157 Elizabeth Avenue
St. John’s NL A1B 1S7
Summer 2012
Dear Friends,
As summer approaches, I am aware of how much
has been packed into this first half of 2012! There
have been many successful Alpha and
Relationship Central events from January till
June, which has resulted in 50%
more Relationship Central Courses (compared to last year) and a substantial
increase in Alpha courses as well. During these very full six months, I have
experienced two personal journeys which have made a very deep impression
on me.
The first one - in March - was when my husband, Peter and I were blessed
to participate in the Break Forth Israel Tour. I gained a whole new
understanding and appreciation of the times and places where Jesus walked.
My visit to the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem was especially moving as I felt
the emotional and spiritual impact of millions of people who have shaped the
well-trodden dirt path to this holy place over the centuries. It is one of those
rare contemplative places that allows you to stand before the Almighty and
to reflect on yourself and life.
I also gained a new appreciation for the Sabbath, or the Jewish Shabbat,
which begins on Friday night before sunset. In Jerusalem, it felt like you
were not simply entering a day, but an atmosphere. It reminded me of the
Almighty’s command to REST and to set aside time to remember God, who
is the creator of heaven and earth.
I was also privileged to attend the Leadership Conference at Royal Albert
Hall in London, England. Holy Trinity Brompton hosted this tremendously
encouraging event which brought together well-known leaders like Rick
Warren, Judah Smith, the Bishop of London, Richard Chartres, Tony Blair
and Christine Caine. Christine Caine (from Hillsong Church, Australia) had a
message for me and the rest of us 'Boomers' about handing the baton of
faith to the next generation.
She gave the example of the USA
Women's Olympic relay team who were
disqualified from the last two Olympics
(even
with
some
of
the
fastest
runners). The first year the team dropped
the baton and the second year they missed the exchange zone altogether!
Christine pointed out that WE are in the spiritual exchange zone, and
both the givers of the baton and recipients must be prepared and ready. She
reminded us about Joshua - frequently exalted as a great leader - who failed
to raise up a generation to succeed him. It says in Judges chapter 2 that
the people “did not know the Lord” and did evil in God’s sight and
worshipped Baal.
We are called as leaders to raise up the next generation in the ways of
the Lord so they can carry the baton faster, farther and with even more zeal.
Christine Caine and many of the other speakers suggested that the timing
is now!
I take my calling to raise up the next generation very seriously and believe
strongly that Alpha and Relationship Central are ways that together we can
train up our successors and pass on the baton.
If you would like to join me in this calling by coming alongside in prayer and
financial partnership, I would be so grateful. It's safe and simple to make a
donation online: Just visit www.alphacanada.org/donate.
I will be on holidays for the month of July, dreaming and strategizing
creative ways to serve and support churches in Atlantic Canada. Please feel
free to contact me either before the end of June or in the first week of
August.
Have a blessed and relaxing summer.
Alpha Regional Director, Atlantic Provinces: alphacanada.org
Canadian Director, Relationship Central: relationshipcentral.ca
Elaine Young's Ministry Page: Elaine.alphacanada.org
Alpha Ministries Canada /Cell #: 709-763-4319