This place is so beautiful!
Our team is partnering with YWAM this month in Byron Bay. We have been slowly acclimating to the area and it is amazing how G-d’s creation varies throughout the world. Upon landing in the airport half of us had to wait for the shuttle to drop off the first half and then come back for us. Perfect opportunity to go swim at the beach! I had to laugh at this Australian welcome but oh my at the majesty of the ocean and coastal territories.
This week has primarily been focused on team building as we get to know the locals through various ministry opportunities and seek what G-d would like to happen in this place. Our days have been filled with fun practical ministry applications unlimited to our creativity. I have been choosing joy amongst the hard things and opting to do things outside my comfort zone.
I think this has been a good place so far to begin ministry simply because it is a relatively open place to share the gospel. We are able to receive refreshing for our souls here while also equipping our selves and team in preparation for future nations and cultures.
Fun fact: Australians greet with “How’re you going?”
Highlights so far:
1) Worship on the beach where you can see the stars so clearly in their vastness. It makes me reflect on the promise given to Abraham of his descendants being far more numerous than the stars. The sky was so clear as we lifted our voices praising G-d feeling the ocean breeze.
2) Visiting the Lighthouse and being reminded of how Jesus is the light of the world. The light from the lighthouse shines to warn boats of the rocks below and revolves so if you should miss it the first time, it’s there again. This lighthouse sits at the eastern most point of the Australian mainland so it is a popular place to come.
“I am God. I have called you to live right and well.
I have taken responsibility for you, kept you safe.
I have set you among my people to bind them to me,
and provided you as a lighthouse to the nations,
To make a start at bringing people into the open, into light” Isa 42:6 MSG
3) Getting to interact with people from all walks of life both on the squad and in the community.
I’m looking forward to what the rest of the time here looks like. Tomorrow is Australian Day which is positive for the locals and disheartening for the aborigines who view it as Invasion Day. I pray for peace between these people groups.
