To my sons and daughters in the faith, grace to you and peace from the Lord Jesus Christ

Welcome to the month of June and the start of what promises to be an incredible time in the ministry of Rhema. This is the time of the year when our thoughts shift to a more recreational path. Shorts are pulled out of the closets; sandals are dawned and t-shirts can be seen everywhere. Yes warm breezes, extended daylight and high temperatures all signal the arrival of summer. There could be no better time than now to focus on physical fitness. Here at Rhema we have chosen to declare the month of June as Exercise Month. Now you may ask, what is the importance of exercise?

Health is not a subject that is high on the preaching itinerary of most church communities. Ironically though, matters of sickness and disease are routinely spoken of seeing that many come to the church in search of physical healing. I tend to believe that the latter has something to do with the former and not always the devil. Listen, to put it plainly --- We must be aware of our physical makeup. Though we are wonderfully and fearfully created you would agree with me that not enough time is spent either studying or appreciating the wonders of our creation, especially our bodies. In fact you will discover that the welfare of the body is often a neglected aspect of the believer’s life.

Consider this with me. We humans are three dimensional creatures - spirit; soul and body. You may already know this; however are you aware that the physical body has been designed to manifest the works of the spirit through the decisions of the soul? Your body is a destination point or a terminus for the activities of your spirit. Therefore a healthy and functional body is vital in the service of the Lord. This is why your body is referred to as God’s Temple (1 Corinthians 3:16 & 6:19). The sick and the unhealthy cannot properly engage the work of God in a manner that is effective. God then is glorified in a healthy body. Now, on a practical and personal level, being healthy will allow you to feel better within and about yourself.

Here’s what I want you do this month. Let’s commit to the following things in the pursuit of a healthy temple:

• Daily or Weekly Exercise (walk, jog or bike but whatever you do don't sit still)
• Healthy Eating Habits (vegetables, juices, grains and stay away from fast foods)
• Proper and Adequate Rest (go to bed and enjoy your sleep)

These three simple things done consistently will radically alter your life. It has often been said that how you feel is a direct reflection of your health. I promise that you will feel a lot better at the end of this month.

Kingdom blessings,
Pastor Orim M. Meikle

When will that moment of transition arrive where because we've taken action, merely thinking about exercise is a thing of the past? Gone will be the permission slips which read, "please excuse Larry from exercising, he is unable to find the time." Each time we ignore the voice that beckons we write one.

You are not alone. Physical fitness, or lack of it is like anything else that requires consistent behaviour. It begins as a function of the mind well before it becomes a function of the body. The good news about eclipsing a sendentary life is to do so you focus on one thing - creating an active one.

First, recognize that exercise competes with seemingly more attractive past times and so as with anything else it needs to hold our interest and this in turn is what will keep us motivated.

There appears to be two important elements that when present lend themselves to success in this area: 1) Set goals. Achieving milestones holds our attention. Start with small ones and they will successively become bigger ones before you know it.
2) Give some thought to the the type of exercise you will engage in. For example would it appeal to you if it were to also offer social interaction? If it does enlist a friend or family member or join a group exercise program where there is interaction during exercise. Walking and running clubs boast these features or they can be solitary. Let it satisfy your soul in addition to supporting your physical health.
The simplest way to begin is to incorporate it into what we already do. Take walking for example:

• Walk to the store
• If the store is far away as with many suburban neighbourhoods, park a few blocks away and walk the rest
• Get off the bus a few stops before yours
• Walk up and down stairs at work rather than using the elevator
• If you work on the 20th floor (for example), get off the elevator a few flights before your floor

Now, let your imagination soar with me a moment -If you have the ability to mobilize your mind and physical energy in such a way that it leads to the transformation of your body, are you not then an ustoppable force of discipline more readily available to walk in the excellence you were designed for?

Balance is the key to a life that works and exercise cannot be ommitted as a part of that. We give of ourselves easily to the betterment of others on a regular basis whether it is related to work, family or ministry but we find it difficult to invest just as meaningfully in our own well-being.
You are worth the effort.

Jacqueline Evans

“Changing & Affecting Lives”

Through the generous gifts of partners and sponsors, Rhema completed its first overseas school for underprivileged children in Barahona, Dominican Republic in 2005.The official dedicatory ceremony for the new school called Academia de La Montanita Cristiana was held on Thursday August 25, 2005. Over 250 parents and children from the little village of La Montanita, along with several governmental emissaries were present to witness and celebrate this momentous community event. Lead by Pastor Orim M. Meikle, Pastor Dalton M. Roach, along with local Pastor Paulino Santana and the Rhema Global Missions team, the August gathering erupted in a rousing tribute of thanksgiving and praise to God for achieving this project milestone. The Pastors then pronounced a blessing over the school and its activities, and prayed with each student and staff individually.

As we approach the first anniversary of the operation of Academia de La Montanita Cristiana, we are truly filled with joy as we observe the greatness of our God.

The children of La Montanita - ages 4 to 12 years old - are making rapid progress as they receive the information that is being dispensed by Godly educators. For the majority, it is their first school experience. Reading, writing and mathematics are the focus at this initial stage with God’s word and biblical teaching as a foundation. Discipline, hygiene and life skills are gradually being incorporated.

We thank our scores of sponsors who have faithfully undergirded this aspect of the Vision. We encourage others to partner with us as we anticipate continued progress in the upcoming academic year. Together, we have and will continue to change and affect lives.

Join us for a time of intense intercession for our community, our city and our nation! See you in the War Room!
Location: Rhema Christian Centre

WRITERS: We want to hear from our writers. If you write Poetry, Fiction, Non-Fiction, Articles, Youth- oriented content, other forms, let us hear from you. It's time to share your passion with the world