Family Camp 2

Today we handed out flyers inviting kids to the upcoming DVBS, but that will have to wait for another post. Here are some shots I promised of Family Camp 2. Jeremy fishing with Kendal and Rachel with painted face on the carnival night. What great fun and fellowship. Peter Kerr and Gary McBride were the speakers for the week. Gary spoke on James and Peter shared a series on Haggai entitled, "Restoring your spiritual passion". Both were very challenging and refreshing. Be sure to visit Northland's website at www.northlandbiblecamp.com

Jeremy's Baptism

This will be, by far, one of the most gratifying posts to date on our blog: Jeremy's Baptism. We have just returned from Family Camp 2 at Northland Bible Camp. On July 25th our home assembly in Matheson, including his "Oma & Opa", was in attendance and all witnessed Jeremy O'Byrne take a step of obedience to the Lord and be baptized. The Lord blessed us with a beautiful day. You don't know what a joy it was for me to have this privilege. I am so proud of my son. The verse I gave him was Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans that I have for you says the LORD; plans to prosper you and not to harm you, and to give you a future of hope."

Way to go Jeremy!

Baptism at Northside

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
(Matthew 28:18-20)
It was very encouraging to see three candidates step forward to be baptized recently at Northside. Many were in attendance to witness this event. Baptism is one of two ordinances that the Lord gave to His church, the other being the Lord's Supper. Both are visible, symbolic acts. Baptism is a picture of our identification with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection. Those baptized announce by their baptism that their old life is over and they have begun a new life in Christ. (See Romans 6; Acts 8 etc.)

Jr. Boys 2006, Part III

Knots are always fun. James is teaching the bowline or half-hitcth, I think.
This is one of my favorite shots from this year. Can you see the delight in the faces of these campers as they chow down on dessert? They'll need the precious calories for the wide game following supper.
The "Craft Shaft" is a fun place to do crafts, especially if it is kinda drizzly outside.

Jr. Boys, Northland Bible Camp, Part 2

Chapel time is always an important part of camp where boys and girls learn precious truths from God's Word. The day is filled with a variety of activities including sports, crafts, games. The friendships forged are life changing and lifelong.

Jr Boys at Northland Bible Camp 2006

Jeremy and I just returned from a week at camp. This was Jeremy's first year as a Jr Counselor (see picture with Otter Slide cabin) and I shared the lessons on "Under Siege" Battle of the Ages, a study of the Armor of God from Ephesians 6:10-18. Over the next while we'll try and post some shots of the boys as they enjoyed a week of Christian camping. We praise the Lord for blessing the staff, counselors and campers. A number of campers made professions of faith in Jesus Christ the Captain of our salvation!

Missionary Picnic a success...

Vera and I attended the missionary picnic in Toronto where we gave a report on short-term missions to Belize. We really enjoyed reports from various missionaries sharing the many joys, trials, needs, and nature of their work. Countries included Nigeria, Philippines, France, Canada (Toronto), and other areas. A fellow blogger, Nigel Barham shared how he will be George Verwer's (founder of Operation Mobilization) personal travelling assistant for a year. Nigel challenged the group to think through missions, prayer and the great need to reach our generation with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Here is his prayer card...

Got "M A P" ?

Got a "MAP"? ... that is map as in: "M-issionary A-awareness P-roject" I am very excited to be a part of the upcoming Toronto and Area Missionary Picnic on Saturday, June 24. We look forward to reporting on short-term missions and Belize in particular. Have a look at your calendar and jot down the address. Plan to come and enjoy the reports and pray! We have exciting updates coming for the Youth Mission to Belize in Aug., too...

Sean

Guelph Bible Conference

Hi,
I know our Blog has been dormant, but not for lack of material. I should have reported on the night of prayer at Northside or the Workers and Elders conference in Oakville. Life seems to be going too fast, even to update a blog!!
However, I thought I should tell you about my latest excursion with Jeremy. This past weekend the 50th annual Men's Conference was held in Guelph. I have been going to this conf. since I was saved in 1985. This time my twin brother Derry went with us and my son came for the first time. We enjoyed a great weekend of fellowship, food and great ministry. Joe Reese spoke on the Lordship of Christ and Alex Strauch (author of Biblical Eldership) spoke on Leading with Love. We renewed many Christian ties with other men who God has used in our lives. A highlight for me was Dr. Jim Rennie's seminar on "7 habits of a highly effective father". Of course, it is beyond words to describe how happy I was to have my son along with me. We played floor hockey on Saturday night which reminded my of my age!
Now I am looking forward to celebrating our 17th wedding anniversary! Vera and I were married on the same weekend as the men's conf. 17 yrs. ago. She doesn't mind celebrating it after the conference because I usually come home encouraged by the mountain-top experience that the annual conf. is. Praise the Lord!

