Only God Gives The Growth

This past Sunday, Niamh spoke about sowing the seeds of the good news of Jesus in those who don’t yet know him. She then invited us to write down the names of three people and had us ‘plant’ those names in a garden pot with soil. Patrick then invited people to pray and ask God to give us names, pictures, and other information about those he wanted us to reach. For example, someone with an overgrown garden, someone who wears bright clothes, someone who lives in a red house/barn…. It was exciting to see so many of us connect with these words, and we’ve already seen great responses this week!  We would love to hear any stories you would like to share, especially if you consider the conversation a ‘failure.’

From Gel: Derek and I both wrote the same name, and then when there was a word about someone with an overgrown garden we realised it was this gentleman. The word from Isaiah 35:3-4 about not being afraid prompted Derek to look for an opportunity to share his faith. Amazingly the very next day (Monday) Derek was able to witness to him. Also, he was able to share his testimony with another person whose name he has written. The timing was perfect, seeds sown. We wait for the signs of growing interest now from these two lovely gentlemen. Also, there was a word about a red house. Our next-door neighbour's house is called the Red House, so Derek is looking for opportunities there too!

From Paula: I wrote a name on my list and I felt God say to write it even though I know this person gave her life to the Lord when she was younger. However, she has lost her belief in who Jesus is, of salvation, etc. Out of the blue she contacted me and shared some exciting news about a relationship that had recently started and this in itself was a miracle and an answer to prayer. I was able to share how much Jesus loved her and wanted good things for her without any of the previous awkward atmosphere. Even though she is still not accepting of Jesus etc (yet), I got a very strong sense today that God was saying He had her in His sights and wasn't letting go -  and whilst she is saying she will never again believe what I do in terms of faith, I have total peace that this will change. Just as human love for her was a thing she didn't really believe in - but is now experiencing, I believe Jesus' love for her will be exactly the same - One day, and so I will keep praying for that.

From Patrick: There’s an older married couple I frequently see and speak to in Hotham Park, and when I saw him earlier this week, I invited both of them out to coffee. This initially seemed like a failed attempt because he turned me down (saying he was too busy selling his house), but he proceeded to tell me about some significant things affecting their lives. This reminds me that God can even use my ‘failures’ to plant seeds in the lives of people he loves!