Remember how Peter was a man that stepped out of the boat. He took risks to extend his faith and grew in his relationship with God so much that there was an anointing around his life that even his shadow healed the sick. So here are some ideas that you can implement into your life this week to build your faith.

+ Read the word of God for revelation – Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God – Romans 10:17. Nothing can substitute the impact on your spirit when God speaks to you personally!

+ Start small – An Olympic weight lifter doesn’t try and lift 200kg in their first training session, they start at their current ability and build and train to increase weight.

+ Start in a safe environment – Your CONNECT group is a great place to start. You have a leader that will be able to encourage you, teach you and give helpful tips and ideas and how to grow.

+ Know what your current faith levels are – if you know what you currently have faith for it means you can know what will stretch you instead of kill you.

+ Ask people about what God has done in their lives – testimonies are the spirit of prophecy declaring the character of God. Hearing what God has done for someone else

+ When you pray for someone ask them what has happened – see if God has moved in their life. When God does move you will be encouraged!

+ Listen to the prompting of the Holy Spirit and obey – If God speaks to you to do something then there is a Grace to come upon your life to see that thing come to pass. That Grace may not be on anyone else’s life but yours!

+ Put aside people who doubt – Jesus when he raised the Jarius’ daughter from the grave put everyone out except for Peter, James and John.

+ Be around people of faith – especially those that inspire you with great levels of faith.

+ Be purposeful in building faith – don’t back away from opportunities when they present themselves to you.

+ BONUS TIP // Just do it! - The journey of a 1,000 miles starts with a single step. Don’t delay, start to stepping out today, the longer you wait the harder it becomes.

So take one of these faith building tips and implement it into your life, then get out there amongst it!

Andy

There is no better place for you to be on a Friday night if you want a good time, the power of God and a whole heap of mates – so make sure you come along and bring your friends.

James 4:2b says You do not have because you do not ask. Term three is going to be an awesome term and so start asking God for something incredible for you – He will deliver! Ask your friends to come along – they won’t come unless you invite them and ask yourself do I really want to miss out on the incredible times at Encounter Youth?!?!

Don’t forget to check us out on www.facebook.com/encounteryouthnz and like us cos we like you and we look forward to hanging out together in term three.

Lots of love!
Andy & Bianca and of course Judah!

OK so Breakthrough is coming up real fast, the question is “Have YOU signed up?”. Breakthrough is an amazing time of the year where we all get together and spend the weekend having a great time in the presence of God. We want all of you to sign up and help as workers for this years conference because you get …

1. A special cheap rate of a mere 50 bucks!
2. Incredible God encounters that will change your life forever (totally serious, my life has forever been changes as a result of Breakthrough).
3. To see behind the scenes.
4. Early venue entry.
5. Hang out with the best youth group eva all weekend long.
6. Access to the workers lounge where we can love on you for being so super cool.
7. Have a heap of good memories and not feel like the person that missed out.
8. Serve this generation to help see revival hit New Zealand.
9. A special invite to the workers thank you after party.
10. To keep your sweet status as a “Cool Kid” just cos Breakthrough is the best.

So register this weekend at youth on Friday (we have CONNECT You Choose on so speak to your connect leader) or church this Sunday. The website is www.breakthrough.org.nz to find out more.

Every single person has an opportunity to have relationship with God the Father as a result of what Jesus did on the cross. He took the punishment and burden of all of our sins past, present and future upon himself for you. The ultimate act of love means we can now experience the ultimate life. A life that is connected with the plans and purposes of God.

Remember that Easter is more than just a holiday, it’s more than a historical event, it’s more than chocolate or the Easter bunny, it is God defining history. How is your future defined by this event? Mine has been forever changed!

Andy

OK people, you do not want to miss out on this one! This Friday is your very last opportunity to get into the prize draw for Term One! Remember every friend counts and you and three mates could be decking it out Gold class at Event Cinemas following it up with $80 food voucher! Yewwww. We will be drawing 12 names to go on the spinning wheel of glory and if when spun your name is in the lead, you will win 17.1 million dollars* –> ok maybe not but it’s still a sweet prize.

Plus if that’s not enough we have our youth band gonna tear it up with some amazing Praise and worship (promise they will finish their set unless there is a “real” fire alarm), a special visit from the Easter Bunny with some chocolate goodness, highlights from the Japanese crowd pranks from April Fools and as the grand finale, creme de la creme our incredible Emma Graham will be preaching an incredible message with some sweet Holy Spirit / God times.

So do not delay and book it in today. Do not miss out and keep being awesome!

PS if you need a ride then text us. We will hook you up …
Andy 021 920 442
Bianca 021 920 441
Emma 021 538 559

Check out your locations below:
• Andy S & Ryan’s Connect – 721 Sandringham Road, Sandringham
• Tim & Andy D’s Connect – Events hall @ church
• Miriam’s Connect – 140C Canal Road, Avondale
• Georgie’s Connect – Upstairs Lounge @ church

Text your connect group leader or Andy 021 920 442 if you need a ride, we will hook you up! Plus if I were you I would bring along some munchies to make your connect the best place to be.