Remar Church Issue #6

Church Newsletter | Issue #06

July2024

Remar Church

WHATS HAPPENING AT REMAr

Verse of the Week

Pastor Miguel Diez- Founder Of Remar International

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin

1 John 1:7

President of REMAR International NGO, Pastor Miguel Díez, has been tirelessly working for the most disadvantaged on five continents since 1982, with a particular focus on children. His significant efforts in rescuing minors in Africa and the Americas have provided tens of thousands of children with a renewed chance at life. Internationally recognized for his participation in numerous congresses, he has also trained thousands of missionary leaders and is a prolific speaker, author of 17 books, and the driving force behind various media initiatives such as Solidaria TV and Radio Solidaria. Additionally, he founded the Evangelical Church Body of Christ, Visual 777 Production, and the Sefarad-Israel Ministry.

The Beginning of REMAR: In 1981, Pastor Miguel Díez and his family invested in an estate, marking the beginning of REMAR. From 1982 onwards, alongside his wife's siblings and extended family, they opened their doors to young people facing social marginalization, particularly those battling drug addiction. This initiative quickly attracted like-minded volunteers, expanding their outreach.

Important Dates

Sunday Church - Starts 11am

Coming Soon

10 Pin Bowling - July 14th after church. Reach out to Nicolas to confirm your spot.

Baptisms - Date to be confirmed. Reach out to Ps Luis if you would like to be Baptised

Fundraiser Dinner - Join us in September for a night of fellowship and raise funds for our Ministry.

More details to come!

Wednesdays @ Remar Church

Community Meals - 5pm every Wednesday

We hold a meeting every Wednesday at our church site so if you’d like to join us, make sure to checkout the information below!

Monthly Schedule:

Week 1 (Wednesday): Open Heaven (Worship) night.

Week 2 (Wednesday): Bible Study

Week 3 (Wednesday): Community Meeting

Week 4 (Wednesday): Bible Study

Week 5(Alternating 5th Wednesday

of the month): Bible Study

All sessions start at 7pm

Early Accommodations: Initially, Miguel Díez and his wife personally sheltered young women with similar struggles, including prostitutes, alcoholics, single mothers, and homeless women, in their own home.

Compassionate Care for AIDS Patients: REMAR extended its care to include AIDS patients, often marginalized and rejected by society. Without exception, REMAR provided them with care and support, defying social stigma and institutional neglect.

Impact and Growth: With unwavering enthusiasm, determination, serenity, and patience, Miguel Díez witnessed the transformative impact of their efforts. Recovering drug addicts became eager advocates for the cause. He maintained a positive, enthusiastic, hardworking, and compassionate approach, refusing to turn away anyone seeking help, thereby helping numerous young people overcome addiction.

Global Expansion of REMAR: Over time, REMAR expanded its operations across cities and continents, empowering those initially in despair to become integral parts of their mission. Thousands found new hope, forming families and defying the odds stacked against them. Our own Pastor Luis Brito was one of these to experience this transformation in the early years and go on to open Remar Centres across the US and then here in Australia.

Transformational Leadership: Miguel Díez's leadership is characterized by resolute decision-making, a clear vision, deep empathy for the suffering, and a love for skeptics. He has cultivated a team of individuals whose lives were transformed, fostering a belief in the possibility of change through their dedicated daily efforts.

Innovative Approaches: REMAR innovated by engaging the homeless and instilling a sense of personal responsibility within the community. They established micro-enterprises managed by volunteers and users to self-finance shelters and expand their outreach.

Social Impact: REMAR's impact extends across 72 countries, transcending politics, ethnicity, and religion to provide dignified lives for many. Their comprehensive assistance has directly and indirectly benefited over 2.5 million individuals through social, health, education, food, rehabilitation, women's empowerment, and awareness development projects. They operate homes for thousands of orphaned and street children, schools for over 20,000 children, and dining facilities in African prisons, among other initiatives.

Humanitarian Milestones: Over the years, REMAR has assisted over 200,000 young people from the streets and prisons, fully restoring their lives. They've aided over 50,000 former drug addicts and rescued more than 140,000 children from abuse, abandonment, mistreatment, and hunger. Additionally, they've enrolled over 165,000 children in schools and saved over 65,000 girls.

REMAR continues to be a beacon of hope and transformation under Pastor Miguel Díez's visionary leadership, inspiring other organizations globally through their impactful actions and enduring commitment to the most vulnerable.

