Reflection – 2018
By Renelle Neale
Renelle, from New South Wales, Australia, was appointed as IVP for Pacific in April 2016. She is married to John who is now retired, has four grown up children and four grandchildren with whom she loves to share time. Her family in their turn are her biggest supporters and encouragers!
As I write this reflection, it is Spring time in Australia and in other countries around of the Pacific. Spring is a time of renewed growth. The flowers are all budding and showing off their glory to the world. As the bulbs and seedling were waiting to bring forth their beauty, in Spring, they were taking in the nutrients of the soil, preparing themselves for their entry into the warm fresh air.
During Autumn and Winter, as I travel around the countryside of New South Wales, you can see the farmers ploughing up their fields to plant their crops. You see them feeding their soil, as it is important to get the right nutrients for the crops that they are sowing. Then in early Spring the fields are full of life.
We are just like the farmers preparing the girls, in our care, for the day that they will blossom into beautiful Christian young women. We prepare the way for these girls as they come to know the Lord, through Bible study, encouraging them to read their Bible, taking part in Church, Girls’ Brigade and Community activities and teaching them how to pray. We walk with them through many difficult times where they feel that there is no purpose to life, nurturing them, the way that our past Leaders and Officers nurtured us.
I’m reminded in 2 Timothy 4:2 which says, ‘Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct; rebuke and encourage – with great patience and careful instruction.”
This is part of our preparing the way (land) as we direct, encourage, support and instruct the girls in their Christian growth.
Blessings as you transform girls’ lives to enrich God’s world.
