A miracle is defined as “an extraordinary and welcome event that is not explicable by natural or scientific laws and is therefore attributed to a divine agency.”
 
In my recent 17-days visit at the Newman church I was treated to something amazing I had not expected.
 
Beginning with the induction service of my successor, Pastor Eli, through to the end of my time, my attention was captivated by the many “walking miracles” I evidenced in the church family. At the close of each day, I lay in bed, with my spirit celebrating the bountiful fruit of the Holy Spirit’s work in the lives of many in whom I had invested much time and God’s loving care.
 
Peter is a new creation… the old has gone, the new is here! His wife, Maria, has also been miraculously touched by the Spirit of God. No longer does she “have to” love her husband, Peter… her mind and heart have been renewed. She now “desires” her Peter. Peter returned to Newman from Tonga the day prior to my arrival on January 13. During his visit to his homeland, he made it clear to his family and friends he was now “no nonsense” Peter… the days of moral compromise were over! “Do it right or don’t do it at all” is Peter’s mantra. His transforming life deserved a new name. He is now known by me as Abraham.
 
Zen’s life had undergone major, divine renovation in a short time. Many of the town who knew him well prior to his encounter with Christ are now mystified as to the cause of his radical transformation! Rescued from a life of drink and drugs, the new Zen is now on-fire, living a life of righteousness, for holiness. For the first time in his life, Zen is excited about his future and has laid his life unreservedly on the line for God to use as He wishes. Many changes needed to made in Zen’s life, one being to marry the young woman he had lived with for some years. Living together unmarried was not honoring to God and to his bride to be. Pastor Eli has invited Zen to be his apprentice pastor… investing much time to fast-track Zen’s learning, equipping, and spiritual maturity. Zen has a similar spirit as the Apostle Peter… an enthusiastic, all-or-nothing, let’s do it right now for God!
 
Cass had recently turned a corner in her life… an exciting corner! Cass is a young single woman of Papua New Guinea heritage. She plans to enrol with YWAM (Youth With A Mission) to undergo a six-months leadership training program at Hawaii. For Cass, sport was once a priority over God’s work, but not now! Her passion is the Lord… living for Him and serving Him with her whole life. Cass is a new woman… aglow spiritually, mentally, and physically!
 
Louis heralds from South Africa. What he and his wife lost when they were forced to leave their homeland has been replaced ten-fold by the miraculous work of the Holy Spirit in their lives. Within a short time, Louis has passed through the intimacy stages of stranger, acquaintance, and friend at church. He is now celebrating being a part of the family of God. Louis has a passion to see men rise-up to “be” men in their marriages, families, and work places. He presently facilitates “Strictly Menz”, a new ministry of the church… hosting men to 5-star breakfast-fellowship with other men at his home. It is not surprising that Louis has been invited to serve on the leadership team of the church in the capacity of Elder. Louis is a mature and wise “giver” at heart, servant of God.
 
Joe and I met for the first time at Strictly Menz breakfast-fellowship, the day after my arrival at Newman. Two days prior to my leaving Newman, Joe and I were positioned on top of Radio Hill, overlooking the Newman township. We were not there to appreciate the breath-taking panoramic views of the surrounding Pilbara. God had appointed us to be there for a divine encounter! Joe recently moved to Newman with his family from New Zealand. Newman was a promising new frontier for him. His transparent honesty and permission made it possible for me to look deeper into his life, deeper than the superficial levels of cliché and facts. We found ourselves engaged and profiting in our time at the deeper levels of personal needs, feelings, and thoughts.
 
The Joe who I sat with on top of Radio Hill was not the same Joe who descended from the Hill. On top of the hill, Joe admitted that his relationship with God was not as close as it needed to be. He knew that drastic life changes needed to be made if the gap between him and God was to be closed. Since his encounter with God on Radio Hill, Joe’s life is tracking along the pathway of righteousness, not worldly compromise. Joe is now rejoicing and on-fire, living unashamedly for God. STOP PRESS: Joe has requested to be baptised and is in discussion with Pastor Eli as to where in the church family he can be of service to God! The new Joe is now known by me as “close the gap” Joe.
 
A lot more can be reported on what I evidenced in the lives of many others during my short stay at Newman. Clearly, the Holy Spirit is being honoured and celebrated by ordinary, repentant sinners for the work He is doing in their lives … miraculously transforming them into the likeness of Christ (Rom. 8:29). Friends, this is the primary business of our God… creating walking miracles!
 
Best wishes
Bill