Pastors Appreciation

Graeme & Judith Bourne

Judith: Graeme and I have had a unique opportunity to support both the foundational pastors, David and Olive Reekie, and our current pastors, Peter and Christine Lewis, and recognise both the privilege of their calling and the challenges. We are both thankful for the strong foundation that was laid on the biblical way of approaching God, through praise, worship and prayer, both by teaching and example, believing for God’s response through manifestation of His glory. We both had a sense of being a part of something bigger than ourselves.

Graeme: Pastor David believed in strong men who were accountable to godly men in their lives, being respectful to their wives and all women. He was a strong supporter of national service for young men, teaching them to be accountable for their behaviours and actions and be an example to all men in their lives. He also thought men needed to show respect to those in leadership, whether in the church, government and particularly seniors. I feel that many of today’s youth aren’t accountable to anyone, and that’s why we have the present crime and out-of-control violence in our country.

When our son Luke faced open-heart surgery as a child, Pastor David met me over coffee to encourage me as a father, asking me about my faith level at that time as an uncommitted believer, and promised the church would stand with us in prayer, believing for a successful outcome. Praise God it was!

Judith: We are very grateful for the leadership of Pastors Peter and Christine. They led us forward, particularly in the streams of faith and Bible teaching, and the value of the church being a team ministry, while rearing a quality family, equipped to serve the Lord in their callings. A strong calling on Breakthrough Church is to rescue people and train them to be disciples of the Lord. Our pastors have been fully involved and committed to this calling, and we have seen it outworked in people’s lives who were seemingly beyond help.

I admire their persevering love and humility through wisdom acquired after many years of service to the Lord. You definitely have to be called to be a pastor!

Graeme: Taking up the mantle, Pastor Peter has led the church onward and upward. It’s been a challenge at times, but our pastors are continually seeing turnarounds. I believe the men of the church need to embrace Pastor Peter’s leadership and, just as Moses needed support, lift his arms when he is weary through praying and hands-on support. Keep up the good fight of faith and we will see the church dramatically break through in the Lord’s purpose, in Jesus’ name. Amen and amen.