Coast Evangelical Church

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Prayer

We acknowledge that we are powerless to change anyone's heart. But God is powerful and He can do anything!

Hi people!

Thanks for your prayers, encouragement and support. Praise God for the start we’ve made, and ask for God to continue to grow His church, for His glory.

We had our Vision 2010 day on Sunday, and I was really encouraged by the response of the members of COAST EC. We talked about our strategy for the years ahead as we seek to make more and better disciples of Jesus in our region. If you’re interested in the plan, check it out here.

Prayer Points…

Print Version

• Praise God for the foundation that has been laid over the last 12 months. God has graciously drawn together a like-minded bunch of people who now call COAST EC their home church. Praise God for their friendship and willingness to partner together to see the gospel go out to the 25,000 people living in our region.
• We need more leaders – Pray for God to raise up more leaders (for home groups, youth groups, and children’s ministry). Ask for wisdom as we seek to identify and equip godly and gifted people for these roles.
• Home Groups – Pray for all our home groups to grow in size and multiply into 2 separate groups this year. Pray for Tom and Ali as they have just started to lead a home group (Bible study) on top of heading up the kids ministry (Coasties kids church). Ask God to strengthen and sustain them.
• Mission – Ask for wisdom as we look toward starting new congregations up and down the coast. Pray for God to raise up godly and passionate core groups that we can send out.
• Admin Committee – Pray for wisdom for the AC as they meet on 28th March to hammer out some of the finance and business aspects of the church. Pray for wisdom for Chris as he leads, and ask that we’d be great stewards of the resources we’ve been entrusted with. Thank God for the faithful service of Evan Barnes who has now passed on the baton of treasurer. Pray for Grant Burrow, our new treasurer, that God would equip and energise him for his new role.
• Finances – Thank God for the generosity of the other churches and Christians who have pledged their financial support again this year! Our goal is to be fully self funded after 3 years, so this year we are striving to hit 50% of our budget from local giving. This will be a big stretch – so ask God for joyful, generous and sacrificial giving from COAST EC members.
• Primary School Scripture – Praise God for the 8 primary school scripture classes we’re teaching at Forster and Tuncurry Public Schools. Pray for Evan, Alicia, Ali and Bruce as they share Christ with the kids. Ask for wisdom as we work together with other churches to teach scripture in the local primary schools. Pray that many kids will start coming to Coasties Kids Church and Grommets (youth group).
• High School Ministries – Pray for God to open the door to both the Forster and Tuncurry campus’ of the Great Lakes College, so we can teach year 7 scripture there. Ask for wisdom and soft hearts as we negotiate with the schools.
  Alicia has been participating in three high school Christian groups the Chaplains run (aka Bible studies). Pray for wisdom for the Chaplains as they run these groups and other ministries, and ask God to connect the local kids into youth groups were they can grow to know Jesus.

• Youth Groups – Grommets (yrs 5-6) and Wired (yrs 7-9) have gained great momentum. Praise God that we were able to start Wired this year and for the small core groups that are attending each youth group. Pray that the kids will grow in Jesus and be bold at inviting their friends, and for wisdom and energy for Evan and Alicia as they lead the youth ministry. Ask God to raise up (or send up!) more youth leaders.
• Youth home groups – Chicks (for high school girls) and Barracks (*new* group for high school boys) have kicked off this term. Praise God for the core groups in chicks, and pray that Barracks will develop a solid core groups of kids.
• Marriage Course – Is run on Friday nights over March and April. Ask God to strengthen the marriages of those in our church.
• Easter Celebration – COAST EC turns one!. Pray for a great time to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection and the birth of COAST EC. Ask for many opportunities for our people to present the gospel over this weekend to their friends and families, and for many guests to attend the service so they can hear the gospel.
• Staff Holidays are coming up – Alicia – 5 to 12 April and Chris – 26 April to 2nd May. Ask for refreshment and safety in travel. Pray that they’ll be sustained until their holidays.

Here’s the latest prayer points for COAST Evangelical Church.
Thanks for your partnership!

