Fishers Of Men Welcome to 2013!!

1. Fishers Of Men Welcome to 2013!! ABN: 70 108 750 232 Hi Everyone. We hope you had a lovely Christmas and pray that you have an awesome 2013. This comes with a theme that is recurrent at the discipleship house “For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it” (Matt 16:25). This is something our guys are pondering and often struggling with the reality of applying to their lives. It’s true not only of those with addictions, but for all of us. To what extent are we willing to die to self in our service to the Lord? Sometimes these questions are uncomfortable, and those we try not to think too hard about. For those who can lay their lives truly at the altar of sacrifice and give it all to Christ there comes a freedom no one can deny. The price of surrender is minimal compared to what we obtain in Christ, eternal life, peace, freedom, rest from struggle. Where we are going, none can compare. Let’s keep our eye on the goal and on the prize, looking always forward to Christ, especially as 2013 unwinds. Therein lies life and true freedom. Fishers of Men was a hive of activity with Christmas hustle and bustle not so long ago, there was the volunteers Christmas party, which was kind of smaller this year, but had an awesome feeling of the presence of the Lord. Then the Christmas Celebration for the homeless which went well, thanks again to Logan Uniting, and regular contributors to that event such as Barry the owner of the Springwood Coffee Club, who donates deserts and Logan City Council who donated $500. The Mayor of Logan Pam Parker was already on holidays, but came back specially to share from her heart with the homeless & disadvantaged we minister to. Bobby shared, whinging, (not like him!) that the Mayor stole his message, but the truth of the matter was, they had both anticipated the same scripture to speak from. It seemed to work well regardless, & when Bobby gave an invitation, many responded by giving their lives to Christ for the first time. The night was enjoyable, with around 110 needy people fed. Two Churches ministered in song, New Heart Baptist, with a presentation called “The King is Coming” & Grace Community Church with a beautiful choir singing favourite Christmas items. Thanks to Bob & Jan Cerezo who co-ordinated the collation of donations, every needy person received a Christmas gift. But, more importantly than that, they also heard how Christ is the best gift we could ever receive. It was a humbling experience to participate as so many caring people from a variety of organisations and Churches chipped in together for the betterment of others. Thank you to everyone involved. New Years Eve on the Gold Coast Dinners ready to go, with volunteers & Vicky Schweitzer who managed food prep. The wonderful and spectacular Bob & Jan Cerezo Sitting down to enjoy the meal

2. Farewell Jackson We have recently seen unusual tension between aboriginal and Samoan families in the area. The unrest was sparked by the death of Jackson, an aboriginal youth we had been ministering to for some time, especially on the weekend just prior to his death. Jackson was open to the gospel, and believed in Jesus. The entire street van team wish to pass on our sympathy, respect and condolences to the community with which he is connected. Our registration as a charity in Qld has been approved, (registration number: CH2276) Growing Deep and Strong Several of the guys from the discipleship house have completed modules 1 & 2 of the “Growing Deep and Strong” course material with Peter and Karn Benson. They have benefitted greatly, and are now moving on to module 3, with Joe and MonitaDuijmovic. (Peter and Karn are continuing to focus on module 1 &2 with the new residents). Aiden’s Baptism 1 Cor 15:58 : “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” Volunteers Some of the men from the house This month we were able to help Linda, (not true name). Linda came to us at the recommendation of another agency. When she got to us, Linda was 39 weeks and 6 days pregnant, Linda had gone through the trauma of being beaten by the father of the child she was carrying. She had spent time in hospital due to the severity of the injuries and the bruising of the amniotic sac. The father is in gaol as a result of it, but she is still to testify in court, with his family members threatening to kill her if she does! Prior to beating her, the father broke all their furniture, including everything belonging to the children, (she also has a 3 year old girl), he even burnt their clothes. Basically, Linda was hugely in need of assistance. Again, through the generosity of our donors, the support of volunteers and the kindness of God, we were able to provide Linda with some essential basics she needed to keep going, from food, to a babies car seat, bed, mattress, linen, clothes, cupboards, table and chairs etc. Simple things, but well needed. It’s awesome that Fishers of Men can be used in this way as a conduit of his love and provision. Please pray for “Linda” !! Servng in the kitchen Mr Benson and his truck

3. Christmas day was a quiet one, 20 of us sat around the family table enjoying the company & Christmas lunch. We had the six of us, dad, the guys from the house, and the family of one of the men. The guys had been complaining about the bath towels at Lorimer, so with some of the donation money raised for Christmas, we bought each of them a quality bath sheet, and embroidered each one’s name individually with silver thread. The result was really nice, (they got other stuff as well, but that was the best). The Mearns children enjoyed the day. Even though mummy and daddy don’t believe in “Satan Clause” as mummy calls him, the kids get presents, but they know the real reason we celebrate Christmas. Zoie got accolades for behaviour and academic achievement this year, the other three are working on it. We’ll see how it goes. We praise God for the good Christian school they attend, & find Calvary Christian College to be encouraging and supportive of our goals to raise the kids as Christians!! Thank God too, that Calvary has kindly supported us with a reduction in fees so that we are able to send the kids there! Interestingly enough, the school has 4 sport teams named after notable Christians. “Pullinger” is one of them, and won this year. Even though our kids are in other teams, (eg: Zoie’s in Livingstone ), we were excited at Pullinger’s first place! (after Jackie who started the ministry where Bobby was set free from drugs in Hong Kong, author of “Chasing the Dragon”). No big trips for us this year, but we are looking forward to a week away with the kids at Bribie Island, & we have theme park passes as well, so we’re keeping occupied over the school holidays. Zekiel is now over 110cm, so he’s happily able to go on some of the rides!! Zara has lost her two front teeth, she looks really cute! Zach & Zeke enjoyed soccer this year & all of the munchkins enjoyed swimming on Saturdays after lessons. Zoie has been enjoying herself at youth, and is hoping to join the school mission trip to Tonga this year, (she has been doing some babysitting and has been saving up to pay for it herself). They are growing up. Ps: Bobby wants me to tell you that he’s getting more and more good looking, (taller, darker and way more handsomer).

4. Picture Gallery God bless you, from the Mearnses & Fishers of Men. Hoping this letter finds you well as we look forward to what lies ahead in 2013. Remember to put Christ 1st in everything, he is the “be all &end all” Zekiel and two brothers HaHa and Ayik in the rainforest The guys on Sky Coaster at Sea World Zara and Zekiel’s baptism On the beach New Years Eve Bobby, Zach & Zoie @ Stradbroke Island 2 of the guys under a waterfall @ Tamborine Mountains Little Critters Blessed days 4 “Z’s” @ Stradbroke The Mearnses@Aratula