Ezra Advances

Ezra Adance Report #3

By Ezra Advances

I set out on my third Ezra Advance late Wednesday afternoon, August 8th more weary than usual. There had been several challenging meetings the previous week, I had preached two Sundays in a row, and Clair, our valued helper, had been sick and unable to assist us more than once during the month. All told, the latter part of July had taken its toll. As I drove to Orere Point where I was again to hold this Advance I brought my situation to the Lord. “Lord Jesus,” I said, “I am going to have to leave these next two days […]

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Ezra Advance Report #2

By Ezra Advances

Having a second advance so close to the first was novel. During my years as Principal of Grace Theological College advances came around at three to six month intervals. But here I was, barely a month after my first, due for the second.  One part of me said that I didn’t really need it. Another, however, said that the Ezra Ministry did. Caring for Nola took much of my time, and if the Ministry was going to thrive I needed to have time free to think, pray, read and write. With that in mind I happily packed my bags and food supplies and […]

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Ezra Advance Report #1

By Ezra Advances

It was mid-day Thursday, June 7th before I eventually left home for the first of my Ezra Advances. I had wanted to get away earlier in the day but organizing provisions for our stay-in carer Clair Ennion who would look after Nola in my absence took longer than I expected. I was “dead-beat” by the time I reached my destination, a small flat on the property of dear friends Helma and Gus Sonneveld at Drury just 20km or so south of our Manurewa home. Within minutes I had explored my new surroundings, unloaded the car, and was ready for a bite of […]

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Introducing a New Aspect of the Ezra Ministry

By Ezra Advances

Ever since my dear friend and colleague in the Ezra Ministry Tony Bracefield returned to Auckland in 2001, periodic retreats (or “advances” as he calls them) have been an integral part of my ministry life. Tony sees himself as a “facilitator”. That is, he loves to enable others to perform ministries by providing resources that enable them to function at their very best. At times that means providing equipment or facilities or personnel assistance. How he facilitates varies from person to person, but the goal is always the same – to get people “humming for God.” Tony saw my greatest need was […]

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