Hey friends! I’m sorry it’s been so long since I have blogged, so here is just a little update about how the trip is going. My squad and I left Atlanta on the 16th of January, and arrived in Australia on the 19th. Yes. You read that correctly, it took us 3 days to get here. After 2 domestic flights, a 17 hour flight to Singapore, a 15 hour lay over followed by another 8 hour flight we finally found ourselves stepping onto Australian Soil in Gold Coast. From there we drove a little ways until we reached our final destination of Byron Bay.
Byron Bay. It is definitely a city full of life due to its influx of backpackers, tourists, and locals who are looking for some time on a beautiful beach and to take a walk in downtown Byron where the street performers are plenty, there are shops on every street and bars on every corner. But while the artistic and creative life of Byron exudes a welcoming nature, it is also a place that lives in a gray, spiritual twilight. Our ministry in Byron has been relational through inviting people to play beach volleyball and having conversations afterwards, to working with the local community center who serves food to the homeless.
I have discovered through these conversations that Byron is a place well known for its spiritual “revival” and have talked to people who have come to Byron in order to become more connected with nature. It is a place where palm readers, and psychics sit in the streets waiting for the next lost soul to request their services. The best way I can describe it is that it feels like a spiritual soup without the secret ingredient (Jesus).
This is why relational ministry is so important here. The people of Byron are welcoming, friendly, and filled with life. They are searching for joy, and believe that love is the answer. I have been able to create relationships with a few of the locals, as well as share the love of Jesus with them. I have had the opportunity to use both words, and music as a ministry in Byron and continue to pray that the Lord will work through my team and I in order to bring people closer to the truth of Jesus Christ.
Our squad (40) has now split into two groups of 20 and my team of 5 was in the group who travelled to Coffs Harbor for 5 days before heading back to Byron for the remainder of our stay in Australia. So here I am in Coffs, ready for a day of ministry. It decided to monsoon this morning so I’m not sure if we will be working outside or inside, but the rain reminded me of Portland, and of home. I truly feel like I am where the Lord wants me to be and am happy on this journey. If I had any prayer requests it would be that the Lord would continue to work through me so that his glory may be shown to the people of Australia. I am continually getting the feeling that Byron is only the beginning, and the Lord is ready to work. Thank you for your support and prayers. That’s all for now, thanks for reading!
