There was an air of excitement on Sunday as Joshua Fiddy, the Pastor's son, back for a short time from Israel spoke to the church firstly about his cycle ride in 40 degrees of heat and how he and his cycling companion, a German student nicknamed 'Basti', had felt the need to quit because of the seemingly impossible conditions, but through determination and trust in God, they achieved their goal to cycle across Israel.

Through every mountain top experience and through every valley, proving to be both spiritual and physical, there was the buzz of being on the mountain top and the spiritual low of the valley experience where everything seems impossible. Josh said it was definitely their trust in God's supply that got them to the end of the course!

Philippians 3, v 12-15, 'Running the race!'... forgetting what is behind and straining to what is ahead I press on towards the goal, to win the prize for which God has called me heavenwards in Christ Jesus, he mentioned the need to store up for ourselves treasures in heaven and not on this earth where moth and worm can destroy them.

He went on to share from the gospel of Mathew on the importance of trusting in the word of God. Verse 18 in Mathew 16 where God referring to Peter says "upon this rock I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it!"

Joshua mentioned that gates are not a form of attack, but are a defence so the church of God advances towards the enemy's gates.

While the promise of scripture is for the victory, Joshua shared how if the church is lukewarm, worldly or divided it gives the enemy room to win victories in the life of a church. We must be careful to remain united and wholehearted in our fervent work for God's kingdom, so we can enjoy the victory that Jesus promises. For a church to fulfil its purpose, Jesus has to be the head and we should move in accordance with his direction and not to do what seems right in our own eyes, everything we do must be out of relationship with him, not through habit (religion, ritual) but through the spoken word of God by faith, and by the guide of the written word which confirms the truth separating truth from error!

Joshua will be with us again this Sunday, with Rev. Jon Fiddy speaking.

Meetings are every Sunday, 10.15 for 10.25 am start, with tea, coffee and time for fellowship to follow the end of the service. All are welcome! For more details of the church and meetings, ring 871975.