While considering the well known and loved Psalm 23, I posed the question "How does God restore your soul?" Here's a snapshot of the responses I received:

• through quietness, a morning coffee and ocean views
• by the death of our Redeemer
• a gentle whisper, a knowing in your heart and soul, an all encompassing peace after an emergency prayer is sent, a sense of His abiding presence
  
• as we make ourselves available to the Good Shepherd by drawing ever so near to him through constant thoughts of His goodness through His Word, friends, books etc.
  
• by his Word,  it's a mystery beyond our comprehension but I know without a doubt I shall not lack vitalilty because He restores my soul as He draws me to Himself and I am obedient to that calling
  
• Sometimes through the journey of life your soul takes a pounding... overwhelming endless grief ... I call these soul wounds. Nothing in the ability of a human being can ever repair or fix the damage or the hurt.....no matter how caring ...... so in the dark secret place in my
  mind and in prayer I share these things with God and it gives me Peace. God not just helps me to carry my load, God actually carries the load for me
  and this restores my soul.  You only have to ask!
• sin eats away at our soul and destroys us  however when we repent from sin and walk daily in his will God will restore our soul. (Joel2:25-27)
  
• God, in his saving grace, has made every provision for the "renovation of our soul". This is the work of a lifetime and should be our lifetime work: to be a disciple of Jesus; to sit at His feet and learn from Him. How do we do this ? By being Bereans, studying and chewing on the word of God. (Heb 4:12-13)
  
• God restores my soul in the quiet times, "be still and know that I am God", and especially through Christian songs. I love an early morning walk listening to praise songs (I have to keep one earphone out so I don't sing out too loud and scare the neighbours!)
  
• Music...Time with Him...Helping others know Him too. As music draws me to Him, as His word builds in Me and as I share all that He is doing, or working on in me, restoration begins. Unless the Lord builds my house I'm labouring in vain
  
• Sometimes the challenges of the day seem too daunting to me.  It is in hindsight I realise it is my God who has given me the strength to keep going.
  
• Letters from the persecuted in Nigeria is soul food for me. To read how they love their enemies and how God is blessing these dear people is wonderful. ...Also the truth: "The Lord is my Shepherd - He satisfies" 
  
• Because it is He who restores my soul not me, it is simply for me a choice to know how to be obedient to his restorative work. For me that is in the Word, and as I sing and worship him, as well as the rich fellowship of Gods people as they choose to be God's people and love with His love. 
  
• When I'm desperate. For help and I remember to consult Him
  

You know the feeling of complete and utter happiness don't you, it's the day everything seems to be going your way, the debt is paid off, the final exam is complete, the job that you've been puttin off has been finished, or the baby you've been waiting to meet is finally here. You also know the feelings of loss, of failure, of despair and tragedy. Believe it or not it is in these days that joy can be better experienced. One day God faced His Son and saw all the shame of my failures, felt the insult of my rebellion as if spoken by Him in my place and knew that from the darkest day in history would come the greatest joy the world has known. What it means is that when you are at your worst God can still be there bringing out His best for you. Remember that and even in your darkest moments you can still know joy. How great is that!

To Gloucester Baptist Church,

I am so very thankful to be your Youth Pastor. My first month of employment here has been a time of change, a time of blessings, a time of fellowship, and deep encouragement. I cannot thank you enough for the opportunity to work for God by co-laboring with you in the expansion of the wonderful Gospel of our Lord Jesus.

I look forward to the times of fun, joy, celebration, fellowship, and prosperity which we will share as we anticipate the continual move and challenge that comes with the Good News of Jesus. I also anticipate that this can come with hardship, sadness, tears, anguish, and suffering in the midst of our very fallen and broken world. It is my joy to share with you the Grace and Love of God in the midst of our walk with Him - day by day - He is our Joy. 

Utmost blessings and thank to all in the fellowship and unity we have in Christ,

Warm Regards in Jesus,

Ps James 

School is back and so are many of the programs and activities that reflect the heartbeat of our church.

We have had a great time through January visiting in our evening services the towns in our district celebrating Christ in our community. Now we move towards strengthening that community in ministry programs for all ages and interests. Look out for start dates on our calendar for Playtime, Compass, Sparkle, Youth, Craft, GMen, SALT for seniors and Life Groups for all keen to study the Bible together. Our Scripture Teachers are also gearing towards another energetic year and don't forget our Majestic Family Store volunteers, many of whom have continued to serve throughout January. They are a tireless team.

New to this year are Pulse Partnerships. These are groups of 3 individuals or couples who commit to meet weekly for discipleship, prayer and accountability. Who could you partner with either for mutual encouragement or deliberate mentoring? Regular health checks promote healthy living!

Here's an opportunity for Some of you. Our evening services are about to take on a distinct prayer focus. If you would like to be a part of bringing the best we can to this endeavor your interest would be keenly sought.

Blessed are those God draws near to dwell in His courts and may He crown this year with a bountiful harvest. (Psalm 95)

2014 brings with it some exciting new changes in the life of Gloucester Baptist Church. While the year has begun once again with a combined churches service celebrating our partnership together as Christ followers, it is the arrival of James & Amber Goodwin that makes this time particularly special. We will welcome them officially this Sunday morning, praying for them and thanking God for sending His workers to Gloucester that we might serve Him together. Our prayer is that God by His loving mercy and grace would make this year one of many welcomes as we see others come to a real and personal knowledge of Him through the work of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit.