Coastal Missions...

I just found this outreach ministry doing a Google search looking for Christian marine outreach for British Columbia. This is something that has always been close to my heart, as I am at home on the sea and going out to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with people along the west coast would top it off !! Check out the web site...
http://www.coastalmissions.ca/

I am going to contact them and check out the opportunity... it just might be something I can be involved with.

Also on the web site is this great message by Roy Getman from Coastal Missions called
'Victory or Defeat'...it really hit home for me as I am having some difficult times right now...hope you enjoy it...

Victory or Defeat

Sorrow, fear, frustration, hardship, disappointment, misunderstanding - these sort of things are part of life. So are bouts with despondency, inner weakness and loneliness.

Being told to stop feeling a certain way doesn't really help. But there is another sphere. God is real. And He cares. The book of James teaches us that trials are able to strengthen faith. For that reason we are to "count" our trials as "joy." Difficulties are never joyous, of course. That is why it is important to count rather than attempt to falsely experience a feeling of joy.

If this seems hard to understand, compare the concept to earning money. The work may be unpleasant but you can focus upon the benefits that are derived from having a job and an income.

The Book of Philippians is packed with positive punches. It speaks of confidence, fruitfulness, peace and power. Notice the emphasis in chapter 4. It relates to thought processes. A person is able, with God's help, to do what the Bible teaches. You can become and remain positive in your responses.

You may not be able to change a situation but you can change your attitude.

It is tempting to think that a negative condition deserves a negative response. In the world's thinking it might. Escape from reality by way of alcohol, drugs, or by diversion of any kind is not the answer. A person needs to accept with the Lord's help what can't be changed and with His help change what can.

This is not always easy to do. Even now, you may be experiencing some deeply hurtful thing that makes you embittered, angry, vengeful, antagonistic, or rebellious, or maybe worn out, discouraged, beat, defeated. No matter how justifiable such a response might seem, it is wrong. Unresolved, negative thinking leads to habitual negative living, eventually pervading what could have been a happy life.

Never think that God does not care or that He is creating a troubling situation. God never creates anything bad but He often puts us into positions which force us to make a choice in our attitudes. It is amazing how one person can go completely sour while another makes great strides through the same kind of difficulty.

Pressures upon your life should cause you to turn toward God so that He can take over and do what is best for you.

The harder you are to turn the greater pressure He must apply. This is proof of His caring. Release, satisfaction, happiness, peace, and fulfillment cannot be had short of turning one's self and one's situation over to Him.

What a person does with sin, sorrow and grief is paramount in that Christ came to bear and die for these things.

Today, He lovingly invites you to make things right with Him. Cast your burdens upon Him. Yes, life is a battle. But it can be won. What is needed is to let Him take control. His victory over every defeat can be yours.