The year of 2009 has been like a roller coaster ride, some great highs and sweeping lows. The wonderful analogy of a roller coaster is apt for our situation – as the high speed of our encounters with God, enable us to pass through the lows of some seemingly negative situations. 

 

The medical news I received in August of a large tumour embedded in the centre of my head around the pituitary gland was very impacting upon not only myself, but also everyone around me. 

 

I walked out of my doctors office not knowing if I had only weeks to live. Questions fired around in my head: What would my quality of life be? How would it affect the church?  For about two seconds one morning come the negative thought “why not quit all and sit in the corner and wait to die”. 

 

Fortunately right behind these words of doubt came the empowering voice of the Holy Spirit “Rise up there is a battle to be won”. I determined at that moment I was going to do everything I could to be the very best I could be. My aim was to raise up the best leaders, inspire the most people, preach the best sermons that I could in whatever time I had. 

 

My GP and Endocrinologist have prescribed treatment that has seen an amazing reversal of the effects of the tumour. I believe God has surrounded me with incredible medical people and the hundreds of believers praying for my health so that I might fulfil the mission God has given me. 

 

A Church of Influence: Diane and I came here 12 years ago to build a church that would impact the city for good. The mission of Saving Kids at Risk, Outreaching to Youth and Strengthening Families (S.O.S)  is still our focus. 

 

During 2009 we saw the “Material Change of Use” of our building make positive progress – although I must admit we did have a few rough patches with car parking issues. You will be aware that we were 5 car parks short and this was to cost us $40,000 as a contribution to allow us to use the central car park behind the church. After much discussion with the town planners and councillors; and my thanks to Bronwyn Walker for all her help; we saw the money and carparks granted to us. 

 

Finance: While the world reels under the economic crisis we at Townsville City Church have had to run very lean through 2009. 

 

Towards the end of the year my associate Pastor Greg volunteered to find employment outside of the church to help reduce our wages bill. Several other initiatives have been put in place and all your pastors and administrators have had to make adjustments. 

 

Over and over your Board of Directors have met, prayed and sought ways through this financially lean time.  I want to especially recognise the work of our Financial Administrator Toni Romaior for all her zeal, faith, toughness and wisdom during the last year. The other Board members Ian Hillman, Geoff Broekman and Lewis Turner have also shouldered and carried a heavy load during 2009 for which I thank them. 

 

Annette Turner is my Personal Assistant, office secretary, prayer warrior. Annette I thank you for your untiring support during 2009. 

 

Pastor Greg has done a excellent job with the Creative Arts including Music , Graphics , Web pages and Brochures and continued contact with the community. Especially heading up the ‘Schoolies’ program for the City Council along with other major youth events. 

 

Pastor Darron with Youth and Red Frogs program during Schoolies has done a great job. During the year Ps Darron has also run our Food distribution program SFN, spending many hours sourcing food, preparing it for distribution and working with our volunteers 

 

Pastor Maria has given 110% into our Children’s Ministry with Seminars, training workers and relating to children and parents alike – great job. 

 

Pastor Lewis along with his wife Annette are the driving force of what has become known as the “Foyer Ministry”. This involves all the activities of greeting people through to serving tea & coffee, communion preparation, communion & offering servers, and cleaning the church – wow. 

 

Sharon-Marie Taylor looks after the women of the church and your Women’s Events throughout the year were outstanding - well done. 

 

Your church is in the hands of highly motivated people who continually stretch forward, look ahead to win the prize of hearing the Master say “Well done good and faithful servant”. 

 

Diane and I feel honoured to have the privilege of being your Pastor for 2009. I look forward to what we might achieve together in 2010.