LET US ALL LIFT UP OUR HEARTS, IN FAITH

THE NOTICE ABOVE appeared on the 13th March.    And thus we also, together with so many others, begin to feel the threat of Covid 19 at all our doors.     It took some time coming.  But now we have to face it.     So far this is the only confirmed case, but the lady mentioned above travelled quite extensively before she was discovered with the virus.   She came in contact with countless others.  From Nairobi - even to our own area of the Country, and in concert with others she travelled with.  It is more than probable that others will soon report symptoms and be found infected.     And so the pattern will follow what has happened and is happening in the rest of the world................

THIS is a photo, taken today, just outside our prayer room and Pastor's office. is of one blossom of a double Hibiscus - fresh unspoilt, and beautiful.  One look and all thought of The Virus is replaced by Happiness and Thanksgiving - all the 'darkness of the day' just flees away!   The God who created this is all around us - He is within reach, and He has promised to heed our call, and to rescue us from all our fears.  Looking around us here, no matter what may happen, we are in no way alarmed or disturbed, but only assured of His Presence with us, and with ALL those who like  who trust in Him.  He is our Light and our Salvation.     We will not live in the darkness, but flood the day ahead with the LIGHT of God that surrounds us all, if we would just open our eyes.   He will ever keep the Darkness at bey, and deliver us from death.

To the Right is a photo of a cluster of Jacaranda Tree blossom, just opened, new and delicate upon the bough.     Such a delight to see!  Fairy bells of an almost translucent blue, nestling among the fronds of green filigree   -   What a wonder, what an uplift, and suddenly Heaven is all around us, and the world itself fades and somehow ceases to exclude the fact of GOD all around us.    Surely, we have NO excuse not to believer in HIM.     I am just walking round with my camera, taking a photo of anything that calms my spirit, and refuses to let me be pressed down with negative and apprehensive thoughts.
God is a JOY forever.    An EVERLASTING and continual PRAISE

AND HERE AGAIN, serenely at peace amid the trees, and established lawns, is Testimony House, built a hundred years ago with mud and timber by adventurers from the Cape Province in South Africa; Boars seeking a new life and a new beginning - a man, his wife, and seven daughters.  A house and garden that has seen much change, and challenge, yet still remains undisturbed.

THE NEXT PHOTO shows the parking area in front of the School Office.   A view showing the historic cacti bushes, well over 70  years old, and the School staff rooms and  parade ground beyond the driveway - and even a fairly modern 'Tuc-tuc three wheeler driving away with a visitor.   It all looks so permanent so established so very SURE......

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AND SO IT ALL IS,  until the moment it will change, and change will come one day, some time...

But we cannot sit or mope around imagining how or what the change might be, or when it will come. NO we must not be stopped, paralysed with morbid thoughts, we MUST go on s if nothing will or can interrupt the future, and accept to meet change when and if it comes. Even Death we must accept as having its Day.   But I must not therefore sit down and wait for it, as if there is no reason to LIVE until the day comes.     NOW I have life.    It is no accident that gave it to me; no careless Creator that caused me to be made.      It was given to USE, and to prosper with.

It was meant only to be an appetiser for even more; for a life never ending, and everlasting, a life led on and on, through countless change and challenge, into the mysteries of the Universe.      With GOD by our side and in our thoughts there is nothing that can by any means prevent it - nothing that can or will separate us from it.     Whatever human or other threat of evil or disaster come upon us, we can find REFUGE - a place of safety and defense- against it in God, in the Name of Jesus Christ.  HE is our strong tower, our Shield, our Hiding Place.    ALL those who approach God for Salvation HE will protect, deliver, and SAVE, to the uttermost.  I have commended the reading of Psalm 91 to many, and I do so again here.     There are many scriptures I might consider mentioning, but this one is the most applicable to this Time, and in studying it can speak much to each and every heart that turns to him for help and assurance.

TODAY THE SUN IS SHINING AGAIN.      A truly Summer Day, warm and golden.

Daryl returned to us yesterday, refreshed and ready to get back into harness.   We were all glad to see him, and he was able to be with us yesterdday as we officially said farewell to our departing Primary School Headmaster and welcomed in the new.

AND as we enter another week, we do so hand in hand with JESUS.    However unexpected or startling tomorrow may be, it will be faced with JESUS standing with us..     Why should we fear?

WHY should we fear the darkest our, Or tremble at the tempter's power?

JESUS vouchsafes to be my TOWER.

Though hot the fight, why quit the field?  Why must I either fly or yield

Since JESUS is my mighty SHIELD.

When creature comforts fade and die,  Worldlings may weep, but why should I?

JESUS still LIVES, and still is nigh.

Though all the flocks and herds were dead, My soul a famine need not dread.

For JESUS is my living bread.

I know not what may soon  betide,  Or how my wants shall be supplied,

But JESUS knows, and will provide.

Though sin would fill me with distress,  The throne of grace I dare address,

For JESUS is my righteousness.

Though faint my prayers, and cold my love,  My steadfast hope shall not remove

While JESUS intercedes above.

Against me earth and hell combine, But on my side is power divine.

JESUS is all, and HE is mine!

John  Newton

John Newton - 1725-1807

I have had cause to read or sing this hymn many times in my life, and have often quoted from it from time to time in this Blog.     I have quote it in full today.     I am sure at everyone will find at least one of its verses an inspiration and encouragement,.

With our continued Love and Affection to all, in Jesus Name,

John, Esther, and Daryl Green