For the past week, half of my squad has been in Coffs Harbour. It’s a city about three hours south of Byron Bay. We are staying at Life House Church and their hospitality has been out of this world. Our ministry here looks a lot different than it did in Byron. We are serving in a more tangible manner and our schedule has been very full.
On Tuesday, I had the privilege of attending a church service at Coffs Haven nursing home. We were asked for one person to read a verse of scripture, one person to give a short sermon, and one person to lead communion. I volunteered for the scripture reading because, honestly, it was the shortest one. As I was praying about which verse to read, God lead me to Matthew 5:4, Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. “Ummm, ok God, this doesn’t make sense. Can you give me another verse?” He then pointed me toward Philippians 4:6, Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. “That’s a good verse, I’ll share that one.”
Fast forward to when our host from YWAM arrived. She told us that after the church service they would be having a memorial service. “Wait, memorial service?” Yes, one of their residents passed away. “Whoa, God. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. I see you Father.”
When we got to the nursing home, we had a few minutes to walk around and talk with the residents. I had a nice chat with Joan and Wendy. I asked them for one piece of advice and Joan said “keep traveling” and Wendy told me to “stay out of the sun.” I hope to follow both. When the service started and I read Philippians 4:6, the director said that she had been in a patient’s room earlier and that verse was on the calendar on the wall. She was encouraged that God had repeated it for her again. “There you are again God.”
After our visit at the nursing home, we went to join the rest of our group at Sherwood Cliffs drug rehabilitation facility. The facility is completely self sufficient and relies solely on donations from the Lord. Their story is amazing and I had the opportunity to serve in the kitchen with Honi, and hear astounding stories of how God had moved for them. By the time afternoon tea rolled around at 3:00, we had prepared two dinners and snacks. Honi wrote a book last year that I’m excited about reading. It includes about 100 God stories from their time at the Sherwood farm.
I’ve been encouraged each day here in Coffs Harbour. Every day includes struggles and rewards. I appreciate every single one of your prayers. Please keep praying for ministry opportunities both here and in Byron Bay. Also, I am only $1,490 away from my next fundraising goal! God is Faithful and I am not worried one bit that He will raise that money!
Shout out to Mrs. Crow’s classes at Oxford Middle School! They have been snatching up bracelets and have raised $360! You guys are BEYOND amazing!!
Fun fact: If you miss the turn on the round about, you get to go around again!! Our squad may or may not have experienced this more than once!
