I am absolutely stoked. I just got news that my mate Dion was baptised on Sunday. When I was a kid growing up in Motueka, my best friend was Dion who lived just down the road. We were at each other's houses every day. As I got older, I invited him to youth group etc. and then we moved away and life moved on. I have thought about and prayed for Dion on and off over the years and once or twice got in touch. This year we reconnected while I was in NZ. I may not have been the most faithful friend, but God is a faithful God, and over the years drew Dion to Himself.

All praise to God! Great to have you in the Family mate!

Sunday 24th marked a special day for two special friends of mine. Jemimah and Esther Gollan were baptised in the Bribie Island passage. What does all that mean? Well they got dunked in the water, physically all it did was make them wet. But in their lives this was a very meaningful step, a public declaration that they are followers of Jesus. A recognition that their old life has been crucified on the cross with Christ, and as he was buried and raised again, they are set free to live a new life in the power of His Spirit. Oh the wonderful possibilities that lie ahead of these two passionate lovely girls.

Luda is 28 years old. She remembers as a young girl coming first in a race at school. But that is now a very distant memory. When Luda was 16 years old she became sick and as a result developed ‘miasteniya’. This disease affects nerves and muscles and consequently Luda was left in a wheel chair for a number of years. Miasteniya is treatable but costly. Luda has had one operation and she walks with a pronounced limp. Stairs are very difficult and slow for her. Usually someone carries her up and down the stairs at church.

I had the privilege of visiting Luda and seeing her art work. She loves to draw. She mainly draws objects or copies pictures that are in front of her. I photographed a sampling of her art (sorry I don’t have a photo of Luda yet as she decided she was not dressed properly for a photograph).

We talked at length. I hesitantly asked her about her limp. She was really happy to talk. She wanted to know if I had more questions. She said it was wonderful for someone to take an interest in her life. She has very few visitors and doesn’t get out of the house very much at all.

Welcome to April. That title has nothing to do with this update and I want to stack a lot into these two pages. But up front I want to say thank you for reading and thank you for praying.

March went by fast and was packed full of activity. I worked a lot at Pacific Hills Christian School and I preached at church (sermons can be heard on line).