Print the Prayer Update here

PRAISE GOD

• Our home groups (Bible study groups) are growing. We have just multiplied our Wednesday night group into 2 groups. Pray for Tom and Ali as they lead this second group. Praise God for the 3 new people who’ve started coming – ask that God will reveal Himself to them as they read His Word. Please also pray for God to raise up more leaders for more home groups.
• Praise God for the new people who’ve started coming to church since we transitioned to the 5pm time slot. Ask for them to come to a deep and sincere faith, and to partner with us in reaching the 25000 people living in the region.
• Praise God for the Solid Rock Cafe Mission during January. It was the best mission I’ve seen – the team did a sensational job of connecting with local youth and sharing Christ. Pray for the girls who’ve become Christians, and ask God for wisdom for Alicia as she meets with them on Sunday arvo’s to read the Bible and pray. Pray they’d grow in their faith, and be effective witnesses amongst their family and friends.
• Praise God for the generosity of His people. He has faithfully provided the resources we’ve needed so far to launch to the church.
• Praise God that the youth ministries are all up and running (which includes a new youth group – Wired, and a boys home group – Barracks). Pray for Evan and Alicia as they head up the youth ministries and ask that God will sustain and energise them. Also that the kids will come to a deeper relationship with Jesus, and that the groups will grow a solid core group. Pray also that God will raise up like minded leaders to partner with us (from within the church, and other regions).

ASK GOD

• We’re starting a new teaching series on ‘church’ (looking at the various metaphors used for church in the Bible). Pray that this will encourage and convict people attending COAST EC– to see themselves as God sees them, and to treat others as God intends them to. Pray that we’d be a church that reflects what God says about church.
• Pray for the 2 pregnant mums at church (Sharon and Ange). Ask for health and safety, and for the kids to grow up soft-hearted to Jesus.
• Pray for God to continue to equip our muso’s as we seek to establish a band at church.
• We’re hoping to start a ‘marriage course’ in the next month or so. Pray that God uses this to strengthen marriages in our church and our community.
• Forster High School said ‘no’ to our request to teach scripture to year 7 students next year. Ask for wisdom as we work through the issues with the school. Pray for God to overrule, and open the door. Ask that many kids might get saved.
• Pray for the SRE (Primary Scripture Classes) Allocation day on the 3rd Feb. Pray that we’ll be able to teach the ages we are trying to build ministries around (years 3, 5 and 6). Pray that there won’t be ‘clashes’ as these classes are allocated, and that God’s Name will be glorified through SRE.
• Pray for the local ministers association to be more open to gospel ministry. Ask for God to change some of their hearts. Ask for wisdom for Chris as he seeks to work with them (or apart from them).
• We are hoping to be a self-funded church after 3 years. Last year 25% of our giving came from local members. This year we are hoping to double that to 50% (and the year after we’ll be shooting for 80%). So, please pray for the locals to give generously, and also for the continued support of our external givers.
• Alicia will be spending at least 3 hours a week in the local high schools, attending and helping to run the Christian lunch time/recess groups. Pray that this time would be really effective for building relationships with the youth, and that kids will get linked into local churches and youth groups where they can grow to know Jesus.
• Pray for Tom and Ali as they head up kids ministry. Ask that God will give them wisdom as they plan for the future, and pray that God will raise up leaders to partner with them. Pray also for the kids coming to Coasties Kids Church, particularly for the kids that are a ‘handful’, that they’ll have soft hearts and open ears to Jesus.

Print the Prayer Update here

PRAISE GOD

• We have renewed our contract with the school, so we have a venue for our public meetings next year.
• Our home groups/Bible study groups are growing. We are going to multiply our Wednesday night group into 2 groups at the start of next year. Pray for Tom and Ali as they step up to lead the second group.
• Praise God for the new people who’ve started coming to church since we transitioned to the 5pm time slot. Ask for them to come to a deep and sincere faith, and to partner with us in reaching the 25000 people living in the region.
• Praise God for the opportunity to partner with the SU Beach Mission team, and the Solid Rock Cafe Mission team during January. Ask for many to hear the gospel, and for effective follow up of any locals contacted.
• Praise God for providing a new treasurer for our church. Evan has done a great job, and is handing over to Grant. Pray
  for God to equip Grant for this service.

