Our last day was met with emotion and encouragement as we farewelled brothers and sisters who we got to know briefly, but richly. Our team headed to the 8:30 am with Matt preaching on Trusting in the Goodness of God from a hard passage in Exodus 11 to 12:28. Some of us helped out with the kids, while others got to know the members of MEC better. It was only a week ago that this community was unknown to us, but after only seven days it had become like a home away from home. Being united in the Gospel and spurred on to glorify God together had brought us together. Andrew preached at 10:30 am on the same passage and with a similar message on following and sharing the God who saves us.
The team then split off to have a final lunch with our hosts who so generously showed authentic Maitland hospitality. We reconvened at the Burgess’ home, our homely headquarters for the week and Roger shared more nuggets of wisdom about ministry, marriage and a bit more information about the Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches (FIEC). Roger was an open book to our many questions and we were greatly encouraged by the stories and insights he gave. 5 pm evening church was our last session for the week with Andrew preaching again. It was wonderful to sing along with the saints of Maitland who we now call friends.
The stereotypical post-Mission Maccas was had by some of the team as we drove back to Sydney encouraged by what God is doing in Maitland, through Roger and Carolyn at Maitland Evangelical Church. Memories of helicopter rides, beautiful testimonies, country air and the warmth of our brothers and sisters in Maitland will always be with us as we continue to know Christ and make Him known.
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