Time for an update! Oh what a joy, here I am back on the field again. A month ago I hopped on a plane, my heart thumping with anticipation, to begin my next journey with The World Race Expedition Squad. I am passionate about this specific route because it focuses on the 10/40 window- the rectangular area on the globe that contains billions of unreached people who have never heard the gospel.
I am spending four months serving as an Alumni Team Leader and diving into discipleship with my new team G-WOP (Warriors of Peace). My lovely teammates are Andrea, Ariel, Kristine, Lennie, and Mary! Each of us come from various backgrounds, hometowns, passions, ages, stories, but it is evident that each of us are so hungry to grow in intimacy with the Lord and build His kingdom. We will adventure, serve, and do life together in Australia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and India. It truly is the greatest joy to live the abundant life that Jesus calls his disciples into.
The past few weeks in Australia made me come alive! The entire Expedition squad of 40 people partnered with a local YWAM base (missions organization), and we lived in the city of Byron Bay—a legendary hippie town. The “surfer chill vibes” draw backpackers from all around the world to its beautiful beaches. Our main mission was to bring light and truth to the city’s heavy spiritual atmosphere full of false religions, experimentation, confusion, and idolatry.
One of my most cherished memories of my time in this stunning country was “Pan Chai Night.” Each Thursday at the central park we sat up an event for gathering people into a welcoming atmosphere. There was free Pancakes and Chai tea, live music, sharing the gospel, prophetic art, love, prayers, building relationships, henna, laughter, free Bibles, and testimony sharing. It lasted for hours into the night, bringing together foreigners, the homeless, backpackers, and locals alike.
Most of the backpacking community are searching for fulfillment and connection. Young and curious people from all nationalities travel around the world seeking after “more.” And we just got to feed them (because who doesn’t love free food!), love on them, and bring The Good News to spiritually dark places.
Many expedited friendships came through doing henna, a traditional Indian temporary tattoo. I was able to get creative and spend quality time getting to know each person. In each artistic design, I incorporated the cross and explained that every time they look down at it, they can remember how they are deeply loved by Jesus who created them and calls them beloved. Truly, art transcends language and cultural barriers. We serve a wildly creative God!
As I did henna art on dozens of girls throughout my time in Byron Bay, I felt like I was totally in my element! What makes me come alive is encouraging and praying over individuals. Each time someone came for a design, I got to listen to their life story and why they are traveling. Specifically there was a beautiful girl from Germany named Nadine. As we sat and chatted, I asked if there was anything I could pray for her. She broke down crying and revealed her pain from her family’s brokenness and addictions. We prayed with her for a long while and encouraged her weary soul. She was touched by the peace of the Holy Spirit and was lighter when she left. In that moment I knew the Lord called me to do henna art for the healing and connection, even if it was just for Nadine.
I know it seems simple- pancakes, chai, henna. And thats it. The simple Gospel meets people exactly where they are. That is beautiful. Life is ministry, ministry is life. And it can be so creative!
There were many seeds planted in Byron Bay. Oh how the harvest was plentiful! It was surprising how easy sharing the gospel was, everyone was so open and willing to listen and converse. My prayer was 1 Corinthians 3:7, “So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.”
So today our Expedition Squad leaves Australia to travel onward to Indonesia! Our main ministry focus is with the Hindus of the Balinese people group. We will mainly stay on the island of Bali, but we are open to wherever the Spirit leads. Please pray for our continued health, team unity/strength in G-WOP, wisdom in leadership, safe travels, and fruitful ministry!
A huge hug and thank you to all my supporters! So far I am 63% funded! If you would like to partner in taking the Great Commission to the ends of the earth, please join in by praying and/or by donating to my trip through this page! (top right button!) Thank you, dear friends.
