SINGLES FOR CHRIST TURNS 22!

Singles For Christ, is an interdenominational Christian Singles Ministry located in Parramatta, NSW, Australia, recently celebrated its 22^nd Birthday!

Founders, Colin and Dianne Murdoch, writes, "As we ponder for a moment or two, what has happened in the Singles Ministry over the past 22 years, it doesn't take long for the tears to well up and to intersperse the tears with a smile - flashing back to where God, as our personal Lord and Saviour, has journeyed with us.

"For through the setbacks, hurt disappointment, frustrations, happiness, joy and sheer excitement, He has helped us navigate some very significant turning points.

For us, there have been many learning edges, and a tremendous depth and variety of exposure to the pain, suffering, heartache, devastation, guilt, unforgiveness and frailties of human beings ... Indeed, our journey with single and single again men and women, has kept us in touch with the raw edges of life, our own shortcomings, the sheer power of God's Love, and the necessity to return our focus, time and time again, to Him, the only real, enduring answer to the many complex issues, crises and ferocious storms of life."

He continues, “Despite the normal frustrations of ministry, we have been both fortunate and privileged to see many very positive highlights, as God and His people have deeply touched so many lives.

We have seen God's love move in the lives of a countless number of people, as many have tried and succeeded, in picking up the pieces of their lives.

We have seen people’s love for the Lord grow as they became more 'fair dinkum' with God; matured spiritually, ‘come alive’ and been challenged, through out workshops and home groups. Others have accepted Jesus as their Lord and Saviour.

We have seen many people break the cycle of social isolation and make some wonderful, fulfilling friendships.

We have witnessed other special friendships develop and grow into marriage. We are not counting, but we personally know of over 60 marriages and many cherubs (a fringe benefit for some).

We have seen many people, whose lives have been shattered following separation, divorce the death of their partner or the breakdown of a significant long term relationship, bounce back to live a more positive, personally satisfying and enriching life.

It was great to witness and experience the birth of our Parramatta office, and how God moved in the hearts of His people to provide monies and goods.

Through our Divorce Recovery/Relationship Development Workshops and Singles Line Counselling Services, we have seen God move in the lives of ex-spouse (who have been hurt, angry, devastated and bitter) and remarkably bring about some fantastically positive changes in relationships.

Through our Residential Singles Happenings, held over the October Long Weekend, we have seen and heard from people who have gained a new, more positive focus and direction for their life. Our next Singles Happening will be held on the October long weekend 2009 at beautiful "Waterslea Conference Centre" Nowra NSW. The theme will be:"Making A Difference."

Thousands have been inspired and touched by the Holy Spirit, after hearing Colins' Inspirational personal story of overcoming many adversities and a grave miscarriage of justice, to be used by God; as he seeks to Live with Purpose and Passion...

We have seen the tremendous blessings which have flowed from planting 13 other Singles Ministries in Melbourne and Sydney."

Colin and Dianne conclude, "Yes, it is humbling to ponder, for a moment or two, our journey, the past 22 years, and how God has been with us, and worked through us, two ordinary people with all our imperfections, strengths and experiences ...

He has used us, our availability and 'limited financial resources for His glory and honour! And what a tremendous privilege it has been, and continues to be, as we bring the Message of God's Love, Grace, Forgiveness and Hope, to a Lost and Deeply Hurting World."  

Colin has been a Minister for 30 years in Churches of Christ and the Uniting Church including Wesley Mission, Sydney. He has been involved in Single Adult Ministry since 1985. His wife, Dianne, is a super secretary, "short-term cash flow manager" and extraordinary mother of two young adult men.     

Motto:

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Enhancing, enabling, encouraging and enriching people's lives! "

 

Pondering:

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With 50.4% of the population Single or Single Again in Australia as reported in Census 2006, churches who ignore this statistic, limit their effectiveness in fulfilling the Great Commission and the Great Commandment! "

 

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