Update on New Zealand: Yes, I have already left NZ, but I thought I should give a short update about the ministry that we did there, because I want to
keep you guys in the loop! We were, as I wrote before, “tramping” the Edmund Hillary trail for the past 2.5 weeks.
keep you guys in the loop! We were, as I wrote before, “tramping” the Edmund Hillary trail for the past 2.5 weeks.
This hike was long, and difficult at times, but also gave us wonderful “get to know each other” time which is so important because we are a little World Race family for this next year…and really forever after that too! While tramping we got such an incredible blessing of staying at Steadfast Park (a Christian camp) and really pouring into and encouraging some of the staff there! It was such a God-given exchange, where they encouraged us and we them in on another’s callings and faith. I suppose that is how it’s supposed to be! 😀 Although our “assignment” was to minister to those we met on the trail and to the surfers (and we did)…it did not necessarily go as we planned. However, we were able to talk to a few and encourage many, and I know that God had these things in his plans all along! Many times God has way better plans than we have ourselves.
(To the Left) This is a picture I took from a “Lookout” near the city of Piha while we were hiking!
Beautiful, huh?!?
…As I was sitting on the plane, waiting to take off to Brisbane, Australia, God impressed upon me that without Him there are so many things that I wasn’t! I began to think about how amazing God is to bring together even our insecurities and character flaws, redeem them, and make them into something good! Without Christ, I am quiet, shy, and kind of apathetic! However, the more I see the power of Christ inside of me, the more joy, excitement, and outgoing-ness overflow! No, I am not the loudest person, and no, there is nothing wrong with being quiet…but there is something wrong with not being who God is calling me to be! It has been and still is a journey and a calling out of myself, my silence, and my apathy for God to truly live out His purpose in my life! I love how God works. 😀
In Australia we will be working with YWAM (Youth With A Mission). They will be putt
ing us to work in many different facets of ministry such as maintenance, getting to know a nursing home staff, working in a hostel with mentally handicapped people, as well as many other ministries!
ing us to work in many different facets of ministry such as maintenance, getting to know a nursing home staff, working in a hostel with mentally handicapped people, as well as many other ministries!
I am pumped to have “tangible”
ministries that are a little more structured than last months, but I know God
could still take them in a completely different direction. (Which is okay,
because we learn to be super flexible on the Race.)
ministries that are a little more structured than last months, but I know God
could still take them in a completely different direction. (Which is okay,
because we learn to be super flexible on the Race.)
Prayer Requests: Opportunities to “dig deep” with people, team unity and health, God’s movement in us and among those we minister too.
(Above from Left to Right) Eryn, Me, Beth, Brian, John, and Taniuska
taking a jumping pic in front of the beach in Matamata, NZ.
