“The Lord foils the plans of the nations;
    he thwarts the purposes of the peoples.
But the plans of the Lord stand firm for ever,
    the purposes of his heart through all generations.”

(Psalm 33:10,11)

 

This Psalm has been a great comfort to me lately.  Our world is punch drunk from blow after blow of senseless killing and terrorist bombings. There are numerous tensions and troubles across the nations. Each week it seems we are shocked by yet another unthinkable atrocity, the continuous outworkings of hearts given over to rebellion.

I have also only just realized that I write this letter on the anniversary of the St. James attack and speak as one who has personally experienced what it’s like to be on the receiving end of similar horrific violence.  Yet I also remember how our God worked through such a dark time to bring His people together and to their knees. He graciously turned our country from the brink of catastrophe and many also came to know Christ.  I look back on those days and marvel at how the Lord sustained us and accomplished amazing things as His Word was proclaimed.

So, even as much doom and gloom finds fresh headlines, I am  comforted by the truth that our Lord Jesus sits on the Throne and His plans will not be thwarted by the evil intentions of men and devils.  Let us hold all the more firmly to the faith we profess and pray all the more fervently for God to be at work in our land as we hold out the Word of Eternal Life.

The Lyons family recently enjoyed a refreshing mid year break and are now well rested and full steam into the new semester.  I’m very grateful to the Lord for blessing me with a family who love the Lord Jesus and willingly play their part in His service.

Glenn, Jesse, Joseph & Sandra Lyons enjoying time on the Garden Route

The third term has a packed agenda for REACH SA.  Many of our local churches are busy with gospel outreach programs and evangelistic events this semester. This is a wonderful sign of spiritual vitality in our church communities and we pray the Lord brings much fruit.  This week the Bishops meet at George Whitefield College to interview applicants for ministry.  We look forward to spending some good time with the college students and we give God grateful thanks for raising up more workers for the harvest fields.

Bishops visiting GWC this week

Our annual Synod takes place in Cape Town from 6th to 8th September.  The opening service will be at Tokai Community Church and the Synod Business Sessions will take place at St. Stephen’s Bible Church in Claremont.  Rev. Melvin Tinker will be joining us from the UK to bring the daily Bible readings. Find out more about our speaker on this link.

I also want to commend the REACH-SA  website to you.  The blog has regular news updates as well as articles from our various clergy and other contributors.

Lastly I am so grateful for your continuing encouragement and prayers.  We know we do not stand alone in this task and I give God grateful thanks for the prayer friends who call to the Lord on our behalf.  Jesus is building His church. Amen!

Every blessing to you all

Glenn

Post of the Month

Lets be Frank; Thought for the day

– by Frank Retief via Christian Book Discounters

 

Prayer

• Pray for the Bishops as they interview applicants for ministry at George Whitefield College. Ask the Lord to give them wisdom and guide their decision making.
• Pray for our country as they go to the municipal elections on August 3rd. Many churches are setting up 24 hour prayer chains and adopting local voting stations for prayer.  Perhaps your church might consider this too.
• Pray for the upcoming REACH-SA Synod in Cape Town.  May it be a great time of encouragement for all. Pray that our God will give fresh impetus to our gospel vision of reaching our country and our continent for Christ.