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May
This was a deeply blessed meeting. Approximately 50 women present, including some more new faces. In spite of heavy rain and high winds assaulting Whangarei, the Women of Dove Northland were drawn in to a place of warmth and love in the Heart of Jesus - of safety and security under His anointing, and in the presence of one another.
We began in the usual way; a few gathering songs, the opening prayer by our Chaplain, Fr. John, birthdays and notices etc.
While preparing for this meeting it became clear during prayer time that the Cross of Jesus would be significant. After the offering and prayer-box were prayed over, they were placed at the foot of the Cross on the focus table. We then invited those present, in preparation for coming into the Presence of Jesus during Praise and Worship, to come forward and place a stone at the foot of the Cross, laying down before Jesus any hindrances that may be blocking them from coming freely into His Heart of Love. There was an immediate response and the majority of women left their seats and prayerfully laid their burdens down at His feet. A beautiful time of Praise and Worship flowed on from there.
Our guest speaker Diane Andrews gave us a deeply anointed talk on the Fruit of the Holy Spirit. This built on a talk she had given us last year about the Vine, and showed how the Fruit grows from being closely grafted into the Vine. As this beautiful fruit matures, we are enabled to share the life and love of Jesus, wherever He wills. We are to be "glass half-full” women, rather than “glass half-empty," filled with the Promise of all we will receive. Diane broke open the Word for us, beautifully illustrated by a wonderful Powerpoint display visually expressing various Scriptures relating to the Fruits of the Spirit, beginning with the greatest - LOVE, which is our theme : “I have loved you with an everlasting love, and with loving kindness I have drawn you” (Jeremiah 31:3).
As Diane’s talk came to an end, we were encouraged to stand together and sing that wonderful old song- Blessed Assurance. As the women sang, they were invited to come forward and exchange their old pebbles at the foot of the Cross for a shiny coloured stone, believing the Promise that He makes all things new. The Lord is our Rock and He wants us to be His ‘living stones’ taking His love to others.
As a parting gift, Diane had made bookmarks for everyone, sharing a reflection written by Fr Ernie Milne, entitled Companions on the Way.
Many women sought Reconciliation or prayer ministry; others relaxed and chatted in friendship and fellowship before going their different way, restored and refreshed in His Love. Praise the Name of Jesus.