Expansion at 8 Mile

An update on the 8 Mile site is overdue. James and Chantal Edwards have returned to Canada after working in Belize for 3 months. James sent me this photo explaining that a team from North Carolina had erected a structure that will eventually be an addition to the building that can be used for Sunday School. The block that needs to be installed could make a great project for the next team. They hope to build a proper bathroom as well. James also shared how the follow-up meetings were going. They seemed to be encouraged and growing. Praise the Lord!

Birthday Boys

I'd like to dedicate today's post to my twin brother, Derry Patrick O'Byrne. After all, we turned 40 today! Wow, that's a BIG number! I'll post a few pictures to mark this day, but first of all I'd like to thank the LORD for all that we are and have. I praise God for the day in August 1985 that I accepted Christ as my personal Savior and Lord. Thank God for a beautiful and faithful wife, for two teenagers I'm so proud of and also for our new church home at Northside Bible Chapel here in Barrie. We have a lot to thank God for. Turning 40 makes one reflect on the brevity, uncertainty, and frailty of life. My son said, "Well dad, you're life is half over" (!?!!!). Just as my daughter went out the door for school she said, "Wow, you're old now, dad!". Then she gave me a peck on the cheek and said, "Here's your first old person kiss... smack". I'm looking forward to Vera and the kids taking me out for supper tonight.

40 = the number of testing. Life is a test isn't it? From Genesis to Revelation we trace the number and how the Lord worked in nations and persons and even His Son.
The nation of Isreal wandered and was proven in the wilderness for 40 years.
Moses was in Egypt for 40 years learning to be a somebody, 40 years in the desert learning that he was nothing, and another 40 years in the wilderness learning that God is everything.
Jesus was tempted of the devil for 40 days.
We are tested: our marriage, sexuality, money, family, freindships, gifts and calling.
I thought it was fitting that my daily devotion found me in Numbers, in which Israel was tested and proved. My prayer (For Derry, too!) was, "Lord, help me to finish well".
So Happy Birthday, Derry! Can you tell who is who? I doubt it!
Here we are on Opa's lap with mom and dad and siblings...But, I can see that you're trying to pick a fight with me!

3 Dead Squirl Babies

A quick squirl update.... they died! The little critters proved to be just too delicate to survive. The boys gave squirl mothering a valient effort though.

Awards Night

Last night was AWANA Awards night at Northside Bible Chapel here in Barrie. Here Vera enjoys a moment with some special friends, two girls who she has also been bringing out to Sunday School.

Some of the Junior Varsity leaders and clubbers that I've had the joy of working with.

Jim Comte preaching the gospel to a full house: "Christ died for our sins" (I Corinthians 15:3)



So, another year of Awana comes to a close and we thank God for blessing leaders and clubbers - way to go all!

To God be the glory, great things He has done!

Even birds and animals have much they could teach you; (Job 12:7)

Jeremy displays "Jamal", one of three squirls found in the park. Having fallen from thier tree and abandoned by thier mom, these long-tailed fuzzy creatures were quickly adopted by Jeremy and his friends.

Our Bible tells us that there are lessons to learn from our furry friends; He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7) is one for sure.

From beginning to end the Bible is full of animals that God made, cared for and used: think of Noah's friends, the donkey that spoke to Balaam, the whale that swollowed Jonah, the donkey that carried Jesus, the rooster that crowed to remind Peter of the Lord or even the scary beasts in Revelation used to symbolize things future.

Well, I don't know if "Jamal", "Sandy", and "Hecter" will survive summer, stray cats or our dog and cat. It will be a challenge for the guys to feed and care for their new friends as they try and reintroduce them into the neighbourhood. I for one will think of the variety and wonder of God's creatures and His perfect care over us.

Vaillancourt's View

"Phheww, I'm bushed!!!" Bob Vaillancourt and Leighton Hartley after pouring cement at 8 Mile Community Chapel in Belize.

Bob's home assembly, Grace Bible Chapel in Timmins, Ontario publishes a Missions Newsletter. He recently submitted an article regarding the value of short term missions. I blog it for your consideration:


Laborers for the
Harvest

Why Short Term? - Robert
Vaillancourt

Valid concerns have been
expressed about the value of short
term efforts. These include the
cost involved in traveling for only
a few weeks or months; the
limited contribution a person can
make without knowing the
language; the questionable
commitment of some who wish to
be involved for a short term.

