Dear Friends,

I haven't written to this list for a few weeks and I'd like to apologise for that.  Its been pretty busy here with church activities, end of school term and stacks of other duties.  Anyway, today I would like to write and encourage you to be wholehearted in your faith.  Let me share a true story with you....a story of two men, Mr McKinlay and Mr Morgan.

Both these men had a crucial part to play in the history of the town where I now live, Mt Morgan.  In its heydey, Mt Morgan was the biggest gold mine in the world and also held the highest saturation of gold per tonne at a very high quality.  Some of the historical figures regarding Mt Morgan gold are quite staggering.  All of this gold came out of just one mountain.......Mt Morgan, which was named after Mr Fred Morgan. 

The interesting thing was that way back in 1880 Mr McKinlay lived on top of Mt Morgan, and knew the gold was there, but did nothing about it.  Imagine that.........imagine living on top of the richest mountain of gold in the world and not doing anything about it.  To cut a long story short...Mr Morgan happened to hear that there was gold on the mountain (which was called Ironstone Mountain at that time) and lost no time in setting up a syndication, obtaining mining leases and started what became one of the most prosperous gold mines of all time.  Mr Morgan wasn't exactly honest or upright in his dealings, in fact he was quite ruthless.........but he was determined and had his heart set on one thing, and he got it.

So the difference between Mr Morgan and Mr McKinlay was their determination in seeking the gold.  And sadly very often we Christians are more like Mr Mckinlay with our faith.  We don't value it very highly and don't seek God wholeheartedly.......but if we did, what wonderful things we would receive as a result.

IN the Bible Jesus told a story of "The Pearl of Great Price."  In his story a man discovered this pearl and sold everything he had to obtain it.  The Pearl was a symbol of God's kingdom.........and we should give up everything to seek it.  If we would be willing to lay aside the many things that distract us and seek God with all our hearts we will certainly find Him.  If you set your heart to obey and follow the Lord you will not lack in this life or the next.  I encourage you to determine in your heart to make a greater effort for God because...........just like Mr McKinlay......there is a great mountain of gold right under your feet.

By the way........Mt Morgan is a lovely little town of 2700 people today.  Mining stopped in 1991 after 109 years.  Our town hosts one of the best tours in Australia and if you ever come down under........don't miss it.

May the Lord bless you muchly

David