Before entering
Byron Bay, Australia we knew that it was a tourist town full of backpackers
from around the world; so, we were excited to serve such a diverse community.
In fact, one of our contacts from the Youth with a Mission (YWAM) base told us
that it would be very easy to be disciples of all the nations in this city
because all the nations come to you. However, as opposed to the structured
environment of our last ministry, this month did not have a schedule of events.
Therefore, we were responsible for seeking out ministry opportunities: some
people helped to serve the community at the weekly YWAM barbeque, some people
managed prayer and confession booths on the beach and in town, some teams
helped in the beautification process at the Youth Activity Center, some decided
to endure the hardships of the streets as they spent the night out in the park
with the homeless, etc.
As I joined my
team members in these various service opportunities, I noticed the strength in
some individuals as they served in one area and then I noticed the strength of
someone else in another area. “For as the body is one and has many parts, and
all the parts of that body, though many, are one body – so also is Christ” (1
Corinthians 12:12). I began to truly recognize that the Lord has blessed each
of us with certain strengths, strengths that each of us should continue to
cultivate.
