Our prayer partners in Rainbow

They are grateful that we are on standby for action, and even more so that we are on active prayer duty.

So when will God’s rainbow herald a break in the drought for Rainbow and surrounding Mallee and Wimmera areas? I marvel at the faith and patience of these people as they wait.

The December LCA District Newsletter paid particular attention to the impact of drought, particularly on rural communities. I submitted one of the articles.

Since Christmas I have received two wonderful letters, each from members of the Rainbow congregation.
One enclosed copy of a Herald Sun article which appeared in early January 2007. That article depicts the struggle of a young farming family and speaks a message to a world of readers, of bravery, faith, hope and dedication to the task before them.

The other letter takes up the matter of the Rainbow/Box Hill relationship with immense sincerity. I take the liberty of quoting part of its content. With respect to our congregational relationship, the writer comments:

“Speaking for myself, and I know others feel the same, I feel that the knowledge that someone cares and prays for us, is worth more than monetary assistance. Your very kind offers of assistance and accommodation are a real help; it is good to know that someone really cares. We have not taken up these offers, not because we do not think they are worth it, but because, at the moment, we can still manage. Your offers are like a safety net to a trapeze artist: you sincerely hope you will never need it, but you are very, very glad to know it is in place. So, we are not ignoring your offer; we are grateful and thankful for your involvement. Please continue to pray for all those affected by this drought.”

Added to this is the finishing comment, “Thank you again for your prayers. May God bless you all at Box Hill for your compassion and interest. May our loving Father continue to watch over and bless every one of us.’

Great encouragement for us to continue our prayerful support for these saints and to stand ready to put faith into practice when and as required.

Also be informed that the new pastor for the Rainbow parish, Pastor Andrew Ruddell, was installed on Sunday February 11, 2007. Undoubtedly a challenge for a graduate pastor. [Pastor Ruddell holds a doctorate, having previously specialized in glaciology. Maybe they can tow an iceberg to Rainbow? – Ed.]

May God bless him and his people.

Barry Schwartz