This Sunday is Anzac Day, an important day of remembrance for Australians and New Zealanders. The Anzac soldiers distinguished themselves by being totally committed to the cause of delivering their countries from the tyranny of terror. When evil forces threatened to take our countries captive, brave men rose up and said we will stand for the defence and freedom of our country. What an example and legacy they left as many followed through on their commitment to their cause, to the point of death.

The example of the Anzacs makes me wonder if men and women of grit, courage and determination still reside in this great nation. Are there people who will stand up for freedom, justice and righteousness? It’s a searching question and my response is; I believe there are people of this calibre and they call themselves Christian! They are the men and women who believe in the principle of right and wrong; who are offended by injustice; who seek after righteousness; who will speak out when women and children are oppressed; and who will act to defend the defenceless.

Churches around this nation are involved in all kinds of good works that seek to do exactly this as Christians, people that serve in and support ministries within Australia and overseas. These Christian ministries seek after righteousness, serve the poor, deliver the oppressed, and seek to honour the freedom of all mankind. We don’t hear much about Christian work of this kind in the media, only the shame and embarrassment of Christian failure makes the headlines. The work of God in churches throughout this country however, brings great honour to God - as mission and ministry is undertaken on a daily basis.

Thankfully here at EBC we too are directly involved in ministries that serve the oppressed - ministries that minister to the hurting, and bind up the broken-hearted. Where there is injustice, abuse and unrighteousness, we are reaching out to help, often in the face of significant opposition and with sacrificial dedication toward others. I wonder, have you seen these kinds of ministries at work, are you a part of the ‘miraculous’ deliverance and healing that God is doing in peoples lives?

There is still a war on, but its not for land or country - it’s a war for the souls of precious men and women whose lives have been destroyed by the treachery and deception of Satan and sin. We battle daily to see people delivered from spiritual bondage, and brought into the freedom and light of the gospel.

Look around, scratch beneath the surface and you’ll begin to realise that the war is all around you and there is an enemy who is doing all he can to dissuade and discourage the commitment and sacrificial dedication of brave men and women who seek after justice, mercy and righteousness.

Remembering the soldiers,

Easter services at EBC were fantastic, with a record number of people attending. It was especially exciting to have the young people attend the Good Friday service (who in previous years would normally have left for Easter Camp on Thursday evening). There was a real sense of the EBC family being together on this special occasion to remember the suffering and death of the Lord Jesus.

The service was communicated by the youth leaders as the official start of Easter Camp which is a great concept and helps to unite the youth with the rest of the church. Many parents of the young people were also present, which was a bonus, when many might not otherwise attend church. Some years ago, Easter services at EBC were rather insignificant as many families went away; they have now become a high point of our calendar year.  We will increasingly focus on preparing well for these services and the opportunities they present.

I spent Sunday afternoon at Easter Camp - held at Rostrevor College this year - and was very impressed with the facilities and the exceptional organisation and enthusiasm of the youth leaders. The afternoon seemed to operate like a well-oiled machine with various teams of young people competing in a variety of competitions. Being a grandad, of some length of years, I was able to relax on the sidelines with my granddaughter and watch the afternoon’s proceedings. Old age isn’t such a bad thing after all and I didn’t even get thrown in the massive pool, although I was threatened a few times, but a few well placed punches gave my would be assailants something to think about!

Amidst the fun and excitement of youth camp is always a work of great spiritual significance going on in young lives that are emerging into adulthood. Camps are always an amazing opportunity to orient young peoples’ minds and hearts towards God and His will and purpose for their lives. The results are not always seen, but steps of faith, conversions to Christ, and baptisms, bear testimony to the often unseen work of the Holy Spirit.

Praise God for EBC and the vibrancy of its spiritual life and health, may God help us to continue to mature, honouring Him with our lives and serving His purposes for His glory.

God is good, all the time!