New Christian Reformed Church in Mackay
With gratitude to God and in answer to many of our prayers, we are pleased to announce the first gathering of people interested in seeing the establishment of a Christian Reformed Church in Mackay. Invitations have been sent out to a growing number of contacts in Mackay.
On 22 May 2010 I visited Mackay and met many people at the South African Dance social gathering. I also had the privilege of meeting a number of Saffers in their homes or at a cafe. People shared with me their deep desire to see a Biblically based, gospel-focused Reformed Church planted in the town of Mackay. The sentiment of one person who wrote to me was typical of many when asked about their interest in seeing a new church planted: “Can’t wait,” was the reply.
Time passed by, and we did wait. We waited upon God to see what doors of opportunity would open for this new church plant. Mansfield CRC and Bray Park Community Church, two Christian Reformed churches in the Brisbane area, gave their pledge of support. The church planting taskforce of the CRCA also encouraged this work to proceed. But we need to have a core group of people who will form the nucleus of the church – and we kept on praying, seeking God’s will.
Well, the time of waiting is over. God has heard our prayers. There will be a first gathering of like-minded people, those interested in being part of a new Reformed church in Mackay. I had hoped that within one year of my visit in May 2010 we would have such gathering in Mackay, and my hopes have been met beyond my expectations.
Almost to the day, this meeting has been planned for one year later, on 19 May 2011.
Not only do we have people who are keen about seeing this new church started,
but we are already speaking with a Reformed pastor who is sensing God’s will to be part of this new church. Praise God for his faithfulness. So, with all of this in mind, if you live in Mackay ...
You are Invited!
What: Information Evening on a New Reformed Church in Mackay
Where: Salvation Army Community Hall, 48 Gregory Street, Mackay (see map)
When: 6:30 pm (Coffee, tea, and desserts provided)
This meeting is being organised by myself (Jack De Vries) and Ninette Nell, a resident of Mackay. Rev. John Hoogenhout, senior pastor of the Bray Park congregation, will also be at this meeting. At this meeting the vision for this new church will be shared. But more importantly, we like to sense what God is saying through people who are already living in Mackay. We would like them to come with their ideas, their questions, their hopes and dreams – and together we will envision what God would have us do.
If you have any questions or would like to get in touch with me prior to this meeting, please do so. I would love to hear from you!
Jack De Vries
About the author
Jack De Vries was hired on by the Christian Reformed Churches of Australia and began his work as Ministry Training Coordinator in January 2008. In 2012 this role shifted to that of Ministry Development Coach.
Jack came from Canada where he pastored three Christian Reformed churches: Alliston CRC, Alliston, Ontario(1983-87), a church plant: New Life Community Church, Pickering, Ontario(1987-95), and Bethel CRC, Listowel, Ontario (1995-2007). Jack is a graduate of Calvin Theological Seminary (Master of Divinity - 1983) and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (Doctor of Ministry - 2003) Jack and his wife Jeannie currently live in Petrie, a northern suburb of Brisbane in Queensland. They attend and are members of Bray Park Community Church. They have four adult children and seven grandchildren living in the USA and Canada.
In Isaiah 58:11 we read: "The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail." Australia has seen times of drought and floods. There is another type of drought in Australia; there is a spiritual drought. But God promises to provide refreshing rain, a never ending supply of refreshing water. The water he provides will satisfy the needs of all Australians. As we take up the missional vision God has given us we extend the life changing invitation of Jesus: "Come! Whoever is thirsty, come, and take the free gift of the water of life!" (Revelation 22:17)