A Personal Reflection on Last Sunday's Sermon - “True Power"

“You love righteousness and hate wickedness, therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy” Psalm 45:7

Anointing of God – just the sound of it makes me feel like I am not worthy of it. What a responsibility to carry His anointing! When Pastor Luis was speaking on the meaning of having God’s anointing – it really helped put things in perspective for me. I say I am a believer, but do I really believe?

Do I have faith in what God can do in my life and through my life? Do I believe my life has purpose to ultimately honour and serve our God? If all these things are true, then I have access to the anointing of God that is to be pursued. We are not to wait for our circumstances to change to seek His anointing. We are to change ourselves by striving to do what is right according to Gods standards, by having a heart that aligns with God’s will for our lives turning away from all evil. The “How” is answered in God’s word – it’s a love letter filled with instructions to live a life that seeks to honour God. You see God is knocking but are you willing to let him in and CHANGE you (Rev 3:20). Change is not easy, its hard and painful but it is what is required for us to live a life of faith; to see life through Gods eyes and His view is so much better than ours. God’s anointing is evident in your life when His power is at work enabling you to do what He wants you to do. It’s in your behaviour and actions (especially when no one is watching) that you see Gods transformative work in your life. So, you don’t have to look far to see if you have truly let Him in. This is also very confronting and humbling. We all need God and need Him so desperately. He is knocking at the door of your heart – will you let Him in?

Father thank you for your unconditional love that never gives up on us. Help us seek you wholeheartedly and open our hearts for you do your good work in us. We want your anointing in our lives, so we open that door and invite you into our hearts. Teach us your ways God so we might live a life that glorifies you. Amen.

By Christabel Joy Seneviratne

Watch or Listen to Pastor Luis Brito’s Sermon "True Power" on our webpage: remaraustralia.org or via our Facebook page

Help us help others

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remar Church- 49 Bald Hill Rd Pakenham

“Be grateful everyday.”

remaraustralia.org

Church Newsletter | Issue #06

July 2024

1-How and when did you come to be a part of Remar Church?

Rueben- I started attending Remar Church with Rebecca in 2021 after we agreed that this would be our house of fellowship.

Bec- I had visited Remar about 10 years ago when the church service used to be at Nyora. When one of the men from the rehab passd away,the service was held in the new church Buildng. I felt a prompting from Holy Spirit that we should consider Remar as our new church home. After chatting with Rueban, we both agreed this was the right decision.

2-What is something we don't know about you?

Rueben- I always dreamt about being a member of a big family. Now I am!

Bec- I trained as a Music and English teacher and then moved into the youth worker field for about 15 years. I returned to teaching about 10 years ago when I took a job at Chairo Christian School, firstly as a music teacher and then, for the past 9 years, in Health and Physical Education.

3-What is your favourite thing to do outside of church/ministry?

Rueben- Taking care of my family.

Bec- I love to do puzzles, stay active and spend time with my family. I am blessed to have a blended family with four of my own children and two children from my marriage to Rueben.

4-What do you love about our church?

Rueben- The one thing I love about Remar is that it demonstrates 'rubber meets the road' faith. It is very practical in the ways it cares for the wider community.

Bec- I like that people are really genuine and 'real' and we have a simple faith; focusing on the 'main and plain' things of scripture - Loving God and loving others! I love being part of a ministry that is so active in the local community.

5-What has God been talking to you about lately?

Rueben- The genuineness of my salvation. As it says in Phil 2:12, "...work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." and in Matt 7:21, "Not everyone who says to me, "Lord,Lord", shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven."

Bec- I have been reminded about the power of God's Word to transform lives; that there is life in the scriptures, and we need to reflect on it, memorise and meditate on it and hold on to its truths. It is 'living and active' and is the 'sword' we take into battle!

5 Minutes 5 Questions with...........

Rueben & Rebecca

Nayah

Verse of the

week

Megaphone label with volunteers needed. Megaphone banner

Would you be able to spare some time to lend a hand? We invite you to consider volunteering with us. Our Op shop in Pakenham regularly requires extra assistance, and the Rehabilitation Centre in Nyora would greatly appreciate help in the garden, kitchen, and grounds. Additionally, If you are handy on the tools and love a chat, we're looking to start a Men's shed program. Or If fitness is your passion, you could also initiate an active group to help promote fitness among our guys at the farm.

There is always something to do- WE JUST NEED YOU!