VBS at Northside: Day 2

Team
God'sWord


Refreshments


Crafts
Games
Memory Verse

VBS at Northside: Day 1

Seventeen children came out for the first day of Vacation Bible School here in Barrie. These are a couple of shots by Ken Wallace, an elder at Northside, who has been helping with power Point. The team (pictured in conference)is doing a super job providing the children with games, refreshments, crafts and amazing Bible stories. Point your browser here again soon to see more. We are praying that the Lord would bring many boys and girls out to hear the Good News of Jesus and His love and to have loads of fun.

Set Sail with VBS

This is one of the T-shirts I just picked up for the VBS. Everything is just about set. Vera has been working so hard with Melanie and others preparing for the upcoming Daily Vacation Bible School to be held at Northside Aug. 14-18. The theme will be “Set Sail” and will focus on some of the great boat stories of the Bible: Jesus walking on the water, Jonah and the whale etc. The Lord has blessed with many volunteers to help set the sails for this adventure in God’s Word. (The Belize team will repeat this program at 8 Mile). Let us pray that God would bring many boys and girls out to hear the Good News of His Son.

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!