ASK GOD

• Pray for our first ever Christmas Eve Service tomorrow. Pray that many locals will come, trust in Jesus and link into the church. Pray also for energy for all involved in the service (we’re a bit low on man power).
• Pray for the 2 pregnant mums at church (Sharon and Ange). Ask for health and safety, and for the kids to grow up soft-hearted to Jesus.
• Pray for God to equip our muso’s as we seek to establish a band at church.
• Chris is preaching at the ‘Men and Meat’ outreach night (run by Forster Beach Mission) on the 4th January. Pray for gospel clarity, and for the Spirit to open minds and convict hearts.
• Forster High School said ‘no’ to our request to teach scripture to yr 7 students next year. Ask for wisdom as we work through the issues with the school. Pray for God to over rule, and open the door. Ask that many kids might get saved.
• Pray for the local ministers association to be more open to gospel ministry. Ask for wisdom for Chris as he seeks to work with them. Ask for God to change some of their hearts to be more inclined to partner with gospel ministries.
• Pray for the SRE (Primary Scripture Classes) Allocation day on the 29 January. Pray that we’ll be able to teach the ages we are trying to build minsitries around (years 3, 5 and 6). Pray that there won’t be ‘clashes’ as these classes are allocated, and that God’s Name will be glorified through SRE.
• Pray for God to provide the resources we need for this ministry. Praise Him for the generosity of so many people who’ve ‘got us going’ and who are ‘keeping us going’. Ask that He will grow His church here, and that we will be self-funded after 3 years.
• Pray for Alicia as she attends the Next Generation Conference (kylc) at Katoomba during the 18-22 January. Ask that God will better equip her for ministry and teaching His Word throughout this conference. Pray that she’ll have energy throughout this week of training.
• Pray for the Kids and youth ministry plans for 2010. We’re really excited about the ways we can connect and share the gospel with kids and youth. Pray that God will provide the extra helping hands that are needed to partner in these ministries, and ask for wisdom for Ali and Tom (Kids) and Ev and Alicia (Youth) as they plan and seek to develop their ministries.

Hey everyone,

Thanks for lifting us up in prayer! We take great comfort and encouragement knowing that we’re not going it alone. Here are some things to keep you busy in prayer. You can also check out our most recent supporters update video below.

Prayer Points

Download a printable version here

PRAISE GOD

• Sharon in pregnant with our #2! Praise God for giving new life. It’s only early days so please pray for health and safety.
• Our home groups/Bible study groups are growing. We are hoping to multiply our Wednesday night group into 2 groups by the end of the year. Pray for a smooth transition and for Tom and Ali as they step up to lead the second group.
• We’ve made the transition from a 10am to a 5pm service. Praise God for already drawing in some new people.
• Thank God for all our hardworking partners in the gospel, who frequently give up their time and money to support our mission in the Forster-Tuncurry Region.

ASK GOD

• Pray for God to raise up more muso’s so we can a establish a band at church. Ask for God to give energy to Dave and Min as they head this up.
• Pray for wisdom for Chris as he works with the local ministers association in regard to gospel ministry in the schools.
• Continue to ask God to open the door to the local high schools so we can teach Scripture. (Praise God for the initial positive response we’ve had from the Principal at Forster High, and ask that as we approach Tuncurry High the principal will also be open to it).
• Pray for wisdom for the Admin Committee. Our budget next year is just over $100,000. Our goal is to be self-funded after 3 years. But in the meantime we need serious financial support from other churches and Christians. Ask God to provide the resources we need for this ministry.
• Pray for wisdom (and leaders!) as we finalise plans to significantly expand our children’s and youth ministry next year (we’re hoping to start 2 new primary school groups, and 2 new high school youth groups). This will be biting off a lot, so pray for energy and many to step up to serve.
• Pray for our regulars to be bold at inviting their friends along to church as we get stuck into John’s gospel together. Ask for God to stir our hearts with a passion for His glory and a desire to share Christ with others.

Hi people,
Thanks for your prayer support! I know it’s impact will ripple throughout eternity…so get busy!
Chris

Download a printable version here

PRAISE GOD

• Praise God for growing our adult bible study groups (we’ve got 16 adults in a Wednesday night group and 4 ladies in our women’s bible study group on Tuesday arvo). Please pray for us to grow in maturity, godliness, knowledge of the scriptures, love for Jesus and passion for reaching the lost.
• Praise God for Dave and Min who are leading our music ministry! Pray for God to equip and sustain them.
• Praise God for Deb and Bruce who are doing a great job of looking after our catering. Ask for God to sustain them.
• Praise God for the great fellowship we’re experiencing as God draws together a new community.

