afghan people. 1 Samuel 8:9 “Now listen to them; but warn them solemnly and let them know what the king who will reign over them will claim as his rights.”
Today’s Servers Communion: (11) Warren
Greeters: (9) Miyuki (11) LD/Ping Sunday School Little Lambs:
Weekly Bulletin
Sunday 22nd May 2016
Place for Pic / logo
Worship Service 9 am & 11 am
VERSE FOR THE WEEK
Worship: Ps. Abri
Knowing Jesus More and Making Him Known
“Be Careful What You Ask For” Preacher: David Xu Reading: 1 Samuel 8: 4-9
Translators: David R/Elizabeth Readers: (9) Joy (11) Dale
(9) Joji/Chihiro
(11) Teresa/Emily Han
Kids for Christ:
(9) Kuniko & Mike
(11) Kuniko & Mike
Bible Explorers:
(9) Kuniko & Mike
(11) Jacky
Pre-Service Prayer at 8:30 am in lounge – all welcome Prayer Meeting every 2nd & 4th Sunday at 7 pm 49 Maxwelton Drive, Mairangi Bay, North Shore, Auckland 0630 Ph 09 478-6314, Website: www.mairangichurch.org.nz, Email:
[email protected]
WELCOME TO MAIRANGI BAY COMMUNITY CHURCH (MBCC) If this is your first time worshipping with us, please go to the Welcome Corner after the service. We have a small gift for you & will gladly answer your questions about our church. MBCC is an intentionally multi-cultural church and welcomes and celebrates all languages & cultures. 我们是一个多元文化的教会，欢迎中国朋友参加. どの国の方も大歓迎します。 If you would like to hear a Chinese or Japanese translation, please ask for a headset.
A WORD FROM OUR PASTOR
NEWS & EVENTS LIFE GROUPS LEADERS MEETING We will be having a 30 minute meeting for all our Life Group Leaders after our 11 am service. The purpose is to get to know one another better and discuss a planned upcoming equipping and training session. Please don’t miss this quick meeting. Date: 29 May 2016 Time: 13:00 – 13:30 Place: Lounge
TRIP TO EDEN GARDENS
The importance of making the right decisions in life. As believers it should be our constant desire to do the will of God and to make the right choices in life. We are called by God to produce good fruit and to make decisions that honours the Lord and reflect our belief and faith in Him. Every day we face many decisions. Whatever type of decision we face, there are Biblical principles that can help us make better decisions. As followers of the Lord, our overall direction in life should be determined by our love and commitment to Jesus. Therefore, we must remember to ask Him to direct our lives or else we will make unnecessary mistakes which can cost us dearly in the long run. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6). In your everyday life, get into the habit of praying for God’s guidance as you make decisions. Prayer for guidance is of vital importance. We need to guard against blindly pursuing our own desires and plan for our lives and rather seek His will in every situation. Through the wisdom He gives us in the Bible and through the working of the Holy Spirit in our lives we can choose what is right. All of our decisions are to be in harmony with God’s laws and His plan for our lives. Submit your decision making process to the Lord and allow Him to do something great in your life.
Abri Brancken SUNDAY SCHOOL TRAINING Thank you to all those who attended the Sunday School Training. If anyone is interested in joining, please contact Chihiro.
There will be trip for those attending English Classes. Date: Saturday 11th June 2016 Time: 10:45 am depart from Church Travel: by car Cost: $20 entry fee (plus petrol & lunch money) Contact: Brian 09 479 2733 For catering purposes, please let me know by 4th June 2016
KAIROS COURSE You are invited to attend the life changing Kairos Discipleship Course that will help transform your world view to better understand God’s purpose for us as believers. Starts Monday evening 20th June and runs for eight weeks. Please register in the foyer or contact the church office. The course will be in English. Don’t miss it!
NEW MEMBERS GET-TOGETHER We extend a warm invitation to all of you who are new to the church to join us for an informal lunch. We’d love to get to know you a little better. Date: 26th June 2016 Time: 13:00 – 14:30 Place: Downstairs Hall To assist in catering, please let our Welcome Team know if you can attend or email
[email protected]
GIVE THANKS FOR • The ongoing opportunity to hold services in Chinese. • The success of the Sunday School training.
PRAY FOR • Holy Spirit to lead and guide us in the search for His choice of a Chinese Associate Pastor. • Debin Chen, husband and Cindy, daughter of Shouping, who recently passed away. • You-Lan, that she will recover from her recent surgery – pray for healing. • Grace Zhang travelling to be with her sister who is very ill – for healing, strength and courage for her and the family. • MBCC member’s hearts to be stirred to volunteer to serve in Children’s and other ministries. • Those needing God’s healing touch, & others needing visas, a job, or housing. • All students, teachers and Home Groups; that this term will be fruitful! • KO & Stella serving in Japan. • Simon & Alison North serving in Japan. • Ps Timothy & Julia Rinopisa, who we support through KiwiLink, serving in rural Zimbabwe.
CONTACT INFORMATION Church Office: 09 478-6314 Pastor Abri Brancken: 027 2104730,
[email protected] Church Administrator, Jacky Sun: 021 675669,
[email protected] Children’s Ministry Director, Chihiro Kami: 027 3104841 Chinese Pastoral Worker, Wendy Liu: 021 02654800
[email protected]
Service Roster for next Sunday 29nd May 2016 Worship Ian
Musicians
Sound
Communion
Reader
Greeters
Offering Count
Translators
Flowers
Tea
LD/Jacky
David Xu (9)
Rosemary/Sarah
Ping; Ping/Lesley
David R/Julie
Alex/Ayako
Pinky
Jessica G/Lily Li; Ding Qing/Florence S
