My family's journey at Southcity started with a call from
Craig Meyer and the eldership team in place at the time. They were looking for
a couple with vision, capacity and energy that would take Southcity on to
becoming a base church in the area.
It was to this call that we sought God. And God responded emphatically: 'Take them in, settle them, and grow them'. So matching the call from man, the unique gifts and skills God had given me, and the affirmation from God, we arrived to lead Southcity into their inheritance promised to their forefathers.
This has been the mandate with which I have felt the freedom and the constraints to lead the beautiful people called Southcity.
Well, it's now four and a half years on. A short space of
time relatively speaking. Yet, God has been unbelievably good and Southcity has
established a base from which to influence this coast on the physical land that
had been prayed for and seen by her forefathers and promised to by God: these
incredible 6.7 hectares in Ramsgate. Southcity is by many accounts,
flourishing.
Have I fulfilled what was asked of me?
I believe a 'base' church in its simplicity is a church which resources others, both with people and financially, opposed to needing to be resourced primarily.
A quick glance over the extent of influence the people of
Southcity have in this region, I believe, indicates that we are indeed
resourcing others and helping others flourish. We have been able to birth
multiple new works, continue to establish and build into existing ones, and
been able to support others with their work and ministry. Today, I believe I
have been true to the call from Craig for the desire of a base church to be
established, true to God to lead you into your inheritance, and true to what
God has placed in me, through birthing new works and building into existing
ones.
So what now?
I am incredibly excited for the future of Southcity! As I
have been privileged to be on the frontline for much of this activity, I have
seen first hand the work of God and the faithfulness of men and women. I see
the beautiful establishment of a community who really and significantly impacts
this coast, rather than just exists as a group of believers in Christ. It would
be a privilege to continue to lead us and enjoy some of the fruit of the hard
labour that has gone before, but I can only be true to what God has given me,
and I believe he wants to give Southcity to another man to continue to
establish you in your inheritance on the South Coast.
We believe God has looked over the earth and wanted to find
a man who he could trust to love this local congregation and to give his life
for them. And as he looked, he found Harry. A man who 4 and a half years ago,
didn't come here primarily to lead the schools, but carried in his heart a
desire to lead God's people. He has served me and he has served you faithfully.
He has poured his life into what God gave him to do with Southcity Christian
Schools and God has found him faithful and, we believe, has now appointed the
time to release Harry into his next assignment, which is to lead you and the
people of Southcity.
We believe that any transition is for the sake of
propelling forward, and we believe this one to be no different. So friends, as
you see the kingdom of God, we urge you to lean into this transition, throw
your giftings, talents, and resources into the life of this beautiful church
and behind Harry and Wendy, and contribute in an even greater way to the
flourishing of Southcity for the sake of those that still need a Saviour.
We love you deeply.
Love
Rich and Jacs
