Doug Pollock's message last Sunday was timely and practical. Below are the questions he encouraged us to use and there are another 99 on his website http://www.godsgps.com/wondering-qs/ Enjoy the journey.

I'm wondering how your family has been coping with the on-going quakes?

I'm wondering if your view of the world has changed since all of this started?

I'm wondering if there have been any life lessons you've learned through all of this?

Some have called this an act of God, I was wondering what you think?

I'm wondering if you've found a source of comfort through all of this?

I'm wondering what you meant when you said . . . ?

That's an interesting perspective, I'm wondering how you came to this conclusion?

I'm wondering what the basis for your belief is?

I'm wondering if you have ever met anyone or experienced anything that made God seem more real to you?

Do you need help understanding your responses to the earthquake? Do others around you have questions about their reaction to the earthquake that you can't answer?

Richard Black is a counsellor and will lead a workshop at Riccarton Baptist Church that will give practical help to you. Richard will provide insight into your responses that will give you confidence as you look to the future. He will enable you to think about this event in an empowering manner.

This evening is free and suitable for people of all ages. Feel free to bring friends.

Format:

7pm Dessert and drinks will be served

7.30-9pm Workshop

When: Monday 4th April 7-9pm and Tuesday 12th April 7-9pm.

Please contact us if you need more information.

Christchurch has suffered a terrible tragedy ‐ devastation, loss of life, calamity, unbelievable, mindboggling, mind‐numbing. Some of us just don’t know what to think and what the way ahead is. Is it hopeless, just so overwhelming that we cannot actually see a way ahead? Some of us hear the words of confidence and determination but our hearts don’t leap at the words and they fall flat and we feel more hopeless. Such a small community really, we might know one person who died but we know six people who know someone who died. So we know of seven people who died. Two degrees and all that. And so we also wonder, what is God saying in and through this time? What is He saying to the people of God? What is he saying to the city? How should we respond? What should we do? And even if we don’t wonder, others are more than happy to tell us what God is saying. Some claim it is an act of God, of His judgement. I actually do want to claim that I know what He is saying... He is saying “recovery.”

Experiencing an earthquake - things falling, buildings crumbling, liquefaction defiling, and even people dying - hits hard at our sense of security. This is not how things should be; it’s not how we want it to be. It can leave us disorientated, distressed and heartbroken. Our initial experience is often one of shock. The events can seem surreal. We understand and experience new things by connecting them to what is known, but this level of devastation and tragedy is unknown to us, and so it can leave us disorientated. Often our emotions can be churned up and don’t know where to settle. How do we recover and heal after such a time? How can we regain any sense of security in an environment that seems so uncertain? How we do this will differ from person to person, it will be unique and personal to each of us. Below are some thoughts that will hopefully prove helpful in dealing with your emotions.

Need healing? Come for healing through Jesus Christ.

We're privileged to be hosting Weston Carryer on Wednesday 23 March at 7.30pm. God has performed amazing miracles through Weston, both in New Zealand and overseas. Here are some examples:

I was diagnosed as diabetic. My doctor said that it was far too risky to have another child. A specialist also confirmed that I was in no condition to have a baby - there would be major problems for the baby and me. Weston Carryer prayed for the Lord to heal my diabetes - I knew that the Lord had done a miracle. At my next specialist check he was astounded that my blood was normal. I was taken off all medication. I conceieved and gave birth to a healthy baby boy. Jesus I am so thankful.  Rachel Pal

The way I landed during a training exercise in the NZ Army resulted in severe injury and I spent the next four and a half months in Burnham hospital. For thirty-nine years I had severe pain in my back and both legs and had to wear a back brace and a brace on both knees at all times. At a divine healing meeting Weston Carryer prayed for the Lord to heal me. The Lord did a miracle - the pain went immediately and has never returned. I have not needed any of my braces for the last fifteen months. Praise you Lord. Owen Northcott

There are many more testimonies and further information about Weston's ministry at www.zoeministry.co.nz

Come with your needs - bring a family member or friend - and trust in the Lord who heals.