On the other hand, there are
potential advantages which should
not be overlooked:

• we live in a smaller world in
which travel is so much easier;
• more Christians, whether
students or retired people, have
time available in which to serve;
• many of those who have gone for
a short term have become more
aware of the needs and of the
Lord's desire for them to be
involved in longer term service;
• just as John Mark was a servant
to Paul and Barnabas (Acts
13:5), thus facilitating the work
in which they were involved, so
today there are support
activities which can be done

• by those who are willing to
help for a short time as
handymen, builders,
mechanics, teachers etc.;
• many missionaries have
expressed an interest in short
term workers. (Taken from
MSC website)

Not all of us are called to full time
missionary work. We can all do
our part in the Lord’s work. There
are opportunities aplenty for short
time teams.

There is much need for
evangelism, construction,
encouragement and assistance to
full time missionaries. Not all are
capable or even able to go on
these teams but prayers are
needed for teams to come forth
and also for the success and safety
of the teams.

“The harvest in truly GREAT, but
the laborers are FEW, PRAY ye
therefore the Lord of the harvest,
that He would send forth laborers
into the harvest” Luke 10:2.

Behold I stand at the door and KNOCK!

Here are a couple of the volunteers who helped distribute about 1000 door hangers on Saturday. We hung these invitations on neighbourhood door handles inviting people to join us at Northside on Easter Sunday to consider again the best news the world has ever heard - "He is Risen!"

Bancroft Youth

It was about 11:00 by the time Jeremy and I pulled into Hemingway Crescent last night. We enjoyed an evening with the Bancroft Bible Chapel Youth Group. We were invited to share our missions report on Belize. After a scrumptious meal of Lasagna we gave the Pineapple Story and then showed the report. I was impressed by their interest and excellent questions. Afterward they broke into groups and prayed. A highlight for us was seeing old time friends Ben and Naomi. Not seeing them for about 9 years it was hard to recognize eachother.
Many thanks for the opportunity to be with you! May the Lord bless your group for His glory.

Sean & Jeremy

Belize Update

Hi,
Here are James and Chantal Edwards, good friends and short-term missionaries to Belize. Here is an update from thier blog....

Time to start packing up…
April 3rd, 2006
Hi Everyone,

Sorry for this long overdue update. We haven’t been able to find time to get on the internet the past couple of weeks.

The North Carolina team has come and gone. We were able to have the foundation poured before they came. They were able to get the columns and the beams poured before they left. They also had gospel meetings from Thursday night to Sunday evening. Please continue to pray for this work as it continues.

As for us, it’s hard to believe that we are on our last week. We’ve started to pack up and we’ll be heading out on Thursday. It will definately be hard to leave so many new friends here. I’ll give you more of an update once we return home.

Thanks for all your prayers!

Romans 2 - The Guilt of the Hypocrite...

The Legend of the Indonesian Farmer
An Indonesian farmer was returning to his village when he suddenly stopped on the jungle trail and stared ahead with growing alarm. Lying across his path he could see a tiger’s tail and, looking carefully, he could see that the tail belonged to a very large and very fierce tiger. This tiger was waiting for him. Acting on impulse the farmer put down his scythe, ran forward and seized the tiger by the tail. With an angry snarl the tiger tried to free his tail, but the more he roared and plunged, the harder the farmer held on.
The struggle went on for a while, and then, just as the farmer felt he could hang on no longer, who should come along the path but an Indonesian holy man. The holy man stopped, surveyed the scene with interest and was about to pass on when the farmer called to him.
”Dear holy man,” he cried, ”please take my scythe and ki8ll this tiger. I can’t hold on to it much long.”
The holy man sighed. ”My friend,” he replied, ”that I cannot do. I am forbidden by the rites of my religion to kill any living thing.”
The farmer renewed his failing grip. “But holy man,” he said, “don’t you see that if you fail to kill this tiger then it will kill me. Surely the life of a man is of more value than the life of a beast!”
The holy man folded his arms in the depths of his flowing robe. “About that,” he said, “I cannot speak. All around me in the jungle I see things killing and being killed. I am not responsible for these things, neither can I help them. But for me to kill…as, this I cannot do.”
Just then the tiger gave a vicious snarl and a furious pull on its tail. Sweat poured from the farmer. The holy man prepared to leave. “Dear holy man, “sobbed the farmer in despair, “doesn’t go! If it is against the rules of your faith to kill this beast, at least come and hold it’s tail while I kill him.”
The holy man paused and considered. “I suppose I could do that,” he conceded at last. “There can be no harm in holding the animal’s tail.” Cautiously he approached the infuriated beast and joined the farmer in holding on to the tail. “Do you have him, holy man?” panted the farmer. “Do you have him fast?”
“Yes, yes,” said the holy man, “but hurry up before he gets loose.” Leisurely the farmer brushed off his clothes. Slowly he picked up his hat and put it on. With great deliberation he picked up his scythe. Then bowing to the holy man the farmer prepared to leave.
“Here, where are you going?” demanded the suddenly alarmed holy man. “I thought you were going to kill this tiger.”
The farmer paused, folded his arms in the sleeve of his coast and sighed. “Dear holy man,” he replied, “you are a most excellent teacher. You have completely converted me to your most noble religion. I can see now how wrong I have been all these years. I cannot kill this tiger, for it is against the rules of our holy religion. As you have taught me, all around us in the jungle we see things killing and being killed. We are not responsible for these things, but for us holy men to kill, as you say, this cannot be. I am now going into the village yonder, so you will just have to hang on to his tiger until some coarser soul comes along not so motivated by the high ideals o our holy faith. Perhaps you will be able to convert him too, as you have converted me.” And with this parting shot, the farmer left!

