Wednesday, August 8, 2007

team africa!


There are many details which are still in process, but we are preparing as a team for the outreach to Uganda and Kenya. Our focus is children for this outreach because we have all been given a huge heart for them. I know God is going to use this, and also break our hearts while we are there. We have opportunities to work in schools, orphanages, clinics, villages, and with a prostitute ministry. My hope is that we can be an answer to prayers for those in need over there; that we can be of service whatever way God wants to make possible. We were able to get 21 soccer balls to send over there, a box of toothpaste, bags of toys, and hopefully heaps more. Each one of us will be taking an entire duffle bag. Please pray that God will put it on the hearts of businesses to give.
God has given me a huge heart for Africa and I have anticipated this trip for the longest time. I am anxious to see how he uses this and whether it applies to His larger plan over my life.
Our team consists of me and Tara Rowe(canada)as leaders, and the students are Peter Han(south korea), Ashton Williams(New Zealand), Molly Snider(USA), Karoline Farris(USA), and Elizabeth Cook(USA). Each one is such a blessing to have on the team and each are so different. As we have been praying our team has been unity, confidence and freedom.
Flights are still in process, but our travel agent was able to find us cheaper flights than the orginal quote of 2400 AUD. It is such a blessing, but the details are still not clear. Please pray that the finances for the team come in. I know not everyone has sufficient funds. Please pray that God will continue to prepare our hearts for these nations, and that He is preparing the hearts of those we are going to meet.

six weeks finished


We have just finished the sixth week of the eleven week lecture phase, learning from Sean Naus about the character and nature of God. I came here wondering what I would have to offer these students and why exactly I am here, but I have realized that I am actually learning from them as much as they are learning from me. Living with the girls and being a dts staff in general has taught me that really this time is not about me, but it's about all the students and their pursuit of a deeper relationship with God. I am fully encouraged by every single one of them. They have all sought after God so hard and have made him their lives. They cannot seem to stop talking about Him: I love it!
We have already heard lectures on relationships, father heart of God, inductive bible study, and hearing God's voice. Tomorrow half of the school felt individually called to be baptized and I am so excited. Next week is going to be the 24/5 prayer week where there will be someone praying at every minute of the day for five days straight. God really moves during this week and I am excited to have a 12am to 2am shift. I am still playing rugby twice a week and in an indoor soccer league. The students are also involved in local ministries such as christian surfers, 10-20 ministry, skate ministry and surfers for missions international (SFMI). It is amazing to see God move in the local community.
There are only five more weeks of lectures left. The topics consist of evangelism, old vs new covenant, missions, and of course prayer. It's past halfway and everyone is feeling physically, emotionally, and spiritually drained. Please just pray for strength and rest at these times.