ASK GOD

• We’re changing the service time from 10am to 5pm for summer (from 15th Nov) in an attempt to be more accessible to the young families who are involved with Nippers. Ask God for the transition to be a good one, with the result that more people come to Christ.
• Ask God to open the door to the local high schools so we can teach Scripture. (Praise God for the initial positive response we’ve had from the Principal at Forster High, and ask that as we approach Tuncurry High the principal will also be open to it)
• Pray for wisdom for the Admin Committee as they seek to finalise the budget for 2010, and ask for God to provide the resources for the mission. (We are looking at a budget of around $103,000 and will need plenty of God’s people to be generous!)
• Pray for Chris, Sharon and Caleb as they have 2 weeks holiday (26 Oct – 9 Nov). Pray for good time together and for refreshment
• Pray for Matt Jacobs and Chris Allan as they preach at Coast EC on the 1st and 8th Nov.
• Pray for wisdom (and leaders!) as we finalise plans to significantly expand our childrens and youth ministry next year (We’re hoping to start 2 new primary school groups, and 2 new high school youth groups). This will be biting off a lot, so pray for energy and many to step up to serve.
• Pray for our regulars to be bold at inviting their friends along to church, especially as we re-launch for summer and get stuck into John’s gospel together.

Hey people,

Thanks for your encouragement, support, generosity and prayers. This ministry would not be possible without your partnership.

Keep your eyes on Jesus,
Chris

_____________________________________

Download a printable version here

PRAISE GOD

• Praise God for drawing together a great core group of locals. Coast EC has now got 30 regular adults coming to the Sunday service. Ask for God to make our love for each other increase and to overflow in mission to the region.
• Praise God for the womens bible study group and the youth girls bible study group (’chicks’) that kicked off on 15th Sept. Pray for Sharon and Alicia as they lead these groups, and for God to use them to draw many women into deeper fellowship and maturity in their faith
• Praise God for raising up musicians! Pray for Dave and Min as they step up to lead us in praising God and encouraging each other through song.
• Praise God for the wonderful provision of a house for Chris and Sharon. Ask for it to be a great base for their family and the church.

ASK GOD

• Ask God to draw more people to Himself as we move the service time from 10am to 5pm for summer (in an attempt to be more accessible to the young families who are involved with Nippers).
• Ask God to open the door to the local high schools so we can teach Scripture. (Praise God for the initial positive response we’ve had from the Principal at Forster High, and ask that as we approach Tuncurry High the principal
• Pray for Tim Scott (pastor of the CCC church in Forster) and his 4 kids. Tim’s wife Cathy died unexpectedly. Pray for God to use her death for his glory.
• Pray for wisdom for the Admin Commitee as they meet Sunday 27th Sept to manage church finance issues and to draft a budget for 2010
• Pray for Alicia as she has two weeks of time off over the October school holidays. Pray that it would be enjoyable and refreshing for her.

Hi everyone, thanks for partnering with us in prayer!
Here are some prayer points for COAST EC. Printable version here

• Praise God for drawing people into fellowship. We’ve got about 25 adults and 10 kids who call COAST EC home; 8 boys coming to the youth group (Grommets); and 17 people coming to our home group / bible study on Monday nights. Pray for them to grow in maturity, and to partner with us in our mission.
• Praise God for the kids who’ve started coming to kids church (Coasties) as a result of contact made at the recent kids outreach program (Holiday Hang Out). Pray for God to also draw their families into the kingdom. Ask for God to grant Tom and Ali wisdom and energy as head up this ministry.
• Praise God for a good time of fellowship at the FIEC conference on 10-12 August @ Collaroy. Ask for God to use this network of like-minded churches to make a huge impact on our nation, and that many more Christ-honouring churches will be planted in the next few years.
• Ask for God to burden our hearts with a deep love for the lost that drives us to prayer and mission. Pray for wisdom and boldness as we seek to connect with many locals. Ask for opportunities and courage to share the gospel.
• Pray for Chris as he prepares to speak at St Matts (West Pennant Hills) Mission weekend (28-30 Aug).
• Pray for God to open the door into the Primary Schools (so we can run a lunchtime outreach group for kids in years 5-6), and into the High Schools (so we can teach scripture to year 7 next year). Pray for other ministers in the area to get on board with this so we can approach the school with a unified front.
• Chris, Sharon and Caleb are moving into the house they bought on 11th and 12th Sept. Ask for God to use this house as a great base for their family and the church. Pray for good connections with their new neighbours that lead to gospel conversions.
• Caleb (7 months old) is being dedicated to the Lord on Sunday 13th Sept. Pray for him to grow up knowing, loving and serving Jesus. Pray also for the family and friends who attend to be convicted about the truth of the gospel and their own need to respond.
• Pray for the women’s home group and the teenage girls home group to get established on a Tuesday afternoon (starting 15th Sept)
• Pray for Alicia (doing MTS) – for God to heal her from tonsillitis soon.