As Arrows (Psalm 127)

In the Bible we read that children are a heritage from the Lord and that they are like arrows (Psalm 127). Verse 4 states that if you have a quiver full you'll be happy. We only have two arrows in our quiver, and I can tell you: if you have two teenagers you'll have an empty fridge!!! I think the lesson for us, though, is as parents we need to POINT THEM IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION AND THEN LET THEM GO.

So, here is Rachel: 13 yrs!

With her friends in Northern Ontario roasting some wieners in the bush.
Also, with her Oma (Oma = "Grandma in German)

Happy Birthday Rachel! We love you!!!

The Book of Romans

Hi again,
I know I promised some shots of our daughter's B-day, but I'm just going to take this oppoprunity to post our current study outline for our series of messages at Northside Bible Chapel here in Barrie. We have just begun a series of talks on Paul's letter to the Romans. This is a suggested outline to follow along... (adapted from Weirsbe's Expository Outlines of the New Testament)

ROMANS – God’s Good News
Key verses: 1:16,17
Theme: The Righteousness of God

1) INTRODUCTION – (1:1-17)

a) Salutation (1:1-7)
b) Explanation (1:8-17)

2) SIN – (1:18-3:20) Righteousness Needed

a) Gentiles guilty before God (1:18-32)
b) Jews guilty before God (2:1-3:8)
c) Whole world before God (3:9-20)

3) SALVATION – (3:21-5:21) Righteousness Imputed

a) Justification stated (3:21-31)
b) Justification illustrated in Abraham (4:1-25)
c) Justification experienced (5:1-21)

4) SANCTIFICATION – (6-8) Righteousness Imparted

a) Victory – The Flesh (6)
b) Liberty – The Law (7)
c) Security – The Spirit (8)

5) SOVEREIGNTY – (9-11) Righteousness Rejected

a) Israel’s past election (9)
b) Israel’s present rejection (10)
c) Israel’s future restoration (11)

6) SERVICE – (12:1-15:13) Righteousness Practiced

a) In the church (12)
b) In Society (13)
c) Toward the weaker believer (14:1-15:13)

7) CONCLUSION – (15:14-16:27)

a) Paul’s faithfulness in the ministry (15:14-21)
b) Paul’s future in the ministry (15:22-33)
c) Paul’s friends in the ministry (16:1-23)
d) Final benediction (16:24-27)

Is that James Bond or does that thing have wings?

Hi,
March break is over and the kids are back in school. We thought we might post a shot or two of what Jeremy and Rachel were up to. The break took us back to Northern Ontario where we were hit with a blizzard! Sean was to speak at our home assembly but the meeting was cancelled! As you can see from the picture, Jeremy loved the snow leftover from the storm. The other news, of course, is that Rachel turned into a teanager yesterday! That's right, 13 years old! We will post some pics of her unique outdoor party next....

Nice to be back in blog land.....

Sean

Mrs. Barrow

Hi,
Meet Mrs. Barrow. Pictured here with me and the Timmins boys, she was the one who donated the property for the 8 Miles Community Bible Chapel when her husband died. It was very special to see her at the grand opening. You could see her joy as she stepped onto the sidewalk leading to the newly renovated building. Her joy overflowed as she stood and sang "to God be the glory, great things He has done" with the other believers at the dedications. We thank God for her vision to dedicate the property to the Lord's work.

Let's continue to pray for the workers there doing follow up, including James and Chantal Edwards and also for the plans for future teams.

Sean