Hi, Akita here - wishing you all a lovely and safe Christmas time!

Christmas Gifts.

Just returned for the local shops. Quite crazy there, many people spend heaps of money getting an impressive stack of gifts together.

Some will spend a large amount, and I will be honest and tell you that I do enjoy the whole gifts thing. And when someone buys you an expensive gift we do tend to appreciate it a great deal.... it has value, and with value comes respect........ respect for the gift-giver as they sacrificed a great deal for your expensive gift.

Some give expensive gifts because they have a lot to give from... maybe that gift was expensive to me and you... but not much to them. I guess that an amazing costly gift is that; one that costs... where they gave it all.

The reason why we have Christmas is because God gave/sent His Son to us.
When I think about what God gave us: His one and only... it impacts the way I think and I am reminded once again about the great sacrifice. His one and only.... all that He had to give was sent down to us.

Truly the most precious, costly gift given ever! A gift that has huge potential that echoes through eternity. Yours to receive and open - if you haven't already done so. Merry Christmas.

Blessings,

Akita.
21-12-06

To view past editions of Thrive, click: THRIVE editions

To view some camp photos, or listen to the camp sermons online, or to enter the Oxygen monthly competition, visit the site to enter:

If you have any praise points, encouragement, favourite verses, or short teachings you wish to share... please send me an email (I know there are some out there) and we will try to include.

BV Youth - Term 4 is now finished. During the summer holidays we will take a break from regular events... so watch this space + read your church bulletin for upcoming get-togethers.

Prayer - every Sunday afternoon, 5-6pm @ church.

Oxygen - The last event for 2006 was held earlier this month. To visit the site and re-listen to the word, go to: www.oxygenyouth.com.

prayer: for the team from Oxygen going to Tanzania in Feb 2007. Prayer for safety, funds, opportunities, effectiveness...etc.

prayer request: for protection + financial support for a local youth named Joanne. Jo feels called to attend and serve in an upcoming YWAM mission. She has asked for prayer for safety as well as assistance financially, for the Summer of Service mission to Thailand in January 2007, with YWAM. If you would like further info on this please email myself. Thanks.

prayer: for the huge Battle of the Bands rally planned for Bunbury young people in March 2007. Prayer for the working team of this project. Prayer for acceptance into local high schools, tafes, and local uni. Prayer for sponsors to respond positively to requests.
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.... if you have any requests you would like added here, please email me, contact details below.

John 3 v 16

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,
that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Please feel free to forward this email-newsletter to friends + family.

Akita Olsen - Youth Pastor
Email: olsens@westnet.com.au

Bunbury Vineyard Church.
PO Box 1475, Bunbury,
WA 6231, Australia.
Office phone: (08) 9721 3379
www.bunburyvineyard.org.au

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