This year, OCS is led by uni students Stacey Owers and Lachlan Campbell. They are supported by the chaplains to OCS – Adam Gregory and Telena Hogbin.

The goal of OCS is to make Jesus known on Ourimbah campus – this is done by connecting Christian students together, and growing, training and equipping them for the mission – to reach out to their friends and fellow students with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

OCS started this year with the traditional Go-Week stall where clubs and organisations see to make contact with interested students. OCS connected with over 30 students over the two days, and a number of students who were interested in a Simply Christianity course which starts next week. Over 20 students came to the KickOff Dinner where Adam challenged the students by setting before them the vision of OCS. The students were encouraged to use their time at the uni for mission, to grow and to be equipped.

Please continue to pray for OCS – we have had a huge start to the year and it has been very encouraging! Please pray for the students as they settle into church@5 and bible study groups (especially a new girls group that has started in the campus college!). Please pray for the Simply Christianity course that starts next Tuesday – that many students will be challenged to consider the claims of Jesus as they understand who Jesus is and what he has done for them on the cross. Please pray for the student leaders and others as they seek to follow up contacts and encourage them to get involved.

The next outing will be Saturday 12th June which will be a progressive mystery?
Russell Windon

Last year The Lakes contributed $4,000 to help Singleton, and we have set a goal to raise at least a further $2,000 this year. In fact, we would like to raise that money next week (Sunday 14th March). So could you consider bringing along a gift for Singleton Evangelical church next week? This would be over and above your own regular giving to The Lakes. We will have a special offering in the church meetings next week. If you would prefer to contribute via electronic funds transfer just put Singleton as part of the reference or message in the transaction. This is a terrific way to express our partnership with our brothers and sisters at Singleton!

Here is the website for Singleton Evangelical Church:
http://www.singletonchurch.org/sec/Home.html

Here is an interview I did with Scott McKenzie in August last year:

A practical step that many of the men in our church have taken is to install internet accountability software (x3watch). All the staff and men’s ministry leaders at The Lakes have installed the software and found it helpful.

For more information check out this previous blog which has the sort of resources, links and advice that will help you: http://thelakes.net.au/2009/06/22/porn-like-scooping-fire-into-your-lap/

Mark Harvey

Our next breakfast will be this Saturday the 6th March at 8.00am in the church office.

Prayer Points – Paul and Lyndal
Eurasia – 26 February 10

Dear Friend,

We’ve been deeply encouraged by the response we received from our last letter. It has been difficult coming to terms with the decision not to return to minister in Eurasia, but the many messages of love and support we’ve received are a great help to us. Thank God for the fellowship of believers that binds us together.

We mentioned in our last email that we were planning to return to Eurasia in March or April. Since then we realised that it would be wiser to get over there sooner, so this Thursday we are flying out! Only Lyndal, Ebony and I are going to pack-up and say farewell to our friends. The boys will be staying with grandparents for the time we’re away. Lyndal and Ebony will be staying until 14 March and I will return to Australia on 26 March.

We would be greatly thankful if you could remember the following prayer points:

• Pray we’ll travel safely.

• Pray that the boys will be settled and generally OK while we’re away and pray that their grandparents will have the energy to survive 2 ½ weeks.

• Pray we’ll have good farewells with our friends in Eurasia, and that we will be able to be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.

• Pray that packing and selling up of our belongings will go smoothly.

Thanks again for your prayers. God bless,

Paul (and Lyndal).

PS. The photo should give you an idea of the weather we’re heading to.

RSVP Chris Kent m: 0418 669 421 h:4384 5680 e: ck1959@gmail.com

Berkeley Centre. Mark Harvey