Bishop Lee Writes: The Hills are alive with the sound of music…and prayer

There is a lot more mission progress in the Western Region than what is happening in the North West sector, as you will see on these two pages. However, some have asked for an update, so that they can better pray for this area which expects to see an influx of over 200,000. It is easy for the churches in this area to be overwhelmed by the enormity of the challenge, so pray for trust in God. Let me mention just two churches right in the epicentre of this population explosion.

Over the last couple of years, I have witnessed, with great praise to God, the transformation of a small settled rural congregation into a dynamic, growing contemporary church seeking to reach out to the thousands around them. Under the fine leadership of Ross Hathway, the members of Kellyville Anglican church have accepted the changes necessary to move into full mission mode. Sunday attendance has more than tripled, the youth group has become two groups, a new children’s club has been formed, and a third congregation is being planned. Their bold ministry plan is four congregations of 200 each by 2010.

What to pray? Leadership training is one of their greatest needs. But also thank God for the sacrificial giving by many, and for those who have come to know Christ. Recently I baptised five and confirmed fourteen people. Among them was a married couple who were unable to conceive a child and had endured disappointment in an IVF program. They agreed that if God gave them a child, they would attend church! Praise God that they were visited by the Assistant Minister, did the Christianity Explained course, joined a home group and then turned to Christ.

Very briefly, I can mention that Martin Morgan and Steve Covetz have planted a church at Rouse Hill Anglican College. After just over 18 months, the morning congregation has up to 60 adults and 50 children attending, and the recently formed evening congregation has 30 adults. Youth, children, men and women’s ministries have been established, and I am confident that we can plant a church in one of the new NW sector suburbs next year. I must also mention the fantastic help that the College has been in this enterprise.

What about problems you ask, any? Yes, more than I care to mention! But they are problems of growth and mission mindedness. So please do pray for the ministers, staff and lay leaders of these and other churches in NW Sydney.

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